Just a year and a half after entering the market, United Airlines will end daily service between Newark, New Jersey and San Jose, California. The route has not performed as hoped for. In March 2017, I wrote about United’s...
United Teases Premium Service Between Los Angeles And Boston
United is testing out lie-flat beds for a couple months on flights between Los Angeles and Boston. United Airlines operates premium transcontinental service routes between three city pairs: Los Angeles ⇄ Newark San Francisco ⇄ Newark Boston ⇄ San Francisco > Read More: Premium...
Even With New Photo Policy, I Still Would Have Been Kicked Off United Flight
Yesterday, I wrote about United’s loosened new onboard photo policy, which now permits other passengers and FAs to be captured without consent. It’s a positive development and I give United credit for the update. In thinking more about this...
Be Very Afraid: United Airlines Loosens Onboard Photo Policy
Take it from the guy who was thrown off a plane for taking a picture of his seat…there is going to be stiff flight attendant resistance to United’s updated onboard photo policy. And maybe some passenger pushback as well....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 23, 2018
Greetings from sunny Los Angeles. I’m in a holding pattern this week. I thought I was going to have to leave for Europe tomorrow, but that trip has been postponed. I’m both relieved and disappointed. I never like leaving...
Fond Memories Of United Airlines’ Island Hopper
The latest edition of Big Metal Bird explores United’s historic Island Hopper route between Guam and Honolulu. Three times per week, a United 737-800 takes off from Honolulu just as the sun begins to rise, making five stops enroute...
Dad Ditches Kid In Economy Class To Relax In Business Class
How would you react to finding your seatmate on a 12-hour flight to China is a talkative eight-year-old boy whose father had ditched him to go sit in business class? Flyertalk member steveo posted the following question in the...
Review: United Club London Heathrow (My Favorite United Club)
The United Club in London Heathrow is my favorite United Club in the network and a great place to work or eat prior to your flight. This lounge does get crowded in the morning, just like the nearby Air...
Mystery Surrounding New Boeing 787-9 Order from United Airlines
United Airlines announced it will purchase 29 new aircraft, including 25 Embraer E-175 and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. But there is mystery surrounding the 787-9 order. First, the Embraer E-175s are among the most spacious and comfortable regional jets. These aircraft...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 15, 2018
As the weeks fly by, I hope you are having a wonderful summer. It has been a quiet week in the world of aviation. But over the last week, we’ve seen an Air China pilot endanger the lives of...
The Best Fish I’ve Ever Had On An Airplane
Call me adventurous (or stupid), but I will often order fish on an airplane. This week’s Meal of the Week looks back to the best fish I’ve ever had on a commercial flight. I don’t kid myself that fish...
“Horny” Pilot Allegedly Molests Woman On United Flight
A woman is suing United Airlines for failing to protect her from a “horny” pilot who allegedly molested her on a 13-hour flight. Anne Dowling was flying in business class on United from Hong Kong to San Francisco in...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 08, 2018
Good evening from from LA. It was a relatively quiet week with the exception of a short business trip to the Pacific Northwest. This week should also be quiet. Here’s a review of the week’s top stories on the...
An Addictive, Delicious Breakfast in United Business Class
I just enjoyed a wonderful breakfast on United Airlines…the subject of this week’s Meal of the Week. Whenever I am on a breakfast flight, I typically order eggs. Eggs are difficult to screw up, tend to be healthier and...
My Mid-Year Status Progress Report (Hotel + Airline)
We’re halfway through the year and I’m happy to report I’m right on target for top-tier status on one airline and one hotel chain. How about you? This year, I’m focusing on 1K status on United and Globalist status...
2018 Independence Day Message from United CEO Oscar Munoz
Happy Independence Day to all my American readers! United CEO Oscar Munoz sent the following note to United workers yesterday evening. Thanks to a FA friend for sharing it with me: Dear United family, I want to thank all...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 01, 2018
It’s a beautiful summer evening in Los Angeles and I’ve spent the day with family and friends. My thanks to Kyle and Carly for giving me the chance to take a break on Sundays. Over the last week, we’ve...
United Affirms Commitment to LAX Hub
Earlier today I wrote about United ending its nonstop service between Los Angeles and Singapore. Does this move signal the Los Angeles hub is in danger? Los Angeles is such a tough market. American and Delta also maintain hubs...
United Doubles Singapore Service from SFO, Cuts LAX-SIN Flight
United Airlines is ending nonstop service between Los Angeles and Singapore just a year after it begin, but adding a second daily nonstop between San Francisco and Singapore. I’m going to come right out and play armchair CEO here....
Heartwarming: United Flight Attendant Donates Kidney to Fellow FA
In a sea of bad news, it is always nice when a heartwarming story surfaces. A United FA donated one of his kidneys to his co-worker…just for asking. Good Morning America covers the story. I suggest you watch the...
