This week we learned about a sad case, a tragedy really, involving a woman who was denied boarding enroute to her mother’s deathbed due to a ticketing snafu. It’s a reminder to always book directly with the airline, when...
What Would YOU Ask United CEO Oscar Munoz?
I’ll soon have a chance to speak to United CEO Oscar Munoz. I have a few questions in mind, but want to give you a chance to help me formulate excellent questions. Last time I spoke with him, I...
United Airlines Denies Boarding to Emotional Service Animal…a Peacock
Recently, I argued that airlines must crack down on the abuse of emotional support animals. Passengers continue to twist federal law to bypass pet cargo fees and bring animals onboard who do not belong onboard. > Debate: The Abuse...
Will United Fight Emirates at Newark or Retreat?
Emirates wants United’s bread and butter routes…and it likely will prevail unless United chooses to fiercely compete against the popular Gulf Carrier. American tried and failed. Delta tried and failed. But United maintains service to both New Delhi and...
United Airlines Gambles on Increased Capacity
United Airlines will increase capacity 4 to 6% each year, thru 2020. Is this a wise strategy or a fool’s errand that will inevitably trigger a price war? We know what the market thinks. In response to the capacity increase...
United Airlines Adds Special Super Bowl Flights to MSP
United Airlines is adding several flights to and from Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII early next month. United already flies into Minneapolis 26 times each day from its hubs around the country. Just for the “Big Game” weekend, United...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: January 21, 2018
Hello from Zurich. I’m in the midst of an extended business trip, anxious to get home, but trying to appreciate the time in one of my favorite countries. I’ve already been to Qatar, Vietnam, Germany, and Malta. Austria, Italy,...
United Airlines’ Limited Global Services Challenge
Status challenges exist to steal business from competing airlines and hotel chains. United Airlines offers their Global Services with unpublished requirements and does not allow status matches to the exclusive tier, but it appears they now offer a challenge...
Review: United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class San Francisco to Hong Kong
United Polaris Business Class, and by that I mean the actual new Polaris seat, is a step in the right direction for United. My 15hr flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong gave me plenty of time to test...
United Airlines 2018 Winter Olympics TV Ad
The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are coming up in PyeongChang, South Korea. U.S. athletes will be traveling there on United Airlines, the subject of a new 30-second TV advertising spot. The video’s slogan: Helping superheroes fly for 38 years. Proud...
Premium Plus, a New Premium Economy Product on United Airlines
United Airlines will launch a true premium economy product later this year called Premium Plus. An email sent out to Mileage Plus members today included the following information: Introducing United® Premium Plus International premium economy is coming. Later this...
United’s Surprising New Emphasis in Customer Service Training
I’m hearing from an inside source that United Airlines has embarked upon a major reeducation course (they call it “training”) for front-line employees, focusing on improving customer service. Trainings are routine and ordinarily not newsworthy. But in light of...
United Airlines CEO Reflects on MLK Day
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) day in the United States. United Airlines’ CEO Oscar Munoz penned a fitting tribute to the late civil rights leader. Here’s his note to employees shared by a FA friend: In 1968,...
United Airlines has a New “President” of California
United Airlines has named Janet Lamkin as President of California. Her duty will be to build the brand in the Golden State. This appointment occurred in November, but was not widely publicized. I’m writing about this because she sent out...
How Shall I Get Back to LA from Ho Chi Minh City?
My Qatar Airways 777-3ooER Qsuite flight is right around the corner. But I have nothing booked home… This is a review trip and I’m not planning on spending any time in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a lovely city...
United Airlines Adds Eight New Domestic Routes
United Airlines is bolstering its domestic route network with eight new flights starting this summer. As part of President Scott Kirby’s plan to focus on growing the domestic route network, United will pinpoint cities such as Bismarck, Dayton, Madison,...
Final United Airlines Turboprop Flight
Tomorrow night will mark the final United Airlines (United Express) turboprop-operated flight in North America. While United Express operated by Skywest retired its fleet of Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia Turboprop almost three years ago, United Express operated by CommutAir has...
Holiday Treat at LAX United Club
The Christmas season is coming to a close for many, but here in Los Angeles Armenian Christmas does not arrive until tomorrow. Consequently, I don’t feel guilty about posting this many days after 12/25. A hot chocolate bar is...
Dear Scott Kirby, Remember the Ghost of Jeff Smisek
Dear Mr. Kirby, A very Happy New Year to you. We met and chatted for quite awhile at the opening of the new United Club in T7 at LAX in November 2016. I admire your vision to make United...
Review: United 777-300ER Economy Class Frankfurt to San Francisco
What is United Airlines’ economy class product like on its 10-across 777-300ER between Europe and the USA? Once in awhile, a bit of a reality check is nice. Although I love premium cabins and am fortunate to routinely secure...
