United Airlines is shifting strategy at Newark Liberty and Washington Dulles, with big plans to concentrate connecting traffic at Dulles and make Newark “almost entirely” mainline. Let’s first turn to Domestic Network VP Ankit Gupta. His strategy is simple: Dulles...
United Overhauls Service To Mexico, Cuts Three Destinations

United Airlines is adjusting service to Mexico, eliminating three destinations entirely and reducing service to others. In a leaked internal memo, United announced several routing changes starting next month. Note that United has doubled capacity between the USA and Mexico...
Why is United Slashing Domestic First Class Meal Service?

Can someone explain to me why United Airlines continues to slash domestic first class meal service? Oh, I know. One word, right? Kirby. United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby is just doing what he attempted to do at American Airlines:...
Passengers Terrified by “Drunk or Stoned” FA on United Express

You’re on a flight from Denver to Williston, North Dakota when all of the sudden a FA blurts out (over the PA): “If your seatbelt isn’t tight, you f***** up.” That’s not funny. That’s vulgar. Then the FA sits on...
Commentary: United Hires a White House Press Secretary

United Airlines has named former White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest as its Chief Communications Officer. In a press release, United describes his job description: At United, he will be responsible for developing the company’s global communications strategy, leading a...
These Dogs And Cats Are Banned From United PetSafe

When United Airlines begins accepting new reservations for its PetSafe program this summer, many dog breeds and a handful of cat breeds will no longer be welcomed. United’s PetSafe program is currently under review. Working in collaboration with American...
My Conversation with Oscar Munoz at SFO

United CEO Oscar Munoz was on hand for a United Polaris Lounge media event last week in San Francisco. Unlike my last encounter, I asked him a couple questions this time. There were about 30 members of the media...
Tacos and Other Exciting Items on Latest United BOB Menu

Fancy a taco or barbecue chicken sandwich on your next flight? United’s latest buy-on-board menu includes a duo of comfort food favorites. Starting in May (that’s tomorrow), United’s latest buy-on-board menu will include egg and chicken chorizo (as if...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 29, 2018

Greetings from the fairly remote Las Padres National Forrest about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. It was special weekend for me: my brother is getting married next week and this weekend was his bachelor party. Heidi, don’t worry…it...
Dining and Bar Menus at United Polaris SFO Lounge

The new United Airlines Polaris Lounge at SFO offers a great mix of a la carte dining options and adult beverages. I’ve consolidated all the menus in this post. First, note that all food and drink are complimentary. Tipping...
New Cookies Onboard United Polaris Business Class

Chocolate is out, cookies are in. And not just any cookies, but delicious white chocolate cranberry cookies. When United first unrolled its Polaris business soft product, every longhaul flight began with a chocolate truffle in premium cabins. Currently United passes...
My Pictures from the New SFO United Polaris Lounge

Earlier today I had the chance to check out the beautiful new Polaris Lounge at San Francisco. While I’ll save my full review for tomorrow, I want to post a handful of pictures I took of the stunning new...
United CEO Turns Down Lucrative Bonus

United CEO Oscar Munoz has turned down a lucrative bonus package, claiming it sends a message on accountability. In a note to employees, Munoz said in part: [Y]ou may hear that I did not receive a bonus for 2017....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 22, 2018

Hello from LA. I’m back from Hawaii after a wonderful, albeit brief, getaway with my wife. In terms of top news for the week, we’ve now learned more about the new Marriott-SPG loyalty program. It looks good (for the...
Leaked Seat Map for New United Airlines 787-10

United Airlines will take delivery of its first Boeing 787-10 later this year. The aircraft will be the first in the United fleet to feature a new premium economy product. United has 14 firm orders for the 787-10 and...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 15, 2018

Greetings from Los Angeles. It is good to be home after two nearly weeks in Europe. I had a fabulous trip (hope you have been enjoy the Italy road trip report), but there is no place like home…especially after...
Visit the New United Polaris Lounge in SFO for 2,500 Miles!

United Airlines is running a great promo to introduce flyers to its new Polaris Lounge in San Francisco. For just 2,500 you can experience the new lounge on April 27, 2018. 2,500 miles gets you a two-hour visit with...
Aviation Officer Who Dragged Dao is Suing United Airlines and City of Chicago

A disgruntled ex-aviation officer who was terminated for dragging David Dao off an aircraft is suing the City of Chicago and United Airlines. It has now been a year since the Dao incident. Most have moved on, but ex-Chicago...
Next United Polaris Lounge Opens April 30th at SFO

United Airlines’ next Polaris lounge will open on April 30, 2018 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The two-level, 28,000-square-foot lounge will include an a la carte dining area, buffet, sleeping/rest area, showers, and of course ample seating and...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 08, 2018

Buona sera from Milano. I’m in the midst of a fast-paced business trip through Italy. I’ll provide some detail on it in the days ahead…it will not be a typical trip report. It was a fairly light week of...