I’m back in LA after a whirlwind trip to New York and Frankfurt. I’ll have more details on that trip tomorrow, including a dismaying incident at JFK. My focus over the last week has been on the SWISS First...
United Cancels Service to Xi’an, China
United Airlines is cancelling its summer seasonal service between San Francisco and Xi’an, China. Effective today, the flight has been removed from the schedule. In an internal memo, United blamed poor yields for the decision to abandon service– In...
Impressive: United’s Free Coach Meals on Domestic Transcons
Upgrades are much more difficult when you purchase a same-day ticket. Yesterday was one of those days. Three urgent meetings in New York today meant a last-minute redeye yesterday. While my upgrade never cleared, it gave me a chance...
SWISS First Class Award Space Wide Open
Earlier today I wrote about SWISS First Class award space popping up on Aeroplan. This space is now bookable for other Star Alliance carriers as well. We’ll eventually find out…maybe…if SWISS meant to release this space or not, but...
Coming Soon: Gift Boxes on United Flights to Las Vegas
If you’re flying on United Airlines to Las Vegas next month, look forward to a gift box on all mainline flights. Oh, don’t get too excited. It’s just a box that The Venetian and The Palazzo Hotels probably paid United...
United Discounts Award Tickets to Paradise
In celebration of 70 years of service, United Airlines if offering discounted award tickets to Hawaii. Just in time for Cyber Monday, United is discounting economy class award travel to Hawaii by 20%. Round-trip saver awards to Hawaii, normally...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: November 26, 2017
Greetings from a beautifully blustery autumn day in Carmel, CA. I’ll have details tomorrow about the wonderful way I’ve spent my long holiday weekend. It was a fairly quiet week on the blog and in the aviation industry, which...
Thanksgiving Letter from United CEO
United CEO Oscar Munoz penned a beautiful to note to employees concerning the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Dear United family, Thanksgiving is a time when we take stock of what we’ve accomplished over the past year and give thanks to...
Taste Test: United’s New Smoked Gouda Cheeseburger
On Sunday I flew home from Chicago to LA on United…behind the curtain. It gave me a chance to try out United’s new smoked gouda cheeseburger, the subject of this week’s Meal of the Week. I’ve written before about...
Yes Gary, I Would Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet
Gary Leff asks, “Would You Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet?” My answer is…depends on the jet. But in answer to the specific jet referred to in his question, the answer is YES. United is adding several new...
United Polaris Shop: If You Can’t Steal It, Buy It…
United Airlines’ Saks Fifth Avenue bedding in business class is so popular United has had trouble keeping it onboard. Now you can buy it online, just in time for the holidays. United has had a tremendous problem with the theft...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: November 19, 2017
I really enjoyed FTU this weekend. Not only was it fun to meet many readers, but it was a great crowd–I hope all who attended enjoyed it. I’m happy to report that I have no more (planned) airline trips...
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Business Class Singapore to Los Angeles
This will be a briefer review than my Los Angeles to Singapore outbound flight, but I do want to highlight United’s catering and service out of Singapore for its longest flight on the route map. After resting up at...
Mayday: My 14-Hour Flight in Economy Class
If you think I only fly business or first class, think again. I’m currently on a 14-hour fight in economy class from Hong Kong to Chicago on United. In fact, I’m wedged into the back of the plane. In all...
United Airlines Promises Improved Wi-Fi Experience
If you’ve ever used wi-fi internet onboard a United flight, you know that it often is frustratingly slow. Thankfully, United has noticed as well and promised swift improvements in the months to come. In a letter to employees, Chief...
Insider Knowledge: Secret Perks in United Polaris Business Class
Much like the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger, there is a secret menu in United Polaris Business Class that requires a bit of inside knowledge or careful reading to take advantage of. As you board, you’ll find a plush...
My First Impressions of United 777-300ER Polaris Business Class
Good day from Hong Kong! I’ve made it to HKG after a 15-hour flight from San Francisco on United’s new 777-3ooER in Polaris Business Class. The flight was good, for me at least. My friend John got sick just...
United FA Sues Her Employer Over Footwear
A United Airlines flight attendant is suing her employer, claiming United violated federal disability laws in refusing to allow her to wear doctor-recommended footwear to ease chronic pain. United claims she has been given permission to wear the footwear....
Finally, a Trip in “Real” United Polaris Class!
United now calls its international business class product “Polaris” but not all seats are created equal. Only the 777-300ER and one 767-300ER currently have the new Polaris seat installed, a beautiful product that makes United’s longhaul business class much...
Review: Historic Final 747 Flight on United Airlines from the Upper Deck
There’s so much to say about United’s final 747 flight, but I’ll do my best to keep it concise. It was one of the greatest flights of my life and one that I will never forget. When I learned...
