At Award Expert, we do our best to be discerning. If a client tells us they want economy class but we see a great deal for business class, we are going to alert them. A long-term client asked me...
The Totally Clueless United “Global Services” Passenger…
I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Carmel, California with my family. As always, we stayed at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property. During brunch on Sunday, two couples seated at the table next to us began speaking about airline travel....
United Announces Pain-Free Paine Field Schedule
United Airlines announced it will start service to Paine Field next March. While that’s not a surprise, United’s chosen aircraft is a welcome and pain-free surprise. Over a year ago, I wrote about United’s plan to return to Paine...
Great United Airlines Sale: Save Up To 50% On European Awards
United Airlines has discounted economy class awards by up to 50% for Cyber Monday. Savings range from 20-50% based upon whether you hold a Chase co-branded United credit card and your MileagePlus elite status. Saver Award eligibility Members Premier...
My Revealing Conversation With A United 1K…On Hong Kong Airlines
Earlier today I wrote about my flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles on Hong Kong Airlines. One conversation I had onboard was quite revealing. The only way I am ever able to get unobstructed cabin pictures is to...
United Flight Attendants Plan Day Of Protest
Mark your calendars. United flight attendants are planning a systemwide “day of action” on December 13th. I’ve written quite a bit recently about the labor situation at United Airlines between flight attendants and management. United Airlines May Add “Satellite...
Pictures: United Airlines 787-10
United’s new Boeing 787-10s are set to enter service in January on premium transcontinental routes. Later in 2019, the airplane will fly international routes from Newark. United will take delivery of 14 787-10 aircraft over the next two years....
Thanksgiving Letter from United CEO
United CEO Oscar Munoz’s annual note to employees on Thanksgiving is much shorter than last year’s letter. Dear United family, As our U.S. colleagues celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my personal thanks to all of you for your...
In Defense Of The “Naked” United Airlines Pilot
A United Airlines pilot faces indecent exposure charges for standing naked in front of his hotel window at the Denver International Airport. I’m rather sympathetic to his case. Andrew Collins was at the Westin Denver Airport. Apparently, he was...
United Hopes To Improve Flight Attendant Service Through Seminars…
Through a series of 33 seminars in the Chicago area, United Airlines hopes to improve the flight experience for passengers in 2019. Earlier today I wrote about the potential addition of three new FA bases in the Untied network....
United Airlines May Add “Satellite Bases” For FAs In Three Cities
United Airlines is seeking to add “satellite” flight attendant bases in Orlando, Phoenix, and San Diego. Here’s what it means for you. I’ve written a lot about United’s internal employee relations lately because I believe that crew morale directly...
The Perfect Airline Meal Hot Or Cold
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. Some meals...
United Announces 787-10 International Routes
United Airlines will operate its Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner on six transatlantic routes from Newark beginning in March 2019. United previously announced that its 787-10s would initially operate on premium transcontinental routes between Newark and Los Angeles/San Francisco beginning...
Is United Airlines Cheating Flight Attendants With “Long Sit” Policy?
Flight attendants are accusing United Airlines of circumventing new federal minimum rest rules through the use of short overnight layovers classified as extended breaks. The recently passed Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill includes a provision that grants flight attendants...
Manila To Osaka Via Koror And Guam, All On A United Airlines 737!
When you think about which airline to fly from Manila to Osaka, your first thought is probably not on United. It wasn’t mine either. But I could not resist. United has a hub in Guam. This was once a...
United CEO Reflects Upon Veterans Day
As the world commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, United Airlines’ CEO Oscar Munoz weighed in with his own thoughts. Thanks to a FA friend for passing on this note, which reflects upon the...
United Airlines Flight Attendants Protest Staffing Cuts, Warn Of Poor Service Onboard
Flight attendants from United Airlines are resisting management efforts to reduce staffing on international flights. Earlier this week, I wrote about a memo to FAs from VP John Slater. Citing competitive pressures, he informed FAs that on certain international...
A United Airlines Trip Report From An American Airlines Executive
An American Airlines Executive VP just flew United Airlines…and offered her thoughts on Twitter. Elise Eberwein is AA’s Vice President of People, Communications, and Public Affairs. She was flying from Chicago to Salt Lake City yesterday on United 521, a...
Review: United Polaris Lounge Houston (IAH)
The United Polaris Lounge in Houston (IAH) offers a tremendous upgrade to international business class passengers versus the United Clubs. I spent two hours in the lounge but could have easily spent much longer. United calls this its “boutique”...
More United Polaris “Enhancements” On The Way
Starting in February, United will reduce the number of flight attendants on some international flights by one and start pre-plating meals in business class. In a leaked memo to flight attendants, VP John Slater defended this change and offered...