Airlines

Category Archives for Airlines.

Hawaii Service Used to Be So Glamorous United Airlines Offered Its Own Onboard Residence

by Gary Leff

man pointing to room in model united plane
Feb 14 2024

Hawaii service used to be something special. That isn’t really true anymore. It was an exciting development when Southwest Airlines added the state to its route map, especially for holders of the Companion Pass (designated companion flies for just the taxes whether you’re paying for your ticket with points or cash). But the product is standard Southwest — no meals or seat power — and the journey relatively long.

But did you know that Untied Airlines used to offer its own version of the modern Etihad Residence — a private stateroom on their Hawaii flights 70 years ago?

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United Airlines Just Grounded A Fleet Of Planes Because Its No Smoking Signs Don’t Turn Off

by Gary Leff

Feb 12 2024

United Airlines was the first airline to create a nonsmoking section back in 1971. Delta was the first to fully ban smoking worldwide in 1994. U.S. airlines were no longer permitted to allow smoking on any flight starting in 2000. Yet planes still have ashtrays! You’ll usually find them in or near the lavatory, because customers may smoke even though it’s illegal to do so. Passengers need to be told when not to smoke. And crewmembers need to be able to turn on that sign. If they can’t turn it on, because it is always on, then an exemption from the rule must be requested. Oops!

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From QR Codes to Customer Woes: United’s “Agent On Demand” Is A Premium Perk Lost

by Gary Leff

Feb 12 2024

Three years ago United Airlines launched ‘agent on demand’ where customers would reach local agents, rather than a call center, when contacting customer service via their mobile device – scan a QR code at a hub, and chat by voice or video to deal with rebooking and other issues. This is a great feature, especially for the average passenger. It helps get real help faster, and utilizes agents efficiently.

It isn’t great for everyone, though.

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Gratuities Gone Wild: You’re Now Expected To Tip When An Agent Rebooks Your Flight

by Gary Leff

Feb 10 2024

Tipping is out of control. We now get presented with an option to tip even at self-checkout. At the Austin airport I was asked to tip when buying a water from a machine that was programmed not to accept $0 as an input.

The U.S. tipping culture always seemed strange, with customers supplementing worker wages, but this used to be limited to personal services provided by low wage workers. Now it’s everywhere.

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