United’s New Premium Regional Jet Launches Sunday. How Long Will It Last?

by Gary Leff

Oct 26 2019

United Airlines is launching their new premium regional jet configuration on board what they are calling the Bombardier CRJ-550. United can’t add more regional jets for large numbers of passengers. So they’re putting just 50 seats in a plane that can fit 50% more. This new aircraft makes its first commercial flight this Sunday, October 27th.

There are some positives – and, I think, real negatives – to this new aircraft. And it’s unclear United will even keep it in service if they get the deal they want from pilots in a new contract.

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Southwest Pilots Reportedly Spent Flight Watching Video of Passengers in the Lavatory

by Gary Leff

southwest plane
Oct 26 2019

A flight attendant claims she caught two Southwest pilots live-streaming the lavatory into the cockpit for their viewing. This is when they were supposed to be flying their plane.

“The flight attendant entered the cockpit when one of the pilots went to use the lavatory. She noticed an iPad with the lavatory video feed. The co-pilot “panicked when he realized she noticed the device..[and] claimed it was part of a new security measure featured on all Southwest flights.”

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New American Airlines Top Tier Elite Benefit: Priority Gate Check Bag Delivery on Regional Jets

by Gary Leff

Oct 25 2019

Customers flying first class on regional jets have traditionally been given a ‘yellow tag’ for their carry on. The purpose is so that those bags get priority.

Starting November 11th these yellow tags will become an Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey benefit. Instead of just being available to first class passengers (on regional jets with first class), they’ll also be a top tier elite benefit when those customers are flying coach.

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