United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby tells his airline’s pilots that American Airlines might “have to de-hub” Chicago O’Hare.
The plane skidded on its nose gear, left main gear, and the right engine nacelle, which sparked and produced smoke. Emergency services deployed fire-retardant foam. Everyone evacuated via slides. The runway was closed, causing flight disruptions, as authorities dispatched heavy equipment to remove the disabled aircraft.
Retirement is special, but so are paid premium cabin passengers, especially for an airline whose revenue performance lags the industry.
A United Airlines flight sat stranded in Idaho Falls because a drunk passenger pocketed the wrong souvenir: a small metal clip that holds the emergency escape rope at an over-wing exit. That $5 carabiner not only grounded the jet, but also ended in pepper spray, felony charges, and probation stretching to 2031.
For 17 years – from 1953 until 1970 – United ran daily flights that didn’t allow women. Marketed as “a club in the sky—For Men Only,” the service featured first class seating, steak dinners, cocktails, complimentary cigars, slippers, teletype business news with closing market quotes, and a “last‑minute message” service before pushback.
Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies all ‘overbook’ meaning they sell more seats, rooms, and cars than they have. That usually works out just fine. They know some people will cancel or no show, and they want to use up all of their inventory.
Here’s what to expect if your hotel is overbooked, and how to avoid getting ‘walked’ in the first place.
A passenger is being roasted for opening a can of tuna on a plane. Airline food doesn’t exist in coach on most flights, so it’s smart to pack your own, but don’t fumigate the cabin with your lunch.
Andrew Gao, who works at an AI startup, put the United virtual assistant through its paces when it wasn’t giving the help that he was looking for.
Trivago, the Expedia-controlled hotel metasearch site, has a new side hustle: panhandling for tips.
American Airlines spent a decade chasing the wrong strategy—piling on debt, neglecting key markets, alienating employees. Here’s the roadmap for recovery.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
