Flickr RSS Twitter Facebook

Tuesday, February 9th

 

United Airlines

United and Delta post losses for fourth quarter, US Airways expected to follow suit

Not every airline was as successful as AirTran in its profit posting for the fourth quarter of 2009. Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have posted losses, and US Airways is expected to do the same thing.United’s loss is smaller than anticipated, and the carrier points to declining travel demand as a reason for the numbers. While its revenue trends continue to improve and its shares...

Dulles Airport adds $1.5 billion AirTrain

In part of a $3 billion renovation, Washington Dulles International Airport will unveil its AeroTrain today. The new train system has taken eight years of digging and construction, and over a decade of planning. Its implementation will help passengers get to their gates more...

United CEO predicts more airline mergers

Delta nabbed Northwest; Continental switched alliances; JAL is in the middle of a custody battle and now, United CEO Glenn Tilton says there's more to come. According to Chicago Tribunereporter Julie Johnsson, Tilton predicts there will be another airline merger during the next two years, thanks to close partnerships airlines are forging on international routes.The Tribune writes Tilton...

Travel companies contribute to Haiti’s recovery

In the aftermath of Haiti’s strongest earthquake in 200 years, industries, companies, and individuals have banded together to combine efforts in helping victims. With a current death toll between 100,000 – 200,000, the disaster has been compared to both the 2004 Indian Ocean...

Airlines set on-time records in November

We may be seeing a bit of airline delays in the wake of the Christmas Day scare, but according to the Associated Press, the government says that our nation’s airlines have set an on-time record in November 2009.MSNBC reports that the Transportation Department says that 88.6 percent of November flights arrived on time, which beats the record set in September 2008 for 88 percent of on time...

Legacy carriers up fees while small carriers keep prices low in 2010

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more, but you still want to save money, then pay attention to which airlines are hiking prices. According to the Associated Press, larger domestic airlines like United have added $6-10 onto their normal fares.Smaller airlines like JetBlue, AirTran, and Southwest haven’t raised their prices just yet, and may not need to. Reports say that...

United Airlines Makes Largest Plane Purchase in a Decade

For the first time since 1998, United Airlines has made a large purchase for a new fleet. The carrier, which spent the better part of the season deciding between Airbus and Boeing ultimately chose both companies.The move is a big one, since United has never purchased a wide-body jet from any plane maker except Boeing. The order totals 50 new jets, with 25 of Boeing’s much anticipated...

United Airlines: Record-breaking On-time Performance in November

It's been over two decades since United Airlines topped the charts for best on-time performance, but the legacy carrier pulled through this year and closed out November with a record-breaking on-time performance.

United Airlines said more than 91 percent of its mainline flights were on time in November, making it the best month on record since reporting to the Department of...

United’s New Devices to Help Reduce Airport Lines

In an effort to make airport transactions run more smoothly and efficiently, United Airlines will begin testing devices that are meant to help passengers get information faster and cut down on lines. Deemed “LineBusters” the tools are mostly geared toward relaying information about automatic booking.How it works: If you are already passed the security area, and you learn that your flight...

Ends Tonight: United’s Thanksgiving Sale

Thanksgiving fares just won’t quit, and United is part of the pack. If you still haven’t told your family to save a place for you at the table, then take advantage of this sale, and spend the holiday wherever you need to. Travel is valid from now until Dec. 2, and taxes and fees are not included. Check out the details on inbound and outbound travel to make sure you’re getting the right...

United Partners with Energy Plus to Go Green and Save Miles

This year the airline industry has capitalized on a few trends – cutting fares, hiking fees, and going green. We’ve seen the first two quite a bit since the holidays have come upon us, but United is bringing back the green with its new incentive plan for gaining mileage.We told you about smart ways to add, save, and redeem your reward miles, and now United is making it automatic. The...

United Choosing Between Boeing and Airbus for Largest Purchase in a Decade

For the first time in almost a decade, United Airlines is making a large purchase that will hugely impact either Chicago-based Boeing, or France-based Airbus. Right now, the country’s third largest airline is in limbo between ordering Boeing’s much anticipated 787 Dreamliner, or Airbus’ A350 XWB. Both models are innovative wide-bodied jets, and neither are flying commercially yet. If the...

4 Airlines Extend, Raise Surcharges for Peak Travel Times

At first it was just an extra $10 or $20 added to your Thanksgiving flight, but the airlines have raked in so much additional revenue from the surcharges they're extending -- and increasing -- the surcharges through peak travel times in 2010.

United, Delta, and Northwest are increasing their peak travel time flights by $50 in some cases through Memorial Day 2010. US Airways took...

United, Continental Partner on Upgrades

Good news frequent fliers: If you’re a United Airlines elite-level traveler, you’ll be entitled to unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades on Continental Airlines flights, beginning in mid-2010.The new benefits, which are also available for Continental frequent fliers traveling on United flights, are thanks to the global partnership the two airlines created 2008. Additional benefits...

United Airlines Economy Plus Holiday Deals: Upgrades from $5/flight

There are holiday sales with cheap flights and there are holiday sales with cheap upgrades. And, who doesn’t want to stretch their legs a little more, especially during the busy holiday season?

United Airlines has reduced their rates on Economy Plus upgrades for domestic and international flights, so travelers get five extra inches of legroom for $5 per flight and up....

United’s Holiday Fare Sale

If holiday travel stressing you out, relax. United’s Holiday Fare Sale is offering cheap flights all over the United States and Canada.

Book through united.com by Nov. 12, and travel between Nov. 19 and Jan. 4. Taxes and fees are excluded, and may vary based on travel dates. A 14-day purchase is required, and you must book at least a three-night stay, including either a Friday or a...

United Airlines Retires its Last 737

The first carrier to make the Boeing 737, United Airlines retired its last of these planes. Pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation buffs were sad to see it go, in the wave of what has been the removal of 94 Boeing 737s since September 2008.A staple 41 years ago when United Airlines first brought them into service, 737s are said to have revolutionized air travel because it was relatively...

United’s Hawaiian Mele Sale

We don’t know why anyone would want to leave Hawaii, but sometimes it has to be done. If you need to travel off the islands this winter, make sure to check out United’s Hawaiian Mele Sale.

The sale includes flights to select cities in the continental U.S., including Chicago and Los Angeles, and departures from several Hawaiian locations. To take advantage of the fares starting from...

United Announces New Flights to Madrid from Washington D.C.

Earlier this year, United announced new service to Madrid from Washington/Dulles. Now the airline is promoting fares for this international route in spring and summer 2010. When you book flights between March 26, 2010 and May 13, 2010, fares begin at $214 each way, taxes not included. Fly between May 14, 2010 and Aug. 29, 2010 and fares start at $264 each way, taxes not included. Be mindful of...

Get 5,000 Reward Miles Free with United Airlines When You Book by Monday

If you’re a frequent flier of United Airlines, your rewards are about to get a lot sweeter. Mileage Plus Miles used to go into effect after 25,000 miles, but now the carrier has cut 5,000 of them to make it easier to gain rewards.

This mileage cut is only temporary though, so act fast and take advantage of these airfare savings.

If you book travel before Monday, Oct. 19, and...

United Airlines Offering Wi-Fi on Select Flights

United Airlines will offer Wi-Fi service on flights between New York and California, with more flights to follow by mid-November.

The in-flight WiFi access, provided by Aircell's Gogo service, will allow passengers to surf the Web on their laptops and mobile devices for a fee. 

The WiFi fees on the United flights between New York and California cost travelers...

United “Savings Across the Country” Sale from $48 OW

With a flight sale name like “Savings Across America,” you know you’re bound to get a good fare. Find flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and other great places in the States when you book with United.

Although travelers have the option of choosing from dozens of routes, there are a handful of restrictions to pay attention to. The lowest fares can be found Monday...

United Offers One-Year Pass for Checked Bags for $249

Some travelers are calling it a deal, others are calling it a crime, but if you're a frequent traveler on United Airlines this pass might be worth investigating.

United Airlines announced it will sell one-year passes for $249 that allow passengers to check two bags at no additional cost any time they fly. The "Premier Baggage" service also covers checked luggage for as many...

United Airlines: Chicago Flights from $125

Today, United put select fares between Chicago and U.S. and Canadian cities on sale. The airline is promoting its new non-stop service from the Windy City for a limited time.

The sale is good for travel through Oct. 31, which gives Chicago flyers the perfect opportunity to get away for a few days this fall and explore a new city, like El Paso or Little Rock.

While there is no...

United Airlines’ West Coast Splendor Sale: Flights from $47

West Coast travelers are in luck this week. United Airlines is offering discounted flights to California, Arizona and other destinations starting from $47 one way.

The “West Coast Splendor Sale” includes departures from major West Coast cities. To get the lowest fare, be sure to fly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. Flights must be booked by Sept. 25 and all travel completed by...

Discount Airfare: United Airlines Columbus Day Sale; Flights from $47

This Columbus Day weekend, gather your friends and create dazzling long weekend plans with United Airlines’ sale. Destinations span from all over the country, so pack your bags and go.

Fares are valid only on specific destinations and dates, and you need to book by Sept. 22. Departures are on Oct 6, 7, or 10, and return travel must occur on Oct. 13, 14 or 17.

Sample fares are...

‘Fly More, Save More’ with United: Up to 50% off Flights

If you're looking to save on your upcoming travel plans, and you fly United, this might be the deal for you:

Book a round-trip flight in 2009 and save on travel in 2010 with United's 'Fly More, Save More' package. Here's how it works: Fly at least six times by Dec. 31, 2009 and receive up to 50 percent off a flight between Feb. 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010....

United Airlines Offers New Member Discounts in 2010

Start 2010 off right. We’re not talking about a new diet or a vow to exercise every day. Instead, receive up to 50 percent off a flight with United Airlines next year.

Each time you book a round-trip flight for the rest of this year on United Airlines, you’ll receive a percentage off a future flight. For example, fly once and get 5 percent off one flight in 2010. Fly twice and get 10...

United Europe Sale: Flights from $244 OW

Springtime in Paris is lovely, but believe it or not, autumn is another great season to visit Paris and other European cities.

Until Sept. 18, travelers can book a flight to Paris, London, Frankfurt, Zurich and Geneva on United Airlines. Discounted fares are available for travel between Oct. 26 and March 26, 2010.

There aren’t any black-out dates, but take note that a Saturday...

United Announces Second-bag Fee for Some International Routes

United Airlines announced it will charge $50 for a second checked bag at the airport ($45 if checked online) for flights to Europe from the U.S. Mexico, and the Caribbean. Travelers on flights to Mexico or the Caribbean from the U.S. will pay $30 at the airport and $27 online for the second checked bag.

In August, U.S. Airways and Continental Airlines' also announced they will charge...

United Early Bird Ski Special: Flights from $123 OW

It’s hard to believe this is even a blog topic at the end of August, but it’s time to start planning for ski season.

United has launched an early bird special to top ski destinations, including Vail, Jackson Hole and Steamboat Springs. Book by tomorrow, Aug. 28 for travel through Dec. 7.

The only restriction we found with this sale was a required Saturday night stay, but the...

United’s New Service to Madrid: Flights from $199 OW

Say “hola” to new flights to Madrid, Spain. United Airlines will begin offering flights to Madrid on March 28, 2010. And for a limited time, the airline is offering discounted fares to the Spanish capital. Book a flight by Sept. 7 for travel between March 28 and May 13.

The fares do come with a few restrictions: Travel is good Monday through Thursday and a Saturday night minimum...

Cheapflights.com Weekly Roundup: Cheap Flights for Last Days of Summer

Labor Day means one thing: rest. So, take the work out of searching for a cheap flight with one of these Labor Day Fare sales.

American Airlines is offering fares starting at $44 each way to cities like Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago. The sale ends today, Aug. 21 and travel is valid between Sept. 1 and Sept. 9. Cheapflights Tip: The lowest fares will be found when you depart Sept. 1...

United’s Economy Plus Seats on Sale: Upgrades from $5

What would you pay for five extra inches of legroom on your next flight? How about a dollar per inch?

United has put their Economy Plus seating on sale through Aug. 14, which means for a few extra bucks, you can stretch out for a roomier flight. The upgrades start at $5 per flight and seating is located in the Economy Plus rows near the front of the Economy cabin.

The sale is...

Discount Airfare: United’s Fall Harvest Sale

Our least favorite part of autumn: Falling leaves that need to be raked. Our most favorite part: Falling fares to cities across the country.

United Airlines has just launched their Fall Harvest Sale, which includes discounted fares to Los Angeles, Minneapolis and other U.S. cities. This sale is the perfect opportunity to visit a new city before the hectic holiday season. Spend Halloween...

United Airlines Readies Move to Willis Tower

Most people know the iconic Chicago structure as the Sears Tower, but after a new observatory deck and some creative branding techniques, the Sears Tower became "Willis Tower" and is setting up new digs for United Airlines, whose hub is at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the deal is expected to be finalized on Thursday, Aug. 6,...

United Airlines, Starwood Hotels Offer Combined Savings for Travelers

Nothing beats a good airfare sale. Unless of course, that fare sale also includes 20 percent off a hotel stay.

A partnership between United and Starwood hotels will benefit travelers this fall. The “Fly and Stay Sale” boasts discounted fares to the U.S. (including Hawaii), Canada, Europe and Asia. And, when you book one of these flights, you are eligible for 20 percent off a room at...

United Airlines Puts First Class on Sale: First Class Flights from $199

For many travelers, a first-class airplane seat is something to admire from afar. As most of us cram into Coach, we envy the extra leg room and wonder about the superb amenities being offered in first-class. You’re about to find out just what it’s all about.

On the heels of Virgin America’s offer of West Coast flights from $199 each way, United has introduced their “Taste of...

Airline News: United Eliminates Fees for Last-minute Frequent-flier Bookings

United Airlines announced this morning that starting July 30, frequent fliers will no longer have to pay fees for booking award airline tickets at the last minute.

Previously, United frequent fliers were charged $100 for award tickets booked within six days of travel, and $75 for tickets booked 7-20 days of travel. Airline tickets booked at least 21 days in advance were never subject to...

Discount Airfare: United’s New Routes From $99

Not the type of traveler who enjoys a layover? United Airlines has you covered with several new non-stop routes to the U.S. and Canada. To celebrate, the airline is offering discounted fares and cheap flights on these routes for a limited time.

Service start dates vary. All the Chicago flights begin on Sept. 2, except for Chicago to Ontario which begins Sept. 29. The two flights to...

Deli Plates & Desserts: United Airlines Offers New In-flight Food Options

United Airlines is undergoing some serious self-reflection. First, the redesign of its new Web site (a more user-friendly site, in our opinion) and now comes news that United will improve its food options on flights.

According to the Pacific Business News, United will introduce new menus and snack boxes on some flights as of Aug. 1.

If you're thinking it's just another...

United to Cut Some International Flights

United Airlines announced it will cut 7 percent of its current international flight routes “in an effort to better match supply with demand”.

The international flight reduction is part of the necessary cuts United is making after reported a $323 million second quarter net loss.

The specific routes and flights haven't been announced yet, but United said the reduced...

United Airlines Discounts Frequent Flier Reward Seats

It pays to be a frequent flier, especially during a time when airlines are fighting for your loyalty. Case in point: frequent flier award seats are getting cheaper, and if you act fast you can book yourself a pretty cheap flight.

United Airlines announced today that frequent flier miles needed for award seats has been cut by 20 percent or more on many flights from Aug. 18--Nov. 18,...

Discount Airfare: United’s Summer Weekend Flights

United Airlines has made its way around the news this week. First the airline announced it will start passing off credit card fees to travel agents, then came the YouTube video for the song “United Breaks Guitars,” which has already generated well over 2 million hits. 

The backlash has been overwhelming, and now United is extending an olive branch: a summer weekend airfare...

United, Continental Alliance May Impact Airline Ticket Prices

Will the new alliance between United Airlines and Continental Airlines yield cost-savings for the airlines, or cost increases for the consumer? That's the question on many minds as the airlines start to link under the global Star Alliance.

Last week, Continental Airlines was granted permission from the U.S. Transportation Department to join United Airlines in the Star Alliance...

Airline News: United Airlines Adds San Francisco-Kansas City Route

Midwesterners wanting to escape to the West Coast will soon have another airline option on their hands: starting Oct. 25, United Airlines will add flights between Kansas City and San Francisco.

The once-daily round-trip flight will be operated by United Express affiliate SkyWest. Passengers will be able to choose from coach, economy plus and first-class seating on board the 66-seat...

$100 Off United Airlines Vacation Packages

Still debating whether or not to take a summer vacation? United is sweetening the pot.

United Airlines is giving travelers up to $100 off a summer vacation package booked with United by June 30. Travel to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico or throughout the United States to earn the $100 discount. The total discount will depend on the total cost of your vacation package:

$100 off on...

Airlines Up Checked Baggage Fees

Airlines are upping their checked baggage fees, and some airlines are adding additional charges to those travelers who don't check-in their bags online before arriving at the airport.

According to BudgetTravel, United and US Airways will start charging travelers an additional $5 for not checking in bags ahead of time online. Those travelers arriving at the airport with bags to check...

Discount Airfare: United’s Summer Fare Sale

Still haven't planned your summer vacation? No worries, there's plenty of cheap airfare still available.

United recently announced a summer travel sale that pretty much covers all points throughout U.S. where United flies - just pick a city and get out of town. Top destinations include flights to Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The rules are simple:...

United Airlines Moves Up Start Date for Non-stop Pittsburgh Flights

Seems travelers on the East Coast are anxious to get to the Pacific.

United Airlines announced it will move up the start date for its new non-stop Pittsburgh flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

(more...)