United Airlines News

The messaging about the U.S. airline recovery includes some, shall we say, irrational exuberance. Sure, some people will always want or need to fly. But many more want to manage their risk, and that's hard to do when the United States can't control a raging pandemic.

Since March, United Airlines has been the first U.S. carrier to sound the alarm on almost every major issue facing the airline industry. That is also the case here. Look for other global network airlines to make similar announcements in the coming weeks.

United is adding nearly 25,000 flights for its August schedule. It's a big bet that the demand will be there to make it worth it.

Admire the simplicity of United Airlines’ plan to rebuild its route network for businesses — but question its accuracy.

Just wear a mask on an airplane. It's not that hard, and it keeps everyone safer.

Airlines are highly competitive businesses. Usually, the routes announced Thursday would engender a massive competitive response. But is there an appetite for that now? Hard to say.

With safety still rising up the traveler agenda, airlines won't have an easy task setting prices as they balance passenger welfare with profitability.

United opened some of the books for its MileagePlus program. It's a highly lucrative operation, based mainly on sales of miles to third parties, including credit card companies.

Covid-19 will change the flying experience for a long time, as people take precautions to avoid getting sick. But it'll also change flying for another reason. Airlines are taking on considerable debt, and they'll need to cut costs as they try to repay it, at least until revenues improve.

American and United are taking different approaches in the Covid-19 recovery. Each has valid reasons for their strategies, which seem rooted in how they view the U.S. market's potential.