United Airlines News

United Airlines overpromised with its Polaris business class. Instead of rethinking business class, it should have focused on providing a simple and consistent product.

A first-time business class flyer might love the dog-and-pony show United Airlines promised with its Polaris service. But your average frequent flyer prefers a more consistent experience, even if it's not as strong.

Any research into cutting down the congestion and confusion at the boarding gate is welcome in our books.

Many airlines sell premium amenities to customers in coach. But is it worth it? Yes, these are high-margin items, but airlines don't sell that many of them. Most coach customers want only the basics and don't want to pay extra for anything.

If you're an investor, it's not clear Spirit's model is the right one. But if you're a passenger, you should love the airline, even if you never fly it. Spirit is responsible for many of the U.S. fare wars we've seen in recent years.

There's a smaller and perhaps more rewarding world facing frequent flyers in 2018. To reap the rewards, though, those elite travelers will have to pay up.

In a lengthy soliloquy on American's first quarter earnings call, CEO Doug Parker indirectly told investors to relax. Yes, U.S. airlines are increasing capacity this year. But they're being prudent by solidifying their hubs, he said, and not repeating past mistakes.

Travelers often think their airlines lie to them about flight delays. While that could be true sometimes, it's almost certainly not the norm.

Airline passengers don't like being late. But what they probably dislike more is being late and not knowing why. Over the next few weeks, United will give some customers detailed information about the reason for delays. That could make passengers less anxious, which is a good thing.

United is lagging behind its competitors in launching international premium economy. But this is something it needs to do, if only because of competitive dynamics.