United Airlines News

United Airlines finally launched the in-cabin portion of its Polaris experience, bringing lie-flat, aisle-access seats to all of its new widebody aircraft.

American Airlines has a deep bench, so it will be fine. But this is a big get for United, which needed to bolster its senior management ranks. United has not had as much talent in its ranks as American.

American has been a big player in Chicago for decades, and that probably won't change. But United President Scott Kirby is one of the most fierce competitors in the airline industry. If he says he wants to win in Chicago, he means it.

Air Canada and United still dominate the majority of U.S.-Canada routes, so it's hard to see how anti-trust immunity helps consumers. But it certainly would make the airlines more formidable competitors.

It's nice to see United Airlines on the offensive again. Look for more flights on bigger jets in key business markets from United, which has fallen behind American and Delta in some important urban markets.

Let's give some credit to United CEO Oscar Munoz for his honesty about problems with airline IT systems. Yes, he was speaking with employees, and not the public, but many CEOs aren't this candid when they meet with workers. Former United CEO Jeff Smisek certainly wasn't.

Yet again, Southwest is choosing not to copy United, American and Delta. Its independent strategy has worked well for the last five decades, so why change what works?

With basic economy soon available on American, Delta, and United, it's worth comparing the pros and cons of each fare. American's may be good for elite travelers while Delta's is best for those with baggage.

If United were Facebook friends with reservation systems like Sabre and Amadeus, it would have just changed its relationship status from "Friends" to "It's complicated." New President Scott Kirby is worried how those companies will display its new basic economy product to travel agents and (indirectly) to ticket buyers.

Haywood was a big hire for United several months ago, but apparently it did not work out. That's OK, as President Scott Kirby should continue to do a fine job running the airline's commercial team.