United Is "Best Air...
 

United Is "Best Airline In History Of Aviation," According To CEO Scott Kirby

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There’s a fine line between confidence and delusion, and I’ll let everyone decide where exactly this falls.

Continue reading: United Is “Best Airline In History Of Aviation,” According To CEO Scott Kirby

Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.


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119 Replies
(@Chuck)
Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 70
Diamond
(@digital_notmad)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 588

seems plausible; AA doesn't really have UA's intl network


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(@Mike Smith)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 3

There was a time, in the 1970's, after Pan AM began its deterioration, that United might have been the best airline in the world. But those days are long gone.

I was a 1K with United for years. In 2013, after FIVE horrific (and I mean horrific) customer service experiences in four months, I told the manager at ORD that either they made this right or I would never fly UA again. He simply didn't care. Haven't flown them since.

Unfortunately, Delta and American (the latter moreso) joined UA's race to the bottom and, as is the case in so many other parts of our economy, the USA is no longer the best in aviation even though we were the nation that invented it.

It is really sad.


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(@Charles)
Joined: 11 years ago

Posts: 203

Honestly from a veterans and a leaders perspective this is exactly what you want. Every organization should view itself as the best at what they do. I mean maybe there is a lesson for all of us here. Be the best at what you do and if you aren’t project that confidence anyways. When I was in the Army the unit I was in was always the best (even when it wasn’t). Lucky you don’t ever want to just say your blog in the best. From a motivational perspective imagine if he said “United we are number two in the US and 18th in world”. I would rather work for the optimist than the realist any day of the week.


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 Lee
(@Lee)
Joined: 4 years ago

Posts: 1093

At what?


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(@Christian)
Joined: 12 years ago

Posts: 845

The problem is that a CEO has to have the currency of respect, which in turn means that when you say something people will believe it. Unfortunately, Kirby rides the line between liar and simply delusional. As a result we simply cannot trust that anything he says is true. That’s why he needs a demotion to be under some visionary type like Oscar Munoz.


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(@bigjinla)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 540

Yes, and Donald Trump is the greatest president in history, and we have the hottest economy in history, and costs of groceries have come down more in the last 10 months than any period in history, and this is the most transparent government in history. All of these things are true!


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 Grey
Diamond
(@grey)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 242

My former company had one of those 'optimistic' leaders.

Whenever employees had a problem with decisions coming from management, they were wrong because our company was so great and wonderful. Management never listened to concerns from people who worked with clients and many clients walked away.
Last I heard, they have had to reorganise and cut a significant number of staff because they lost so many clients.

But at least the CEO was an optimist rather than a realist...


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(@Bobby)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

Yo charles, You actually think everyone should be delusional and sociopathic?


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Diamond
(@timtamtrak)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 729

I think AA’s slogan during the “Going for Great” days should have been, and perhaps still should be “AAiming for AAdequate.”


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(@Dave Stafford)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 14

Another politically driven anti administration post for the second day in a row by this blogger.

Hes choosing to go after Scott Kirby who supports our President.

United in fact has been consistently rated the top carrier by many consumer groups. But hey, let’s just ignore the facts.


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 Joe
(@Joe)
Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 189

I think in terms of ease of use and efficiency for business travel from/to the US, United may well actually be the best airline in the world. In terms of global hard product/customer service. Very far off. But honestly - I prioritise the first at this point.


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 Eddy
(@Eddy)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

United CEO talks waaaaay too much. And it’s often farcical. United doesn’t even have the best economy or premium economy or business class among American carriers. Hard and soft products range from mediocre to slightly above avg. IT is better than many carriers tho.


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 E39
Diamond
(@e39)
Joined: 3 years ago

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Posts: 309

No, that’s Lufthansa


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(@George Romey)
Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 1391

Sans the cigarette smoke I'd take the UA of 1970 (or any other surviving airline) than the UA of 2025. Yes, technology has made it easier to book and manage your flight but I'd still take 1970. Again, sans cigarette smoke.


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(@Charles)
Joined: 11 years ago

Posts: 203

@ Bobby. No your confusing optimism vs blind optimism. But you guys are all just so negative in the comments section here.

@Grey there is a difference in what you are talking about. A message on Veterans Day saying your the best is what I would expect from a leader. Of course they need to be realistic when making tough decisions for the organization. Why do you think I heard how the US Army is “the greatest fighting force in all the land” daily? Optimism has been scientifically proven to increase productivity and improve mood. You guys be pessimistic all you want. Makes no difference to me.


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 Zeek
(@Zeek)
Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 79

I'm guessing Kirby is just echoing Maga jigonism to make glorious leader happy.

An homest statement would be, "United, we're slightly better than American."


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(@Felix)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

Watch out, US-Gestapo is watching if you say anything against the great leader.


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(@Icarus)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 2562
(@alonzo)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 867

Depends on how you measure greatness. But why would he say anything else? And if not United, then who?


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(@Julia)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 48

If Delta said this, you absolutely would've called them delusional and taken an opinionated stance.

You were flipping out because of some marketing buzzwords they were using for their catering.

The hypocrisy is unreal. It's ok to call airlines delusional or whatever you want, but have some consistent standards.


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(@Cbchicago)
Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 157

Yes it’s true Ben. Unfortunately because of events you may have now been enjoying lifetime status. Nevertheless United will continue to be my preferred airline. Just a few miles from lifetime GS.


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 Emil
(@Emil)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 9

Honestly, once they wrap the cabin retrofits, actually get their stuff together with the catering which is still abysmal compared to Delta, and do a mayor overhaul of their lounges, I would actually agree with them.

They already got stylish cabins, a crazily massive international route network, the best airline app, best bedding, and at least recently, pretty great morale from all the staff.


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Admin
(@lucky)
Joined: 13 years ago

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@ Julia -- Did you read the post? I called this "ridiculous" and an "outrageous stretch," and *literally* compared it to being a page out of Delta's playbook.


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Gold
(@onealphatwo)
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But are they the most…premium?


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

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You forgot the '/s'


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Sheesh, Kirby's even more of a brown-nose than Pam Bondi.


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Got one remaining itinerary with United this year; no plans with them in 2026. *phew*


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(@ImmortalSynn)
Joined: 7 years ago

Posts: 934

"That’s why he needs a demotion"

UA's owners (aka shareholders) have zero reason to demand that, as he's done the #1 thing they want, which is sustainably increase the stock value relative to what it was.

Anything other than that, in vulture-capitalist America, is gravy.


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(@ImmortalSynn)
Joined: 7 years ago

Posts: 934

Lack of nonstops due to range.
Limited entertainment.
Limited interline.
Lack of national breadth.
A crash+fatality rate that's miles and away worse than today.
Ticket prices that less than 5% of the nation could afford, prior to 1978.
And yes, SMOKING; because it's not like you can magically separate that from the times.

So exactly what are you longing for?

More legroom? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.
More food? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.
Bigger seats? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.

Only thing you can't really get, is young 20-something chicks who have to put up with a lot of physical/sexual molestation, without saying or doing anything about it. So there's that.


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Diamond
(@nelson-2)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 269

That guy needs some psychiatric help (not sure there is help available at that point)! No CEO should talk like that. For sure he has never flown any other Airline.


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(@TJ Horn)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

United is crushing it. The 2025 stock price percentage increase of United is 3x that of Delta's increase.

Delta is starting new routes just to earn substantial airport subsidies. United is starting routes to exciting and unique new destinations.


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(@lavanderialarry)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 63

The MAGA US airline CEO strikes again, with the usual drumbeat of idiocy. UA is better run now than it ever has been but it still has plenty of issues. When UA outprofits DL and EK, then it can brag.


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(@UnitedLeadsTheWay)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

The airline with the lowest payed U.S legacy flight attendants too.


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 Jd
(@Jd)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 66

United business class food is awful


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 Jake
(@Jake)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 39

Seriously taking a leader’s pep talk to his team at face value? Every CEO will do that, each using their own interpretation of what “best” is.

This blog seems to just focus on scrutinizing the most ridiculous topics. Now I recall why I stopped reading it.


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 Jake
(@Jake)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 39

Virtually every innovation or passenger experience enhancement United employed is in response to what Delta has. Reactionary vs proactive. Started with seat back monitors and upgrading their Polaris offerings and free WiFi and the list goes on.

The one thing UA has going for it is its route system.


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 Jake
(@Jake)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 39

Could not agree more


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(@Julia)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 48

Your very first sentence is fence-sitting, compare these two: "There’s a fine line between confidence and delusion, and I’ll let everyone decide where exactly this falls."

Vs covering Delta: "Delta Partners With Chef José Andrés: I Can’t Even With The Puffery!" and "Delta, can you please tone it down, a little bit?"

Completely different. If you held them to the same standard, you should be saying "Scott Kirby needs to knock it off, I can't even"


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(@anyways)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

byeeee


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 laid
(@laid)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

*paid


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(@Crosscourt)
Joined: 8 years ago

Posts: 421

Anyone making such statements about any US airline including United, needs to be committed. Delusional.


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 BZ
(@BZ)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 148

Another example of America becoming the most delusional and corrupt country in the world.

This is what happens when you’re a nation bought out by AIPAC and Epstein supporters.


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Diamond
(@ua-nyc)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 1135

Dave S, piss off and go start Conservative Travel Daily if you don’t like it here.

Much like Famous Conservative Comedians, it probably will have a limited following.


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(@adambrau)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 0

United is an amazing airline if you have lifetime million miler status, no doubt. The app, the safety record, and the route structure, and Star Alliance fare irst rate. Saying America is the greatest nation on earth is a nod to all worldwide political and corporate leaders who want to do business with the administration in Washington. It's pretty obvious. Empty words that mean nothing - except hopefully to get slots at JFK. Could the food be better, obviously yes. Does United need apartments? I doubt it. I like how Scott has taken UA forward. Since 2000 we've all been through a lot of bumpy air and the chop is now much more of a smooth ride.


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Diamond
(@ua-nyc)
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Posts: 1135

#facts TJ. The smart money in the market is on UA, not DL.

Even Tiny Handed Timmy can’t counteract that one honestly.


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(@Steven M)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 443

Kirby's as delusional as Trump. He's full of hot air


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(@Daniel)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 159

You don't see the difference between a public facing marketing campaign and an internal message to employees?

If Kirby said this in public or they started some marketing campaign calling themselves "the best airline in history of aviation" I would expect/hope Ben batters the s**t out of United for that.

Context matters a lot.


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(@aj90x)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 8

Lucky, are you really not going to moderate this blatant and disgusting antisemitism?


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(@globetrotter)
Joined: 13 years ago

Posts: 273

@ Charles: On contrary, I am a brutally realistic person. I am neither an optimist nor a superficial/ materialistic person. The world will always have more wealthier, smarter and prettier people than we are. In our culture, we emphasize on self-esteem from elementary to adulthood when people fall below normal expectation level but we must tip-toe before providing constructional criticisms for fear of hurting others' feelings. If we truly believe that we are second to none and there is no room for improvement, then we will never better and advance ourselves and will be left behind without acknowledging other people passing us by. It always blows my mind when I hear and read people brag about we are the richest and most powerful nation in the world when we are $37T in deficit and have an abysmal record to show for wasting our resources and human lives in warfare when we do not invest effectively and efficiently at home. It is interesting that you mentioned you were in the army. Since post WWII, how many wars did we win that brought lasting peace and harmony? Granada. Panama. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kuwait. What did I miss? Not Korea because the country is still divided. I am not dinging the service men and women who sacrificed their lives, deceased or live in postwar trauma with missing limbs, for the lies and deception perpetrated by civilian leadership. Perhaps the below article will contradict the illusion you have for the branch that you served.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/08/12/fort-bragg-delta-force-women-military-hegseth-00495824


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(@merrymyiphobne)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 23

Yeah yeah....so is America. Crushing it. Get over yourself.


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(@UnitedLeadsTheWay)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

Thank you


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Diamond
(@ua-nyc)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 1135

The Republican Party is terrified of the Epstein file release. Why else do you think Mike Johnson won’t swear in the AZ Rep?

Move along, nothing to see here.


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(@Julia)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 48

Yeah, arguably what United did is much more impactful.

Do you think customers are going to be swayed by generic marketing language about Delta's catering?

Or do you think United employees being told they are at the best airline in history (when they're really not) will have more impact? Half of the staff at US carriers already have an ego on the flights. We don't need anymore of that


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(@HiFlyR)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

United is great. If they want to be the greatest in history then they'll need their flight attendant's help. Might want to give them a new contract.


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(@Frank)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

I have been flying Unite especially as I live in the San Francisco Bay area.
Their service has risen incredibly over the recent years from an OK domestic focused carrier to a very polished International standard.
They have the network the aircraft and frequency now matched by their service


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 DenB
(@denb)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 1038

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
- George Bernard Shaw

"greatest country on earth" is for rousing political speeches, not for a man who should be closing the deal with people like me. Many Americans don't know that it's gross to others when they talk like that, but the top guy at a Global airline should surely know it.

Read the room. "Our country is better than yours" is not how you "connect the world" or whatever United's slogan is this week.

The message, if not the man, is unfit for purpose.


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Diamond
(@mike-c)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 341

Sometimes you don't need the '*T&C' apply, the words say it, no shout it, on their own.


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 DenB
(@denb)
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Posts: 1038

You stopped? when was that, exactly?


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 DenB
(@denb)
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Posts: 1038

Not even then. I have a low opinion of UA and I guarantee you that its profitability will have no influence on my opinion AT ALL.


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(@DesertGhost)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 177

How can United be the best airline ever if Delta is the only PERFECT airline on the planet? LOL


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Let’s start by getting Chuck to resign; then put AOC in for Senator from New York and minority leader, like, now.


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Might be farts. Boyle’s law.


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Naw, that’s not antisemitism; it’s maybe anti-Israel-lobbying, but that’s not actual ‘hate,’ sir. Fuentes is actually antisemitism.


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(@Daniel)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 159

If no customers are going to get swayed by Deltas marketing about the Jose Andres tie-in they wouldn't have done it.
But they did, and Delta is perfect so they clearly think some customers will get swayed.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 788

Ben says, "If we’re talking about profitability or overall brand perception, there’s no denying that Delta still has the edge, even if United is narrowing the gap"

While DAL's net income has been better cash flow is a better gauge of profitability and in that regard UAL is ahead while growing and deleveraging faster.

Cash Flow: Operating/Free
Year DAL UAL
2021: 3.3/0.0 2.1/0.0
2022: 6.4/0.0 6.1/1.3
2023: 6.5/1.1 6.9/-.3
2024: 8.0/2.9 9.5/3.8
2025: 6.1/2.8 7.1/3.3


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(@Eskimo)
Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 6166

I love it when people say they will "never ..... again"

While I admire that you could keep it up for over 10 years, not that impossibly hard considering it's ORD.

But threatening that to a manager (if that's even a manager) is like telling Tim Dunn you're not flying Delta again.


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(@Eskimo)
Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 6166

cash flow is NOT a better gauge of profitability.


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 BA
(@BA)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 54

United CEO must not fly his product. I fly ALOT for my job I am out of the USA about 2/3s of the year. United would be no where near the top of that list. There Polaris Business is a joke. Usually they are dirty and food is a joke. Fly any international carrier and it's 100% better. That goes for any domestic carrier.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 788

Actually, it is as it reflects the actual cash generated from a company's main business activities, offering a clearer picture of financial health. Net income is an accounting measure that includes non-cash expenses like depreciation and amortization. United is making more large, long-term fleet purchases which results in higher depreciation expenses compared to DL. High depreciation lowers net income but does not affect the actual cash leaving the company in the current period, thus benefiting cash flow. So, in addition to making more money UA is also doing a better job of minimizing their tax liability while improving the product and paying down debt.


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(@PeteAU)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 1464

Kirby is rather prone to exaggeration, and to suckholing the Mad Orange God King.


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(@PeteAU)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 1464

What would that accomplish, exactly?


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(@PeteAU)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 1464

You can always rely on BZ to goose-step into the comments. Shouldn't you be off meeting with Gretl Turdburg, et al, to organise the next Gaza Futility Flotilla? Or perhaps there'll be a new "current thing" for you to support by then?


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(@PeteAU)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 1464

Eh, he's the CEO. It's to be expected.


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 Abe
(@Abe)
Joined: 3 years ago

Posts: 34

Dozy Don can’t die soon enough. Also his supporters.


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(@Grichard)
Joined: 8 years ago

Posts: 156

So what IS the best airline in the history of aviation?

Myself, I'd vote for Pan Am in the Clipper days. The sheer ambition of their network back then was amazing.


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Diamond
(@mike-c)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 341

The question is based on a false premise. There is no 'best airline in the history of aviation'. There are dozens of metrics for 'best' all of them valid in some way, but no single metric outweighs the others. Assessments based on a single metric may be objective, but an overall assessment is purely subjective, as would be any list of what characteristics needed to be included in the calculation.

In the context of internal comms, his statement is hubris, stripped of that context and seen from the perspective of an outside observer, it is hubris on stilts.

To paraphrase what was apparently said of Christine Keeler, 'But he would say that, wouldn't he?'


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(@Maxine Greenstein)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

Complete nonsense. WORST airline I have ever flown with (& I fly internationally frequently). IMPOSSIBLE to spk to anyone at UA to inform them of disgusting service. They are not interested. Cut your call when you attempt to obtain HELP. Do not use UA!!!


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(@Ado Bo)
Joined: 10 years ago

Posts: 35

Stop it!....You're making Dave Stafford drool....


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(@Dan II)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 22

They are on of the most consistent disappointing airlines out there, very often a terrible experience and far from being the best at anything. Same could be said about the US. Both hopeless cases right now.


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(@Julia)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 48

If people do get swayed, then Delta doing it is clearly a good idea?


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Diamond
(@trumpgambit)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 106

The only area where I see United as an industry leader is when measuring the average age and weight of their flight attendants.


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Diamond
(@tim-dunn)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 7466

Thank you for demonstrating yet again that you can’t accept reality so argue against and distort facts.
And since you talk about cash flow, you should also normalize for UA employees’ lower pay which is a big reason why UA doesn’t achieve leadership in other metrics.
THE measure of profitability is net income and UA trails DL by $1 billion through the first 3 quarters of 2025 – even w/ the labor cost advantage UA has not just to DL but also AA and WN.

The comments here are pretty accurate as is Ben’s assessment which is why I have not needed to comment before.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 788

Cash (flow) is king. Net income is an accrual accounting measurement businesses seek to minimize so as to decrease their tax liability. Advantage United.


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

Well, what do you recommend then? Like, don’t fly? Or, leave? Or fix it? How? Or, just complain? Probably do nothing, right?


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

That does seem like how Trump would act.


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 BZ
(@BZ)
Joined: 1 year ago

Posts: 148

Where is the antisemitism, aj90x?


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Diamond
(@aerob13a)
Joined: 2 years ago

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Posts: 1674

There are those who swallow American propaganda, hook-line-and-sinker!
Then there are those who are capable of thinking for themselves and know better.


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 Bbt
(@Bbt)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

Being the devil’s advocate here, my last 3 transatlantic flights with them have been stellar.

Their red wine selection on the last few flights has been better than Air France. Heck they had a pretty expensive and very delicious wine on the SFO-FRA flight last summer.

Right now US based carriers have an edge over their European counterparts in many respects.


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Diamond
(@tim-dunn)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 7466

Denial is not a river in Egypt


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 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

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United's red wine better than Air France? Ça suffit!


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(@AeroB13a)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 3843

Thank you Bbt, you have proven my point about U.S. propaganda.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 788

I know, right? It’s understandable. I was surprised too that UAL has $1.3 billion more free cash flow than DAL over the last five years.


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 Bbt
(@Bbt)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

If anyone has current menus let’s compare the quality of the wine. And United provides a lot more choices. For a long time Air France offers only 2 choices of white and red each.

Plus they are always ordinary.


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(@Thomas Strome)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

Scott Kirby is right in his assessment of United Airlines with regard to its lineage. So many smaller companies and airlines have been folded into it over a century or so that, it's hard to count the exact number accurately. The original first company this all stem from, flew the very first U.S. Airmail across Tampa Bay.


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(@Stan Williams)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 9

Kirby is doing a fine job. Compared to some of the Continental/United CEOs in the past, with the exception of Gordon Bethune, Kirby is the best. A CEO makes ALL the difference, just look at what Herb Kelleher was for Southwest.
I only hope that United, my carrier, will move its HQ out of Chicago (Denver seems likely as new spot, they own property.) And of course for my money, they could change the name back to Continental.


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(@AeroB13a)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 3843
(@AeroB13a)
Joined: 2 years ago

Posts: 3843

Really Stan, some of us can remember when “Continental” were flying the Ilyushin Il-86 & Tupolev Tu-154 in the naughties …. 🙂


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Diamond
(@bruce-3)
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Posts: 0

Reminds me of when Americans say “America is the greatest country in the history of the world”. Whatever that means. I think that kind of chauvinism is just very common over there.


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Diamond
(@tim-dunn)
Joined: 5 years ago

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Posts: 7466

of course $250 million per year more FCF trumps $1 billion in lower earnings in just 3 quarters.

do tell us what you smoke.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 788

United was originally a combination of Boeing Air Transport, Varney Air Lines, Pacific Air Transport & National Air Transport all part of United Aircraft & Transport Corp (Boeing). United Technologies and Pratt & Whitney were also part of Bill Boeing’s amazing aviation conglomerate that was later broken up, and Continental was started with Varney Speed Lines sharing a founder with United. It is wonderful to see Boeing finally recovering and United doing so well. Both have storied pasts and bright futures.


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 Art
(@Art)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

Being the greatest is like being cool. If you say you are, you're most definitely not.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

Member
Posts: 788

Yes it does, obviously. The $1.3B in FCF is actual cash whereas much like your personal adjusted gross income (AGI) corporations want to use deductions like depreciation and amortization to reduce their net income to minimize their tax liability. This is simple stuff especially for an ‘analyst’.

What is amazing is that UA is buying so many more aircraft and paying off debt while still throwing off so much more cash too. Impressive.


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(@George Torres)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

I am 79 years age and have flown on every US airline from PanAm to Eastern to US Airways, Frontier, Southwest, etc., etc. All of these airlines have had their periods of ups and downs. Periods of great service and periods of poor service. I have been unhappy at one time or another with each of them, and refused to fly United during a period of time in the 80's when there service was horrendous. I don't know if Jet Blue is a US airline, but overall
over the decades, Delta has been the most consistent of all of them. Jet Blue is my second choice, American, a poor third. Also any airline owned by Sir Ricard Branson, is great were great.


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(@TikTokIsNotFinancialAdvice)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

I'm sorry rebel, but you sound like you saw one "hustler" or Linkedin fractional CFO post and are now touting it as gospel (and I'd agree for small businesses - cash flow may be more important than profitability at that stage). Cash flow and profitability are completely different, and by fact/definition Delta has been more profitable. Profitability is measured on net income, not cash flow, and higher FCF can be more than just "United has more D&A". Did you know that lower FCF could mean more capex? The literal textbook definition of FCF backs out capital expenditures along with D&A.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

Member
Posts: 788

TikTok’s, “ Did you know that lower FCF could mean more capex?”

Exactly why I was saying it is so impressive given UA’s larger capex on planes, product and facilities over the last five years. Thanks for the help in making my point.


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(@TikTokIsNotFinancialAdvice)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

But it could mean larger capex by Delta outside of fleet back into the business?

But regardless of that, profitability is literally a different league than cash flow. Cash flow is cash flow - profitability is net income.

Breaking it down to the financial statements, you aren't going to get any measure of margin or profitability on the cash flow statement besides the.....net income.

Also UA isn't paying their FAs so there's that too.


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

Member
Posts: 788

TikTok says, "But it could mean larger capex by Delta outside of fleet back into the business?"

UA has $2.6B more in capex than DAL since 1/1/23.


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Diamond
(@steffl)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 303

.... if Mr. Kirby thinks that way, . . . it just shows how little experience he REALLY has in Global Aviation!
UNITED . . . not the worst, but far from the "BEST"! in many ways. ... if he would have said CONTINENTAL part of the airline there would have been a tiny bit more truth to it, but . . . oh my. US and lies, lies, lies and as i mentioned before (often), people in the US do anything to entertain or just get free advertisement or recognition in any way. True or not what they say!


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 Bbt
(@Bbt)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

That’s a whole bunch of nothing. Use existing menus.


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(@James)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 20

There is NOTHING premium about American Airlinee except their lip service. Nothing meaningful has or will change without a new board and new CEO and executives.


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Diamond
(@tim-dunn)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 7466

and yet Airbus never ran an airline and also has not had a multi-year fall from grace.

Everything looks great in a comparison of one


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Diamond
(@tim-dunn)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 7466

and you, once again, ignore the fact that DAL has led the industry in paying its people more post-covid.

UAL saves at least a half billion dollars per year in labor cost compared to AA, DL and WN but you think a $250 million per year lead in FCF is some great accomplishment.

and the only reason why UA's capex is not much higher is because of Boeing's delivery problems. UA's capex will increase and FCF will fall as Boeing speeds up deliveries.

an alternative reality is fun but it is a massive distortion - but if you feel better cherrypicking the facts to avoid facing reality, don't let me or anyone else bring you back to earth


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Diamond
(@rebel)
Joined: 1 year ago

Member
Posts: 788

Actually, it is reality by the numbers. No amount of projection changes those stubborn facts. UA is doing great.


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(@James)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 20

Sorry, didn’t mean to reply to your comment. Meant to add a stand alone comment.


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 Bbt
(@Bbt)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 1

This is a whole bunch of nothing. What specific wines was AF serving in J ?

I can tell you I tried a Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 which was one of the best wines I have had on any airline in the post pandemic era. I can even show you the menu. It was on a flight from SFO to FRA. So I am bringing the receipts. hope both of you guys @1990 and @AeroB13a can counter that, with proof.


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Diamond
(@omarsidd)
Joined: 2 years ago

Member
Posts: 369

Dunno, CEOs are supposed to hype up the company, but this is grandstanding, not just hype. If I didn't already know he was maga, we could guess by the hyperbole...


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Diamond
(@travelinwilly)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 2594
Posts: 70
(@Chuck)
Joined: 4 years ago
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Posts: 588
Diamond
(@digital_notmad)
Member
Joined: 5 years ago

seems plausible; AA doesn't really have UA's intl network


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Posts: 3
(@Mike Smith)
Joined: 10 months ago

There was a time, in the 1970's, after Pan AM began its deterioration, that United might have been the best airline in the world. But those days are long gone.

I was a 1K with United for years. In 2013, after FIVE horrific (and I mean horrific) customer service experiences in four months, I told the manager at ORD that either they made this right or I would never fly UA again. He simply didn't care. Haven't flown them since.

Unfortunately, Delta and American (the latter moreso) joined UA's race to the bottom and, as is the case in so many other parts of our economy, the USA is no longer the best in aviation even though we were the nation that invented it.

It is really sad.


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(@Charles)
Joined: 11 years ago

Honestly from a veterans and a leaders perspective this is exactly what you want. Every organization should view itself as the best at what they do. I mean maybe there is a lesson for all of us here. Be the best at what you do and if you aren’t project that confidence anyways. When I was in the Army the unit I was in was always the best (even when it wasn’t). Lucky you don’t ever want to just say your blog in the best. From a motivational perspective imagine if he said “United we are number two in the US and 18th in world”. I would rather work for the optimist than the realist any day of the week.


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3 Replies
 Grey
Diamond
(@grey)
Joined: 5 years ago

Member
Posts: 242

My former company had one of those 'optimistic' leaders.

Whenever employees had a problem with decisions coming from management, they were wrong because our company was so great and wonderful. Management never listened to concerns from people who worked with clients and many clients walked away.
Last I heard, they have had to reorganise and cut a significant number of staff because they lost so many clients.

But at least the CEO was an optimist rather than a realist...


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(@Bobby)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

Yo charles, You actually think everyone should be delusional and sociopathic?


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(@Charles)
Joined: 11 years ago

Posts: 203

@ Bobby. No your confusing optimism vs blind optimism. But you guys are all just so negative in the comments section here.

@Grey there is a difference in what you are talking about. A message on Veterans Day saying your the best is what I would expect from a leader. Of course they need to be realistic when making tough decisions for the organization. Why do you think I heard how the US Army is “the greatest fighting force in all the land” daily? Optimism has been scientifically proven to increase productivity and improve mood. You guys be pessimistic all you want. Makes no difference to me.


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Posts: 1093
 Lee
(@Lee)
Joined: 4 years ago

At what?


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Posts: 845
(@Christian)
Joined: 12 years ago

The problem is that a CEO has to have the currency of respect, which in turn means that when you say something people will believe it. Unfortunately, Kirby rides the line between liar and simply delusional. As a result we simply cannot trust that anything he says is true. That’s why he needs a demotion to be under some visionary type like Oscar Munoz.


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1 Reply
(@ImmortalSynn)
Joined: 7 years ago

Posts: 934

"That’s why he needs a demotion"

UA's owners (aka shareholders) have zero reason to demand that, as he's done the #1 thing they want, which is sustainably increase the stock value relative to what it was.

Anything other than that, in vulture-capitalist America, is gravy.


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Posts: 540
(@bigjinla)
Member
Joined: 5 years ago

Yes, and Donald Trump is the greatest president in history, and we have the hottest economy in history, and costs of groceries have come down more in the last 10 months than any period in history, and this is the most transparent government in history. All of these things are true!


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1 Reply
 1990
(@1990)
Joined: 11 months ago

Posts: 4893

You forgot the '/s'


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Diamond
(@timtamtrak)
Member
Joined: 5 years ago

I think AA’s slogan during the “Going for Great” days should have been, and perhaps still should be “AAiming for AAdequate.”


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Posts: 14
(@Dave Stafford)
Joined: 10 months ago

Another politically driven anti administration post for the second day in a row by this blogger.

Hes choosing to go after Scott Kirby who supports our President.

United in fact has been consistently rated the top carrier by many consumer groups. But hey, let’s just ignore the facts.


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1 Reply
(@Felix)
Joined: 10 months ago

Posts: 2

Watch out, US-Gestapo is watching if you say anything against the great leader.


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Posts: 189
 Joe
(@Joe)
Joined: 6 years ago

I think in terms of ease of use and efficiency for business travel from/to the US, United may well actually be the best airline in the world. In terms of global hard product/customer service. Very far off. But honestly - I prioritise the first at this point.


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Posts: 2
 Eddy
(@Eddy)
Joined: 10 months ago

United CEO talks waaaaay too much. And it’s often farcical. United doesn’t even have the best economy or premium economy or business class among American carriers. Hard and soft products range from mediocre to slightly above avg. IT is better than many carriers tho.


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 E39
Diamond
(@e39)
Member
Joined: 3 years ago

No, that’s Lufthansa


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Posts: 1391
(@George Romey)
Joined: 6 years ago

Sans the cigarette smoke I'd take the UA of 1970 (or any other surviving airline) than the UA of 2025. Yes, technology has made it easier to book and manage your flight but I'd still take 1970. Again, sans cigarette smoke.


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1 Reply
(@ImmortalSynn)
Joined: 7 years ago

Posts: 934

Lack of nonstops due to range.
Limited entertainment.
Limited interline.
Lack of national breadth.
A crash+fatality rate that's miles and away worse than today.
Ticket prices that less than 5% of the nation could afford, prior to 1978.
And yes, SMOKING; because it's not like you can magically separate that from the times.

So exactly what are you longing for?

More legroom? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.
More food? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.
Bigger seats? -you could have that today, if you pay for it.

Only thing you can't really get, is young 20-something chicks who have to put up with a lot of physical/sexual molestation, without saying or doing anything about it. So there's that.


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Posts: 79
 Zeek
(@Zeek)
Joined: 6 years ago

I'm guessing Kirby is just echoing Maga jigonism to make glorious leader happy.

An homest statement would be, "United, we're slightly better than American."


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Posts: 2562
(@Icarus)
Joined: 10 years ago
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(@alonzo)
Joined: 5 years ago

Depends on how you measure greatness. But why would he say anything else? And if not United, then who?


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Posts: 48
(@Julia)
Joined: 1 year ago

If Delta said this, you absolutely would've called them delusional and taken an opinionated stance.

You were flipping out because of some marketing buzzwords they were using for their catering.

The hypocrisy is unreal. It's ok to call airlines delusional or whatever you want, but have some consistent standards.


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2 Replies
Admin
(@lucky)
Joined: 13 years ago

Member
Posts: 39955

@ Julia -- Did you read the post? I called this "ridiculous" and an "outrageous stretch," and *literally* compared it to being a page out of Delta's playbook.


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 Jake
(@Jake)
Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 39

Could not agree more


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Posts: 157
(@Cbchicago)
Joined: 9 years ago

Yes it’s true Ben. Unfortunately because of events you may have now been enjoying lifetime status. Nevertheless United will continue to be my preferred airline. Just a few miles from lifetime GS.


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Posts: 9
 Emil
(@Emil)
Joined: 2 years ago

Honestly, once they wrap the cabin retrofits, actually get their stuff together with the catering which is still abysmal compared to Delta, and do a mayor overhaul of their lounges, I would actually agree with them.

They already got stylish cabins, a crazily massive international route network, the best airline app, best bedding, and at least recently, pretty great morale from all the staff.


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