There’s a fine line between confidence and delusion, and I’ll let everyone decide where exactly this falls.
In this post:
Scott Kirby thinks United is the best airline ever
Live and Let’s Fly shares how United CEO Scott Kirby has posted his annual Veterans Day message for employees, and it contains a couple of interesting nuggets:
Hello everyone, thank you for all that you’ve done to make United Airlines the best airline in the history of aviation. I’m so proud of all of you. But today, I wanted to you and say happy Veterans Day and thanks to all the people who served in our country’s armed forces in the past or are serving today.
I’m coming to you today from my alma mater here at the United States Air Force Academy, where I just got to see hundreds of cadets and really be inspired for the next generation. And people that are volunteering, that are making the same kind of commitment that many of you had to make sure that this stays the greatest country on Earth. So thank you to everyone at United Airlines for making us the best airline in history and all the veterans who have made this the greatest country on Earth. Thank you.
As you can see, Kirby declares United “the best airline in the history of aviation,” and labels the United States “the greatest country on Earth.” This isn’t the first time that Kirby has referred to United as the greatest airline in the world, and for that matter, he has also called United “the de facto flag carrier in the United States.”
United has no doubt made incredible strides, but one certainly wonders by what metric United is the greatest airline in history:
- 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
- If we’re talking about how big the route network is, then United does have the most global route network of any US airline, but aviation goes beyond the US, and there are global airlines with more global route networks
- I don’t think anyone would argue that United (or any US airline) is the world’s best when it comes to passenger experience
This is a ridiculous statement, but to Kirby’s credit…
Suffice to say that I think Kirby declaring United as the greatest airline in history is an outrageous stretch, and something straight out the Delta or EDITION marketing handbooks.
To Kirby’s credit, there’s something to be said for the strong direction in which he’s leading United, in terms of route network, passenger experience, and technology. If you want to get employees onboard with a vision, telling them that they’re working for the greatest airline in history, and that they’re part of that success story, maybe isn’t a bad strategy.
So as much as I detest this ridiculous exaggeration, it’s quite a contrast to American, which is far too honest. Employees there have no real vision tog et behind, as management can’t decide what the airline is supposed to be (now it’s supposed to be premium… again… but there’s some catching up to do).
Remember when American’s slogan was “Going for Great,” but then they eliminated that, because… well, I guess they weren’t going for great anymore? And heck, that was just an expression of where the airline was supposed to be going, rather than where it was.
At least this is internal communication intended to rally employees, rather than something the airline is expressing publicly in press releases. To me that makes it a bit more palatable.
Bottom line
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby thinks United is the greatest airline in the history of aviation, flying from the greatest country on planet earth. No one can say he isn’t confident, and ultimately this isn’t drastically different than what he has said in the past.
While I think Kirby is taking some (massive) liberties here, I guess that’s one way to rally employees, and get them onboard with delivering an experience in line with the direction he is trying to take the airline.
What do you make of Kirby’s comments about United being the greatest airline in the history of the world?
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...
.... 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...
.... 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!
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 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.
Being the greatest is like being cool. If you say you are, you're most definitely not.
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.
Sorry, didn’t mean to reply to your comment. Meant to add a stand alone comment.
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.
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.
Really Stan, some of us can remember when “Continental” were flying the Ilyushin Il-86 & Tupolev Tu-154 in the naughties …. :-)
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.
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...
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.
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
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.
United's red wine better than Air France? Ça suffit!
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.
Thank you Bbt, you have proven my point about U.S. propaganda.
Try this link if you are really interested in AF’s red wine?
https://captainluxe.com/blog/explore-the-air-france-business-class-wine-list-what-to-expect-onboard/
That’s a whole bunch of nothing. Use existing menus.
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.
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.
The only area where I see United as an industry leader is when measuring the average age and weight of their flight attendants.
That does seem like how Trump would act.
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.
Well, what do you recommend then? Like, don’t fly? Or, leave? Or fix it? How? Or, just complain? Probably do nothing, right?
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!!!
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.
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...
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?'
Kirby is rather prone to exaggeration, and to suckholing the Mad Orange God King.
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.
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
cash flow is NOT a better gauge of profitability.
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...
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.
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...
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.
Cash (flow) is king. Net income is an accrual accounting measurement businesses seek to minimize so as to decrease their tax liability. Advantage United.
Denial is not a river in Egypt
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.
of course $250 million per year more FCF trumps $1 billion in lower earnings in just 3 quarters.
do tell us what you smoke.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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
Actually, it is reality by the numbers. No amount of projection changes those stubborn facts. UA is doing great.
How can United be the best airline ever if Delta is the only PERFECT airline on the planet? LOL
"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...
"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.
Let’s start by getting Chuck to resign; then put AOC in for Senator from New York and minority leader, like, now.
What would that accomplish, exactly?
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
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.
100%
@ 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...
@ 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
Kirby's as delusional as Trump. He's full of hot air
Might be farts. Boyle’s law.
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...
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.
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.
Lucky, are you really not going to moderate this blatant and disgusting antisemitism?
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.
Naw, that’s not antisemitism; it’s maybe anti-Israel-lobbying, but that’s not actual ‘hate,’ sir. Fuentes is actually antisemitism.
Where is the antisemitism, aj90x?
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?
Anyone making such statements about any US airline including United, needs to be committed. Delusional.
Eh, he's the CEO. It's to be expected.
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.
byeeee
You stopped? when was that, exactly?
United business class food is awful
The airline with the lowest payed U.S legacy flight attendants too.
*paid
Thank you
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.
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.
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.
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.
#facts TJ. The smart money in the market is on UA, not DL.
Even Tiny Handed Timmy can’t counteract that one honestly.
Yeah yeah....so is America. Crushing it. Get over yourself.
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.
Sheesh, Kirby's even more of a brown-nose than Pam Bondi.
Got one remaining itinerary with United this year; no plans with them in 2026. *phew*
But are they the most…premium?
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.
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.
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.
@ 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.
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"
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.
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
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.
If people do get swayed, then Delta doing it is clearly a good idea?
Could not agree more
Depends on how you measure greatness. But why would he say anything else? And if not United, then who?
lol
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."
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.
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...
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.
No, that’s Lufthansa
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.
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.
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.
Watch out, US-Gestapo is watching if you say anything against the great leader.
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.
Dozy Don can’t die soon enough. Also his supporters.
I think AA’s slogan during the “Going for Great” days should have been, and perhaps still should be “AAiming for AAdequate.”
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!
You forgot the '/s'
Sometimes you don't need the '*T&C' apply, the words say it, no shout it, on their own.
Stop it!....You're making Dave Stafford drool....
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.
"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.
At what?
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...
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.
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...
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...
Yo charles, You actually think everyone should be delusional and sociopathic?
@ 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...
@ 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.
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...
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.
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.
seems plausible; AA doesn't really have UA's intl network
Lol
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