A few days ago, I wrote about the uneasy tension I was experiencing over United Airlines’ 4-mile round-trip deal to China. After taking advantage of nearly every major “mistake” fare over the last several years, I suddenly found myself overcome with guilt and chose not to advantage of this one. While my views remain unchanged on the ethics of booking this particular trip, United’s disappointing response to the customers implicated by this deal has led me to believe ...
A flurry of commentary has poured forth today over the 4-mile United Airlines First Class award redemptions to China available briefly yesterday on united.com. As a frequent traveler who has cashed in on many “mistake” fares in the past and as a person with legal training in the realm of contract law, I must add my two cents to this controversy.
United has responded, stating that they will not honor the fare:
Hi Everyone, over the weekend, we discovered ...
Here's a short paper I wrote recently on the legality of the European Union's ETS. Enjoy!
What happens when an airline suddenly finds itself forced to break a law? It has two possible courses of actions—one action violates law in one jurisdiction and the other violates law in another jurisdiction. There is no middle ground or compromise available. This is what the U.S. airline industry may soon face as the European Union and United States Congress squabble over how to best ...
Jeff Smisek assumes the "good cop" role in a letter to United Airlines pilots concerning ongoing contract negotiations. Still, the United CEO does not dance around the highly contentious, primary issue of dispute: the scope clause.
Dear Pilots:
I want to thank you for your professionalism, as you provide our customers with safe and reliable air transportation every day.
As I’ve said ever since we merged, my goal is to bring work groups together in a ...
The dust has now settled a bit in the latest airfare pricing extravaganza, but the fun has just begun. For those just joining the party, on Tuesday and Wednesday fares originating in Burma to just about anywhere in the world were bookable in economy, business and first class for a fraction of their average price thanks to a currency conversion snafu. Think $300 fares to Buenos Aires via Bangkok, Tokyo, and New York in first class.
The U.S. Dollar has been pegged to the Burmese Kyat ...
As American Airlines management continues to insist its goal is to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger, leaner stand-alone airline, US Airways is upping the rhetoric on a potential merger:
Speaking on a conference call with reporters and analysts about US Airways' first-quarter earnings, Scott Kirby said a merger of his carrier and American parent AMR Corp (AAMRQ.PK) would generate more savings and revenue improvements than AMR's plan could produce on its own.
"There is a ...
