Some members of Congress are worried about what the CO-UA merger will mean for the consumer and are considering introducing a bill to restore airline regulation if the merger goes through.

Deregulation has been credited with making airline travel affordable for the average American. But [Congressman James] Oberstar [D-MN] pointed to the $2.7 billion the airlines earned in baggage fees in 2009 as evidence that consumers are no longer benefiting from the system. He said he ...

Last week, I shared an e-mail I received from United about a new Mileage Plus website coming soon. 

Much to my surprise, when I logged on to UA this afternoon I saw this:

I am amazed that this happened so quickly. 

For now, only United, US Airways, and Continental awards can be booked online, but United promises:

Additional Star Alliance carriers will be ...

I received the following e-mail from United today:

My first thought was what redesign? I didn't even know there was a Mileageplus.com website. Turns out there is, sort of--the web address takes you to the Mileage Plus portion of the United website. So far, so good.

United promises "better organization" and a "fresh new look" on the new website. These are good things. But how about "the ability to search for Star Alliance partner awards ...

As regional jet travel continues to proliferate, Delta is adding First Class cabins on many regional jets and hopes to offer two-cabin service on flights over 750 miles this fall.

Once upgrades are completed, 50 routes that feature Delta Connection flights with just one service class will have both first and economy class, the company said.

While United only offers a snack box to First Class passengers on longer regional jet flights, some longer than three hours, Delta will offer a more appropriate dining experience.

Meals and linen service are offered on all regional flights that feature a first class cabin, Delta said. 

I hope this move spurs a similar move by UA/CO.

Some good news for a change on the labor front:

United and Continental airlines are on course to wrap up a new contract with their pilot unions by fall, a critical step if their megamerger is to deliver the $1.2 billion boost leaders of the carriers promised Wall Street.

While pilot talks progress, flight attendants and other worker groups likely face a long, arduous path to new contracts, which could undermine labor peace at the new carrier, sources ...

Scott O'Leary, Continental's Managing Director of Customer Experience and a former guest on UPGRD, confirmed on Flyertalk yesterday that elite members who hold a Continental Chase Presidential Plus or OnePass Plus MasterCard will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on award tickets starting next year.

Details:

Applies only on Continental flights (not UA--yet) that are currently eligible for complimentary elite upgrades on revenue tickets. The prioritization of ...