United Airlines News

The chief digital officer of United Airlines drills down on the carrier's tech plans, social media strategy, and customer service goals in this conversation from Skift Tech Forum.

JetBlue took criticism for moving to raise bag fees first. But the airline's CEO, Robin Hayes, made clear that customers who plan in advance will keep getting to pay the old rate.

Airline executives often say they don't know why consumers hate their industry so much. Bag fees are among the reasons.

At Skift, we know more than most that airlines are in business to maximize revenue. But $30 for one checked bag seems a little extreme, no? Let's hope other carriers don't match JetBlue.

Not everyone likes Scott Kirby, because he has a habit of speaking his mind, whether his opinions are popular or not. But there's little doubt about his track record. The man knows how to increase an airline's revenue. He's done it at America West, US Airways, American, and now United.

Here's another reminder that airlines are fiercely competitive. Until recently, U.S. airlines generally weren't considering adding premium business class seats on domestic routes beyond New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. But a few years ago, JetBlue disrupted the market with its Mint business class, and now United is considering a similar move.

This is a tough call. In some ways, what United is doing with preferred seats is unfair. It may make it harder for families to sit together. But at the same time, most of United's competitors have similar fees.

U.S. bankruptcy law is more forgiving than in many countries, which is why many airlines have had multiple iterations. Now, eight years after filing for bankruptcy, Mesa Air Group again wants to be traded on public markets. Assuming it goes forward with an IPO, it'll be interesting to see if investors return.

U.S. bankruptcy law is funny, right? Less than a decade ago, Mesa Air Group filed for bankruptcy and investors lost out. But now the airline, with the same CEO, wants investors to give it another chance. Will they bite? Or do they have long memories?

How fickle is Wall Street? Less than a year ago, investors weren't keen on United's stock. But a couple of quarters later, they're jumping back on the bandwagon. But not all that much has changed.