United Airlines News

It isn't often that you see the U.S. Travel Association calling out anyone, let alone the largest airlines in the U.S., but the Gulf carriers' subsidy issue has exposed deep differences about competition and the global travel industry.

A lot is at stake here and we expect the investigations to continue.

Missing in action in the U.S. airlines' report about the Gulf carriers' subsidies was transparency about the U.S. airlines' own subsidies. Although the congressional report is very dated, the Business Travel Coaltion, via WikiLeaks, is helping to fill in some of the blanks.

Radical change though it may be, the legacy carriers could do worse than learn a few lessons from the type of loyalty Southwest has generated.

The selective outrage is cynical at best.

The problem isn't Star Alliance, the problem is United.

The U.S. Travel Association looks at the Open Skies issue from the standpoint of inbound tourism while Delta, United, American and their unions view it from the perspective of their companies and unions. They come to diametrically opposing positions.

Open Skies agreements also have a good side for U.S. airlines. The side over the Pacific is particularly attractive.

And the beat goes on.

American and Delta will now hopefully be forced to improve their food offerings and with the rising tide, all ships will float higher.