United Airlines News

Remains to be seen if the increase will stick if other competing airlines don't follow.

Since first class takes up more space is often occupied by frequent flyers upgraded from business class, there's little economic reason to continue setting aside these premium seats.

The DOT regulation should take care of it, but if United or other airlines decide to go to court its decision may be tricky to uphold.

Pilots aren't necessarily going to follow through with the threat, but it speaks to the deteriorating talks and the ongoing frustration with the different contracts under which pilots from the old United and Continental still operate.