United Airlines has applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new daily roundtrip flight DCA with San Francisco. If approved, the new route will give customers more nonstop options between DCA and SFO and provide connections from SFO to about two dozen domestic markets as well as seven international destinations. At least nine of these destinations are without United connection options via San Francisco. United's proposed route also seeks to avoid the busiest travel times at Washington National Airport, which is already one of the most congested airports in the country. "With our hub in San Francisco, United is well positioned to serve the strong customer demand for air travel between DCA and the Bay Area," said Patrick Quayle, SVP of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "This new service will give customers a unique morning departure from Washington National and a unique afternoon return departure from San Francisco." United's proposed flight would provide additional scheduling options to customers by offering for the first time a morning departure from DCA to SFO. United plans to use the Boeing MAX 8 aircraft, with 166 seats. As a possible alternate option, United also applied for its first-ever DCA-Los Angeles flight. 

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United Airlines has added nearly 200 extra flights for the two big political conventions this summer. United will boost capacity to Milwaukee, for the Republican National Convention in July, by more than 75%. United will also fly its largest schedule from its Chicago O'Hare hub since 2019 for the Democratic National Convention in August. It represents a 40% increase in flying between Chicago O'Hare and Washington Reagan. In total, the airline will add 72 flights to and from Milwaukee in July and 118 flights to and from Chicago in August. "These conventions are steeped in tradition and have now evolved to become a weeklong celebration of our political process," said Patrick Quayle, United's SVP of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "We're proud to give people even more options to visit two great cities." Tickets are on sale now on the United app and United.com. For RNC delegates, United is enabling nearly 5,000 more people to attend the Milwaukee event. In total, United will have more than 280 flights to and from Milwaukee the week of the convention. It includes a new, nonstop flight between Milwaukee and Washington Reagan airport and 72 additional flights from United's hubs in Chicago O'Hare, New York/Newark, Denver, Washington Dulles and Houston. For Democrats, United will fly its largest Chicago O'Hare schedule since 2019 with more than 530 flights on peak days. The schedule includes 38 additional flights between Chicago O'Hare and Washington Reagan.   

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United Airlines unveiled the launch of an industry-first media network. It launched Kinective Media by United Airlines - the first media network that uses insights from travel behaviors to target personalized ad content and offers. The new technology platform gives marketers the opportunity to target offers across various channels including United's mobile app and inflight entertainment screens. The airline expects it will drive greater loyalty by MileagePlus members through more personalized real-time offers and experiences. Kinective Media is already working with brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Macy's, Chase United Co-Brand Credit Cards, TelevisaUnivision, IHG Hotels & Resorts, as well as ad agencies. The focus is on premium brand relationships in retail, luxury goods, financial services, automotive, media brands and travel. Kinective Media plans a formal commercial launch at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. "We've built a first-of-its-kind adtech-enabled traveler media network where brands have already started connecting to premium audiences," said Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus. "Unlike some commerce media platforms, United gives brands across a wide range of industries the ability to reach engaged customers." Kinective Media aims to enhance the travel experience while growing trust of the United brand. Advertisers are not able to access personal information of United customers. Instead, Kinective Media leverages the insights of adult customers to create aggregated audience segments. Customers can opt-out of Kinective Media targeted advertising at any time. Kinective Media partners can target their content through United's mobile app or via inflight entertainment on seatback screens. United has nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet. United's seatback screen content is also available on customer's personal devices. The inflight content is available in more than 20 different languages. 

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United Airlines has marked a decade of service from London Heathrow’s Terminal 2. On 4 June 2014, United flight UA958 from Chicago O'Hare landed as the first airline to use The Queen's Terminal. Since United's move to Terminal 2, the airline has carried over 16.5 million on more than 102,000 flights between London and the US. For summer 2024, United will have 20 flights per day from London Heathrow to seven of its US hubs. These are New York/Newark, Washington D.C., Chicago O'Hare, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. United says it is offering more flights and business class seats from London Heathrow to the New York area, the U.S. Northeast and the West Coast than any other US airline this year. Prior to the relocation in 2014, United's Heathrow operations were split between Terminals 1 and 4. Since then, 22 of the airline's Star Alliance partners have moved to Terminal 2. "We are proud to mark 10 years at Terminal 2 at one of the most important airports in United's global network, and the US," said Karolien De Hertogh, United’s Director of Sales UK and Ireland. In the past decade, United Airlines at London Heathrow Airport has increased the number of daily flights from 17 to 20 for summer 2024. United has also increased the number of US hubs served by Heathrow from six to seven, adding a direct connection between London and Denver. The workforce has increased at Terminal 2 by 30% to nearly 650. The airline introduced the very first touchless check-in experience at London Heathrow Airport. United Premium Plus is now offered on every United flight departing London Heathrow and makes up 20% of seat capacity. United Airlines has been serving the UK for over 30 years. 

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Service will connect New York/Newark Airport (New Jersey) with Tenerife South Airport from 1 June 2024 until at least the end of March 2025

  For the third consecutive year, the U.S. airline, United Airlines, will connect New York and Tenerife with a direct flight, and starting this year, will operate a significantly extended service. The connection between Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey) and Tenerife South, will resume on 1 June 2024 and will operate three times weekly until at least the end of March 2025. During this period, over 23,400 seats will be on offer on flights arriving into Tenerife.

 

The Vice-President of the Island Council and Councillor for Tourism, Lope Afonso, said: "This is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of news of the year in terms of air connectivity. It is an agreement that we have been working on for a long time, which began to take shape during the last term of office and which we have been able to conclude after months of intense negotiations at Turismo de Tenerife. This represents a unique opportunity to consolidate the destination in one of the most sought-after feeder markets. It best suits the quality profile we are committed to in our strategy of sustainable management of the destination, due to its interest in the values of the island and our cultural offer and the spending capacity at the destination.”   The CEO of Turismo de Tenerife, Dimple Melwani, said: "The extension of the direct connection between New York/Newark and Tenerife South is a great opportunity for Tenerife in a market whose interest in the island continues to grow and where we have seen indirect growth in recent years in travellers from the United States and Canada in the winter months." Melwani adds that "the extension of direct flights for the winter is great news for the island and is of vital importance in successfully implementing Tenerife's strategy of accessing better target markets with longer stays and spending capacity at the destination, and for the business opportunities that can be generated for Tenerife in different sectors: audiovisual, MICE, green energy, digital economy and innovation, among others."   The Country Sales Manager Spain of United Airlines, Antonio de Toro, said: “As the only airline connecting North America with the Canary Islands, we are delighted to return to Tenerife with a significantly extended service that now includes the winter season, offering our customers on both sides of the Atlantic even greater travel choice. Customers can take advantage of a direct connection to and from the U.S., as well as an unrivalled route network from United’s New York/Newark hub, offering convenient nonstop connections to destinations across the Americas.”   United’s service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from the United States (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays during the winter season); and Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Tenerife (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the winter season). The flight will take approximately seven hours and will be operated with a B757-200 aircraft, featuring a total of 176 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United PolarisSM business and 160 seats in economy, including 42 Economy PlusSM seats with added legroom and increased personal space.   Booming market   The number of American tourists taking staying in Tenerife last year stood at 36,531, compared with 26,507 in 2022. In the first three months of 2024, the number of tourists from the USA - 8,828 in total - increased by 16.8% compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, 62% of tourism from this origin using establishments on the island takes place in the winter months, compared with 38% in the summer months (June-September).   Tenerife's strategy in the North American market has been reinforced in recent years. The island is offered as a destination by tour operators such as Apple Leisure Group Vacations, and is a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA); the Virtuoso travel agency network, with more than 21,000 agents; the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), one of the largest travel trade associations in the world; Travel Leaders Network; and Signature Travel Work, which has more than 15,000 travel advisors.  

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has relaxed its airline safety oversight measures on United Airlines. It means United can resume some of its certifications, such as bring in more aircraft and add routes. Some certifiable activities were halted as the FAA increased scrutiny on United’s airline safety after a spate of near miss incidents. The FAA started an official evaluation of its operations to find out if there were any safety gaps or maintenance issues. United told staff in a memo it was able to restart certification activities, including starting new routes ‘after a careful review and discussion about the proactive safety steps United has taken to date.’ "We will continue to see an FAA presence in our operation as they review our work processes and facilities," United said.   

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United Airlines has launched an innovative new digital tool that makes it easier for wheelchair users to find suitable flights. The tool on its app and united.com searches aircraft that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of a wheelchair or mobility device. The airline also announced that eligible customers may seek a refund of the fare difference if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair. Last year, United and United Express carried more than 200,000 checked wheelchairs. In addition to working with the airline's Accessible Travel Advisory Board, United collaborated with United Spinal Association and Numotion to develop the initiative. "The more we know about a customer's device, the more likely their experience will be a good one – from booking and check-in to the flight itself," said Linda Jojo, EVP and Chief Customer Officer for United. "These new tools and policies also set our employees up for success, especially those working on the ramp or at the gate." Customers with a personal wheelchair can visit the United app or website and use the filters on the flight search results page before selecting their flight. After clicking on the wheelchair filter tab customers can then enter the specific dimensions of their mobility device. The search results will identify which flight options will accommodate them. The size of aircraft cargo hold doors varies, so some aircraft are better able than others to handle larger motorized wheelchairs. If a customer is unable to take a preferred flight because of the small cargo door the customer may seek a refund of the fare difference if paying a higher fare. The wheelchair sizing tool launched as a beta test earlier this month. United is also testing a new program at George Bush Houston Airport to better accommodate customers in the event their wheelchair was damaged or delayed. The pilot program focuses on the timeframe between a customer's arrival and when United returns the wheelchair or provides an appropriate loaner wheelchair. United is currently testing specialized, adjustable Permobil cushions for loaner wheelchairs at its Houston hub. 

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The Federal Aviation Administration is ramping up its oversight of United Airlines following a worrying spike in midflight incidents. There have been almost a dozen incidents in just a few weeks, including a plane losing a tire on takeoff. The FAA will increase scrutiny on the airline to see if any of the midflight incidents reveal a pattern, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said. While this is conducted the FAA will pause certifications of aircraft and other functions. “We will begin to see more of an FAA presence in our operation as they begin to review some of our work processes, manuals and facilities,” Sasha Johnson, United’s VP of corporate safety wrote in a memo to staff. “These events have rightfully caused us to pause and evaluate whether there is anything we can and should do differently.” The FAA said it is routine to beef up oversight when safety issues or incidents arise. “It focuses on an airline’s compliance with regulations; ability to identify hazards, mitigate risk and effectively manage safety,” the FAA said.

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United Airlines has introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account. Available on United.com, groups of up to five frequent flyer members can now share and redeem miles in a single linked account. United allows any MileagePlus member – both relatives or close friends – to be in a pool with other members. United is the first and only current major US airline to offer this feature. We're proud to be the first to allow our members to pool their miles with their loved ones and friends," said Luc Bondar, COO of MileagePlus. "MileagePlus miles pooling gives more flexibility to use miles with the people that matter most." MileagePlus miles pooling aims to make travel easier and affordable for families. Even the youngest family members can contribute as there's no minimum age to become a MileagePlus member. MileagePlus miles pooling is now available to all MileagePlus members by logging in to their account on United.com. The MileagePlus program is free to join here. Frequent flyer members earn miles that never expire with every flight, through spending on the United Family of Cards from Chase, and by making purchases on MileagePlus Shopping . Members can opt to fully cover a trip with their MileagePlus miles or use a combination of money and miles. 

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The FAA is now investigating another Boeing mid-flight safety incident. A United Airlines Boeing737-800 jet managed to land safely at Medford Airport, OR despite losing an external panel during the flight from San Francisco. The plane was carrying 139 passengers and six crew. The FAA said pilots were unaware of the missing fuselage panel on the Boeing 737 until it was discovered during a post-flight maintenance check. "We'll conduct a thorough examination of the plane and perform all the needed repairs before it returns to service," United said. The plane in question is about 25 years old. Boeing remains under intense scrutiny as a FAA and NTSB investigation continues over a door plug blowout in January. It left a gaping hole in the side of the plane This incident, involving an Alaska Airlines flight, is now subject to a criminal investigation. 

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United Airlines will very soon restart Israel flights. It will start initially with Newark-Tel Aviv flights via a stop in Munich on March 2 and 4. This is to make sure service providers are ready to support nonstop service, which begins from March 6. United says it has conducted a detailed safety analysis of the route, including working with security experts and government officials in the US and Israel. It has also liaised closely with pilot and cabin crew unions. The airline will continue to monitor the situation in Tel Aviv and across the region. Nonstop Newark to Tel Aviv flights will operate once a day from March 6 and the airline says it wants to resume a second daily Tel Aviv flight from Newark as soon as May as travel demand recovers. Other Israel flights from San Francisco, Washington Dulles and Chicago will be evaluated for restart beginning in the fall. 

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United Airlines is cracking down on cellphone surfing flight attendants. It wants cabin crew to stop using their personal devices while on duty. Crew members were sent a memo warning them that action will be taken if crew ignore the new protocols. "Use of a personal electronic device / accessories are not permitted while customers are on board, with the exception of crew rest.” “Any crewmember found in violation will be subject to discipline up to and including termination," the memo said. The airline sees it as a customer service and safety issue where staff are always quickly approachable when required. This is not compatible with the distractions from personal devices, it says.   

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