Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - United's CEO vows to fight Qantas and V Australia in continuing to serve Australia.

An article in the Sydney Morning Herald


http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/united-airlines-vows-to-take-on-qantas-v-australia-in-air-fare-war-20091030-hp2r.html

With a slightly-edited thread title, please follow in our Travel->Australia forum as this concerns (at least) 3 different carriers. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, United forum.

I reckon his shareholders would be more interested in "United CEO vows to make profit and grow shareholder wealth".

United needs to greatly improve their economy cabin. V Australia, Qantas, etc have better economy cabins with more entertainment offerings, etc. United's 747 IFE is SEVERLY outdated. Their planes are much newer. We will be going to MEL via SYD in 1 week in economy. (couldn't get any biz award for one, let alone for two of us :mad:).

The only good thing was we are going to Taz & South Island, NZ. At least, I burned most of my UA miles. Brutal trip in coach & E-. Biz is so much better. Going back on Air NZ. At least 3" more leg room & better service.

ditto that. In january a friend and I were down under together, he returned home on UA and I on QF. No IFE much less AVOD in economy. F/As disappeared after service, and from a person who NEVER sleeps on airplanes "the only thing left to do was sleep"

On QF, however, I found the crew to be up and about most of the flight. I actually slept very little because the IFE (AVOD) in economy had so much to keep me occupied, including all best picture oscar winners for the past 39 years. That was on top of the usual TV offerings, and other fairly recent movies not only from the US but also Asia.

and when would UA *ever* offer hot chocolate with marshmallows after dinner?

ditto that. In january a friend and I were down under together, he returned home on UA and I on QF. No IFE much less AVOD in economy. F/As disappeared after service, and from a person who NEVER sleeps on airplanes "the only thing left to do was sleep" Tomorrow night should be the real test of whether UA's 747 in Y can put me to sleep. I simply don't sleep on planes. I'd love to be able to sleep, and have no fear of flying whatsoever. In fact, the only times I do catch a short nap are when there's minor turbulence. But in general, I'm terribly uncomfortable when flying. Unlike my son, who crashes pretty quickly on a plane, or my brother, who fell asleep before takeoff on the SFO-ORD redeye last Saturday night/Sunday morning.

I doubt a 14 hour flight to OZ will put me to sleep. Would be great if it did. We'll know in a few days. :(