jamesinclair

Maybe check back in July and August?

FlyfromDenver

It usually slows up a bit mid-August because school starts here. But sure, I'll let you know. I was traveling as much this time last year(couple of times a week) and I have never seen it that packed.

quantumslip

This is anecdotal evidence, but I have seen two facebook friends actually cut back and follow through with not flying on United; one even went so far as to go to AA with no status (and complaining about it, ha). Both travel more than the average person (not 1K level, but at least silver level). Other less frequent travelers have said similar things but I can't tell if they followed through yet.

I am not sure now long this will last long-term but I feel that there will be a definite short-term impact on the bottom line.

minnyfly

If UA hasn't seen any material difference in bookings by now, it's likely they never will. The initial irrational outrage is over, and people eventually come back into a rational state of mind for purchasing decisions. Even by the earnings call UA should have seen a difference if it's a major problem. Maybe they did, but they didn't confirm it. So the chances are fair that UA doesn't see any long-term impact from this. Have to remember that so many people "outraged" don't fly anyway. And for those that do, there always other dynamics in pay. Look at how many Delta turned off the week prior because of wrongdoing that actually happened to them. You have potential defectors going from airline to airline, and it generally evens out. If "I'll never fly that airline again" worked, there would be no NK or G4.

schley

My only concern really....-------- I hope this helps my upgrades clear!!!!

Manospeed

Vast majority of people fly sparingly. My wife and son fly once a year on our annual vacation. I know people who haven't boarded a plane in years. When its time to make that reservation a year or more from today, most people will have forgotten about this incident and instead will opt to go for:

1. Price
2. Convenience (direct vs. 1/2 connections)

It's basic human nature.

flyerbaby19

I hear it won't affect load factors, but 1-2% of revenue. Well, I keep pricing multiple routes, and am not seeing a 1-2% price decrease. My very anecdotal data (I do have lots of flights tracked on google flights) says pricing is unfortunately holding. Please people book away as I need to purchase many flights and I'd like some better pricing!

JNelson113

It's likely not that United will cut fares 1-2%, but that they will lose 1-2% of revenue from those who would have chosen United but instead choose another airlines.

cazmom6

I'm a 1K but have not seen as many upgrades this year until last week. They were pulling people out of coach to move up to Bus Class seats on my flights from BDL to ORD and ORD to DEN. Then this week 3 out 4 flights I got notified of my Elite Upgrade. That hasn't happened in some time. Maybe it's the time of the year but I think it is in reaction to what everyone is hearing about UA.

northernlights1

OP's original question: We actually are encouraging people to fly UA. I've seen similar scenes played out on several different airlines. The only difference is that all the previous encounters involved adults. UA just got unlucky having to deal with a 69yo male masquerading as a 6 year old. All airlines have similar policies that are enforced variably from time to time. I just wish UA's stock would have dropped a bit lower providing a GREAT buying opportunity for an undervalued stock.

I think its hilarious that some "feel" (no facts just their emotion) UA is so different from all other airlines. Guess what folks. They are not. The better question would be if your company was recommending train or car travel instead of airline travel...

Kevin AA

I've worked in a toxic environment before. It wasn't a requirement to fly UA, but my supervisor was just as mean as the typical UA flight attendants, so very similar. Worst job ever.

channa

There are still people who book away from UA for the SFH some 17 years ago.

There is an impact to UA3411. Is it material? Probably not. But it's enough to warrant several attempts at a proper CEO response.

deskover54

Maybe bookings will go up since the AA strollergate, or Delta new york meltdown.

Eupatoria

I fly private a lot, so I don't have much United status (just gold) and decided to try something else after this incident. I canceled my upcoming trips on United in favor of Virgin and JetBlue. I enjoyed my experience more than I had with United and will continue flying with both of those airlines. I don't fly enough with commercial airlines to really get beneficial status, and I get Silver on United with SPG Platinum anyway.

Edit: Should probably mention that I don't care how my team flies and certainly don't offer an opinion on with what airline they should fly, but I believe they have been following my example and choosing non-United flights as well.

Eupatoria

I am actually surprised a company would issue an internal memo requesting a choice of an airline, unless the company is very small and privately owned.