Originally Posted by
Austin787
What I'd like to see:
* power outlets on all planes
* 1-2-1 business class seat configuration
* Complimentary snacks in domestic Y, and reinstate the complimentary mid-flight on long haul Y
What's likely to happen:
* Pay down debt
* Give bonuses to executives
* Order more slimline seats
I think you're on the right track!
We know UA will first do its stock buy-backs and pay down debt.
We hope that UA will negotiate with its FA and machinist unions to get the merged contracts it needs. One of the reasons UA has the most mechanical issues of any of the legacies is that the pmCO and pmUA machinists unions are not merged and cannot operate on the other's equipment. This and the FA union separation of contracts is one of the biggest areas where the UA-CO merger has not achieved its cost savings as was intended.
My hopes for the future:
(1) UA invests in an improved business class allowing 1-2-1 configurations for international longhaul, especially since it is not installing GF for any new planes and not replacing GF with refurbished older planes. GF is going away, which is a sad but obviously profitable and smart move by UA for the bulk of the North American market.
(2) UA invests in an improved BF flatbed seat/suite to compete better against DL BE and AA FF, as well as the international carriers. If GF is going away, it would be nice to see a truly impressive Business Class, at least. One that can pull some seat-minded international flyers.
(3) Improved power outlet availability across the domestic and international longhaul fleet.
(4) Continued and improved wifi across the domestic and international longhaul fleet.
(5) Continued improvement of UA hub airport facilities. LAX and EWR are already undergoing major improvements. SFO could stand for some improvement.
(6) Invest in IAD. EWR is so slot constrained that I find it difficult to imagine that UA won't want to keep IAD as a hub with much improved facilities--if the Metro DC transport authority will invest, as well. DCA is lost to AA now. If UA plans to increase service to Europe and Africa in the future, it will have to do it from IAD.
(7) New longhaul routes. IAD/EWR-JNB/CPT in Africa. LAX/SFO-AKL to compete with NZ. Perhaps LAX/SFO-NAN (Fiji) and onward to AKL if 5th freedom can be awarded. IAH to AKL if UA and Houston can resolve their bitterness. LAX/SFO-MNL. LAX to South America to compete with the emerging DL and AA strength there. LAX/SFO-PPT to give AF/NL some competition.
(8) Improved F&B in all cabins but especially premium cabins. The premium cabins pay the bills (other than all those fees); invest in those cabins.
(9) Creation of premium economy for longhaul international flights. This seems to be a money maker for more airlines. I don't see why it couldn't be for UA.