United's Phony 'Recovery'

"The same security analysts and media types who sheepishly accepted United's initial denials about summer service problems are now mindlessly bleating about the airline's quick recovery. Don't believe it. The media and the analysts clearly aren't flying United. If they were, they'd realize that United is still running about four of ten flights late, canceling a disproportionately high percentage of flights, and operating dirty planes that are, more often than not, nearly empty. Passenger loads on some routes are so light that there aren't even enough Mileage Plus Premier members on hand to upgrade to first class. And speaking of United's frequent-flyer program, the airline has been forced to lower its requirements for 2001 elite status. Premier status for 2001 is available for 21,000 miles or 27 segments (instead of 25,000 miles or 30 segments); Premier Executive status for 42,000 miles or 54 segments (instead of 50,000 miles or 60 segments); and 1K Status for 84,000 miles or 90 segments (instead of 100,000 miles or 100 segments). One other note: Some disaffected Premier Executive and 1K members have called the MileagePlus service center demanding their 2000 status level be automatically extended through 2001 as compensation for a particularly horrendous summer travel experience. In most cases, United has granted the request."

-Joe B.
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