mahasamatman

None of them have international experience, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

usbusinesstraveller

readywhenyouare

Ber2dca

The problems of UA go back to at least the merger, which was handled terribly. But even before then it's not like the PMUA and PMCO structures were soaring butterflies without flaw. They had their own issues; many of which the new merged airline inherited. How many of United's P.R. disasters were caused by frontline staff who've been with United a lot longer than Kirby?

Munoz was at the reigns truly for less than a year, Kirby has been there for a year and a half. A lot of initiatives, projects, strategies at major entities like United Continental are long-term projects to which several people contribute and which thus can't be attributed to a single individual. I fail to see as of today what Kirby himself is supposed to have done to make United worse since August 2016. I'm not a United fan by any means, it's been a pretty bad airline from a customer P.O.V. for as long as I can remember. I'm just bemused by all those sweeping negative statements about people made by people who either don't have knowledge of the specifics or keep them to themselves (in which case it's impossible to seriously weigh the merit of their complaints).

dilanesp

Is it possible that one of the discoveries the airline industry has made over the last 15 or so years is that the business travel market has become less profitable (because corporations are more cost-conscious about travel) while the "cheapo passenger" market, as you put it, can make an airline a lot of money (Spirit is VERY profitable)?

That single explanation coheres with a heck of a lot of airline behavior, from bag fees to selling discounted TOD upgrades rather than giving them to frequent flyers to dollarizing frequent flyer miles to diminishing soft product in domestic F.

PremExecSNA

While I'm certainly not a fan of UA as of late, I think Kirby is doing exactly what he was hired to do. He is growing the airline and fixing some of the mistakes made by Smisek and Co. He's also telling us the real state of the business, and a lot of things we don't want to hear. In so many words, he admits the dense Economy configuration sucks, while also telling us it enables the cheap tickets most people value. As others have mentioned, his soft skills are clearly lacking (the bonus debacle) and he seems to be undoing a lot of the good will Oscar built with the employees. Oscar needs to step up and take charge of that arena before things really go bad.

Now that I've hit 2MM, I have a lot of decisions moving forward. While fiercely loyal to UA, I'm sadly resigned to the fact my old airline is gone. I've heard good things about DL, but know they are also responsible for leading the devaluation of frequent flyer programs. I seriously doubt there is a better choice with domestic carriers, but I'll fly international with other Star airlines whenever possible.

readywhenyouare

HNLbasedFlyer

username

I would guess Kirby has his "airline formula" - squeeze on all passenger and employee costs and maximize revenue. There was the $2 water on HP/US, there was the award fee (even when booked on-line, unless you are elite), the pushing of the credit card application onboard, etc... They did relent quickly on the $2 water so at least they can adapt.

This year will be more challenging since fuel is going up and there is a lot of uncertainty in the economy. So, get the scissors out!

The way I am looking at this is that he will eventually have things his way (it is all about that extra cent of earning next quarter, not what is good for the long run) and squeeze Oscar out.

usbusinesstraveller

anc-ord772

As a 3MM nor would you. You live a gilded life on UA, but for infrequent travelers WN is an attractive option. WN beats UA E- and for $15 early bird all but guarantees window or aisle. WN's boarding process is a more civilized experience than being in group 4/5 on United. Additionally there is more likely to be overhead bin space on WN if you are boarding towards the end.

username

Another thing, I think if it was not the scandal, the UA BOD would have kept Smisek. So, don't count them getting rid of Kirby.

readywhenyouare

HNLbasedFlyer

Maybe - but I've never thought of the United forum or flyertalk as a place frequented by infrequent fliers - sure, if you are on the back of the bus so to speak on United - it doesn't matter much who you fly.

usbusinesstraveller