findark

There's a thread on this already, but honestly it seems like the dumbest thing about that comment is how it cuts against the many flights I have had (often on UA!) where I board the aircraft stressed or angry at something unrelated to the airline (I was busy, I was late, TSA was being dumb, etc) and I kick back, drink my PDB, and can relax knowing everything is in the captain's hands from here on out. No reason the in-flight experience can't be the antidote to travel stress!

IMissThe747

Safety isn't a given, and I never take safety for granted. I deeply appreciate the pilots at United and other airlines that have kept me safe on 100% of my flights thus far.

I just started earning my private pilot license, and until now I had no idea how cognitively demanding it really is to fly safely. I may not be the smartest guy out there, but I did finish college before I was old enough to legally buy beer, and four graduate degrees later I now lead an organization with over 100 employees and an 8-figure budget. That said, learning to fly safely is one of the harder challenges I've experienced thus far.

So, thank you 757FO and every other pilot... many of us are well aware that safety comes from your knowledge, practice, and diligence. And thank you United for prioritizing safety, even if I don't always get a smile with my drink order (I would still like the smile too, for the record).

If they start tinkering with safety, that would certainly make me reconsider who I fly with.

LarryJ

If you haven't already, come up front when you board on your next flight. Always happy to give cockpit tours to interested passengers (young and old).

fumje

I have to say it seems to me that Oscar has some trouble communicating effectively in a consumer-facing context. At least as I can see it, in both this case and his response to the Dao incident, I could see some truth in what he was saying, but the way he's stated it leaves too much space for people to misunderstand his empathy for misanthropy.

bocastephen

He came from a commercial railroad background, not exactly the breeding ground for touchy-feely consumer communication skills.

fumje

Right, where the cargo isn't self loading and doesn't have feelings!

abaheti

Oscar's comments make me think of the multiple occasions past when I had had a really bad day -- work, missed connection, family, whatever -- and actually looked forward to sneaking on to a UA plane and having a few hours to myself.

And where a friendly check in agent, gate agent, or flight attendant just had a few nice words, a smile, or some small kind gesture. "Hey, good to see you again!" "Wow, you're MM, thank you for your loyalty!" "Oh, wow, you had a bad day of flying, let me see how the upgrade list looks." "You look like you've had a long day, do you want a PDB or just to some peace and quiet?" "Wow, I'm so sorry we don't have anything vegetarian, let me see what I can do." Not to mention the FAs who helped me take care of my MIL with Alzheimer's, etc.

I could easily quote similar experiences with hotel lobby staff. One quick positive human interaction can actually turn my day around or at least shift my mood.

HNLbasedFlyer

Well - despite his communication skills, background - and FT indignation - UAL stock is up since his interview, so he - and his team - ultimately won't really care or think about any backlash from his interview.

Silver Fox

This whole "well the stock up" reminds me of "I was only carrying out orders". It wears thin after a while and sometimes the means really does not justify the end.

skidooman

Munoz, about (economy) seat sizes: "I think we are nearing a point certainly that we can't do that anymore,"

No kidding!

It is already way pass the point. I understand that people have a responsibility - that sole focus on price, price, price - but at some point airlines need to go to the govt and say "look, enough is enough. People are pissed all the time. Air rage is all around. And, yeah, these emergency exit times, well they are bogus. So, jump in and regulate minimum space per passenger."

(But when you do, make sure that ALL planes heading for the US need to obey the regulations.)

Until this happens - or, more dramatically, we see people die a horrible death being trapped in a 777 in flames somewhere - will the problem be solved.

narvik

Top management meeting in Willis Tower:

Munoz: "I think we are nearing a point certainly that we can't do that anymore."
Kirby responds: "You kiddin' me? Sure we can!!! Listen, I have a plan here which will allow even more profit: take ALL the seats out, and have passengers stand up during the flight. A 777 can easily fit 800+ pax. So, next week....."

Artpen100

And I will credit him for improving their on-time performance - I remember not too many years ago when IRROPs seemed to happen on half my flights. So the cargo is getting there on time. It's just the international business class food and beverage most of the time, and the service some of the time, is so poor compared to almost every other airline (except maybe AA). I mean, if BA can improve their food quality so much (years ago I considered them worse than UA; now they are one of the best TATL), why can't UA?

sanfran8080

WineCountryUA

Only one problem
Munoz suffered a heart attack on October 15, 2015

Scott Kirby Named President of United Airlines - August 29, 2016

flyme2

It would appear that the honeymoon phase is over. The relief of seeing Jeff go, and the sympathy accorded Oscar after his health issues, have run their course. Oscar is now judged by his words and actions. Unfortunately, neither have been stellar. Articulation and word play are most definitely not his forté. He has lost a fair amount of credibility, and this opinion is also echoed by UA employees with whom I have conversed. I really do sympathize with the man, and I would never wish to have a corporate position with any air carrier. After having gone through such a life threatening episode, I would have chosen to retire.