Speculation Thread: The "Kirby Kutbacks"

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Mar 11, 2020 | 9:34 pm

#31

Kacee

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Quote:

Originally Posted by username

Well, they did go "no free water" on America West for a while then they retracted. So, hopefully he learned that lesson.

That was US, not HP.

Mar 11, 2020 | 9:41 pm

#32

Austin787

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Quote:

Originally Posted by username

Well, they did go "no free water" on America West for a while then they retracted. So, hopefully he learned that lesson.

They retracted because none of the other legacies matched. If UA,AA, et al matched the water charge, I bet we would still be paying it today

Mar 11, 2020 | 9:57 pm

#33

username

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacee

That was US, not HP.

I remember this was 2008 when I was doing BUR-PHX a lot. This pushed me to WN. Right, Wikipedia says HP-US merger happened in 2005. I will fix it.

Mar 12, 2020 | 3:55 pm

#34

IAH-OIL-TRASH

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What are chances of UA temporarily shutting Polaris Lounges as long-haul cutbacks (I assume) accelerate? There’s room in UCs and Kirby could blame Covid19.

Mar 12, 2020 | 5:25 pm

#35

bocastephen

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Quote:

Originally Posted by IAH-OIL-TRASH

What are chances of UA temporarily shutting Polaris Lounges as long-haul cutbacks (I assume) accelerate? There’s room in UCs and Kirby could blame Covid19.

I would say that LAX, EWR, SFO and ORD would be closed, if this happened, while IAH might remain open to serve the deep South American flights, perhaps with more limited hours.

Mar 12, 2020 | 6:51 pm

#36

UAL757222

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I’m very interested to see how he does when he takes over in May handling this crisis and if he can be a true Uniter and navigate through some turbulent skies.

if he’s in the mood to cut some things, I fully support cutting the globe.

Mar 12, 2020 | 6:52 pm

#37

iapetus

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UAL757222

I’m very interested to see how he does when he takes over in May handling this crisis and if he can be a true Uniter and navigate through some turbulent skies.

I wonder if he will be more or less inclined to lean on Oscar for advice through all of this. I'll be hoping it's the former.

Mar 12, 2020 | 7:12 pm

#38

worldtrav

Join Date: May 2001

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He'd better be looking at every single opportunity to cut costs and preserve cash under the current conditions otherwise he isn't doing his job, the survival of UA is at stake. The bigger question is if any of the cuts become permanent and what the future United product looks like.

Mar 13, 2020 | 9:10 am

#39

kevflyer

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Can you credit Kirby for this?

Quote:

Effective today United Airlines plans to stop offering some seats that used to be available for upgrade to members of their MileagePlus program, holding those back to sell to infrequent customers at check-in instead.

https://viewfromthewing.com/starting...l-at-check-in/

Mar 13, 2020 | 9:27 am

#40

JHake10

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Quote:

Originally Posted by kevflyer

Can you credit Kirby for this?

https://viewfromthewing.com/starting...l-at-check-in/

Just when you think you found a silver lining you get Kirby'ed. I'm glad I moved away from UA two years ago.

Mar 13, 2020 | 9:46 am

#41

Austin787

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Quote:

Originally Posted by kevflyer

Can you credit Kirby for this?

https://viewfromthewing.com/starting...l-at-check-in/

That has been United's policy long before Kirby came on board.

Mar 13, 2020 | 9:54 am

#42

Silver Fox

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Quote:

Originally Posted by kevflyer

Can you credit Kirby for this?

https://viewfromthewing.com/starting...l-at-check-in/

This is propaganda, a lie I tell you, a damned lie! I read in another thread that United has the data and that changing the MP program was going to mean more upgrades for the elites, you know, the proper elites. Who will act as their voice? Proper elites have feelings to you know!

Mar 13, 2020 | 10:30 am

#43

IAH-OIL-TRASH

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Maybe Kirby won't shut down Polaris Clubs after all - maybe start selling passes temporarily for $159 allowing entry 2 hour before a flight.

Mar 13, 2020 | 2:00 pm

#44

bocastephen

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin787

That has been United's policy long before Kirby came on board.

No, not in this format or to this level of aggression.

twomonger likes this.

Mar 13, 2020 | 4:01 pm

#45

chriskuo

Join Date: Aug 2009

Posts: 77

This seems like a rational business practice. The airlines are going bankrupt and will require a government bailout. It’s not reasonable to criticize the airline for trying to mitigate the damage.

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