12 things that United Airlines does well

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Yesterday, I wrote an article in which we share 11 things that American Airlines is doing very well. I thought it was only fair that I write such an article, since I was quite critical of the airline.

While I was writing all the time about the great things Delta was doing, I also wanted to write an article about things that United is thinking of doing well.

In no particular order, here are 12 things I like about United Airlines:

Polaris Trade Shows

United Polaris trade shows are unquestionably the best international business class fairs offered by all US airlines. The salons are spectacular, with incredible attention to design. The lounges also offer à la carte dishes, personalized espresso and more.

The only disadvantage is that United is subject to strict terms of access because you can only use them when traveling in First Class Star Alliance or Business Class. No status level will allow you to access these lounges.

United Polaris Lounge Newark

Polaris Bedding and Amenities

While United is installing new Polaris seats throughout its fleet, the reality is that the road ahead is long. At present, their longest flights are all provided by aircraft with old business class seats, which are not competitive.

Fortunately, all long-haul flights use United's new soft Polaris product. Bedding and amenities are exceptional. United has the best bedding of any business class airline, and on some long-haul flights it even has pajamas.

United Polaris Bedding

Larger cabins in business class

While American and Delta generally install smaller business class cabs on their long-haul aircraft, United is going in the opposite direction and this is great news, both for award tickets and upgrades.

For example, their 777-300s have 60 Polaris seats, their reconfigured 777-200s have 50 seats, and their reconfigured 767-300s have between 30 and 46 seats.

United Polaris cabin 777-300ER

Road network and ultra-long-haul flights

Of course, everyone will have different opinions about the airline that has the best route network depending on where they live and where they are going.

However, personally, I think United has the most global route network. Not only that, but I appreciate that they are ready to try very long-haul flights, which American and Delta fear.

So, from San Francisco to Singapore, via Houston, Sydney, Newark, Delhi, Washington, Tel Aviv, Newark and Cape Town (later this year), United has a spectacular network of roads.

United 777-300ER

United app and website

United has an excellent application. I'm not sure it's better than Delta, but it's in the same league and much better than American. It's great for everything from push notifications to the status of upgrades to changes.

In this respect, United's information technology in general is quite good with respect to the ability to manage online bookings.

I also like the fact that United explains in detail why your flight is delayed, unlike American and Delta.

Online Reward Search

Although I think that the value proposition of using United miles is worse than ever with the introduction of dynamic reward pricing, I must at least pay tribute to United for making the search and booking of rewards via their website.

It is the only one of the "big three" US airlines to display online space available to all partners.

No fuel charges on MileagePlus partners

Again, I do not think there is a significant competitive advantage today over MileagePlus repurchase rates, although unlike American AAdvantage and Delta SkyMiles, United does not pass on the surcharges imposed on carriers for repurchases of indemnities granted by partner companies. I like that as a concept.

Redeem United miles on Lufthansa at no additional charge

Stopovers on award tickets

MileagePlus is the only one to allow free stops among the three major programs of US airlines. American and Delta both offered stopovers, but no longer. Meanwhile, with United, you are entitled to one stop with an international roundtrip ticket.

With United's new aggressive pricing, it will be more difficult to determine if you get a free stop because the pricing is no longer published.

Enjoy a free stopover with a MileagePlus premium ticket

MileagePlus miles are easy to win

United is a transfer partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards, which means United miles are easy to get through instant transfers.

This is an advantage over AAdvantage America, since it does not associate with a transferable point currency. Meanwhile, Delta SkyMiles is a partner of Amex Membership Rewards, although you have to pay a federal excise tax when transferring points.

Earn miles with the following cards:


Million miler status

Although I do not think MileagePlus as such is a competitive advantage, their program of more than a million passengers is by far the best of the "big three" US airlines. There are four thresholds:

  • Lifetime Gold at 1MM
  • Platinum life at 2MM
  • Lifetime 1K to 3MM
  • Global Services Lifetime at 4MM

It's great in itself, but the icing on the cake is that you can also designate a companion to have this status.

It's way better than Delta's millions of people and infinitely better than the catastrophic American program of millions of people.

Get a precious lifetime elite status for you and a companion

Flight changes the same day

One of the best policies of any airline on same day flight change can be useful if your plans change at the last minute or if you simply try to find the fare the cheapest in the hope of changing it later.

Premier Gold members and higher levels can make the change for free (Premier Silvers and non-elites must pay $ 75) and you can even change your city of correspondence when you make such a change.

You can also change your flight within 24 hours so you can fly another day.

I would say that United's policy is slightly better than Delta's and much better than American's.

United has an excellent flight change policy the same day

Star Alliance

Although I prefer Emerald's oneworld status to any Star Alliance status, Star Alliance is the largest alliance of airlines in the world. So being able to earn and redeem miles on the most important alliance is a great benefit for United.

Bottom line

To be honest, when I started writing this post, I could only think of a handful of positive things about United, but after ask on Twitter, many of you pointed out things that United does really well.

Unfortunately, three people are missing: people, domestic flight experience and high speed wifi.

I'm curious to hear what you think – what does United Airlines do well, do you think?

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