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Welcome

Friends,

It is always fun for me to write about United. Personally, there was something really special about welcoming people to cities across the world “on behalf of all of us at United”.

While I am very grateful for the work I get to do today, I miss the friendly skies. I am glad that is the case.

Let’s get going.

Links

New food coming to American’s Flagship Lounges.

Incarcerated American couple returned home.

Woof.

I haven’t flown with this safety video yet, but I think it is fabulous. Also this one.

Story

I worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines from 2015 to 2017. It was an incredible experience—and I learned a lot, not just about the industry but about people. I saw firsthand what makes a great flight and learned a lot about what really matters in life.

So today, I wanted to share four reasons I love United Airlines (and why I may buy some of their stock as US markets gasp for air on this rather remarkable April Friday).

I also hope my commentary is a help to you as you consider who to fly on for your next trip.

1. Polaris Business Class gets the big things right.
The food in Polaris isn’t great at the moment (post-pandemic United catering has ranked the lowest among the big 3 US carriers), but everything else about their international business class product really shines. The Saks Fifth Avenue bedding is shockingly excellent—and Laurent-Perrier champagne is now on offer, which is really strong. Polaris lounges are next-level, too: full service dining, showers, and some of the best airport spaces in the U.S. It adds up to a product that, while imperfect, delivers rest and comfort when it matters.

2. The MileagePlus program is better than you think.
I used to knock United’s loyalty program. I was wrong. While dynamic pricing has its drawbacks, there are serious sweet spots—especially on partner redemptions. If you know how to search and transfer from Chase, you can do very well.

3. The route network is unbeatable.
United can get you virtually anywhere. They’re the only U.S. carrier that flies to Iowa, Greenland and Mongolia—and once claimed to be the largest airline in the free world. Now they are just the biggest in the world (by ASMs). Put simply: they’ve made themselves hard to beat for both domestic and global itineraries.

4. The people.
This one hits home. I worked with some of the best crews in the business—gracious, professional, funny, thoughtful. United has gone through a major culture shift since my time onboard, but many of the people I flew with are still there, and I know how deeply they care about sharing the joy of flight with others.

Big Picture: United is far from perfect—but they are doing a lot of things right. They are investing heavily in the future, improving the passenger experience, and growing in global, strategic ways.

I may no longer wear the uniform, but I’ll always feel at home on United.

In all seriousness: I hope you do, too.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.