United Airlines' Latest Move Makes Its Loyal Flyers Happy

As a frequent United passenger (and a million-miler 1K flyer), this news makes me happy: the airline is extending Premier status through January 31, 2022! This  protection is peace of mind for those of us who love to fly, and who are anxious to fly again, but whose up-in-the-air activity has been drastically slashed – or brought to a screeching halt – by the current #StayHome COVID-19 mandates.

You’ll find some of the other new benefits – including extended PlusPoint expiration for 1K and Platinum members for six months and usage of all electronic travel certificates for 24 months --  on United Airlines’ news hub.

Travel restrictions worldwide continue to impact all US airlines, which are being forced to – in the short term – reduce capacity; for example, United is slashing 90% of its international flights in the month of April. United is pivoting, though, by flying medical equipment for coronavirus testing and conducting about 40 cargo-only flights per week.

Once we’re on the other side of the coronavirus apex, and once we get that green light consensus that it’s OK to resume our travel plans and dreams, it’ll be interesting to gauge consumer behavior. How quickly we get back to flying, and with what frequency and at what comfort level, will drive how quickly airlines will bring aircraft back online and rebuild their schedules. Safety first, of course – although I do hope that it’s sooner rather than later... I miss flying a lot!

For now, some of pre-COVID in-flight pictures taken on my iPhone that are helping me reminisce...
 
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