United Airlines

Ever since the debacle at DIA with the luggage handling system and United bailing DIA out in exchange for what appeared to be a monopoly at the airport, I had sworn them off as an airline.  Well I may have to eat my words.  What I am learning about United is that even though its economy and economy plus are comparable to other airlines in price, seat room and fees, if you book early (like 6-9 months ahead) their first class can be a deal.  I traveled to Hawaii in first class for just $200 more than the best price I could find at the time in economy on any airlines.  For that $200 I got a pod with a bed, TV, wifi and pretty good food, wine and champagne.

So when I decided to go to New York for the Thanksgiving 2016 I thought I would check out United once again.  What I found was First Class into La Guardia and Newark from Denver for only $190 more for a round trip ticket than what I could find on other airlines including Southwest and Frontier. Southwest and Frontier hadn't published their prices yet so I checked prices to fly over Memorial day and they ranged one way from $199 (Frontier - that is before all their fees and they only offered overnight flight) to $414 one way on Southwest (Business select).  Average price was $450-$490 round trip. American Airlines was $495 round trip for economy.  Even Jet Blue and Spirit were pricey and Spirit is like Frontier, fees galore.

So bottom line, for a total of $300 more my nephew Ray and I are flying into Newark First Class on United. No additional carry on fees, baggage fees (2 bags included), no pick your seat fees, we board separately and we have music, TV, wifi, private bathroom (shared with the pilots) and meals and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic).  For an American airline their food and service is pretty good.  Sadly they still can't compare to airlines like British Airways in service and food and with BA, you get free access to their AMAZING lounges worldwide with your ticket.  With United you have to pay and the lounges are far from amazing - more utilitarian.

You might think that is a bit much to pay, but once you compare prices after you add all the fees that have become so popular with other airlines AND consider your comfort - like avoiding Frontier's new configuration that has a tray barely large enough for your cell phone and even less leg room - it may not seem so bad.

As with all pricing, they limit the number of seats available, so the seats go fast to travelers like me who book way ahead to get great prices.  What really is key is to start looking early (this is February, I just booked flights for Thanksgiving), look at prices during the middle of the week, they tend to go up over weekends, and once you start your quest for flights, check daily until you pin down the ones you want.  The specially priced tickets are limited - the seats I got on my flight were 2 of the last 4 available at that price.

I will post soon my experience booking my Thanksgiving Day vacation in New York - booking early saved me almost 50%!

Safe travels.