United
The true test of loyalty is not whether friends will stand by you on the sunny days, but rather, whether they stand with you in your darkest hour. I have been flying on United Airlines since I was 11 years old, and they have transported me a distance equivalent to going to The Moon and back. Right now, they are in a fight for their lives. Rumors that they may file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection are increasingly difficult to ignore. With that, I wanted to publically express my support for an old friend. Following are reasons why I fly United over any other airline...
- The best route network in America... to America, and the world
- The best planes in the industry, and the most widebodies of all US airlines
- Fact is, I probably pay less or the same for my tickets on United as people being herded like cattle on "discount" airlines. Only I'm flying a real airline with a history that goes back to the birth of aviation, with the best planes, pilots, and crew in the sky. I just do my homework.
- Actually, it really amuses me that people have this perception that discount airlines are cheaper. Here's a newsflash, folks: they're not. They're only cheaper if you don't put a little effort into it. Only the discount airline treats you like cattle and you don't mind because you think you're paying less than me. Now if United really wanted to be a leader in this regard, they could completely restructure their arcane fare structure and make it easier for all of us.
- The little touches by United crew and ground staff that tell me that they appreciate my loyalty. Frequent flyer programs allow them to see how much I fly, like any other airline, but I believe the small touches, or "unpublished" benefits are truly unparalleled.
- Their hubs are some of the best airports in the world. O'Hare is home sweet home.
- United has an Engineering department. Most airlines do not have a real engineering department, just maintenance. That tells me they aren't innovators, just maintainers.
So I'll stand with you again in a time of need. I had thought about making a run on my frequent flyer miles (and i'm talking about a LOT) since they're not FDIC insured, but I won't do that. I believe in this airline, and I believe this airline is the best in the world, and will continue to be for a long time to come.