Pilot forgets passport; delays international flight

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai diverted to San Francisco over the weekend after a pilot realised "they forgot their passport"

The Boeing 787-9 left LAX on Saturday for a 13 hours and 50 minutes flight to the Chinese city, Airlive.net reported.

The aircraft flew for about 1 hour and 45 minutes before the crew decided to turn around over Pacific.

The airline initially cited the incident as a “crew-related issue” but CNN reportedone of the pilots realized he forgot his passport. How he was able to depart LAX without a travel document was not explained, but this is the 'new" US.

The flight UA198 was diverted to San Francisco. Passengers were given $15 meal vouchers to make up for the inconvenience.

The flight with the new crew took off around 9 p.m. and landed in Shanghai about six hours behind schedule.

A replacement crew boarded the aircraft later to resume the flight to Shanghai.

United Airlines said in a statement: “Your flight diverted to San Francisco due to an unexpected crew-related issue requiring a new crew."

Airline introduces Braille signage to help visually disabled flyers

United Airlines has moved to help passengers with visual disabilities by adding Braille messaging to aircraft interiors.

United says it will help less sighted folk more easily navigate the cabin independently.

The airline has currently equipped about a dozen aircraft with Braille markings for individual rows and seat numbers as well as inside and outside lavatories.

United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026.

“Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is something most of us take for granted,” said Linda Jojo, United's Chief Customer Officer.

“But for millions, it can be a challenge.”

“By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors, we’re making the flying experience more inclusive.”

In addition, United is working with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and other groups to explore the use of other tactile navigational aids.

This includes raised letters, numbers and arrows.

Other measures United has implemented include a recent re-design of the United app to make it easier to use for people with visual disabilities.

A weighty issue for American airlines

I am no slimline creature but I feel positively virtuous when among Americans. Some of them are absolutely humungous.

Now, United Airlines is operating some of its flights with empty seats due to the increasing weight of the average American air traveller.

The airline is blocking off up to six middle seats on Boeing 757 flights because of federal weight and balance restrictions, Travel Mole reports. The move is to ensure aircraft are properly balanced. 

“The temporary change is a result of the increased average customer winter weights as prescribed by the FAA [Federal Aviation Authority],” the airline says.

“To be compliant with the current B757 weight and balance requirements, United will block specific seats between November 1 and April 30, 2023."

Airlines have to account for a little more weight per passenger due to heavier winter clothing while base weight averages were increased in 2019 to account for the increasing weight of passengers.

The New York Post was blunt in its assessment, using the headline: "United Airlines eliminating seats as Americans get fatter". 

Image: Live and Let's Fly

United Airlines toasts border reopening in Aussie style

United Airlines is getting into the swing of all things Australian as it announced that Beach Beer Bondi XPA, one of Australia’s newest craft beers, will be available on all of its flights between Sydney and San Francisco and Los Angeles.

United is the first US airline to offer the boutique brand onboard its flights and it will be available for customers through March 2022.

United was the only airline that maintained passenger services between Australia and the US with daily flights during the pandemic, repatriating Australians and supporting essential travel.

“United flies the most to Australia among all US carriers and this partnership is an example of what good mates do,” said Luc Bondar, a native Australian and United’s vice president of marketing and loyalty.

“We are deeply committed to the Australian market and today’s announcement to support a local Aussie start-up brewer is a celebration of that loyalty.”

United also announced this week a new partnership with Virgin Australia Group that will add more flight options for customers.

Beginning early 2022, United customers can access convenient one-stop connections to Australia’s top destinations while enjoying the benefits of MileagePlus frequent flyer membership.

Beach Beer Bondi XPA, the brand’s flagship beer, is an Extra Pale Ale described as being "full of floral, fruity, stony goodness".

The beer is brewed with a special yeast sourced from United’s hometown, Chicago. Beach Beer Bondi was recognized in the Top 50 Best Craft Beers in Australia at the Great Australian Beer Spectacular festival (GABS).

“Showcasing our flagship beer on America’s premier airline, United Airlines, is a dream for us,” said Paul Parks, Bondi Brewing Company’s founder and director.

“It’s very cool that United is supporting an independent brewer from Down Under in what has been a tough couple of years for everyone.”

United currently operates daily nonstop flights between Sydney and San Francisco and Los Angeles with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and will upgrade the fleet to Boeing 777-300ERs, effective December 18, for eastbound flights.

See https://www.united.com/en-au