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United is using smaller plane to fly trans-Atlantic ... and stiff winds spell trouble

(NEWSER) - Exactly the news frustrated travelers want to hear: In a bid to pinch pennies, many nonstop Continental flights from Europe to the East Coast are, you guessed it, stopping along the way. The latest airplane-related annoyance stems from United Continental Holding's decision to use smaller jets on several trans-Atlantic routes. The good news for United: Doing so lets United use planes that are cheaper to operate and staffed by fewer flight attendants. The bad news for you: If the planes run into strong headwinds, they burn more fuel, and need to stop and refuel, often in Canada. More»

At least one person is seriously injured

(AP) - A fire official says a United Airlines jetliner was diverted to Denver after experiencing "significant turbulence," injuring about 30 people onboard, one seriously. The flight originated in Washington, DC, and was headed to Los Angeles. Denver Fire Department spokesman Eric Tade says the plane was able to land safely at Denver International Airport, where medical crews met the flight. He says one person was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, while others were being treated at the scene. More»

American, Delta, United, US Airways, JetBlue make a deal

(AP) - Five major carriers agreed today not to follow the lead of a small Florida airline that plans to charge for carry-on bags. Their commitment comes just in time to keep travelers from running for the exits during the peak summer flying season, but it is doubtful that it marks a change in strategy. The promise to Sen. Charles Schumer from American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and US Airways comes even though some of the carriers are expected to report first-quarter losses next week. More»

Fee covers two bags per flight, and up to 8 passengers booked at same time

(NEWSER) - Fly United frequently, or planning to use the airline for the next couple family vacations? For a $249 annual fee, United will waive fees for your first two checked bags—and it covers up to eight people traveling on the same booking. With a $20 charge for the first bag and $30 for the second ($15 and $25 if you check in online), “Premier Baggage pays for itself after just a few trips,” an airline statement reads. More»

(NEWSER) - United Airlines’ dismal service and financial stature may soon send it to Chapter 11, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a “teachable moment,” Shaun Rein writes in Forbes. Herewith, three lessons:

• Loyal customers return: "Consumers are more price sensitive in this economy, and they are trading down, but it's still a great time to capture loyalty," Rein writes. "People don't want to waste money on brands that fail to meet their expectations."