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Beating airport chaos

The Summer of 2022 has, so far, been conspicuous by the number of media reports about airport delays and chaos. But, how much disruption is there, and what’s the best way for business travellers to ensure their flights run as smoothly as possible? We sent our Sales Director Paul Baker to find out.

Terminal 2: United Airlines operates from The Queen’s Terminal – Heathrow’s £2.5 billion, privately-funded project, opened by Her Majesty in 2014

Paul spent a busy weekday at Heathrow, thanks to an exclusive invitation from United Airlines, who fly from Terminal 2, the Queen’s Terminal. 

Paul explained:

We arrived at Heathrow mid-morning on Thursday, 16 June. I was expecting to see far bigger queues, even though I know a lot of people who have travelled through London’s airports this month without any hold-up at all.

The journey to Heathrow is going to be different depending on time of day and day of week. And, with the train strike disruptions causing an added layer of issues, care should be taken when planning the journey to the airport.

However, with the Elizabeth Line finally up and running and providing additional options, Heathrow is gradually getting easier to reach.

Arriving: the escalators were eerily empty

The first thing that Paul noticed was the amount of queueing at check-in.

The check-in desks were busy, but the queues were moving fairly quickly. 

But, it was noticeable that many passengers hadn’t made use of online check in. 

I would always recommend using Tripscape or the airline’s own app.

United’s app and online tool, the “Travel Ready Center”, offer passengers a number of useful ways in which to ensure they’re ready to start their journey. 

For example, passengers can check in online, upload their Covid vaccination status and Advanced Passenger Information, which is required for travel to a number of countries.

From check in, the next stage is security clearance. 

The security process was running smoothly when I was there, however, I think this is one area in which business travellers can benefit from smart planning. 

By booking a Fast Track security access pass, you arrive at the airport knowing you will not face a big queue to get through security.  Even saving a few minutes’ queueing can reduce the stress of business travel.

Security is often a pinch point for airports. So Fast Track access is often an efficient investment for business travellers pressed for time. 

But Paul noticed one unusually large queue, beyond the security area:

Curiously, the slowest-moving queue in the area of security was a single line of passengers waiting to refill water bottles.

Once airside, Paul was able to see how busy the terminal was.  

The departure area was busy, but, unlike many media reports, there was certainly no over-crowding. There was more than enough seating available for all passengers and the shops were busy, but uncrowded.

Is this “chaos”? It didn’t look like it to me.

Heathrow T2 airside, late morning on Thursday, 16 June: busy, but not overwhelmed

After security, many business travellers seek refuge from the busy public areas of the airport and spend time in airline lounges.

Lounges provide a sanctuary where a business traveller can work, relax, take refreshment and prepare, ahead of their flight.  Some lounges offer exceptional and luxurious facilities. 

For example, United’s lounges have showers that passengers can make use of.  But it gets better.  Once you have disrobed, you can press a button in your shower room, your clothes are then collected by an attendant, pressed and returned, via a two-way closet. 

What better way to prepare for – or recover from – a flight, than a shower and freshly-pressed clothing?

Lounges typically display all the information on flight departures.  So passengers can stay in the comfort of the lounge until their gate is shown, at which time they can go straight to the gate.  

United’s Heathrow lounges: a range of refreshments and facilities are available in lounges for qualifying United’s passengers
United Club: Thank you to Ammy Sandhu, Senior Manager of Lounges and Premium Services and Sam Gillespie, Account Manager, for showing Paul round United’s lounges at Heathrow

The Gate areas were no more busy than usual, with neat rows of passengers waiting for final preparation of aircraft to be completed and efficient airline staff managing the boarding process easily

Departure gates: Paul found there was plenty of space and very little crowding

With boarding complete, passengers can kick back and relax onboard. But some business travellers like to use the time spent in the air as productively as possible. So, as WiFi becomes more widely available on flights, passengers have more opportunity to complete work tasks on laptops and tablets.

It’s great to be able to work during a flight. So onboard WiFi is a big plus. But sometimes, you just want to ping someone a quick message.

This is where United has another great advantage: messaging via WhatsApp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger is free on United’s flights.

So, whether you want to check in with the office, message suppliers, or just keep in touch with friends and family, I would advise making use of this great, additional benefit.

Free messaging: United is one of a number of airlines offering free text messaging services via WhatsApp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger, enabling passengers to stay in touch with the ground, even without using the premium onboard WiFi service

We asked Paul what his tips are for a smooth journey through the airport, especially when the news is full of reports about delays and overcrowding

First, take notice of when the airline tells you to check-in and arrive in good time. But make sure you have checked-in online before you arrive at the airport.

It’s crucial that you give GTM your full, up-to-date contact details before you travel, so we can let you know if there are issues that crop up during your trip and advise you on the best alternative plans.

Take a water bottle to the airport. You can’t take liquids through security, but you can fill up a bottle once you’re through. On hot days, it’s good to have water with you, in case you do face delays.

Think carefully about the advantages of not checking baggage. If you can complete your trip with just onboard bags, it often speeds you through arrivals ahead of others waiting for bags.

Always use Homing Pin for bags and valuables – in case any get lost at the airport or anywhere else on your trip.

And make use of WiFi onboard – keeping in touch with the ground and knowing ahead of time if there are issues often makes stressful journeys much easier to cope with.

Lastly, whenever you see a report of “hundreds of passengers being delayed”, remember it means thousands of passengers aren’t being delayed.

Every day, millions of United passengers reach their destinations without hitch, thanks to the continual, behind-the-scenes work of people all over the world, working all hours to make your journey as smooth, comfortable and easy as possible.

United: thank you to United Airlines and in particular to Sam Gillespie for giving us the exclusive opportunity to find out more about flying through Heathrow with United



United reveal new Away kits

Travellers flying in premium cabins on United’s long-haul international and premium transcontinental routes will experience the airline’s new, co-branded amenity kits designed exclusively for the airline by global travel lifestyle brand Away.

Inspired by Away’s iconic suitcases and versatile accessories, United offer three versions of the amenity kits, each with custom travel essentials and Sunday Riley’s United-exclusive range of clean, cruelty-free skincare products.

The collaboration signifies the first time Away, the global travel lifestyle brand, has partnered with a commercial airline.

Luc Bondar, vice president of marketing and loyalty and president of MileagePlus at United said

As travel demand continues to rise to unprecedented levels, travelers are seeking comfort and quality now more than ever when they fly—that’s why we chose to partner with Away.

Away’s mutual commitment to making travel more seamless, elevated and modern design aesthetic is in perfect harmony with United’s brand, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to be the only airline to provide this unique offering to our customers.

United and Away designed each amenity kit to be ‘the perfect accessory’ for customers to freshen up on long flights and reuse on future journeys.

The Away amenity kits offered include:

  • Hard Pod: For travellers flying in United Polaris® business on long-haul international flights. The sturdy shell and interior elastic band will help keep belongings organized.
  • Sports Pouch: For travellers flying in United Premium Plus® on long-haul international flights. Featuring a soft, protective material you can keep all your belongings organised —including your travel essentials.
  • Zip Case: For travellers flying in United Business on premium transcontinental flights. The water-resistant kit for transcontinental premium travellers is an ideal solution for storing liquids and moving quickly through airport security lines.
Left to right: Hard Pod, for travellers in Polaris Business Class; Sports Pouch for travellers in Premium Plus seats; Zip Case for travellers in Business, on transcontinental flights

Melissa Weiss, Away’s Chief Marketing Officer said

We are thrilled to partner with United to bring Away’s thoughtfully designed products to United travelers around the globe.

United’s mission to connect the world and their dedication to making travel as effortless as possible aligns with Away’s mission to create a more open world by making travel easier. We are certain this unique relationship between our two companies will do just that, making the travel experience more seamless for journeys near or far.

In addition to co-branded personal care essentials like earbuds, an eye mask, and a dental kit, the Away amenity kits will include United’s In-Flight Remedy skin-care products from trusted partner and customer-favorite Sunday Riley. 

Sunday Riley custom developed the In-Flight Remedy line to offer United passengers, high-end skincare products on long-haul international flights and transcontinental flights.

Formulated with hydration in mind to meet flyers’ needs for increased moisture as they travel, each amenity kit includes a variety of Sunday Riley products, from face creams and cleansing cloths to hand creams and lip balms.

Last month, United unveiled its first brand advertising campaign in nearly a decade “Good Leads The Way”, which highlights the airline’s determination to be a force for good not only for customers, but also for the communities it serves.


United kicks off largest transatlantic expansion in its history

United Airlines has kicked off the launch of its largest transatlantic expansion in its history, in anticipation of a strong recovery in European travel.

Patrick Quayle: We have long anticipated a strong demand recovery

In total, United will launch or resume 30 transatlantic flights from mid-April to early June. This includes adding new nonstop flights to five destinations no other North American airline serves including Amman, Jordan; Bergen, Norway; Azores, Portugal; Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands.

The airline is also launching five new nonstop flights to some of Europe’s most popular business and tourist hubs including London, Milan, Zurich, Munich and Nice. United is also resuming fourteen Atlantic routes the airline has historically served and adding frequencies in six others.

United’s transatlantic route network will be more than 25% larger than it was in 2019.

With this expansion, United will serve more transatlantic destinations than every other U.S. carrier combined and will be the largest airline across the Atlantic for the first time in history.

Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of international network and alliances at United said,

We have long anticipated a strong demand recovery, evidenced by our large, strategic expansion in Europe, and with these new flights, we’re proud to offer our customers more options and access than ever before. United continues to leverage its leading global network in new and exciting ways to help our customers make meaningful memories and experience new cultures around the world.

In light of the increased demand for European travel, United is also launching new services to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, including:

  • New daily flights between Boston and London Heathrow, which began on 14 April, and is United’s only trans-oceanic point-to-point flight from Boston. This flight complements United’s nonstop service to London Heathrow from all seven of United’s hubs.
  • New daily flights between Denver and Munich, which began April 23 and joins existing service from Denver to Frankfurt and London. United is the only U.S. airline to offer transatlantic service from Denver.
  • New daily flights between Chicago and Zurich, which began April 23. United now offers more nonstop service between Switzerland and the U.S. than any other U.S. airline, and is the only U.S. airline with nonstop service to Geneva.
  • New daily flights between New York/Newark and Nice, beginning April 29. United will offer more premium seats to Nice than any other U.S. carrier.
  • New daily flights between Chicago and Milan, beginning May 6, joining existing seasonal flights between Chicago and Rome. United will be the only airline to offer nonstop service between Chicago and Milan, adding to its existing service between New York/Newark and Milan.

In addition to these new flights, United is increasing service to popular European travel destinations, including:

  • Second daily flights between New York/Newark and Dublin, which began 23 April.
  • Second daily flights between Denver and London Heathrow, beginning 7 May.
  • Second daily flight between New York/Newark and Frankfurt, beginning 26 May.
  • Second flight between New York/Newark and Rome five times weekly, beginning 27 May.
  • Adding a third daily flight between San Francisco and London Heathrow and increasing service between New York/Newark and London Heathrow to seven daily flights, beginning 28 May. With this additional service, United will offer 22 daily nonstop flights from the U.S. to London Heathrow.

To help generate excitement about these new routes, earlier this month United launched two unique out of home campaigns, including digital billboards in downtown Boston to highlight the airline’s new Boston-London Heathrow service. United also teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue for a series of window displays featuring fashion inspired by United’s five unique transatlantic routes.

In addition to these European routes, United is also growing its presence in Africa as part of this transatlantic expansion. On 8 May, United will increase its service to offer daily flights between Washington/Dulles and Accra, Ghana. The airline will also extend its existing seasonal service to Cape Town to year-round, with nonstop flights from New York/Newark resuming 5 June, subject to government approval.

United Airlines backs Archer Aviation

United Airlines has announced an agreement to work with air mobility company Archer to invest in emerging technologies that decarbonise air travel.

Archer’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are designed to use electric motors and have the potential for future use as ‘air taxis’ in urban markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, United will contribute its expertise in airspace management to assist Archer with the development of battery-powered, short-haul aircraft.

United, together with Mesa Airlines, will acquire a fleet of up to 200 Archer eVTOL aircraft that would be operated by a partner and are expected to give passengers a quick, economical and low-carbon way to get to United’s hub airports and commute in dense urban environments ‘within the next five years’.

United was an early stage investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy and recently partnered with 1PointFive, a joint venture between Oxy Low Carbon Ventures and Rusheen Capital, to jumpstart the establishment of direct air capture and sequestration technology.

United CEO Scott Kirby said,

By working with Archer, United is showing the aviation industry that now is the time to embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation. With the right technology, we can curb the impact aircraft have on the planet, but we have to identify the next generation of companies who will make this a reality early and find ways to help them get off the ground.

Archer’s eVTOL design, manufacturing model and engineering expertise has the clear potential to change how people commute within major metropolitan cities all over the world.

With today’s technology, Archer’s aircraft are designed to travel distances of up to 60 miles at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour and future models will be designed to travel further and faster.

Archer’s aircraft are capable of saving individuals time on their commute – United estimates that using Archer’s eVTOL aircraft could reduce CO2 emissions by 47% per passenger on a trip between Hollywood and Los Angeles International Airport, one of the initial cities where Archer plans to launch its fleet.


Led by co-founders and co-CEOs Brett Adcock (left) and Adam Goldstein (right), Archer’s mission is to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility at scale.

Archer plans to unveil its full scale eVTOL aircraft in 2021, begin aircraft production in 2023, and launch consumer flights in 2024. To drive this fourth transportation revolution and transform how people approach everyday life, work and adventure, Archer has built a highly accomplished team of top engineering and design talent, with a collective 200+ years of eVTOL experience.

Brett Adcock, co-CEO and co-Founder of Archer said,

We couldn’t be happier to be working with an established global player like United. This deal represents so much more than just a commercial agreement for our aircraft, but rather the start of a relationship that we believe will accelerate our timeline to market as a result of United’s strategic guidance around FAA certification, operations and maintenance.

Adam Goldstein, co-CEO and co-Founder of Archer said,

The team at United share our vision of a more sustainable future. We’re working closely with their test pilots and environmental teams to make sustainable urban air mobility a reality far sooner than people could ever imagine.

United demonstrates its commitment to cleanliness

This week, Global Travel Management took a close look at the work currently being undertaken by United Airlines, to combat the pandemic and to ensure all passengers and staff are kept as safe as possible from infection.

Sales Director Paul Baker and Kelly Packington, Director of Operations, spent a day with the United team at London Heathrow and found out what the airline does to ensure Covid safety at every stage of a trip.


Kelly Packington (left) and Paul Baker spent a day at Heathrow discovering how United Airlines maintains Covid safety for all passengers flying from the airport

Terminal 2 at Heathrow has been, and continues to be, extensively cleaned. For example, touch points are cleaned and disinfected and tests are undertaken on a weekly basis to ensure the disinfectant maintains its effectiveness.

Before flying, United email passengers to remind them of the requirement to wear a face mask at the airport and onboard.

United require passengers to complete a “Ready to fly” checklist at check-in. This is done via an app on the passenger’s phone, so can be completed without being face-to-face with check-in staff.

United staff have temperature checks before starting work. And, social distancing is facilitated by floor decals and screens at check-in.

United passengers can check-in online or on their mobile app which generates a QR code. The code is then used to complete the check-in process in the terminal at a self-service check-in machine.

The check-in machine prints out a baggage tag (which the passenger attaches to their own bags). In this way, passengers require no human physical contact is required when checking-in, even when the passenger checks bags.

Security through the airport remains broadly the same as in pre-pandemic times. So, for example, passengers are still required to remove shoes and belts. But the entire area is thoroughly and completely disinfected and cleaned, to reduce further the chances of coming into contact with the virus.

Although Paul and Kelly didn’t experience the “normal” gate procedure, some more changes could be seen at the gate, including:

  • Disinfecting high-touch areas such as charging stations, counters and seats
  • Hand sanitizer stations
  • Passengers self-scan boarding passes
  • Fewer passengers are boarded at a time, allowing continued social distance up to the aircraft door
  • Boarding from the back of the plane, so passengers don’t have to pass already seated passengers

Onboard the plane – in this case, a Boeing 787-8, the “Dreamliner” – it’s clear the aircraft is cleaned, immaculately, throughout.

Paul Baker’s reaction to the experience is straightforward:

The Dreamliner is super, super clean; aircraft have never been so clean.

The cleanliness of the aircraft now takes precedence over everything else, for example the loading of catering and new blankets and amenity kits. All cabins and the toilets are afforded the same levels of cleaning disinfectant killing 99.97% of all germs.

Passengers are provided with hand sanitizer wipes. Masks are mandatory for passengers and cabin crew. Pillows and blankets are provided “on request”. And, on arrival, the aircraft is “de-planed” in groups of five rows at a time, to prevent unnecessary crowding.

If you have any questions about flying on United, or through Heathrow, please let your GTM Account Manager know.

Polaris & Premium Plus now on Heathrow – Chicago.

United Airlines has announced that Polaris, its new Business Class product, will now be available on its three daily flights between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare from November 15th.

The route its operated by B767-300ER aircraft, which United is retrofitting in a new premium-heavy configuration.

The planes will have 46 seats in Polaris, 22 seats in Premium Plus, the airline’s new Premium Economy product, which debuted earlier this year, as well as 47 seats in ‘Economy Plus’ and 52 seats in economy.

Passengers in Premium Plus get perks including checked bags, more spacious seats, “upgraded” dining, an amenity kit and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding.

Polaris seats, which launched in 2016, are in a 1-2-1 configuration and offer a fully-flat bed.

United has been updating its fleet of long-haul aircraft with the new Polaris cabin since 2016, and it is now available on all five of United’s daily services Heathrow Newark NJ, and, now, Chicago next month. Please check with your GTM Travel Consultant, prior to booking, if either, Polaris or Premium Plus, is available on your next flight.

Great news if you’re flying on United…

We are always looking to find ways to make our clients’ travel experiences the best they can be. 

And, thanks to our relationship with United Airlines, we can now offer Global Travel Management clients a free upgrade on their next trip.

If you’re planning a journey on United’s network in the next few weeks, here are two different ways we can add extra value to your trip.


The United Club lounge at London Heathrow is just one of the network of award-winning United lounges
  • First, if your flight ticket does not include access to a lounge, we can provide you with a free premium pass, giving you access to United’s award-winning lounges. United has a network of more than 50 United Club locations around the world. United Clubs are the perfect spot for United passengers to relax and recharge, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, wellness rooms and specially-curated local food and beverage offerings.
  • Second, if your flight is in United’s economy class, we can provide you with a no-cost upgrade to United’s Economy Plus seating. United’s Economy Plus cabins offer you more legroom, more space and a more relaxing flight.  Stretch out with more room to work and relax, sit near the front of the cabin so you can exit the plane easier at your destination… and more! 

United’s Economy Plus seating offers more legroom and more space to work and relax

So, the next time you need to take a flight on United – or a flight with another carrier on a United route – call your GTM Account Manager. We can let you know if your trip qualifies for one – or both – of these free upgrades.

This opportunity is strictly limited to a small number of GTM clients booking United flights.  But, while the offer is still open, please contact your GTM Account Manager the next time you need to fly on a route served by United.  We can then let you know whether you can benefit from a free lounge pass or a free Premium Economy upgrade. 

UNITED AIRLINES APPLIES FOR SIX NEW ROUTES FROM HANEDA AIRPORT

United Airlines applies to serve Tokyo from six US airports

United Airlines has announced that it has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for a total of six daily non-stop flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport from Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Guam’s A.B. Won Pat International Airport.

Pending completion of an aviation agreement between the U.S. and Japanese governments later this year, and slots awarded by DOT, the flights are expected to begin service by the summer of 2020.

United has presented a proposal maximised to meet consumer demand: the flights from five U.S. mainland hub cities and Guam will connect Tokyo Haneda with 112 U.S. airports, representing approximately two thirds of U.S.-Tokyo demand, or more than three million annual Tokyo bookings.

With United’s proposed routes representing five of the six largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. mainland and a combined population of nearly 56 million, the new flights requested in this proceeding will provide consumers with more choices and more convenient options when selecting Tokyo Haneda for their travel plans.

United President Scott Kirby said:

If awarded by the DOT, these new nonstop flights would expand United’s best-in-class Japan route network to better meet demand from U.S. consumers and businesses. Tokyo is a hub of 21st century global commerce and innovation. Our proposed flights to Tokyo Haneda will offer an unrivalled experience and maximise choice and convenience for our customers traveling between the United States and Tokyo for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

United’s proposed daily flights from Newark/New York, Los Angeles and Guam would supplement the airline’s existing daily flights between those hubs and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, while United would shift existing daily nonstop Chicago, Washington D.C. and Houston flights from Tokyo Narita to Tokyo Haneda.

In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers’ best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to this announcement, United recently released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats. The multimillion-dollar investment in improving inflight entertainment options will benefit the more than 29 million people expected to fly United’s DIRECTV-enabled planes this year.