United Airlines

United is offering 90 days of matched elite status to Delta and American frequent flyers who then must spend between $1,500 and $7,000 on eligible United flights within that period to retain status through Jan. 31, 2028. The promotion explicitly calls out rival carriers and aims to attract high-spending customers amid a race to add premium seats, lounges and international routes. United is also touting free Starlink Wi‑Fi for loyalty members as a competitive incentive while the three largest U.S. airlines escalate their battle for premium travelers. » More on cnbc.com

United Airlines said customers flying to New York-area, Boston and smaller New England airports this weekend can change flights without a change fee or fare difference if rebooked to fly by mid-next week, as the carrier monitors a nor'easter expected to bring high winds and heavy rain. » More on cnbc.com

Scott Kirby proposed mergers with Delta and then American, both rejected and widely seen as unlikely to pass stringent U.S. antitrust scrutiny. The merger push is portrayed as elevating Kirby's profile rather than addressing persistent operational issues such as delays and cancellations. The piece argues United should concentrate on continuing operational improvements that drive shareholder value instead of pursuing quixotic consolidation efforts. » More on forbes.com