United, Continental and All Nippon Airways are seeking a three-way tie-up which will enable them to co-ordinate schedules and fares between the US and Japan in a bid to “compete more effectively” with other global airline alliances. The application comes less than a fortnight after an “open skies” agreement between the US and Japan.

The aviation industry has received one of the clearest signals yet of embarking on the road to recovery after United Airlines placed an order for 50 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, worth almost $10bn, and marks its first order in over a decade.

Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holidays, United Airlines customers on transcontinental p.s.(SM) flights can enjoy a complimentary onboard Internet session with the new Try-Before-You-Buy promotion, offered in conjunction with airborne communications provider Aircell.

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) today welcomed Continental Airlines to the Star Alliance, marking a significant step in the carriers’ plans to link their networks and services and offer new, unparalleled convenience to the benefit of the traveling public, employees at each airline and the scores of communities the carriers serve.

United has come out with their latest offering in the ever creative world of airline fees: the all-you-can-eat plan for checked baggage. For $249 a year, United will allow you to check up to two bags (normally $20 and $30 for the 1st and 2nd bags) for a whole year. Any hangers-on (up to eight) in the same reservation also benefit from the deal. Think of how much the Eight-is-Enough family would have saved had this been around in their day.

Social media means that brands no longer control what consumers say about them. The most powerful travel example yet was the musician who created a YouTube hit about United breaking his prized guitar. Adam Coulter examines the ensuing PR disaster and what companies can learn in order to stay on the right side of the consumer.