Steve D.Cambridge, MA
Surprised no one has mentioned Channel 9. United lets passengers listen to cockpit-tower communications, at least on old UAL metal. Not sure whether they will keep this or eliminate it (more likely) as they replace the fleet post-merger. There are many moments of openness including pilots angry at gate personnel (heard this at SFO once when we were kept waiting after being promised a gate). The most revealing moment was hearing a pilot repeatedly get our flight's identifying number wrong and have to be corrected by the towers. This happened more than once during the flight. I called to report it and never heard back from the airline regarding any actions taken. This is what makes me think Channel 9 will be dropped - too much liability.
Sept. 15, 2013 at 10:12 p.m.