At least United has finally admitted that being a passenger on their planes is a lot like traveling on a freight train.
7
Anybody want to take my 5-1 bet that if it is found they violated the law, neither Smisek nor Samson does any real jail time?
Corporations too big to fail.
Executives too connected to jail.
Hey, I'll make that 10-1.
Corporations too big to fail.
Executives too connected to jail.
Hey, I'll make that 10-1.
9
anyone involved in bridge gate should be in jail.
many decades ago when I was on my way from school in VA to Yale to see my boyfriend, I got caught in the usual mad rush at the George Washington Bridge. Met a lot of nice guys there as we waited for the road to clear up. And that was just traffic, not a deliberate bridge gate. All those white guys need to be in jail for what they did at the bridge.
many decades ago when I was on my way from school in VA to Yale to see my boyfriend, I got caught in the usual mad rush at the George Washington Bridge. Met a lot of nice guys there as we waited for the road to clear up. And that was just traffic, not a deliberate bridge gate. All those white guys need to be in jail for what they did at the bridge.
7
I'm no Christie fan, but why does every single story about this have to be written in connect-the-dot fashion back to the governor of NJ? If Samson did this, then he alone should be held accountable, not his fifth-grade teacher, not his mother, and not the guy who appointed him. Besides, PANYNJ was a cesspool looong before Mr. Christie was even involved in politics. Let's just celebrate that anything *at all* is being done to save the taxpayers of NJ and NY.
4
It seems more apparent every day that the Port Authority is a honey pot of corruption. It needs better oversight and more transparency, instead of being used as a patronage machine.
5
"CSX is primarily involved in railroad shipping. Munoz said he is well-equipped for his new job because the railroad industry "has a lot of parallels," including heavy government oversight and an organized labor force."
- Reminds me of the Esurance ad ("Sorta Marge") where the Beauty Queen is sitting in the crane cab babbling on and on about how she is the same thing as Marge, the real crane operator because she drives a stick too, etc.
Sacks of potatoes don't complain when they are stuffed 15 feet high in CSX boxcars. Or is that Mr. Munoz's vision for United passengers...
- Reminds me of the Esurance ad ("Sorta Marge") where the Beauty Queen is sitting in the crane cab babbling on and on about how she is the same thing as Marge, the real crane operator because she drives a stick too, etc.
Sacks of potatoes don't complain when they are stuffed 15 feet high in CSX boxcars. Or is that Mr. Munoz's vision for United passengers...
7
Accused of corruption and graft and walks away with $4.9 million cash? This is outrageous. He should be in jail.
7
Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Bridgegate, and we’re still dealing with the fallout.
So far, 3 people from the Christie administration have been criminally charged. Now, the CEO of United Airlines is "stepping down" presumably due to granting personal favors to David Samson, Christie’s former head of the Port Authority, in exchange for preferential legislative treatment.
What’s amazing is that Chris Christie STILL refuses to take responsibility. And he keeps lying on the campaign trail by saying he held a press conference the day after the story broke. That's not true. Christie still claimed it was a traffic study; it was not until January 2014 - 4 months later - that Christie held his so-called "day-after" press conference.
This is truly a shameful chapter in NJ's political history.
And Chris Christie is truly shameful.
So far, 3 people from the Christie administration have been criminally charged. Now, the CEO of United Airlines is "stepping down" presumably due to granting personal favors to David Samson, Christie’s former head of the Port Authority, in exchange for preferential legislative treatment.
What’s amazing is that Chris Christie STILL refuses to take responsibility. And he keeps lying on the campaign trail by saying he held a press conference the day after the story broke. That's not true. Christie still claimed it was a traffic study; it was not until January 2014 - 4 months later - that Christie held his so-called "day-after" press conference.
This is truly a shameful chapter in NJ's political history.
And Chris Christie is truly shameful.
7
And so it goes on, a row of dominoes tumbled over due to an internet problem. This guy was just doing what anybody would do, a business favor for a friend.
The "general" and his former and now defunct law firm had been feeding off state contracts and crony-contacts for years; Samson helped Christie come to power - and took as much $$ as he wanted; the "general" as New Yorkers should recall was involved with the downfall of ex-judge Saul Wachler (sp?) in the 90s; Samson was involved with the woman the ex-judge was stalking; General Samson will not go quietly; he'll feed Christie to the feds to stay out of prison. No honor for these meretricious hacks.
3
There better be some criminal charges, DOJ. Or is the no-backbone legacy of Eric Holder too overpowering to shake? The public is watching.
3
Fe Fi Fo Fum: I smell the start of complex litigation! This will get ugly, fast and fearsome!
I think it is spelled Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (R.I.C.O.) and the fact that the pattern of corruption spans at least 2 states, New Jersey and South Carolina, makes it intrinsically Federal.
If anyone has to be concerned at this hour, they are undoubtedly sitting with their hands in their heads in the executive washroom and the board lunchroom of United. Anyone at United who thinks that the bloodletting stops at 3 is sorely mistaken: It's only begun!
The prospect of a dozen or so United executives and United board members flying to their next "destination" (All expenses paid by the taxpayers) in an un-marked ConAir jetliner makes for potentially bad optics...
I think it is spelled Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (R.I.C.O.) and the fact that the pattern of corruption spans at least 2 states, New Jersey and South Carolina, makes it intrinsically Federal.
If anyone has to be concerned at this hour, they are undoubtedly sitting with their hands in their heads in the executive washroom and the board lunchroom of United. Anyone at United who thinks that the bloodletting stops at 3 is sorely mistaken: It's only begun!
The prospect of a dozen or so United executives and United board members flying to their next "destination" (All expenses paid by the taxpayers) in an un-marked ConAir jetliner makes for potentially bad optics...
3
In my naivete I had assumed that crooked CEO's and politicians had evolved beyond the crude corruption we see here into a higher moral plane or better concealed schemes from investigators. The insatiable greed of the 1%. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
2
I'm shocked, shocked I tell you to see that corruption is going on at the Port Authority. This is how "business" is conducted in the NY/NJ ecosystem.
Has it not been this way for many, many years?
Gov. Christie, and many other regional officials, are indignant when such activity is exposed and questioned as the "practices" are common.
Most New Jersey political figures can't pass the "smell test" nationally
because they have been immersed in the system for years and have benefitted from the same. The fictional Captain Louis Renault represents
better examples of judgement and governance than the lowly Governor of New Jersey. (Hey, Gov. Cuomo!, Heads up.)
Has it not been this way for many, many years?
Gov. Christie, and many other regional officials, are indignant when such activity is exposed and questioned as the "practices" are common.
Most New Jersey political figures can't pass the "smell test" nationally
because they have been immersed in the system for years and have benefitted from the same. The fictional Captain Louis Renault represents
better examples of judgement and governance than the lowly Governor of New Jersey. (Hey, Gov. Cuomo!, Heads up.)
8
It is astounding to me that big media (undoubtedly backed by Koch Bros. and other dark money) continues to focus on a Hilary "email scandal."
Meanwhile, Chris Christie presided over actual crimes and payoffs and double dealings while in office, obvious to any person who doesn't think United Airlines simply decides to open money-losing weekend plane routes over a dinner conversation.
And Hillary has shown us her emails. All of them? I have no idea.
But we have STILL NOT SEEN any Christie emails. When someone writes "time for traffic problems in Fort Lee" and someone else writes "got it," it is crystal clear there was a prior conversation.
Can we see the texts? Can Christie instruct his underlings to come clean? He personally appointed the Port Authority Director. Will Christie the Federal Prosecutor demand that Samson opens his books?
We need to know everything NOW. Christie needs to stop running for President NOW. Christie likely needs to resign as Governor NOW.
Oh -- but Hillary had an email server in her house! A squirrel!
Meanwhile, Chris Christie presided over actual crimes and payoffs and double dealings while in office, obvious to any person who doesn't think United Airlines simply decides to open money-losing weekend plane routes over a dinner conversation.
And Hillary has shown us her emails. All of them? I have no idea.
But we have STILL NOT SEEN any Christie emails. When someone writes "time for traffic problems in Fort Lee" and someone else writes "got it," it is crystal clear there was a prior conversation.
Can we see the texts? Can Christie instruct his underlings to come clean? He personally appointed the Port Authority Director. Will Christie the Federal Prosecutor demand that Samson opens his books?
We need to know everything NOW. Christie needs to stop running for President NOW. Christie likely needs to resign as Governor NOW.
Oh -- but Hillary had an email server in her house! A squirrel!
10
A NJ public official with a weekend home in resorty South Carolina, and a sweetheart arrangement so an airline will make it easy for him to get there.
Meanwhile, the public servants who work in the trenches deserve "a punch in the face." What an operation Chris Christie has created.
Meanwhile, the public servants who work in the trenches deserve "a punch in the face." What an operation Chris Christie has created.
6
The question always arises why executives who resign under a serious cloud still get very generous exit packages. Employees fired for cause usually get zilch.
12
I don't have to see Smisek on those "Welcome to United" films they show just before takeoff anymore? Awesome!
4
As a legacy United Employee, this is a welcome event. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Mr. Munoz can carry the ball (or at least throw it in another direction). His statement to employees is full of the usual psychobabel to focus on customers and helping them, Teamwork and safety and being innovative in this industry. How about caring about employees, Mr. Munoz ?
Maybe if we weren't steamrolled into Can'tinental's way of doing business ("no, "can't", "negative") United would not have taken the horrible turn it did from March 2012. Fix it, please !!
Maybe if we weren't steamrolled into Can'tinental's way of doing business ("no, "can't", "negative") United would not have taken the horrible turn it did from March 2012. Fix it, please !!
2
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Thanks for closing the Cleveland hub. Its been so convenient to change planes in Chicago and be delayed there 10 times out of ten.
5
Smislek, Christie, the PA...they are all corrupt.
Is there any example today of a Pol or CEO who actually steps back before making a decision and asks, what is the ethical and right thing to do. What is truly in the interest of the average person, consumer, citizen.
Articles like this are a dime a dozen. Are there any people of integrity in leadership anywhere. Sad, but I'm not aware of any.
Is there any example today of a Pol or CEO who actually steps back before making a decision and asks, what is the ethical and right thing to do. What is truly in the interest of the average person, consumer, citizen.
Articles like this are a dime a dozen. Are there any people of integrity in leadership anywhere. Sad, but I'm not aware of any.
1
Anyone thinking this should force Christie to drop out is kidding themselves. The bar is set so high (low?) with the current crop that you'd have to be the former spokesperson for Subway in order to be disqualified as a GOP candidate. Maybe.
2
Governor Christie avows no knowledge of Bridgegate. I wonder what he knew about wingman David Samson and Flightgate!
The Bridgegate trial begins in March with Bridget Kelly taking the Fifth and David Wildstein singing like a bird at sunset. Christie had a chance for the White House in 2012 but he blew it. It is time to read the tea leaves and fold his tent.
If he really wants to serve his country he should go back to Trenton and get to work. He can start by cleaning up that political swap shop know as the Port Authority.
The Bridgegate trial begins in March with Bridget Kelly taking the Fifth and David Wildstein singing like a bird at sunset. Christie had a chance for the White House in 2012 but he blew it. It is time to read the tea leaves and fold his tent.
If he really wants to serve his country he should go back to Trenton and get to work. He can start by cleaning up that political swap shop know as the Port Authority.
2
Are food courts in terminal C next?
2
Why does this billionaire exec fly commercial though? Shouldn't he have his own jet? Why force your company and Port Authority to reinstate a flight route that was costing his company money because of low ticket sales, when he has enough money to fly privately to any destination he so desires?
1
In response to Leslie:
It was David Sampson former Chairman of the Port Authority who 'forced' the flight on United. Sampson is a career lawyer/politician, not a billionaire. Given that flights on private jets cost in the thousands of dollars per flight hour (depending on size of jet), it's clear why he wanted United to fly the route. Why pay for something expensive when you can use your position to get it free? Not saying it's ethical or legal though.
It was David Sampson former Chairman of the Port Authority who 'forced' the flight on United. Sampson is a career lawyer/politician, not a billionaire. Given that flights on private jets cost in the thousands of dollars per flight hour (depending on size of jet), it's clear why he wanted United to fly the route. Why pay for something expensive when you can use your position to get it free? Not saying it's ethical or legal though.
5
Small potatoes.
Real lawyers don't get the big "stock option/equity" payouts the
founders/executives/key folks with Board of Directors juice obtain.
Samson will only have David Boies lawyer money for private aviation when
he is in league with "guys" like Hank Greenberg (Mr. AIG) for a time.
Real lawyers don't get the big "stock option/equity" payouts the
founders/executives/key folks with Board of Directors juice obtain.
Samson will only have David Boies lawyer money for private aviation when
he is in league with "guys" like Hank Greenberg (Mr. AIG) for a time.
This is yet another example why the facilities that the Port Authority runs equal those of a third world country - same rampant corruption at the expense of the people. That even one of the largest airlines in America gets caught up in the greed of those in charge who must enrich themselves at our expense demonstrates that this agency cannot continue to operate without federal control. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue - it is the misuse of a public fund for the benefit of both states leaders who sit on different sides of the aisle.
6
The bigger they are, the slower & harder they fall! Fmr. AG & P.A. Chmn. Sampson knew law and well what he was doing. He milked the cow dry and he stuffed his pockets @ the most powerful law firm in NJ - one he personally built! And then, The PA of NY & NJ became his casino. Did I fail to mention he is CC's mentor and one of his closest advisors to this very minute? How's CC gonna separate his coronation and appointment of his close advisor/mentor? Why bother? When you're Chris Christie you can do NO wrong - until you're caught & cornered. Tic-Toc
3
You are so right; the corruption at PANYNJ started with Christie. Don't let the past 40+ years of history hit you in the split.
1
If Dante was around, he would have included a unique circle in hell just for airline executives for all of the schemes and tortures they have assiduously inflicted on commuters over the decades. Pay to play schemes do not surprise me in the least – very little else would from this loathsome industry. What does surprise me, however, is that the politicians involved in the scheme behind this investigation have received little to no added press attention. Why?
2
The last job I quit, even though they didn't want me to leave, got me a smile and a handshake. Smisek gets $7.9 Million. If the shareholders need something to complain about this would be a good place to start.
5
I once had over 1 million UAL miles; the result of years of agony of flying their chicken coop planes across country. For the last year I have repeatedly flown UAL for free using those miles. I will use every single mile and fly free with my family everywhere we go. And when you fly free (plus Uncle Sam's taxes) you can almost forgive the filthy airplanes, the condescending employees, and the near prison-style food. Not sure what I will do after all my miles are gone. But really, is Delta or American any better? Oligopoly is no way to run the nation's airways.
4
When I resign my position, I get a handshake, a pat on the back, and well-wishes from co-workers. How come these crooks are getting millions of dollars? If I were a stockholder in this company, I'd be furious.
If United wanted to do better financially, they'd be better off to lower their fares so more people would fly United. Stock prices would then rise, and everyone would be happier. Put your money into your customers United. Let the crooks go with a handshake and well-wishes.
If United wanted to do better financially, they'd be better off to lower their fares so more people would fly United. Stock prices would then rise, and everyone would be happier. Put your money into your customers United. Let the crooks go with a handshake and well-wishes.
1
The Port Authority of NY/NJ has a budget larger than some states and even some countries with inadequate oversight. So it's no surprise that corruption is flourishing.
ITEM ONE: Audit the Port Authority and place it's finances under tighter and more transparent control.
ITEM ONE: Audit the Port Authority and place it's finances under tighter and more transparent control.
3
This incident only underscores how easily power and position in public and private spheres is compromised or flatly disregarded. It would be exceptionally naive to presume these types of "arrangements" aren't occuring more frequently and at much higher levels than just comnercial air transit routes.
Capitalism, for all of its vaunted successes, is rotted to the core and needs an ethical, political and social rectification to restore its ability to create opportunity and growth in a holistic manner. Judging the desirability and long term viability of Capitalism on the narrow economic success of an infintesimal few is proving more and more to be a fatal defect.
Capitalism, for all of its vaunted successes, is rotted to the core and needs an ethical, political and social rectification to restore its ability to create opportunity and growth in a holistic manner. Judging the desirability and long term viability of Capitalism on the narrow economic success of an infintesimal few is proving more and more to be a fatal defect.
2
The misallocation of resources by United (i.e., shareholders' money) to benefit David Sampson personally so that David Sampson would use Port Authority money (i.e., taxpayer and commuters' money) to benefit Smisek/United is akin to theft and Smisek and Samson should be prosecuted to determine whether these claims are true. Shame on United's board for not finding a way to eliminate Smisek's golden parachute - an even greater waste of shareholders' money. As to Christie, one can only hope this is a final nail in his coffin. He is wasting the nation's time by running for president, but perhaps he has no choice: he has to try to make new friends with promises of future influence because his job prospects have dwindled considerably given his poor long-term track record at his current job and his abuse of office through the friends he appointed to help him carry out his duties.
4
Corporate corruption pays. Mr. Smisek will receive a $6.5 million severance, lifetime corporate car and health insurance. No one will be prosecuted, fined or serve any jail time. I wonder if he gets to keep his frequent flyer miles?
6
Recalling Mr. Christie's "squeezing the orange" comment to describe his penchant for the perks and goodies of public office and reading about this latest crony mess, I'm wondering how long it will be before he is indicted on corruption charges. Weeks? Months?
6
Why does this guy, who is leaving because of wrongdoing, getting $4.9 million in severance pay? If the average U.S. worker "steps down" due to unethical dealings, we aren't even able to apply for unemployment.
11
It's actually closer to $30 million when you include stock options.
2
United was absolutely ruined after the merger. I hope this means a potential return to the service it used to be known for once upon a time.
4
I can not understand why corporations hand millions of dollars to departing executives who are behaving in an unethical manner. They should accept his resignation and cut him loose. Maybe, if more corporations just fired these type of guys, it would drive some ethics into executives instead of giving them golden exit packages for doing crooked deals.
45
More scandal and corruption, what a surprise.
3
The really interesting discussion is the opaqueness and inscrutability of the PANY/NJ. I can't imagine the depths of its influence on politics for the last half century, for which a primary symptom must be the lack of a direct rail system to NYC airports, construction costs many times higher for PA projects, the unchallenged primacy of the personal motor vehicle in city life and the Eternal Money Machine of bridge and tunnel tolls.
4
CEO leads his company into a (nearly) failed merger and involves it and himself in a Federal probe claiming corruption of the foulest sort, steps away and what is the result? A severance of nearly EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS. Still need to wonder what's wrong with the American system of capitalism? Oh, all while contracts with flight attendants are renegotiated with starting salaries, in some cases, of under $20k.
13
The organization is corrupt from top to bottom and has been as opaque and immune to reform as the Mafia. As a dumping ground for political appointees for the governors of NJ and NY for years I don't see how it can ever be reformed. Samson is just the latest one to get caught.
Time to eliminate it.
Time to eliminate it.
4
America - #1 in corruption at the top. It's high time we see this kind of "news" reporting in America. Corruption in New Jersey is apparently a well-known fact for those who are connected so why isn't it stopped? Thanks to the federal government for stepping in and helping us all see why and how average Americans are being robbed every day by BIG government and the elected officials they own. Time for a good electoral house cleaning in America to purge the BIG conservative money takeover of the last 40+ years.
5
I hope I don't sound too cynical but were the United Execs fired for not being smart enough to bribe a public official legally?
8
You stole almost my exact words.
Besides, doesn't Chris Christie already own the Port Authority?
Besides, doesn't Chris Christie already own the Port Authority?
We are idiots in New Jersey. I remember how much excitement people felt about Christie five years ago. He is so disappointing. He is a crook. I think he is more than a bad politician. He is a bad person.
14
What I don't understand is how he could have been re-elected. Was it because of hurricane Sandy?
3
We did the same in NY and re-elected. Cuomo.
So long as there is an old boy network, the old boys will be doing "favors" for each other. That's how they do things and only seldom get into trouble. But to fix the problem, you've got to change the old boy culture. Merely investigating or prosecuting a few of them does not fully reach the root of the problem. Nor does it have much of a deterrent effect. You've got to eliminate the old way of doing business and that's the real challenge.
8
Here is a real scandal involving presidential candidate Chris Christie, yet it is only making headlines now. However, the Hillary Clinton email "scandal" is on the front page almost everyday, yet no resignations from top officials and no criminal indictments. Let's stick with reporting the real news that has consequences for the American people.
9
Sadly, nothing about these newest revelations is surprising. I look forward to the day when Chris Christie removes himself from politics at every level--local, state, and federal--and does something else for a living.
2
As over a million plus miler on United sad this is what this airline has become. First pulling all JFK-LHR flights out of JFK was a shock. I chose to route through Dulles rather than go to Newark. Does that tell you something how awful EWR is? And Dulles is nothing to write home about either. Now, all of United is leaving JFK.
But the merge started to affect everything - planes, airport usage, Mileage Plus, amenities (those that were left!) and the crews. Notice that everything was changed to Continental except the name...Every time I got on the plane I asked the crew were they United or Continental. That told me to ask the United staff if I needed everything and tried to stay quiet and just endure. Annoying was the usage of everything Continental but the last straw was the "Continental way" eliminating United business class and trying to pass off "Business First" as a better offering for the traveler. Seriously. Eliminating all of business class and raising the price to offer fewer seats, same service and terrible food.
Mr. Jeff "Continentalized" United and ruined the airline. "Customer care" - what hyperbole - and located somewhere, where the person answering the phone has never flown United/Continental, has no idea why you are complaining, read from a script, say no to everything and have worked for the company less time than I've flown.
But the merge started to affect everything - planes, airport usage, Mileage Plus, amenities (those that were left!) and the crews. Notice that everything was changed to Continental except the name...Every time I got on the plane I asked the crew were they United or Continental. That told me to ask the United staff if I needed everything and tried to stay quiet and just endure. Annoying was the usage of everything Continental but the last straw was the "Continental way" eliminating United business class and trying to pass off "Business First" as a better offering for the traveler. Seriously. Eliminating all of business class and raising the price to offer fewer seats, same service and terrible food.
Mr. Jeff "Continentalized" United and ruined the airline. "Customer care" - what hyperbole - and located somewhere, where the person answering the phone has never flown United/Continental, has no idea why you are complaining, read from a script, say no to everything and have worked for the company less time than I've flown.
9
United sucked and most in Houston wish Continental would have left United alone for the bankruptcy unionized abyss that United flew in for 40 years. But for the Chicago element controlling the aviation industry since 2008 you could have kept your Saul Bass logo and enjoyed the ugly service it routinely provided on dirty planes. The merged airline is not good, and I have no idea how a freight rail experienced executive can solve United's issues, but whimsy about how great United was back then before it was Continentalized won't do it.
2
With what amounts to a $7.9 million payout, I doubt Mr. Smisek will ever take advantage of his lifetime free pass on United, where he would discover just how far the airline's service levels have fallen. That kind of coin--only in America--will easily pay for private jets. While flyers will rejoice at this news, United's stockholders should be livid.
7
Is this type of activity addressed in the 1970 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ?
(5) “pattern of racketeering activity” requires at least two acts of racketeering activity, one of which occurred after the effective date of this chapter and the last of which occurred within ten years (excluding any period of imprisonment) after the commission of a prior act of racketeering activity
(5) “pattern of racketeering activity” requires at least two acts of racketeering activity, one of which occurred after the effective date of this chapter and the last of which occurred within ten years (excluding any period of imprisonment) after the commission of a prior act of racketeering activity
4
I'm all for more routes. I just am curious if Mr. Samson paid the same $1200+ fare I did each time I flew between these destinations.
5
Doubtful. Mr. Samson probably received a free airline ticket in Business Class.
They flew the small embraerer planes on this route. No first class. I am very serious about my question regarding his fare. I'm not disturbed that he used his position to create a route or to try to drive United to serve AC. I am disturbed if he used his power to obtain fares lesser than those available to the public.
US Attorney (NJ) Paul Fishman should have some fun with this one.
1
I think I read once that New Jersey is the most corrupt state in the country. It may be the Garden State but politics there is no garden party!
2
Maryland is more corrupt.
Geez, this, combined with Nick Paumgarten' recent article in the New Yorker about Atlantic City---next thing you know, they'll be selling the state of New Jersey for two dollars a square foot!
2
The Garden State's most important crops; Sleaze & Greed. All severance packages should be put on hold until the investigation is finished. A hypothetical question for the Mitt Romney ideologues, "Just who are these "takers" you talk about so fondly?".
7
This seems emblematic of the favor trading that goes on between the one percent and the political class. The chairman likely has a "golden parachute" that will ensure he doesn't feel a bump on the way down.
5
This is the Chris Christie NJ style of government. Not complicated. Quid pro quo and the public interest and even corporate interest is sold out. Corporations view it as a cost of doing business. The public needs to view it as illegal. Christie needs to be held accountable.
6
Why is this big news? In Washington, we have an airport that is a security hazard because of its proximity to the National Mall (Reagan National) which is expanding. Why? The congress uses it to fly home. It has nice terminals, flights to every state that can fit, at times that suit Senator Hotair and Representative McNasty, short security lines, and great transportation options. Who do you think funds all this stuff? Congress. Who do you think puts on all the flights? Airline execs.
4
Smisek was one of the few corporate CEOs whose face and name I recognize, probably due to his ubiquitous appearance in the pre-flight videos and in their magazine. Due to how very good Continental was under his leadership, I was optimistic for the merger. But I have been more and more disappointed in recent years at how his leadership of the combined United has created a behemoth that is not only far worse for customers than the original Continental but also worse than the original United. I have no idea how Smisek went from good to bad and frank do not care whatsoever about the corrupt route to South Carolina. But I naively and optimistically hope that any leadership shakeup at United will start to push the carrier in the right direction toward actually providing a satisfactory service to customers. In the meantime, us disillusioned formerly-loyal customers will fly smaller domestic startups and also foreign carriers as much as we can.
27
United's former management was almost totally replaced by Continental's team after the merger and things quickly went off the rails. The level of competence was clearly not up to the task of running what at the time was the nation's largest carrier. The first poor decision was replacing United's proven customer-service platform with Continental's antiquated solution. It saved money I'm sure but United's customer's and front-line employees payed.
Management by Objectives as in, building Tunnels, Bridges and the like for the Public Good right , or is the main contribution of the Port Authority to New York and New Jersey, the patronage that supports the political sleaze that empowers the candidacies of the corrupt. An investigation of all provisional appointments to such debt ridden Authorities in these States would be most revealing.
3
If you would have told me they quit because of poor service after the merger or because they changed all the mileage programs to screw the not so often traveler, I would have said no wonder. This reason, not surprising, greed follows greed.
4
This is crony capitalism at its worst. Reinstate a flight that loses money so that the airline gets favorable treatment. Well it does sound like Mr. Samson, a Chris Chritie buddy certainly knows how to shake down people (and don;t think this is the only example) and it is in the "Christie style" of doing business. And I'm guessing that Smisek & company were more victims that accomplices but as of now they are the only ones taking the fall. Samson is still free and has all of his ill-gotten gains.
2
Now really...Why is anyone surprised at this? And the digging at Port Authority has barely begun. Dirt begets dirt, begets dirt, begets dirt. These boys just don't get it. All those vest pocket connections that would have made the Mafia jealous.
As for Chris Christie, the guy is now and has always been a North Jersey connecting link to the federal government and his GOP cronies. When you get tired of these crooks who can't do business honestly, maybe we will have a valid reason to build more prisons?
As for Chris Christie, the guy is now and has always been a North Jersey connecting link to the federal government and his GOP cronies. When you get tired of these crooks who can't do business honestly, maybe we will have a valid reason to build more prisons?
1
When I first heard that Mr. Smisek was dismissed, I hoped it was because of the extremely poor service that his airlines provides.
Just week I had a flight that was delayed because, although the plane had overnighted at our airport, their was confusion around the cleaning of the plane and they forgot to clean it. Pretty basic stuff, but if you fly United, you see far too much of it everyday.
Just week I had a flight that was delayed because, although the plane had overnighted at our airport, their was confusion around the cleaning of the plane and they forgot to clean it. Pretty basic stuff, but if you fly United, you see far too much of it everyday.
5
due to a family member's health issues, I flew three times in 3 months back-and-forth between Seattle and Buffalo on United Airlines. Travel with them was simply awful - and I came back and shredded my United Visa card - no desire to collect miles on their airline anymore. I wrote to United, including telling them about the reservationist laughing her head off into the phone, when I was in tears changing a flight quickly because my father had died - - they said they'd look up the recorded call and respond to me. Never heard a thing. That was the final straw, and I won't give them my travel dollars again. Maybe having a good house-cleaning at the top, will give them a chance to become a decent airline again, but I doubt it. They are too far gone.
6
While I agree Mr. Smisek will likely avoid jail time in the event of an eventual indictment and trial I would have to believe his employment contract included an 'ethics' clause of some sort which would ultimately affect his ability to collect $5M in cash plus stock options. That is unless UA's board was similarly disingenuous and approved a compensation package that allows him to collect despite his felonious conduct.
4
Many points to be made.
First, if the Republican nomination is a horse race, I certainly wouldn't be betting on the steed named Christie.
Second, this sure sounds like a blatant corporate-level bribe of a government official. We need to identify the individual participants responsible, on both sides of the transaction, and they should not be allowed to walk away unpunished, certainly not with multi-million dollar severance packages. On the United side, the stock holders and customers of United should not be left footing the bill; that is not justice.
Finally, the consolidation of the airline industry which the DOJ willingly allowed was an abject failure of government regulation, for which ordinary Americans - the 99% who can't afford private jets - continue to pay the price, through higher airfares, and perhaps more importantly, reduced service. All too often nowadays, you can't get there from here. This is having serious economic consequences on many non-hub cities. The consolidation is allowing the remaining too-big-to-fail corporate giants like United to get away with things that a more competitive environment would have kept in check.
First, if the Republican nomination is a horse race, I certainly wouldn't be betting on the steed named Christie.
Second, this sure sounds like a blatant corporate-level bribe of a government official. We need to identify the individual participants responsible, on both sides of the transaction, and they should not be allowed to walk away unpunished, certainly not with multi-million dollar severance packages. On the United side, the stock holders and customers of United should not be left footing the bill; that is not justice.
Finally, the consolidation of the airline industry which the DOJ willingly allowed was an abject failure of government regulation, for which ordinary Americans - the 99% who can't afford private jets - continue to pay the price, through higher airfares, and perhaps more importantly, reduced service. All too often nowadays, you can't get there from here. This is having serious economic consequences on many non-hub cities. The consolidation is allowing the remaining too-big-to-fail corporate giants like United to get away with things that a more competitive environment would have kept in check.
1
How can Christie still be campaigning with a straight face. Oh! my bad, he had nothing to do with Samson or the Port Authority of N.J. Does anyone not understand by this time, that Christie will be seen as having done the most damage to N.J. in the history of governors.
2
Chris Christie and his famous last words "I didn't know anything about it."
He needs to write a book "All I Didn't Know". It might sell on Amazon like Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" now for $1.29 (used, but who cares?)
He needs to write a book "All I Didn't Know". It might sell on Amazon like Scott Walker's "Unintimidated" now for $1.29 (used, but who cares?)
6
I am no fan of United Airlines or its management. Because of its shoddy service and apparent contempt for passengers, I have been boycotting the airline for over a decade. However, in this case, I have sympathy for them. Having merged with Continental, the airline was stuck with a hub at Newark. Like the other Port Authority airports, Newark is a disaster. It had to be hurting business for United. Because of the rampant corruption at the Port Authority, bribery was the only way for United to make any improvements. I don't blame United for that. I blame Christie and Cuomo for keeping the Port Authority a patronage haven at public expense.
3
After this resignation, Smisek's indictment is likely. Then Smisek will offer up Samson to save himself. After that, who knows. Perhaps Samson can offer up ...
2
Is there a jail big enough for Christie and all his criminal cronies??.Who is running NJ while Christie swings around the Co. trying to muster $$ and votes for HIMSELF [ per usual] while his state's infrastructure,credit,environment[nice play with Exxon big boy] transportation remain a disaster.Hope he's still not"phoning it in"and that NJ residents rise up in his absence to replace him
1
What's scary about this is not just that it happened, but that it only came to light because of the bridge scandal. And for this to have happened, a lot of people must have looked the other way. How regular is this kind of corruption? For every one of these that gets uncovered are there 10, 20, 30, 100, 1000 others? Is it the essence of our economy?
4
Unfortunately, this came five years too late for United, which as a service organization has come to reflect its now former CEO. As someone who has flown well over a million miles on United, I cannot be surprised at any depth to which Mr. Smisek lowers himself. The fact that he takes millions in separation pay and stock is not surprising either. That's how things work here in the Corporate States of America, where only the powerless are responsible for the consequences of our behavior.
6
I want a job with a five-day weekend like Samson! Leave Jersey on Thursdays and return on Mondays -- " work" on Tuesdays and Wednesdays?!
2
Before you all hop on this think about what the exchange really was. New Jersey wanted flights to their airports. Those were losers. So to get them airport upgrades were made in exchange for flights--losing flights that would otherwise disappear and leave a hole. That there may have been deals cut to do that or that it benefited United or the Port Authority chair really isn't the issue.
Governmental entities make mutually beneficial arrangements all of the time through improvements, tax abatements and so on. Many times those are the result of political or personal relationships. This doesn't strike me as corrupt. Beneficial, yes, but corrupt, no. Heck, the federal governement, cities and states do it all of the time when they subsidize an airport.
The people of New Jersey and ultimately New York get better infrastructure, choices and arrangements. United gets the gates and the hope that the improvements will result in more business for all of their flights in exchange for the cost of some losing service.
Would it be corrupt if it it was a factory lured to the airport grounds? Your confusing economic development incentives with corruption. Maybe there are such facts, but if so this article didn't reveal any. Even corrupt politicians aren't corrupt in everything they touch. Much ado about nothing here so far.
Governmental entities make mutually beneficial arrangements all of the time through improvements, tax abatements and so on. Many times those are the result of political or personal relationships. This doesn't strike me as corrupt. Beneficial, yes, but corrupt, no. Heck, the federal governement, cities and states do it all of the time when they subsidize an airport.
The people of New Jersey and ultimately New York get better infrastructure, choices and arrangements. United gets the gates and the hope that the improvements will result in more business for all of their flights in exchange for the cost of some losing service.
Would it be corrupt if it it was a factory lured to the airport grounds? Your confusing economic development incentives with corruption. Maybe there are such facts, but if so this article didn't reveal any. Even corrupt politicians aren't corrupt in everything they touch. Much ado about nothing here so far.
1
Upgrading the Newark Airport as part of an overall deal that includes getting a flight to Atlantic City might be defensible. Both could ultimately benefit New Jersey and its residents. Resurrecting a money losing flight to Columbia, SC for the personal convenience of David Samson in exchange for the state's agreement to upgrade the Newark airport is not defensible. Neither is making that agreement contingent on campaign contributions.
3
It is refreshing to read a clear eyed comment that speaks with an objective voice of reason. Thank you!
I cringed a little bit as I read this comment from Topeka; the capital of state government run amok. Perhaps the perspective differs when so close to the corridors of power but from this part of Kansas I think there's a world of difference between making deals to further the aims of two large organizations versus furthering the aims of one organization by providing personal favors to the leader of another.
Furthermore the leader receiving the benefit ran a "public benefit corporation" that is supposed to operate under rules that govern other government entities. Smisek the lawyer and his government affairs people should have known (and I'd guess did know) that they were crossing the line in directing benefits to Samson. Contrary to how you'd characterize the arrangement, benefits accruing to Samson are not the same thing as making mutually beneficial arrangements between entities. And the contemplated improvements to local infrastructure ought to be weighed against the many other competing projects needing investment from the Port Authority as well as the increased tolls and fees that the public will be asked to pay in the future.
It appears that Smisek and Samson sought to put their thumbs on the scale that seeks to balance the competing claims for Port Authority resources. I think that's corrupt, and it sounds like United's Board of Directors thought so too.
Furthermore the leader receiving the benefit ran a "public benefit corporation" that is supposed to operate under rules that govern other government entities. Smisek the lawyer and his government affairs people should have known (and I'd guess did know) that they were crossing the line in directing benefits to Samson. Contrary to how you'd characterize the arrangement, benefits accruing to Samson are not the same thing as making mutually beneficial arrangements between entities. And the contemplated improvements to local infrastructure ought to be weighed against the many other competing projects needing investment from the Port Authority as well as the increased tolls and fees that the public will be asked to pay in the future.
It appears that Smisek and Samson sought to put their thumbs on the scale that seeks to balance the competing claims for Port Authority resources. I think that's corrupt, and it sounds like United's Board of Directors thought so too.
1
It should come as no surprise this is how Corporate America works, Mr Smisek will get 5m, paid medical insurance until medicare, free flying and parking. I'am retired from United and worked for 45yrs. me and 78000 other employees lost our pension in 2004. No great loss for Mr Smisek at best was a Mediocre CEO I would be greatly surprise if anyone got got jail time.
22
Pay Smisek his in severance United travel vouchers. That way he can experience what he wrought on the traveling public.
18
How did the Department of Justice miss this tawdry quid-pro-quo when they were evaluating the United/Continental merger?
Was the Justice department in cahoots?
Was the Justice department in cahoots?
6
With all these comments heaping invective on United written by its customers, I'm a little stunned the airline is even in business. It really says something about the brand-loyalty of these commenters that in spite of their profound distaste for flying with the airline and contempt for its CEO, they've never switched to Delta or any of the other zillion airlines flying out of NYC.
Guess it means that I'm a really shallow person because for 30 years I've simply refused to fly American because of its corpulent service and shockingly sick corporate culture; both management and labor. The only thing American and its Unions agree on is their contempt for customers.
United's hub is out of Houston and I make the short hop from DFW. Never had a problem. I've gotten sweet deals on different destinations. Maybe Mr. Smisek was a bad boy, but frankly, a non-stop PATH train to EWR ain't that bad - I still remember way back when I had to take the bus from EWR to Manhattan. The sins of Wall Street cost taxpayers a trillion. The sins of Smisek? A straight shot to the airport on a train. Not a bad deal.
Guess it means that I'm a really shallow person because for 30 years I've simply refused to fly American because of its corpulent service and shockingly sick corporate culture; both management and labor. The only thing American and its Unions agree on is their contempt for customers.
United's hub is out of Houston and I make the short hop from DFW. Never had a problem. I've gotten sweet deals on different destinations. Maybe Mr. Smisek was a bad boy, but frankly, a non-stop PATH train to EWR ain't that bad - I still remember way back when I had to take the bus from EWR to Manhattan. The sins of Wall Street cost taxpayers a trillion. The sins of Smisek? A straight shot to the airport on a train. Not a bad deal.
1
I think you hit the nail on the head - people still fly with United because the other airlines are just as bad if not worse.
If there were an airline willing to compete on the basis of reliability and service, I'd fly with them exclusively, even if it cost more. But there isn't.
If there were an airline willing to compete on the basis of reliability and service, I'd fly with them exclusively, even if it cost more. But there isn't.
Maybe Senator Menendez could make a couple of phone calls and help
straighten this misunderstanding out with the federal authorities. Up the
Hudson, Mr Skelos and Mr Silver have a close relationship with Port
Ahthority and they'd surely lend a hand, too.
straighten this misunderstanding out with the federal authorities. Up the
Hudson, Mr Skelos and Mr Silver have a close relationship with Port
Ahthority and they'd surely lend a hand, too.
8
the crook resigns with a 4 million payoff and lifetime free flights and perqs??? Nice!!! Crime---it pays good!!!
10
This whole thing reminds me of the old saying about politicians:.. "Vote for ( fill in your favorite) he's a crook you can trust!"
3
United in dishonesty!
2
I'm running out of airlines to boycott.
11
Pity poor Mr. Smisek. He runs United Airlines, a once fine carrier, into the ground, alienates his customers, enters into sweetheart arrangements with the Port Authority, and then, once he's busted for his misdeeds, gets to walk away from the mess he created with only $7.9 million. Some folks can't catch a break, I guess.
12
Corruption, corruption and more corruption. Probably why you have more people coming out of Law schools. Crooks and lawyers. They feed of each other.
M. Christie, come clean and just go away.
M. Christie, come clean and just go away.
8
Actually law school enrollment has dropped dramatically in the last five years - I think on the order of 30%+. So no logic there.
Of course Mr. Christie is the paradigm of ethical behavior - after all he was a US Attorney - where he was reprimanded by teh Justice Department for fleecing the office for extravagant travel.
Of course Mr. Christie is the paradigm of ethical behavior - after all he was a US Attorney - where he was reprimanded by teh Justice Department for fleecing the office for extravagant travel.
The Port Authority sounds like the third world countries that corporate execs are always complaining about. They say "you don't understand, we have to pay bribes to do business there."
11
I am shocked, shocked, I tell you, about this.
Do you mean that United and the paid-off "friends of United" could not provide a private jet to fly this guy to his vacation home?
Billionaires all over the world are stumped...they can't imagine how ANYONE can manage to LIVE today without at least one of their own private jets.
It is really a scandal, but only because of this, not the corruption or illegality or payoff or whatevers.
This guy should be disciplined by the Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardiar, Boeing, Kuba, Embraer, and Airbus at once!!
Do you mean that United and the paid-off "friends of United" could not provide a private jet to fly this guy to his vacation home?
Billionaires all over the world are stumped...they can't imagine how ANYONE can manage to LIVE today without at least one of their own private jets.
It is really a scandal, but only because of this, not the corruption or illegality or payoff or whatevers.
This guy should be disciplined by the Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardiar, Boeing, Kuba, Embraer, and Airbus at once!!
4
Shocking! Round up the usual suspects!
5
We can only wish that real justice could be served and he would receive a sentence of flying around the US in a middle seat in economy on the cushion-less seats he championed. But alas, 28 inches of leg room and a hard bottomed seat with no access to TV is considered cruel and unusual punishment by the Geneva Convention.
12
Chris Christie is just the gift that keeps on giving.
15
Jeff Smisek deserves to be fired the way the average American worker is, with 3 weeks severance pay and nothing else.
19
Corporate and government US filled with crooks and criminal sociopaths at the top.
5
In a GOP that puts Donald Trump at the head of the pack, anything is possible, EXCEPT Chris Christie resurrecting himself from the debacle of "Bridgegate". His campaign was a loser from Day One, and everyone knew it, EXCEPT Chris Christie.
This latest scandal involving his puppeteer David Samson should seal his fate; adios Chris.
This latest scandal involving his puppeteer David Samson should seal his fate; adios Chris.
16
So much for Reagan's deregulating the airlines. They're merely being re-regulated by dint of their monopoly control of markets. Truly an industry whose pricing or wages no longer changes due to outside factors, like fuel prices going down, the public be damned.
11
Carter deregulated the airlines. Reagan oligopolized them by looking the other way when "fortress hubs" were created.
6
It was President Carter who deregulated the airlines on the counsel of the late
Alfred Kahn.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/business/29kahn.html
Alfred Kahn.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/business/29kahn.html
2
Thanks Loren and Chump, I got the wrong president but I'm happy about that since deregulation might have worked with a stronger anti-monopoly regimen. Also I haven't heard of "fortress" hubs so thanks again Loren.
2
This article fails to mention that Darryl Towns, joined American Airlines as Regional Director of Government Affairs for New York recently. He was formerly Commissioner and CEO at New York State Homes and Community Renewal for Cuomo. Team Cuomo still has had nothing to say about the bridge closings and how the PA is run.
7
Meet Fiorina's running mate.
13
No deals for any of these crooks. Samson, Smisek, Christie. They all need to be in jail.
15
As a former resident of NJ, I wondered why the people were putting up with Christie's incompetence and bullying antics. I was curious enough to check the recall provisions of the NJ State Constitution. It seems it requires signatures of 25% of all registered voters to put it on the ballot. That requires a lot of organization and money. Talk about lack of accountability.
5
The same reason we put up with Cuomo dismissing the Moreland Commission and all of his arrogance. Partisan and ill-informed voters.
Everyone gloating about Christie misses the point. Republicans and Democrats are equally culpable for mismanagement and cronyism that make our transportation facilities unreliable, uncomfortable and -- if you note the incredibly blasé approach of the Port Authority police -- less safe than they should be.
6
Wrong! Look at how many scandals have been generated by the Republican/New Jersey/Christie side of the Port Authority. But not one major scandal on the Democratic/New Yor/Coumo side of the PA. Not one. No, this is about self-serving Republican thugs versus public spirited and clean Dems.
4
What gets you about these kinds of stories is the sheer ego and power at play. This guy, Samson, given his likely net worth, could have rented a private jet and flown in comfort to his vacation home. But no, he had to show that he could get United to start a route just for him! Well, sometimes the law catches up and it isn't pretty! We need to make examples of such people who betray the trust (ie not just fines!)
The other takeaway is obvious- concentration of public power with zero transparency is a recipe for such situations of abuse. How could you let an agency control almost in secret a vast infrastructure around the most critical region off the country??
The other takeaway is obvious- concentration of public power with zero transparency is a recipe for such situations of abuse. How could you let an agency control almost in secret a vast infrastructure around the most critical region off the country??
26
This is just too delicious: corrupt executives of a major worldwide company colluding with an old New Jersey "don" who heads a corrupt, opaque and immensely powerful agency coupled with feckless politicians running for top office... this would be an amazing TV series (hmmm, Gotham, Dallas, Sopranos). Once again New Jersey shows America how to be really good at being really bad: blatant corruption, abuse of power, immoral dealings ,,, "Sopranos in the Friendly Skies". Not to mention the joke played by United's top guys: CEO Smisek got $4.5 million for hitting a series of merger-related performance metrics over the three years since the deal closed in late 2010. The bonus came on top of $8.1 million in total compensation he received for 2013. I Bet that none of that cash will find its way back to United despite being earned on corrupt practices and unethical business transactions. The US is truly an amazing place where the more corrupt you are and the worse you deliver on your product the more money you make.
6
I am thinking back to Obamacare and all the stories published in reputable outlets including the NYT highlighting all the back room deals done to secure votes and who got millions for this and another a million for that. A chairmanship here and an ambassador-ship there. Seems to be a screaming double standard that high government officials can make deals in the best interests of their constituents but CEOs of corporations can't even do something as trivial as Mr. Smisek is connected with for the benefit of their shareholders and customers. I cannot reconcile the blatant hypocrisy and double standard.
2
I'd be interested to know if United's decision to abandon operations at Kennedy airport (NYT June 17th) is also somehow a result of "negotiations" with PANYNJ.
4
Corporate reward for CEO resigning in disgrace: "United filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday indicating that Mr. Smisek would receive nearly $4.9 million in a separation payment, and 60,000 shares of stock, valued at over $3 million." Is that not perhaps hush money to pay him for not revealing the full extent of corruption, incompetence and mismanagement at United?
Are we still supposed to believe that CEO's pay is based the difficulty of attracting such leaders to the position? Who wouldn't be a corrupt CEO for that kind of reward? Shareholders and the public duped again.
Are we still supposed to believe that CEO's pay is based the difficulty of attracting such leaders to the position? Who wouldn't be a corrupt CEO for that kind of reward? Shareholders and the public duped again.
5
And while you're at it. why not investigate why United reneged on their promise to Memphis airport. They swore up and down to continue and expand services in Memphis to get their merger with Continental approved, Guess what? After their merger was approved, they abandoned Memphis. Memphis airport is now a ghost town and thousands of jobs have been lost.
6
Um, I think you mean Delta. Delta acquired Northwest who had a hub at Memphis. Neither Continental nor United barely flew to Memphis so I think you've got your airlines confused.
They did a similar thing in Cleveland.
So far we have political malfeasance that involves roads, the largest bridge in the world, and several airports. Too bad United got caught up in this mess, but the silver lining is the airline gets new leadership. Christie? Let's retire him to the graveyard of political could-have-beens. Game over.
8
Gordon Bethune, a former mechanic and pilot led Continental to be one of the best airlines in the industry focusing on the customer. Jeff Smisek, a lawyer, led the disasterous takeover by United and was made CEO as a sort of payoff. No surprise he got stuck in a little "situation". Now this airline, with an awful reputation, turns the reins over to a man whose experience is moving freight (at CSX). What great experience will he bring to United. Maybe they should have the place run by someone that actually has some experience with (gasp) - an airline? The lawyer didn't do all that well and something tells me the freight guy wont do any better...
16
The Port Authority has been a patronage swamp for decades.
The feds should look into all aspects of it amid the crumbling bridges and decrepit airports.
The feds should look into all aspects of it amid the crumbling bridges and decrepit airports.
11
I was in London when the CO merger with UA was announced. I was elite CO and frequent int'l flyer. CO employees were very unhappy and hoped to persuade former CEO Gordon Bethune to step back in and save them and the airline. The UA people I talked to hoped the CO culture would lift their own.
All of them blamed Smisek and greed.
Too bad for all.
All of them blamed Smisek and greed.
Too bad for all.
5
There's a larger point to be made here, too. Once you get outside the major hub cities, airline service gets mighty thin mighty quick.
Aiken, S.C., is actually closer to Augusta, Ga, - and part of its metro area - but the only nonstop service in Augusta is to Charlotte (American Airlines) or Atlanta (Delta).
Columbia, meanwhile does have nonstop service to/from New York, though not in New Jersey: La Guardia, on a Delta codeshare.
So here's another question: Why couldn't United make money on that route while Delta apparently can?
Aiken, S.C., is actually closer to Augusta, Ga, - and part of its metro area - but the only nonstop service in Augusta is to Charlotte (American Airlines) or Atlanta (Delta).
Columbia, meanwhile does have nonstop service to/from New York, though not in New Jersey: La Guardia, on a Delta codeshare.
So here's another question: Why couldn't United make money on that route while Delta apparently can?
2
In the 1990s, United airlines management executives engaged in dirty tricks. See the book "Retirement Heist". United Airlunes is prominent tho not alone. A rich heritage for underhanded executives.
5
the seriously shaky support services (especially reservations and boarding) were a sign that the suits in the penthouse were preoccupied with something other than making their skies friendly... a letter concerning services and procedures addressed to mr. smisek drew an (expected)
response from a customer service cubicle that was, in its boilerplate, totally (unexpectedly) irrelevant to the points addressed...not only are these guys overpaid but they are non- or mal- feasant in meeting their responsibilities to the public while pursuing other, more special, interests...the problem is rife in institutional/corporate america, nowhere more prominent than in those we elect to congress.
response from a customer service cubicle that was, in its boilerplate, totally (unexpectedly) irrelevant to the points addressed...not only are these guys overpaid but they are non- or mal- feasant in meeting their responsibilities to the public while pursuing other, more special, interests...the problem is rife in institutional/corporate america, nowhere more prominent than in those we elect to congress.
4
The writers somehow mad this about Chrsitie. Talk about a slant! That said, Sismek turned a great airline who recognized their high mileage customers into garbage .... then wonders why performance lags. I hope he has to fly Southwest for the rest of his life!!
3
How does that ol saying go?
If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas . . .
If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas . . .
5
Also applicable: The fish rots from the head down.
2
Anyone who has spent more than about 15 minutes in New Jersey knows that the Christie administration, and the Continental/United cartel that makes Newark Airport such a miserable place, deserve each other.
12
Everyone deserves a defense. That being said, Michael Chertoff will forever be sullied by his association and defense of "General" Samson.
7
I will always think of Chertoff as the guy who repeatedly denied that there were Katrina refugees in the New Orleans Convention Center, in a live two-way with NPR's Robert Siegel. Here's the transcript:
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=4828771
Brown wasn't the only Michael doin' a heck of a job that week.
Good choice, "General."
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=4828771
Brown wasn't the only Michael doin' a heck of a job that week.
Good choice, "General."
The blatant corruption of Christie appointees are like the apples that don't fall far from the tree...for Christie to suggest that he was duped or tricked by his appointees is a clear attempt to conceal his abismal approach to governance. He has surrounded himself with incompetent political hacks who work to extract favors instead of working for the common good. For someone who talks tough as a political tactic to garner support from reactionary right wingers who think his "big stick" approach, now coopted by Trump, is leadership cannot deny the truth of his character now clearly revealed by the quality of the people who surround him. By voting for this junk, then we can now expect what we'll get back. As for the United Board, how in the world can you justify the sardines in a can approach to common travel seating while paying out a multimillion dollar "separation" pay to a poorly performing CEO?
14
Really, the only surprise here is that Samson was willing to fly commercial to SC.
18
As a former Continental and current United frequent flier, I hope for some positive change in performance and customer service. But one thing tempers my optimism.
A friend who works for another airline refers to their core business as "moving metal", that is, the planning and scheduling are focused on efficiently getting planes from place to place. That these planes carry people (you know, customers) is incidental. The appointment of Mr Munoz, former CEO of a giant freight train company, seems to reinforce this focus.
I wonder what a CEO with a background in a customer-oriented business might do differently.
A friend who works for another airline refers to their core business as "moving metal", that is, the planning and scheduling are focused on efficiently getting planes from place to place. That these planes carry people (you know, customers) is incidental. The appointment of Mr Munoz, former CEO of a giant freight train company, seems to reinforce this focus.
I wonder what a CEO with a background in a customer-oriented business might do differently.
12
I would note that on-time performance is a customer #1 priority so 'moving metal' matters.
1
The worst of it is that is that they can't even get planes from place to place efficiently!
"a scandal that has already harmed Mr. Christie’s once-promising bid for the presidency."
Bridgegate is not the only one problem of Chris Christie's political career. Mr. Christie was buying official posts, he was the culprit of serious road accidents, not to mention the fact that he cut pension benefits and funding for education in New Jersey. All of this, coupled with the image of a nervous rowdy, greatly harm to "Mr. Christie’s once-promising bid for the presidency."
Bridgegate is not the only one problem of Chris Christie's political career. Mr. Christie was buying official posts, he was the culprit of serious road accidents, not to mention the fact that he cut pension benefits and funding for education in New Jersey. All of this, coupled with the image of a nervous rowdy, greatly harm to "Mr. Christie’s once-promising bid for the presidency."
5
I knew it was only a matter of time before David Samson's name would be back in the news. During the Bridgegate saga, I was so taken with the NYT photo (by Julio Cortez/Associated Press) of 'Gov. Chris Christie with Bill Baroni, right, and David Samson, the chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, at a 2011 conference in Trenton on New Jersey transportation', that I downloaded it for future reference.
In the photo, Baroni and Samson are guffawing. Baroni is gauche and giggling like a schoolboy; Samson is ever the smirking, sycophantic cypher. Both are in stage show stitches at their patron's ever-so-dry humour. It is the very picture of oily corruption and soapy graft in the state of New Jersey. The most imaginative art direction in an episode from the Sopranos couldn't have topped it.
When I saved this priceless testimony to democratic East Coast values, I couldn't help but notice that the NYT (or AP) had named the jpg image: 'JP-CHRISTIE2-superJumbo'. A little cruel but rather witty, I thought - and a nice complement to the elephantine buffoonery on display.
Here we are in early September 2015, and the New Jersey cloud of corruption that envelops flying jumbos is back on the front page.
In the photo, Baroni and Samson are guffawing. Baroni is gauche and giggling like a schoolboy; Samson is ever the smirking, sycophantic cypher. Both are in stage show stitches at their patron's ever-so-dry humour. It is the very picture of oily corruption and soapy graft in the state of New Jersey. The most imaginative art direction in an episode from the Sopranos couldn't have topped it.
When I saved this priceless testimony to democratic East Coast values, I couldn't help but notice that the NYT (or AP) had named the jpg image: 'JP-CHRISTIE2-superJumbo'. A little cruel but rather witty, I thought - and a nice complement to the elephantine buffoonery on display.
Here we are in early September 2015, and the New Jersey cloud of corruption that envelops flying jumbos is back on the front page.
4
Gee, I wish I could get 7.9 million for being essentially fired.
8
You'd have to know how to run good company into the ground - not everybody can do that.
Thanks to Kate Zernike and Jad Mouawad for a well-written article. This kind of back scratching has gone on in government bureaucrat/business management relations since such relationships have existed - Rome? Greece? Egypt? Despite reader comments to the contrary, this kind of corruption is not caused by our particular brand of political/economic system. A large fraction of your readers seem to think corruption doesn't happen in Communist or Socialist countries. There are and will be private sector individuals and sometimes (thankfully rarely) organizations who/which bribe government officials. Just as often, there are government officials who threaten and strong-arm private sector officials.
What is interesting, and what goes unreported is the fact that the vast majority of touch points between public officials and private sector individuals and organizations are staffed (at least on one side, but most often on both sides) by people who understand the arm's-length policies of their respective operations and who operate their position according to those policies. Let's celebrate and thank all of those good people: Democrats, Republicans, Non-Political and others.
Then to the extent of the law, let us do our duty to make sure that those who are caught are dealt with harshly and are never allowed to serve in a position of public trust again.
What is interesting, and what goes unreported is the fact that the vast majority of touch points between public officials and private sector individuals and organizations are staffed (at least on one side, but most often on both sides) by people who understand the arm's-length policies of their respective operations and who operate their position according to those policies. Let's celebrate and thank all of those good people: Democrats, Republicans, Non-Political and others.
Then to the extent of the law, let us do our duty to make sure that those who are caught are dealt with harshly and are never allowed to serve in a position of public trust again.
2
Wow Corruption at Newark Airport to people that work there now and use to work there this is not new. Surprised someone finally got caught let their be a full investigation so much would come to light
2
I am surprised at how cheaply the Port Authority administrators can be bought.
5
United filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday indicating that Mr. Smisek would receive nearly $4.9 million in a separation payment, and 60,000 shares of stock, valued at over $3 million.
Well, explains a lot about what a crappy airline United has become
Why do your job if you can look forward to this kind of payout when you screw up?
Well, explains a lot about what a crappy airline United has become
Why do your job if you can look forward to this kind of payout when you screw up?
9
Definitely can't say seeing Smisek go is a bad thing. Continental deteriorated significantly once he became CEO. He continued that downward spiral after taking over the merged United. The delays, the unhappy flight attendants, the over reliance on small cramped regional commuter jets, the computer glitches, lack of service all alienate customers, the people Smisek ignored. He was not afraid to even dish his most valuable customers, premier level customers, having once called us over entitiled. He did not have to put up with the crap and horror stories that flying United became. The fact it took the surrounding corruption of absentee Gov. Chris Christie and many of his appointees makes it even sweeter.
5
As the noose tightens around Samson and Gov. Christi, I quote either Ms. Kelly or Mr. Wildstein regarding children--of Democrats!!--stuck in traffic on school buses for four hours: "Is it wrong that I'm smiling?"
16
Gordon Bethune build a great airline out of the ashes of two bankruptcies -- and built tremendous customer and employee loyalty. Larry Kellner maintained and enhanced what Gordon built. Jeff Smisek drove it into the ground. And now he's disgraced the name of two legacy airlines - Continental and United - and has betrayed both the customers and the employees. His $4M package is nothing more than filthy lucre.
9
As a lawyer who once defended lawyers caught up in corruption and fraud cases, I remain convinced that when the last 'Bridgegate' shoe drops, it will land on Gov. Christie.
12
This is a wonderful scandal because it exposes the useless -- but exceptionally well-paid -- bureaucrats responsible for making flying what it is today. It is no surprise that both "leaders" By any global standards, United Airlines and the Port Authority deliver a product that is embarrassingly third-rate. It is no surprise that both Smisek and Samson are lawyers, strong on political connections, but with minimal management experience clearly insufficient to run such large and complex organizations affecting the lives of millions.
12
Samson pushed United Airlines to reinstate flights for him personally. Christie's friends, appointees, and staff shut down lanes on The George Washington Bridge like its a college prank. And than laugh and gloat about it. Wildstein is given a job Port Authority that wasn't there before and is paid $150.000. a year for basically doing nothing but figuring out how to screw us all. And this is just the tip. Dig into Christie's attorney general appointment, the state police under him, the Halfway Houses, Sandy money, it goes on and on. These people treat us with utter contempt and like nobody matters but them. And it all starts with this blowhard we have for a governor. He must be beyond delusional to think he could be president. Hopefully we'll see Samson come clean to avoid prosecution and Bridgette Kelly when her trial starts with the other moron ( whose name eludes me right now ). Then we can watch Christie slither away into oblivion. I am not usually so vindictive but this man deserves it. Maybe people here in NJ will think twice and use some common sense when they vote next time instead of electing a big mouth, corrupt phony, ( and absentee landlord ). But I won't count on it.
21
THIS is why Republicans are trying to hard to bad mouth Hillary and make up more fake scandals: not only are the Republican candidates all jokes, but they're really involved in scandals which are just starting to unfold: Walker, Christie, Perry. Jeb doesn't have anything worthy of an indictment, but his past dealings would be enough to tank him if he had a chance at the nomination.
10
I love how people in here are focusing on Christie, fir, even though he may have appointed Samson, don't pretend for a second that the NY half of the PA is pure and clean. The whole thing stinks from top to bottom across state lines.
4
Christie should spend eternity waiting to ride a train through the tunnel he so bellicosely refused to replace.
15
I am a 2MM flier on United. I know that others have already expressed these same sentiments with their comments, but I want to go on record anyway because of what a pathetic job Smisek did. Delays were the norm, service was terrible and employees openly discussed with customers their contempt for management. I recall making an overseas connection at EWR in June, and virtually all the flights that afternoon were delayed -- for no apparent reason on the clear sunny day. I complained to the gate agent who very casually told me that the delays were due to a mechanics' slowdown/ protest against management and that I should not complain to her because she supported their protest. I recall thinking, when would Smisek go down? Ironic that his fall was due to corruption and not to the terrible job he did.
12
The fact that the executives from United ended up in control during the merger with Continental (a wonderful airline), then quickly reduced the entire company to Chicago-inspired incompetency, is lamentable. United's churlish conduct, during Soutwest Airline's expansion into international service from Houston, further cemented their reputation for poor service, pettiness and corruption. Good riddance to Smisek and Chris Christie - the sooner he's out of the Republican primary, the better.
10
The resignation of Jeff Smisek has made my day - one of the great architects of the anti customer sentiment that prevails well in airlines that are now making huge profits .. he has nickel and dimed the customer at every opportunity - reduced the value of the Airlines loyalty program which in return has alienated many of his customers including me. Adios Jeff..
100
and me as well. Yet he walks away with 60k shares of stock, and $4 million - - nice guys DO finish last.
1
When I saw this news at 3 AM, I called Customer Service to congratulate them. Smisek was a total jerk, and the only people he treated worse than loyal customers (million-miler me) were his employees. GOOD riddance. Disgusting that he is walking away with almost $5 million severance, after getting bonuses year by year for ruining a once proud airline. The entire board should be sacked as well, for putting up with this loser for so long.
Real tough deal as he walks away with $5,000,000, company car, lifetime free flights and great health insurance. We won't mention the connections and sympathetic support with key government and corporate players.
Makes one want to be a bad boy...
Makes one want to be a bad boy...
20
New Jersey burns.
Christie fiddles.
Christie fiddles.
32
I'd love to see Gov Christie squeeze into one of those United coach middle seats and watch the Jeff Smizek video about "sit back, relax and enjoy our Friendly Skies service" before 5 or 10 wonderful hours of it.
It would be a small beginning of his penance for all of the abuses of office during his tenure to date.
It would be a small beginning of his penance for all of the abuses of office during his tenure to date.
64
Perfect, Look Ahead.
1
Both Ted Cruz and Jeff Smisek graduated with high honors from Princeton and went on to Harvard Law School. Perhaps those universities should reevaluate their admissions policies.
118
Yes and I would include president Obama in your Harvard Law list as well.
I'm not sure which is more disturbing, that an airline would add a flight so that the CEO could get to his vacation home without the fuss and bother of changing planes, or that United would give the same CEO a golden parachute worth millions, before they fire him for bribing PA officials.
The moral of the story - crime does pay, if you're a member of the 1% club.
The moral of the story - crime does pay, if you're a member of the 1% club.
140
Oops - make that the chairman of the NY/NJ Port Authority who requested and received a flight that would be more convenient for flying to his vacation home.
22
The added flight was allegedly to benefit Samson, NOT the CEO.
I wish that he was treated the way it's said China treats their people at the business end of state power. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Seriously, this man is responsible for the decline in value given to the customer over the years from United, whether you're at their highest levels of frequent flier experience or never flown them before.
And the United employees, from middle management on down, who most if not all who had nothing to do with this, will have to be working more to accommodate the legal ramifications arising from this.
Seriously, this man is responsible for the decline in value given to the customer over the years from United, whether you're at their highest levels of frequent flier experience or never flown them before.
And the United employees, from middle management on down, who most if not all who had nothing to do with this, will have to be working more to accommodate the legal ramifications arising from this.
48
Chinese corrupted the all American integrity.
Port Authority is renown for transparency and apolitical professionalism before this country started dealing with China.
Chinese are responsible.
Port Authority is renown for transparency and apolitical professionalism before this country started dealing with China.
Chinese are responsible.
Are we the only country that rewards CEOs who have driven their companies into the ground, with 4 million dollar severance packages? China doesn't do this, as far as I know, neither do European countries. Why can't compensation be tied to performance? This is something I've never understood about American business.
2
Poor guy. How's he going to like on a 7 million dollar severance package?
23
That's chicken feed - check out much bigger firing bonuses - Carly Fiorino for example.
1
Christie knows exactly what is going on and is running from the US Attorney in the same way Mr. McGreevy ran from Mr Christie. Christie is actively campaigning because there's a Fed guide line to not interfere in elections. He has a lot to run from - what other flight did United initiate and when? It's up to reporters to write those stories, have at it!
32
Reminds me of the gang that couldn't shoot straight. Christie and his cronies are like the gang that couldn't govern straight. If you are contributing to his campaign you are throwing away your money. The poor judgement shown by United's execs to make any kind of a deal with close allies of Christie are more than grounds for dismissal and prosecution. If Samson escapes indictment that would be a travesty.
24
I suspect that the New Jersey governor may maintain his presidential campaign until the money runs out. However his proximity to wrong doing, his record of choosing the wrong people, should have put an end to his ambitions, almost two years, ago.
The PANY is clearly in need of an overhaul but I cannot write that the New York governor is doing much about that.
The PANY is clearly in need of an overhaul but I cannot write that the New York governor is doing much about that.
14
I fly United a lot, and I hope that the many good employees of United that I've experienced can now breathe a sigh of relief and hope for a better-managed and better-led organization. After years of decreasing the value and increasing the cost of their services to me -- which is a management issue -- I hope that the positive things that have happened, and the good people who run the airline, will help catalyze a turn for the better.
43
For the United customer and staff, there is no downside to this. The skies have just gotten friendlier.
1
Christie, Samson, Smisek et al. ...too late for Spring cleaning...time for Fall cleaning. And Christie, as the former NJ US Attorney, should know better. And he wants us to support him for President, since he tells it like it is...Sure thing Mr. C!
14
Anybody want to take my 5-1 bet that if it is found they violated the law, neither Smisek nor Samson does any real jail time?
Corporations too big to fail.
Executives too connected to jail.
Corporations too big to fail.
Executives too connected to jail.
106
This kind of petty privilege corruption is sickening. Ordinary Americans are an unthinkable distance from even being able to imagine such foolish and vapid crimes. Storm the Bastille and elect Bernie Sanders!
56
We should bring back the stocks; I'd love to see criminals like these being pelted with - what? apples? rotten eggs? It is corrupt all the way through the system to reward crooks like this with unimaginable wealth; unthinkable to deny $15.00 hourly wage to ordinary people; these rich corrupt criminals cannot even COUNT their wealth, too many zeros, too many pages, too many millions while thumbs down on a liveable minimum wage. Exceptionalism? Why do we allow this? Bernie! - Save us from the dishonesty at the top.
Further confirmation of why I haven't set foot on a United plane for more than 10 years. As many others have pointed out, United is well known for terrible, arrogant service, high prices and now corruption. I don't love any airline (only product I buy that I hate buying) but United is in a class of its own - and not in a good way.
39
New Jersey politics is corrupt? Whoulda guessed? I just searched "most corrupt state governments." While not #1, New Jersey made the top ten. But they're working on it.
No charges against David Samson? Who's he going to give up to stay out of jail? And Governor Christie? So many questionable things happening all around him. Would he notice them more if he wasn't busy elsewhere?
So many questions. I'm sure the people of NJ would like some answers. I hope they get 'em.
No charges against David Samson? Who's he going to give up to stay out of jail? And Governor Christie? So many questionable things happening all around him. Would he notice them more if he wasn't busy elsewhere?
So many questions. I'm sure the people of NJ would like some answers. I hope they get 'em.
18
He resigns under pressure. He's performed poorly. He's being investigated by the Feds and he walks off with $7M.
70
And what would you get if you did the awful job that he did? You'd get fired, with no chance of even collecting unemployment. Yet, people shrug and do nothing about it.
2
Maybe the campaign he should be with is Carly Fiorina's.
1
It's probably because he know where all the bodies are buried.
1
A sad example of the mismanagement and breakdown in governance at the Port Authority. An agency that, in its heyday, built some of the great infrastructure of New York is now simply a tool for the governors of New York and New Jersey to dispense favors.
Voters must hold them accountable for the an agency that wasted $4 billion on the world most expensive train station, proposes an unnecessary $1.5 billion PATH extension to Newark, and delivers a ludicrous estimate of $11 billion to replace the PA bus terminal. All the while, urgently needed priorities like trans-Hudson rail tunnels languish.
Voters must hold them accountable for the an agency that wasted $4 billion on the world most expensive train station, proposes an unnecessary $1.5 billion PATH extension to Newark, and delivers a ludicrous estimate of $11 billion to replace the PA bus terminal. All the while, urgently needed priorities like trans-Hudson rail tunnels languish.
19
Trouble is the voters shown time and again they will over look corruption, arrogance, sleaziness, etc. so long as their candidate has the right letter after their name on the ballot. How do you think we ended up with Cuomo again last time around??
Nothing changes with Christie's appointees. Earlier this year Christie was bragging about new United flights to Atlantic City. Gov. Christie- how much were the bribes?
22
Maybe NOW they will give us more knee room back in the
'cattle car' section??
'cattle car' section??
9
Why should they? One has nothing to do with the other.
Governor Christie has been out-louted by Mr
Trump and now will be permanently "out" of the Presidential race due to this evolving scandal. Time for him to run out his term-limited, failed Governorship and go to work for FOX.
Trump and now will be permanently "out" of the Presidential race due to this evolving scandal. Time for him to run out his term-limited, failed Governorship and go to work for FOX.
15
If being involved in a scandal that is on the front page of the NYT everyday disqualified people from running for President, Bernie Sanders would have the Democratic nomination locked up already.
12
Besides the insult that Mr. Smisek is getting huge involuntary termination bonuses, the second insult is that an existing board member, who I assume approved many of Mr. Smisek's strategies that angered its most profitable and loyal fliers, takes over.
33
Excellent point.
When it merged, Untied airlines took one of the few good U.S. airlines, Continental, down with it. What a loss.
46
How is that since day one of the merger the company has been run by Continental. Every executive is from Continental, but somehow magically it's United fault.
Interesting, since the merger company is run exclusively from CO executives. How does that work. So it must be CO that caused it to be dragged down.
Good points, but all I know is that Untied was bad and Continental was good, then they merged, and now it's bad (also moved operations from Houston to Chicago, I believe).
No surprises here about the behaviors of those in high places, except that the deeds have come to light. Corporate 'rot' at its best, and arrogance as well. It's business as usual, unfortunately, including 'golden handshakes'.
United's service has steadily deteriorated over time. Continental was the best. Every United flight I have taken recently has been delayed due to 'mechanical reasons'. Interestingly enough the repairs were always completed just before the max delay time for cancellation. Maybe it was just back luck!
United's service has steadily deteriorated over time. Continental was the best. Every United flight I have taken recently has been delayed due to 'mechanical reasons'. Interestingly enough the repairs were always completed just before the max delay time for cancellation. Maybe it was just back luck!
13
Seriously, great reporting. However, it appears only in cases of avarice and political corruption outside of New York City is the focused eye of the media allowed to venture. The Teflon Cowboys of Wall Street simply chuckle at all of this and mutter, "Amateurs."
33
Christie appointed Samsom to the Port Authority and the finances of the PA paid him and other Christie's appointees, including the David Wildstein who has pleaded guilty to closing the George Washington Bridge for four days at the beginning of the school year. It is the busiest bridge in the United States.
I am so happy that Christie's abuse of his powers is coming to light. He just can't have another opportunity to dole out jobs to his cronies. He's unfit for any elected office.
I am so happy that Christie's abuse of his powers is coming to light. He just can't have another opportunity to dole out jobs to his cronies. He's unfit for any elected office.
52
Something I never understand in the long-running stories, investigations, exposes of the PANYNJ is that the agency is a bi-state agency NY and NJ. Most of the malfeasance, granted, has been on the "NJ" side of the ledger. Where are the questions and outrage at the "NY" side's complete abandonment of the system of checks and balances. Seems that Cuomo ceded control of the agency to Christie and his merry band of ham-handed, not-ready-for-primetime, petty con men and shakedown artists.
Given the drive and egos of both men, what did Christie cede to Cuomo for looking the other way on a multi-billion dollar agency's bald-faced corruption?
Given the drive and egos of both men, what did Christie cede to Cuomo for looking the other way on a multi-billion dollar agency's bald-faced corruption?
159
You might want to read up on how the WTC was initially conceived, constructed and then re-built. More than a bit sleazy on both sides of the river.
Not that the NY side is perfect, but with both Bridgegate and the United quest for lower fees at Newark the Cuomo appointee as PA Executive Director effectively thwarted them. In the first case it was as soon as he learned of it a couple days in; it appears he had been deliberately not told ahead of time; this is one of the tell-tales that participants knew they were doing something wrong. In the second case he was able to prevent any fee reduction. As to the Atlantic City flights, I can't tell from the reporting whether UAL got any special-favor deal or whether it actually benefitted the PA to have more flights into AC. If the later is the case it doesn't seem that the PA ED should have said no to UAL lacking any knowledge that there might have been some expectation of a quid pro quo at Newark. [I am sorry that I don't have the PA ED's name at hand.]
Cuomo's hands off approach to the intermiitant revalations and his vetoing of the bill to make Port Authority management more accountable to the public interest is a strong indication that those hands are dirty too.
This story gives the old tag line "fly the friendly skies" a whole new meaning - much to the dismay of the Christie campaign.
6
I just wish that UAL's Board would hire me, let me resign, and then pay me $7.9M for doing so. Tough life ahead for Smisek, since we all know how little that will buy you these days. Oh, wait, he's already collected many $$millions more for improving UA's profits at the expense of its passengers. And another step down for the US on Transparency International's corruption scale.
14
How many more favors would Mr. Christie dole out as president, and to whom? More importantly, what would be the consequences of offending him?
A drone strike comes to mind, as does a nuclear war.
A drone strike comes to mind, as does a nuclear war.
8
Probably as many as for those the "Foundation" would be getting a "donation" for under a Clinton administration. Don't kid yourself.
Wow, this guy will be feeling guilty all the way to the bank. (Unless metal bars block the way.)
10
He should have been fired for poor service. The integration from the merger between Continental and United has been sloppily executed. Also, the fleet is aging with maintenance delays common. The flight attendants are awful and the food is worse.
19
More good news for the average little guy! We have got to keep cleaning house of these corrupt suits in the corner offices. They have hornswaggled American into being a failed, bankrupt, corrupt, improverished Third World Country. America is no longer a nation; it is toxically corrupt conglomerate run by and for the sole interests of perps such as Smisek, Foxhall, Anderson, Samson and Christie. Among the two million Americans in jail, let's make plenty of room for all the white collar CEOs in America.
15
Why do you think the next crew will be any better?
@Terry Couldn't be worse... could it?
The 'entitled ethics' of the corporate elite are on full display here. The head of the Port Authority feels he's entitled to flight service to his weekend home and uses his position and influence to have the service even when it means the flight operates at a loss; the cost of the loss is of course borne by others. The United executives cooperate with the head of the Port Authority, even though doing so means financial damage to the company as well as being illegal -- and when they are found out and forced to resign, they get $$multi-million$$ exit parachutes. And undoubtedly they fought to keep wages and benefits as low as possible for workers, in the name of "economic efficiency." What contemptable corrupt ethics and behaviour. But its widespead in the self-aggrandized corporate elite, who Mitch McConnel likes to deify as "the job creators."
27
The most revealing line in this article is that David Samson remains one of the Governor's closest advisors. Theoretically, the other players in the scandals were thrown overboard because they behaved against the Governor's wishes, except that nobody familiar with the Trenton political culture, Republican or Democrat, believes that. Alternatively, David Samson remains in the inner circle because he faces serious legal risks, and he knows too much - which, incidentally, is the universal view of those intimately familiar with the Christie circle. Samson is a shrewd operator - his nickname in the governor's office when he served as McGreevey's Attorney General was "teflon man"; Christie has no real hope of surviving New Hampshire in the presidential process, but he better hope that Samson's luck hasn't run out.
15
Okay, so could we now please have some action on the PA's other smarmy "partners" at EWR and the other airports? Those of us who actually fly on commercial aircraft know it can be -- and often is -- very different at other airports in the developed world. Whether it's the public transit to the city center or the selection of newspapers at the newsstand, our airports stink in comparison.
7
I'd like to personally thank Kate Zernike & Jad Mouawad for their insightful reporting. Not until I read this article did I realize that United was still and airline...or that Governor Christie was still running for president. Here's to hoping this rights United's ship and that Chris Christie needs to learn how to use, and pay for his own EZ Pass again.
5
United could apologize to it's customers by having seats in economy go to 32 inches. or 33 inches on its long haul flights. It will not cost you that much and the publicity will make you loved instead of totally disliked as you are now.
14
Why should they apologize? Like most other airlines they know people want this and that but won't pay for it. It's the screwed up economic reality of how Americans buy plane travel...price only then, demanding the lowest possible and saying they don't need all of the extras and then they complain about it.
Thank you, Southwest, for flying to several destinations nonstop from Milwaukee and not forcing me to choose Untied--excuse me, I mean United--from O'Hare.
11
Poor Chris Christie, blind sided once again. First, his hooligan staff putting the Bridgegate plan into effect without Christie's knowledge. Then his Port Authority Chairman, who is also Christie's mentor, decides he can use the power of his office to enhance his quality time travel.
Yet to explode is the ongoing investigation of the improper use of Port Authority funds to rebuild the Pulaski Skyway, which, to get that money, had to be characterized as a feeder highway to the Lincoln Tunnel. That apparently was Christie's own idea to avoid raising NJ gasoline taxes to get the revenue to do this project.
Should have just raised the gasoline tax, Governor. Instead of a feeder road to the Lincoln Tunnel, the Skyway may turn out to be a feeder road to the Federal lockup at Danbury Connecticut.
Christie is delusional if he believes these scandals do not disqualify him from the Republican nomination.
Yet to explode is the ongoing investigation of the improper use of Port Authority funds to rebuild the Pulaski Skyway, which, to get that money, had to be characterized as a feeder highway to the Lincoln Tunnel. That apparently was Christie's own idea to avoid raising NJ gasoline taxes to get the revenue to do this project.
Should have just raised the gasoline tax, Governor. Instead of a feeder road to the Lincoln Tunnel, the Skyway may turn out to be a feeder road to the Federal lockup at Danbury Connecticut.
Christie is delusional if he believes these scandals do not disqualify him from the Republican nomination.
27
Besides leaving with generous severance and a pension beyond the imagination of the middle class, what penalty must he pay for fulfilling another's request to be bribed. Is it not reasonable to assume both sides participate in criminal acts, if bribery is criminal and not just a cost of business
4
Rooting out government and corporate corruption is one of the main differences between truly civilized countries and those nations and corporations who use it as an alternate system of pay and perks for their employees. As for finding out about more corruption in the New York-New Jersey Port Authority, it isn't surprising. Perhaps United Airlines can improved their company under a new chief executive. One can only hope so. As for Mr. Samson having a weekend home in Aiken, SC, I was not aware it was a popular relaxation destination.
5
He must like all the nuclear waste that is stored nearby at the Savannah River facility.
United/Continental was already a loser among the big three airlines with poor customer service, not great planes, and uncompetitive pricing on most routes.
Add in the swamp that is the PANY/NJ and you get what is hinted at here. A bad thing coming for both that neither organization can ignore or sweep under the rug now.
Its going to get worse.
Add in the swamp that is the PANY/NJ and you get what is hinted at here. A bad thing coming for both that neither organization can ignore or sweep under the rug now.
Its going to get worse.
86
I've flown many different airlines, but never have I had a worse experience than with United. One flight, my last one with United in 2008, got off to a bad start and I mentioned it to a flight attendant after she was a bit rude to me before take-off. Her response was "I can make it worse". Even my seat mate couldn't believe what she said.
I have never set foot on another United or affiliated flight.
I have never set foot on another United or affiliated flight.
32
The only thing that would make any difference is fines greater than their net worth.
11
Plus Prison!
3
I personally like the Japanese preferred method of assuming full responsibility: Hari Kiri. That would be quite the pay-per-view event.
1
Once again, the path of "questionable" activity leads to Christie...
WHEN will the US Attorney file charges against HIM? A pattern has clearly emerged.
"The United States attorney for New Jersey has been investigating ... the authority’s chairman, David Samson ... appointed by Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey in 2010. He stepped down in March 2014, months after records subpoenaed by the New Jersey Legislature ..."
WHEN will the US Attorney file charges against HIM? A pattern has clearly emerged.
"The United States attorney for New Jersey has been investigating ... the authority’s chairman, David Samson ... appointed by Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey in 2010. He stepped down in March 2014, months after records subpoenaed by the New Jersey Legislature ..."
9
"United filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday indicating that Mr. Smisek would receive nearly $4.9 million in a separation payment."
"The private sector knows how to do it better." The mantra of every Republican politician.
"The private sector knows how to do it better." The mantra of every Republican politician.
22
Governor Christie continues to be advised by one of his closest deceivers. Or continues to be deceived by one of his closest advisors. "Here is my close advisor, Port Authority firee David Samson. Yes, he deceived me. Deceived me nearly into the ground. Absolutely, a close, close advisor. Yes, deceiver too, we are inseparable. Oh for sure, deceived I was, my friend. Deceived I was. Any more questions? David...to the Limo for advice..."
24
Will this improve the airline? It's appalling.
8
OK, since these United executives won't feel any pain, how about a deal that does something for us suffering slobs in coach - a year without change fees and free bags for all!
23
Why should passengers benefit? What he is accused of is using co. resources to bribe a PANYNJ official for a co. benefit. How were passengers harmed?
1
Yes, or better still christmann, as punishment make them pay to travel on United with two cases, plus hand luggage, in coach, everyday for a year with no upgrades.
1
@GMooG: One way or the other, we all chipped in here, whether to the cost or the result of the mismanagement and the bribes and other criminal activity - or to the big payouts these jokers will realize, now and in the years to come.
United's big and inflexible change fees are simply a way to bleed their customers. Changing a flight online costs the airline absolutely nothing - it's just a way of punishing people for having the nerve to change their plans (especially galling when you've slept on the terminal floor overnight or missed an important event because of a flight cancellation). Dispensing with change fees for a period of time when the airline looks as if it's being run by a bunch of racketeers would be a smart PR move, at the very least; they are widely despised.
Why shouldn't passengers benefit? Not all of us have drunk the corporate Kool-Aid.
United's big and inflexible change fees are simply a way to bleed their customers. Changing a flight online costs the airline absolutely nothing - it's just a way of punishing people for having the nerve to change their plans (especially galling when you've slept on the terminal floor overnight or missed an important event because of a flight cancellation). Dispensing with change fees for a period of time when the airline looks as if it's being run by a bunch of racketeers would be a smart PR move, at the very least; they are widely despised.
Why shouldn't passengers benefit? Not all of us have drunk the corporate Kool-Aid.
I'm glad to hear it. Smisek was the worst the airline industry had to offer. Under Smisek, United Airlines prioritized profit above all else and severely mistreated its customers.
Regardless of the corruption case, it is good to see Smisek go.
Regardless of the corruption case, it is good to see Smisek go.
48
Nice try, Karen Kessler, "spokeswoman for David Samson's lawyers."
But this can't possibly be just "a United matter."
Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas focused on whether David Samson, the former chairman of the Port Authority appointed by Governor Christie, had pushed United to reinstate flights that he used to travel to and from his weekend home in South Carolina.
Presumably prosecutors are looking at Samson's extortion of United.
Why on earth does the NYT publish such a lame, dismissive remark by Samson's legal team?
But this can't possibly be just "a United matter."
Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas focused on whether David Samson, the former chairman of the Port Authority appointed by Governor Christie, had pushed United to reinstate flights that he used to travel to and from his weekend home in South Carolina.
Presumably prosecutors are looking at Samson's extortion of United.
Why on earth does the NYT publish such a lame, dismissive remark by Samson's legal team?
5
It's not extortion when both parties receive something they both want.
Just like Wall Street - no jail time. Settlement, wrist slap, no jail time and no admission of wrongdoing. And I've flown 1.5 million miles on that airline.
35
umm, there is no government settlement so far, and there hasn't even been an indictment yet, let alone a trial and conviction. So it's a bit soon to say he's getting off without jail time.
Darn -- no more kitschy videos of "Mr. Smisek" to see us on our way at the beginning of each flight...
21
As a United Silver member or whatever it is, there are few punishments on God's Green Earth that I would not wish on this dude. Let's hope his golden parachute fails to open and the command to open his back-up chute has to be sent by an airport-based United Airlines customer representative. And as a bonus physics of flying question, if he is hugging Chris Christie will he fall to Earth any faster?
67
I think that what is being overlooked by most is the person named to succeed Mr. Smisek. This individual was the former head of CSX Railroad. The long, sordid history of American railroads is full of corruption and bribery. Sounds like UAL replaced one corrupt individual with another one just as bad.
28
Go figure:
A republican-leaning CEO in bed with the most corrupt (data is here folks...) current GOP governor.
Next?
A republican-leaning CEO in bed with the most corrupt (data is here folks...) current GOP governor.
Next?
13
"data is here folks"
Where exactly is the data? In an investigation that is not yet complete? By that standard, then you must agree that the "data is here" re Hillary Clinton's corruption, too.
Where exactly is the data? In an investigation that is not yet complete? By that standard, then you must agree that the "data is here" re Hillary Clinton's corruption, too.
Talk about an early departure.
38
perhaps more like a crash but with a comfy (if undeserved) parachute
Before being forced out by this scandal, Smizek made life miserable for customers and employees. He messed up operations and chased away many of the better customers. Despite this, he is rewarded with $4.9M severance pay. This is about 100 yrs salary for the average employee.
68
Not familiar with Mr Smizek's employment contract but certainly there must be a clause in it to void any severance pay when illegal activities occur.
3
".. certainly there must be a clause in it to void any severance pay when illegal activities occur."
Why would you think so? Corporate CEOs live in a different universe, one not defined by the 99%'s norms of good and evil, legality and criminality. They really are not like the rest of us.
Why would you think so? Corporate CEOs live in a different universe, one not defined by the 99%'s norms of good and evil, legality and criminality. They really are not like the rest of us.
3
Is there any outcome where this event DOES NOT further taint the administration of Gov. Christie? Corruption and cronyism abound. He should be recalled.
24
Wow, lots of Christie haters on here. Let's remember, these guys are innocent until proven guilty. ;-)
Just like Hillary. ;-) ;-)
Just like Hillary. ;-) ;-)
4
The professional ethical obligation of a lawyer is to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Chris Christie, Jeff Smisek and Hillary Clinton are lawyers who have failed their basic ethical obligation. But who have not been charged with anything by a government prosecutor. They are thus entitled to no presumptions of innocence. Instead they are guilty until proven innocent by public opinion and mass media madness.
1
Take a look at the "package" he walks away with. This is an utter Corporate disgrace. Health, car, flight privileges, almost $5 million in severance.
Enough!
Enough!
74
What a dumb reason to get yourself tangled up in a legal mess. There's obviously more going on here that has yet to be announced. Samson makes plenty of money and could've taken a private charter flight to his vacation home.
4
And you think a rich person is willing to pay for a private charter instead of a subsidized United flight? The guy wants to save money just like the rest of us. The difference is that he could get United to charter one of their planes for him.
1
You obviously don't understand how kick-backs work.. not that it is necessarily a bad thing.
You shovel $1000 of public money to some corporation or individual, and in return get $1 worth of trinket or some personal favor. It could be as small as a massage with a happy ending, or a watch, or spin in a Ferrari. It doesn't really matter. The point is it gives them a sense of power, floats their life style, and it is some perk which is off the books and for which they don't have to spend their own money. That's it.
A weekend home is not worth that much if you have to take a charter flight, if you have to make a connection, or it takes 10 hours to get to! So this is even more of a boondoggle.
It comes as no shock to United's current and former customers that someone who ran the airline in a sleazy manner should have to step down over sleazy, potentially criminal conduct. There's a report over at the frequent flyer website Flyertalk about passengers and crew cheering when the news reached them before take-off.
Ironically, Smisek is a lawyer who rose to be CEO of Continental and then United after begin Chief Counsel for Continental. That background certainly has not prevented him from being an unethical CEO, but you'd think it would have helped him steer clear of this Port Authority mess.
Ironically, Smisek is a lawyer who rose to be CEO of Continental and then United after begin Chief Counsel for Continental. That background certainly has not prevented him from being an unethical CEO, but you'd think it would have helped him steer clear of this Port Authority mess.
171
The professional ethical obligation of a lawyer is to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. This goes well beyond that. How far is unknown. But according to Bryan Stevenson being rich white and guilty is a lot safer and better than being poor black and innocent. Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton were lawyers.
3
Gee, an unethical lawyer and corrupt businessman...who knew?
I wonder if Governor Christie will wander back to New Jersey and explain to his constituency why his appointments to the Port Authority smell worse than a rotting corpse. This is much different and much worse than the traffic chaos his minions created at the G.W. Bridge. This guy might be sitting atop the Jersey version of Teapot Dome.
19
Yesterday he promised that he would be in New Hampshire every week from now until February. Who is running NJ?
3
I don't understand this story. The Port Authority head used his power in an inappropriate way, essentially blackmailing United. Why should the United execs be prosecuted or resign? Shouldn't the corrupt government official be the focus of the investigation?
7
I would think that United's board is forcing them out to try and avoid the company being charged. The government official is certainly already under investigation. United may well be guilty of essentially bribing David Samson with a "pay to play" scheme. They were negotiating with the Port Authority (and its chief, Samson) terms for their lease at Newark Airport. If this proves to be the case, I hope they are all charged and convicted.
Now we're all just wondering if Christie will be found to have known.
Now we're all just wondering if Christie will be found to have known.
Port authority is corrupted, it's exec is equally responsible
I'm sure there will be golden parachutes for all of them.
1
This is just the latest example of the "spoils system" of political patronage that should be banned as it was supposed to be well over a century ago with the establishment of the federal civil service. Unfortunately, in the land of Boss Tweed the originator of this "to the victor belongs the spoils" patronage, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been turned into a political honey pot by Governor Christie and his cronies. And God only knows what Andrew Cuomo has doing doing there as well. It's time to throw all the bums out and return to a patronage free civil service system at the Port Authority.
6
I appreciate the fact that these United officials have resigned, but it would also be interesting to see what were the terms of those resignations. I would be shocked if there was not some kind of golden parachute going to these people. Just doesn't seem possible in today's entitlement climate that they didn't walk away without inducements.
3
Yeah, this is bad.
But the biggest piece of corruption is Christie signing off on $225 million liability for Exxon Mobil's environmental disaster, when the original lawsuit sought $8.9 billion. Mr Christie has left taxpayers on the hook for what will be billions in clean up costs. Watch for big campaign contributions and a beautiful job when he leaves politics for good.
But the biggest piece of corruption is Christie signing off on $225 million liability for Exxon Mobil's environmental disaster, when the original lawsuit sought $8.9 billion. Mr Christie has left taxpayers on the hook for what will be billions in clean up costs. Watch for big campaign contributions and a beautiful job when he leaves politics for good.
36
so what happens ... do they loose any pay or their bonuses
just think if you are black and he some weed with you.. up to twenty five years///
but of course these are white men, part of the OLD BOY NETWORK ... get a job in te arms industry ...
just think if you are black and he some weed with you.. up to twenty five years///
but of course these are white men, part of the OLD BOY NETWORK ... get a job in te arms industry ...
10
UAL's officialdom first demonstrates incompetence in improving the lot of its customers and employees and then is shown to be corrupt. Everyone is supposed to act surprised. When it's business as usual, no one's supposed to get caught. After packing up their briefcases, the perpetrators will find other companies to head up, golden parachutes lined up in waiting. Job creators in need of tax breaks, every one of them.
125
Quibble: They are not job creators. They are only takers, first and last.
Too bad Christie and Cuomo vetoed that Port Authority reform bill. The PA is broken top to bottom. It's not serving citizens effectively or efficiently, instead it's a perch for cronies.
8
Thanks, Congress for allowing monopolies to flourish. The public has and will continue to pay the price.
264
Republicans. Blame the Republicans on SCOTUS with their Citizens United decision.
How much have Jeff Smisek and United Aitlines contributed to Chris Cristie's campaign?
9
Well, at least we won't have to see those smarmy video presentations on United flights any more.
64
It's time for NJ to impeach Christie. Absolutely the most corrupt governor that NJ can remember and that's saying something.
208
And to think Christie was a federal prosecutor. The fox got very fat guarding the henhouse.
7
Just imagine all the corruption that never gets exposed. It's mind boggling.
170
What's more mind boggling is the amount of corruption that used to be illegal is now legal, thanks to lobbyist's and good old fashion bribery.
Glad to see him go. He was responsible for lousy service, high prices, nickel and diming the customers, nurturing poor attitudes from his employees, and not dropping ticket prices as fuel costs plummeted. United Airlines has been setting the bar lower and lower and is a major reason why people hate the airline industry. His in flight video showed him bragging about their new high tech planes but those planes are designated for overseas flights while he chose to fly dirty old planes domestically. Hopefully, United can do better for their customers with new leadership. Good riddance.
456
why on earth, Phil M, should United Airlines, or ANY airline for that matter, lower fares simply because fuel prices decline? Airlines are not charities obligated to fund your next $99 fare to wherever! It costs a lot of money to maintain a safe, reliable airplane that can haul you and all the baggage you drag on board around up at 35,000 feet! Most of the profits U.S. carriers have been earning the past several quarters have been being socked back into their coffers reinvesting in new airplanes, airport facilities, employee salaries and investor returns - NOT passenger fares.
2
Phil is right.
1
Kyle Hill responded and said that United ( only in name, run by Continental management ) has reinvested profits in salaries is an ignorent and incorrect statement. The Continental management has eliminated the pensions of supervisors, taken away holiday pay from supervisors and charged them more money for their medical insurance. Living wages and benefits of union employees eliminated as employee jobs contracted out to minimum wage employees. In which this company that brags about record profits pass off their financial obligations to the federal government in the form of food stamps, earned income tax credits, free school lunches, housing subsidies for these mimimim wages earners. You the tax payer are now paying for this; a company making record profits.
11
Really? No kidding. Corrupt politicians are being bought by corrupt "Captains of Industry", millionaires and billionaires? How is this news? Because we are not supposed to connect the dots that link everyone with money and the politicians (read corrupt). Luckily, this year we have the Donalds, to tell us that all this is real. He used to do the buying himself. This is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. But, this too shall pass away, unless people really, really want to get rid of them all. Including DT.
163
Hope enough United employees stay sober enough to staff the airline tomorrow.
108
Since I was charged $200 for a checked piece of luggage a few pounds over on a United flight last fall, more news of greed and corruption aren't surprising. "Friendly Skies"? Yeah right.
47
Chris Christie was also the guy moving the cones on Newark's runways, not just on the highway.
21
The article reports the company's hope that the resignations of these top execs may save United itself from criminal prosecution. Suppose that happens. The execs still walk away with millions in deferred comp and/or severance. Where is the deterrence in this model of criminal justice?
530
There is none. Just watch - Smisek and his coconspirators will be hired by some other company, EXACTLY because they know how the game is played. And now they know some things NOT to do next time.
1
Agreed. I just can't believe the financial package that Mr. Smisek is taking out the door. Wow! That's a pretty darn nice sendoff. What do the shareholders think of this kind of management?
2
We do need the equivalent of a corporate death sentence, namely fines so large that no one ever does anything like it again. The teeth would need to be almost as long as those the IRS has.
This wouldn't be so bad if they didn't charge me $25 per bag.
15
I loved Continental for the clean comfortable planes, the cheerful crews and the good on-time performance. I dreaded the merger for reasons that have become all to clear. Look at the current state of the merged airline. I would have never imagined Smisek flouting the law when he was immersed in the Continental culture. United - not so surprised. Its simply an awful airline - the only redeeming feature being it's livery...
22
The livery is awful.
5
United Airlines today is primarily staffed by legacy Continental Airlines executives, although a few were given their walking papers today. Smeisk took the worst of both airlines and the result is the "United" of today.
4
Bring back the UAL 'Tulip'!
2
This is not good news for David Samson or Chris Christie. The inevitable convergence of the Bridgegate and the two Flightgate investigations (United's convenient flights to South Carolina at Samson's behest and the Port Authority takeover of the Atlantic City International Airport) will likely lead the 75-year-old Samson to cut a deal to avoid prison time and thus torpedo Christie's presidential hopes and could possibly end his career in government. New Jersey must be so proud of its native sons.
297
NJ has the best politicians money can buy.
12
We'll cheer at their incarceration!
3
No deals, they are all afraid of implicating Christie. Samson. Baroni. Wildstein. Unless they sing, no deals. The bully governor, who knows exactly what his staff and appointees does, should not get a hall pass.
1
Something's rotten in the state of New Jersey. Take our governor, Chris Christie. PLEASE. Somebody, some place, take him. Anywhere but Washington, DC, though; a federal prison might even be the best place, but please, take him and the festering mess he's overseen since he took office away. FAR AWAY!
133
It's a toss up as to which state is more corrupt. Maryland the "Cradle Of Corruption" or New Jersey, "The Turnpike State".
You keep talking like that and we're going to build "the biggest fence the world has ever seen" around NJ. We're not going to let Chris Christie immigrate here!
1
Everybody is a crook. You can't trust anyone. And that is the way it has always been.
4
I am not a crook. Waitaminnit. Did I just quote Richard Nixon? Never mind. I am a crook.
4
Another transportation corruption domino falls for delightful transportation governor.
When he's not cancelling tunnels, closing bridges, stopping highways or bankrupting the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund, he's wreaking havoc with Newark's largest commercial carrier.
Of course Governor Christie travels almost exclusively by helicopter and Jerry Jones private jet that lands at private airports.
Let the public transportation infrastructure drown as far as the Good Governor is concerned.
Chris Christie and Corruption: Perfect Together.
When he's not cancelling tunnels, closing bridges, stopping highways or bankrupting the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund, he's wreaking havoc with Newark's largest commercial carrier.
Of course Governor Christie travels almost exclusively by helicopter and Jerry Jones private jet that lands at private airports.
Let the public transportation infrastructure drown as far as the Good Governor is concerned.
Chris Christie and Corruption: Perfect Together.
381
If you have been around government and politics and watched prosecutors investigate and manage corruption cases you know what this means.
It means that in return for not being indicted they have agreed to testify, first against Samson and maybe ultimately against Christie, the author of the past sordid six years in NJ in which the entire government has been on barter to advance Christie's ambitions.
Coruption for the sake of ambition is worse than that for money. With
money you know the price. With ambition there is no ceiling on the corruption.
One therefore deduces these now former United corporate officer have been told they were targets of the investigation, in the full criminal law sense of that term, negotiated an immunity deal and having done that cannot be allowed by the prosecutors or the United Board of Directors to continue as corporate officers of a major public corporation.
The government relations guy especially is to be blamed. He was not smart enough to do his job and say, on this Mr. CEO we don't try to fix it because we don't want to go to jail; we go to corporate counsel and from there we go to the U.S. attorneys in Manhattan and New Jersey.
Of course as a denouement to Christie's political career it is a dollar late and a dollar short. He is back in the pack of mad dog Republicans hovering at 2 percent. Still, though he won't be president, federal housing may yet be in his future. At Allenwood.
It means that in return for not being indicted they have agreed to testify, first against Samson and maybe ultimately against Christie, the author of the past sordid six years in NJ in which the entire government has been on barter to advance Christie's ambitions.
Coruption for the sake of ambition is worse than that for money. With
money you know the price. With ambition there is no ceiling on the corruption.
One therefore deduces these now former United corporate officer have been told they were targets of the investigation, in the full criminal law sense of that term, negotiated an immunity deal and having done that cannot be allowed by the prosecutors or the United Board of Directors to continue as corporate officers of a major public corporation.
The government relations guy especially is to be blamed. He was not smart enough to do his job and say, on this Mr. CEO we don't try to fix it because we don't want to go to jail; we go to corporate counsel and from there we go to the U.S. attorneys in Manhattan and New Jersey.
Of course as a denouement to Christie's political career it is a dollar late and a dollar short. He is back in the pack of mad dog Republicans hovering at 2 percent. Still, though he won't be president, federal housing may yet be in his future. At Allenwood.
66
Not sure about not being indicted - probably will make a deal but not walk scot free.
I look forward to NOT seeking Mr. Smisek touting United on future my future flights. The service has deteriorated rapidly: the food even in first class is deplorable, the bags are always 45 minutes late, and clearly, someone new is needed at the helm who is not distracted by such shenanigans.
115
United Air Lines is run by the airline it merged with, Continental, whose headquarters are in Houston meaning that UAL's HQ are now in Houston instead of Chicago. Continental brought a lot of money to the merger deal and got to call the shots. Service has deteriorated, the food is gross, there is almost nothing acceptable about how United is run because in fact they are not running the company. Nobody cared for how UAL ran the company, and it's hard to believe it could get worse, but it has under Continental.
5
Nope. You're wrong.
5
Some facts Rosemary. United's HQ is in Chicago not Houston. People in Houston would take a strong exception to your comments. The consensus feeling here is that CO was a good airline and that all went to pot when they were acquired by UA. CO had a modern fleet UA had a bunch of clunkers. Did you ever fly interAsia on UA before the merger?
CO employees lost many positions in Houston due to the merger if they were not prepared to move to Chicago. Does that sound like 'calling the shots?'
CO employees lost many positions in Houston due to the merger if they were not prepared to move to Chicago. Does that sound like 'calling the shots?'
9
As a resident of The Garden State, and a (former) elite United/Continental flyer, I can't decide if I'm disappointed (more bad news about the airline and our governor) or cautiously optimistic (it can only get better). It's been awful to watch Continental morph into a modern-day version of the Soviet-era Aeroflot. The employees look miserable. And don't get me started on CC.
194
You complain about how the service at gotten so bad and seem to believe that United Airlines culture is the problem....... The "new" United. Is complete run by Contenental management. Just before the meter , United had turned themselves around and every month; made more money per seat per mile every single month and was the on time leader for months in a row. After the Contenntal back took over, that all changed. The company is only United in name. We have become the rear end of the donkey and management will never admit their mistakes and continues to blame the employees and contract out their jobs,
6
Uh, JS came from Continental side so please get your facts correct before saying just WHO morphed into the rotten airline, ok?!!
8
@Christy: Regardless of the fact that JS came from Continental, there's no question that Continental's service declined drastically once it merged with United. I experienced it first-hand as an elite flyer on Continental and then (after the merger) United. I believe this is what Ted is referring to.
Anyone who has read "The Power Broker" (about, among other things,
the history of the relationship between Authorities and Government) can
be surprised by such things.
the history of the relationship between Authorities and Government) can
be surprised by such things.
2
that's "..cannot be surprised..."
2
"United’s executive vice president for communications and government affairs, Nene Foxhall, and the senior vice president for corporate and government affairs, Mark R. Anderson, also resigned, the company said."
---
$$$ LOBBYISTS $$$
This goes way deeper than Port Authority
---
$$$ LOBBYISTS $$$
This goes way deeper than Port Authority
47
You may be on to something; Seems to me Smisek recently asked US Justice Dept to investigate how Port Authority uses fees United pays to operate out of Newark.
2
Even the very wealthy sometimes are just not wealthy enough. Sad values.
10
I for one won't miss Smisek's smug face on pre-flight video announcements and whining over taxes and regulation of the airline industry in his "chairman's message" in the United flight magazines. Always thought the guy was up to no good, and that he fostered a culture of especially low employee morale at this airline. Won't be sad to see him go.
225
What I wonder is exactly what "favors" United got at EWR in exchange for continuing that flight to SC. It certainly doesn't show in their terminal or operations there. First time I ever went into an airport newsstand where they not ony didn't have the FInancial TImes, but the person behind the cash register had never even heard of the FT.
No matter how much noxious smoke billows out of Christie's political "house," corporate journalists can never quite seem to locate the source of the fire. I hope Christie and his cronies appreciate the special treatment they receive from the corporate media.
52
I'm less interested in whether "corporate journalists" find the source than if law enforcement manages to find it.
30
As my grandmother used to say: "The fish stinks from the head down", Lets see CC spin this.
86
Interesting that Christie's name keeps popping up in these stories again and again.
54
Kinda like Hillary's name, right?
GMooG: Not even close. The fuss over Hilary's emails is ridiculous, if one understands how communication and classification works. On the other hand, New Jersey's governor has proved to be major organized corruption, since it doesn't seem to be an end to it.
Poor Governor Christie...duped again, who could have known? Of course this says nothing about his credibility or his chances of eventually being nominated.
All he has to do to overcome this is about 700 more town hall meeting in some state other than New Jersey.
All he has to do to overcome this is about 700 more town hall meeting in some state other than New Jersey.
236
Just another garden (state) variety of our kleptocracy at work.
38
Holy wow! So many thoughts here, but admittedly my first was: Maybe, just maybe United will now serve decent coffee.
102
No chance on the coffee.
14
Coffee? Think big! How about some leg room!
26
More bad news for Christie cronies. The "chairman's flight" showed the same lack of basic competence as we've seen overall at Smisek's United (the website was down again today...). They were comically inept in giving Samson his easy trips to SC. Nothing suspicious there...
Unfortunately for United's long-suffering customers and employees, the new CEO comes from a railroad with the worst customer service and lowest levels of investment in the industry. At a time when CSX was rolling in dough, little was done to cement its relationship with customers or build the business for the future.
Unfortunately for United's long-suffering customers and employees, the new CEO comes from a railroad with the worst customer service and lowest levels of investment in the industry. At a time when CSX was rolling in dough, little was done to cement its relationship with customers or build the business for the future.
68
Chris Christie's sordid stories continue. When you play with fire sometimes you get burned.
57
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have underwent investigation, merger, and reappointment and still can't make out with direct flights from Newark Liberty to Guantanamo Bay, Gitmo.
9
Undergone
7
Undergone
6
Governor Christie made a very bad appointment with David Samson, among others. I'd say he should go home to New Jersey and oversee the problem areas he created, but that would be laughable and the people of New Jersey deserve much better than this guy.
I have to imagine that big business is wary of pols who inadvertently help bring them down. Governor Christie should drop out of the race for Republican nominee.
I have to imagine that big business is wary of pols who inadvertently help bring them down. Governor Christie should drop out of the race for Republican nominee.
314
No no no. Christie must stay in at least for the next debate. But wait, Trump has to be careful of his crony Christie. This could be hilarious. Megyn Kelly could go after both of them.
19
David Samson was not a "bad appointment." He was part of the Christie mafiosa, and did exactly what he was supposed to do to make Christie powerful and Christie insiders.
73
If polls are any indication, the last thing the folks of N.J. want their no show governor to do is to come home. Also, I highly doubt he would want to come home with his tail between his legs after being soundly rejected by the national G.O.P..Christie is finished with everybody except for maybe the U.S. prosecutor.This Samson/United story + the upcoming Bridgegate trial may just be the very things to just finish him off.
17
How many other shoes must drop before Christie is counted out?
245
Christie IS counted out.
17
He was barely ever counted in. He's definitely gone. His latest idea that we track people like packages was absurd. Corrupt Christie down for the count.
4
Implicate Chris Christie in this scandal and he's a dead duck before he ever becomes a lame duck.
129
These guys clearly have turned, avoided prosecution by agreeing to testify. They will help take down Samson but will Samson take down Christie. And he is totally dead duck both in the presidential race and in NJ. Look for him to quit as governor of NJ, he only wanted the job this time around for president. He has made a complete mess of NJ that others will have to spend 20 years straightening out, if ever.
27