Scott Kirby, American Airlines, and the Future: What We Know

United Airlines CEO Predicts American Airlines' Demise: Bold Vision or Delusional Take?

Kirby's Crystal Ball: Cloudy at Best

Okay, so United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby went on some podcast and basically said American Airlines is toast in the next five to ten years. He sees a future with only two major players: United and Delta. Everyone else? Just fighting for scraps. United Airlines CEO Makes Bold Prediction for Future, Takes Jab at American Airlines

Give me a break.

Is this bold vision, or just a CEO flapping his gums to pump up his own stock? I mean, Kirby's been wrong before. Remember when he swore airfares were going to skyrocket? Didn't exactly pan out that way, did it?

And this whole "brand loyalty" thing he's pushing now? Please. Last time I checked, airline loyalty was about as strong as wet tissue paper. People go where it's cheap and (hopefully) doesn't involve getting your teeth knocked out.

The Chicago Cage Match

Kirby's also crowing about United's supposed dominance in Chicago, saying he "wouldn't want to play American's hand" there. O'Hare is a battleground, that's for sure. But acting like American is already dead in the water? That's just…cocky. Borderline delusional, even.

I mean, what's American even DOING in Chicago? Are they really losing that badly? Details are fuzzy on this, but it's clear Kirby's enjoying kicking them while they're down.

And let's be real, United ain't exactly winning any customer service awards. I swear, every time I fly them, it's a gamble whether my luggage will arrive in the same country as me.

Oh, and speaking of airlines… I was on this budget flight the other day, and the guy next to me was clipping his toenails. Freaking. Toenails. The smell alone… airlines need to start screening for basic human decency, not just oversized liquids.

Where was I? Oh yeah, Kirby's predictions.

The Evolution of a CEO (Maybe?)

The guy's trying to paint himself as some visionary, talking about how he learned from his bosses' mistakes, especially at US Airways. That he tried being Doug Parker, and it was a disaster. Now he's all about building an airline customers love. Scott Kirby Explains How His Leadership Changed — And Why United’s Entire Strategy Looks Different Under Him Now

Right.

Remember when United was slashing business class perks and cutting back on meal times? That doesn't exactly scream "customer love," does it?

It's like he's had a complete personality transplant. One minute he's a spreadsheet-obsessed bean counter, the next he's Mother Teresa of the skies. Which is it, Scott? I can't keep up.

I still don't know who the real Scott Kirby is. Is this whole "customer-first" thing genuine, or just a PR stunt to distract from the fact that they're still charging extra for legroom?

He even admits he used to think JetBlue's live TV was a "gimmick" before realizing it actually mattered to passengers. The same guy who thought inflight wifi was a waste of money. Talk about being out of touch.

United putting Starlink internet in is smart, I guess, since their old wifi was basically dial-up from the Stone Age. But let's not pretend it's some act of selfless generosity.

So, What's the Real Story Here?

This ain't about bold vision. It's about a CEO talking smack to boost his company's image while conveniently ignoring his own airline's shortcomings. American might be struggling, but writing their obituary already? That's just bad form.

Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe Kirby actually does have some secret master plan to revolutionize air travel. But I doubt it.

I'm calling BS.