Samson Gets Grounded For United Airlines Shakedown

David Samson

David Samson, the former Chairman of the Port Authority of NY/NJ and a former New Jersey Attorney General was sentenced to one year of home confinement, four years probation and fined $100,000 for using his official authority to pressure the parent company of United Airlines Inc to institute a non-stop flight from Newark to South Carolina so that he could visit his second home on weekends.

Samson pleaded guilty to one count of bribery last year. The sentence was imposed today by U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark federal court.

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David Samson, close confidant of Christie, pleads guilty in airline shakedown

NEWARK–David Samson–the embattled former chairman of the powerful Port Authority of New York and New Jersey–pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to using his considerable clout to coerce one of the nation’s largest airlines to accommodate his desire for a regularly scheduled, non-stop flight to a South Carolina summer home. Samson, 76, a well-connected lawyer and one-time New… Read the rest of this entry »

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Tangled web surrounds United’s aborted Atlantic City routes

NEW YORK — Desperate to draw visitors to Atlantic City, New Jersey officials gave United Airlines more than $100,000 in incentives to fly to the seaside resort for at least a year. Then, when United abruptly canceled the money-losing routes eight months later, the officials appointed by Gov. Chris Christie decided not to enforce a contract… Read the rest of this entry »

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United Airlines CEO resigns over Port Authority probe

The chief executive officer and two other senior executives of United Airlines were unexpectedly ousted today — effective immediately — in connection with an ongoing federal probe into the airline’s dealings with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Jeff Smisek stepped down from his roles as chairman, president and chief executive officer of… Read the rest of this entry »

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PA chairman’s United flights add to the twists and turns of a wide-ranging investigation

TRENTON — In a story that has been told only by the slow-drip disclosure of subpoenas, the ongoing investigation into the George Washington Bridge scandal that has engulfed the Christie administration and some of his closest advisers continues to grow. In the latest revelations, United Airlines confirmed today that it has been asked to turn over… Read the rest of this entry »

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United Airlines to award frequent-flyer points based on dollars spent, not miles flown

United Airlines to award frequent-flyer points based on dollars spent, not miles flown (via NJ.com)

NEWARK — The days of United Airlines frequent fliers earning points based on how many miles they fly is coming to an end. United will instead begin awarding points based on dollars spent beginning in March, the airline announced today. The changes…

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