a boost for united

United Airlines announces major boost thanks to government bailout

United Airlines flight attendant stewardess cabin customer

The bailout will ensure Houston employees of United will continue to receive paychecks.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip America and wreak havoc on commerce, some industries are receiving government assistance. On April 15, two Texas airlines, Southwest Airlines (Dallas) and American Airlines Group Inc. (Fort Worth) announced billion-dollar bailouts from the U.S. government. Southwest will receive more than $3.2 billion; American Airlines will receive $5.8 billion, as CultureMap reported.

Following suit, United Airlines, which boasts a major hub in Houston, has announced it will receive approximately $5 billion in relief. The funds will come from the Payroll Support Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

As for the breakdown, approximately $3.5 billion will be a direct grant and approximately $1.5 billion will be a low interest rate loan, according to United.. These funds secured from the U.S. Treasury Department will be used to pay for the salaries and benefits of tens of thousands of United Airlines employees, many of whom reside in Houston.

Meanwhile, the airline's parent company also expects to issue warrants to purchase approximately 4.6 million shares of UAL common stock to the federal government, per a press release.

“These funds will cover a portion of our pay and benefits costs through September 30, and we are thankful for the support provided to our employees and their families by the CARES Act,” said United Airlines spokesperson Frank Benenati, in a statement. “This financial support is critical to our people, who are ensuring air service to communities throughout the country and supporting the shipment of much-needed medical supplies and travel of health care professionals around the globe.”

Other airlines receiving aid include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and SkyWest Airline.

The move comes at a critical time for the industry. According to the New York Times, U.S. airlines had idled 2,200 aircraft and that passenger volume was down 95 percent from a year ago. Global passenger revenues are expected to fall by $314 billion this year, a 55 percent decline from last year, the International Air Transport Association.

transportation city-news-roundup

an architect's dream

This stunning steel house is the No. 1 most 'wishlisted' Airbnb in Texas

Robert Bruno Steel House Airbnb in Ransom Canyon, Texas

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Have you ever wanted to stay the night inside an art sculpture?

A stunning architectural paradise just minutes outside of Lubbock is drawing attention as the most sought-after Airbnb property in Texas.

The vacation rental platform's 2026 list of the most "wishlisted" listings in the U.S. surveyed over 2,000 people to find which properties "offer a unique experience for every type of adventurer across all 50 states." More than half of all respondents said uniquely designed listings would attract them to previously overlooked destinations.

The Lone Star State's most desirable — and most fascinating — Airbnb listing is Architectural Marvel: Robert Bruno Steel House, a futuristic 2,200-square-foot three-story piece of art. Last year, the most wishlisted property was a shipping container treehouse in North Texas.

The structure was built and designed by sculptor and Texas Tech University professor Robert Bruno in 1973, but it wasn't quite finished by the time Bruno died in 2008 at the age of 63. The famous building and its history was extensively documented by Texas Monthly in 2022.

"The Robert Bruno Steel House is a one of a kind house and you will never see anything like it," the listing says. "Enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the balcony and the stunning sunset from the large windows."

Robert Bruno Steel House living room Experience the views from the comfort of the living room.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The Steel House is a 20-minute drive east from Lubbock and about eight hours from Houston, located near Lake Ransom Canyon and offering beautiful views of the water.

The listing says it can accommodate up to eight guests across three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a spacious living room, and it offers in-unit washer and dryers for extended stays. Guests might become awestruck at the home's organic and unconventional design, the flood of natural light coming through stained glass windows, the sweeping staircases, and more.

"I first discovered this house in the mid[-]90s from an old 80s art magazine," one reviewer said. "This is truly a very rare sculptural an[d] architecture marvel to be able to stay in. The new interiors artfully compliment the design and are comfy. The view in the canyon is splendid through the windows. It was a true treasure and I’m glad it’s open to the public to be shared."

Robert Bruno Steel House bedroom Two of the Steel House bedrooms have queen size beds, while the third bedroom has a king.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

The property also boasts an abundance of local wildlife, such as deer and two great horned owls — which also means drones are prohibited on the premises for their protection.

Two-night minimum stays at the Robert Bruno Steel House in May 2026 start at about $585 per night, according to the listing.

From big cities to small towns, places in West Texas and the Panhandle are becoming popular under-the-radar destinations among travelers this year. Vacationers are also exploring the region's newly opened and expanding state parks to avoid visiting tourist traps during their adventures.

travel airbnb texas vacations lubbock art