Airline executives are questioning the FAA’s 40-airport flight cuts, calling them political. Several C-level leaders say the government hasn’t shared the safety data they say they’re using as justification.
Charlie Javice, founder of the startup Frank, was convicted of defrauding J.P. Morgan after selling the company for $175 million. Yet under Delaware law, the bank is still footing the bill for her defense — including legal fees, hotel upgrades, and meal expenses.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
The FAA has issued a new order outlining changes to flight-cut requirements and airline obligations during the government shutdown. The directive adds penalties of up to $75,000 per unauthorized flight and temporarily limits passenger compensation rules as airlines coordinate nationwide schedule reductions.
Travelers are furious over a $9 lounge fee on an $800 credit card—but the logic behind it reveals how “premium” travel is quietly being redefined.
I’m writing this from an American Airlines regional jet I half-expected to be canceled today as FAA-mandated flight cuts begin. Early data shows fewer cancellations than forecast, but they’re concentrated among regional routes. Here’s what the numbers actually show and how the reductions are being managed across major airlines.
A passenger’s power bank exploded inside the Qantas International Lounge at Melbourne Airport, spraying “battery acid everywhere” and setting his clothes on fire. Staff and another traveler pulled him into a shower to smother the flames as 150 people were evacuated from the smoke-filled lounge. The man was treated for burns and later released from hospital.
Hilton Honors’ internal systems show a new Diamond Reserve elite tier above Diamond, requiring 80 nights and $18,000 in annual spend. The leak also references a hidden “Honor Society” level, potentially reserved for invitation-only members — signaling Hilton may finally be preparing to match Marriott’s Ambassador and other ultra-premium elite tiers.
Detroit Metro Airport’s plan to open a cigar lounge has drawn fierce criticism from major health groups, who call it “a danger to millions of travelers.” The airport says the idea came from community interest, but public-health advocates are demanding the plan be scrapped.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
