May
26
2015
A collection of interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
The 1 Million Mile Bonus for Partner Activity Plus Consumer Protections When Airlines File Mistake Fares
Monthly Archives
Monthly Archives for May 2015.
Was the US Government Really Prepared to Kill Everyone Onboard a Paris-New York Flight Yesterday?
May
26
2015
F-15 fighters were scrambled “to escort an Air France plane bound for JFK airport” yesterday. There’s only one thing those fighters could have done. And that’s barely reported on.
Review: Virgin Australia’s Odd LAX Check-in and Star Alliance Business Class Lounge LAX
May
26
2015
I got to experience the strangest physical layout for a check-in experience I think I’ve come across — check in at one terminal, departure from a different terminal.
Virgin Australia uses the Star Alliance business class lounge, which features an outdoor deck and fire pits. A lovely way to start off a late night long haul departure…
Does a Hotel Rewards Program I’d Never Heard Of Offer the Best Rate of Return?
May
25
2015
I found myself at the Crystal Inn & Suites in Logan, Utah … with about 100 Future Farmers of America … where I discovered the surprisingly lucrative Crystal Rewards program.
Make Your Own Airline Elite Status
The first level of elite status is getting harder to obtain, and less valuable to have. Airlines often value their credit card holders as much as first-tier elites. For folks who fly regularly but not enough for status, just getting the airline’s card (and not putting spending on it) may be the right strategy.
Review: Hyatt’s Concourse Hotel, the Closest Hotel to LAX
May
25
2015
The Concourse Hotel used be the Radisson, is now managed by Hyatt, and is the closest property to LAX airport. It has a super-prompt and convenient shuttle. But man, does it need a refresh in at least the room I was assigned…
Starwood Refreshing Amex Benefits? Politicians Behave Badly While Flying. And Much More.
May
25
2015
A collection of interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
Singapore’s New Premium Economy, Plus A380 Business and Suites Class Refresh, Revealed
May
25
2015
I first shared Singapore Airlines’ plan to reconfigure Boeing 777s to include a premium economy cabin a year ago. Unfortunately, that reconfiguration means cutting the number of first class seats in half on those 777s. Their A380s getting premium economy go from 12 first class, 60 business, and 399 coach (or 86 business, 311 coach) to 36 premium economy and 333 coach in the low-density business configuration or 36 premium economy and 245 coach in the high-density business configuration. Premium economy is coming at the expense of fewer coach seats. Their 777-300ERs getting premium economy go from 8 first class, 42 business, and 228 coach to 4 first class, 48 business, 28 premium economy, and 184 coach. That’s 10% more business class, half the first class, and 20% fewer economy seats to make room for…
oneworld Member Malaysia Airlines Entered Receivership Today
May
25
2015
Malaysia Airlines was placed into receivership today. The idea is that they are going to move the ‘good’ assets to a new company, which will continue to operate the airline.
This bankruptcy proceeding and transfer of assets does not – itself – affect operations of the airline. It’s a part of the airline’s restructuring, though, while is eliminating routes and jobs as the carrier tries to shrink to profitability.
Malaysia Airlines was struggling even before MH370 went missing last year….
Has the Trick to Book Qantas First Class Awards Become Less Reliable?
May
24
2015
Qantas first class on US-Australia routes is one of the toughest awards to book in the world. There’s been a trick that makes it easier. I’ll describe the trick, and also the challenge to making that trick work that’s crept up in recent months.
