Monthly Archives for August 2015.
When I visited the American Express lounge in Seattle I found it a really nice space but simply not large enough for the airport, and the number of Platinum (and Centurion) cardholders that travel through there.
Fortunately on each of my two stops through there I was able to manage to find a seat. Last night cardmembers weren’t so lucky…
This week I got an email from Hyatt promoting Tesla test drives at the Hyatt Regency Austin, which is walkable from downtown, so I took them up on it just to be able to see what the fuss was about.
The drive was… awesome. The thinking that went into this vehicle is amazing, it really is unlike any other car I’ve seen in so many ways. The ability to raise and lower the suspension (and automatically, too, when it knows you’re in a place that you always try to avoid a dip for instance if your driveway is like that). A better backup camera than I’ve seen on any car. More intuitive controls. Here’s why I wouldn’t buy one…
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Qatar Airways is introducing 10-across seating in economy on their Boeing 777s. New planes will come into service 10-across and existing aircraft will be retrofitted to 10-across by the end of 2016. Emirates is already 10-across on their 777s.
The Suntrust Delta Debit card was a lucrative mileage-earning tool for a long time. I’ve been writing about it since 2009.
Now it’s back for new applicants, with a signup bonus even, if you have (or open) a Signature Advantage account.
Etihad has rolled out a new fare structure with changes to bonus miles, upgradability of paid tickets, changes and baggage allowances. They’re introducing more restrictive fares.
.. but now award tickets in business and first class aren’t allowed to use the priority check-in lines…?!
Los Angeles International Airport is hiring Orkin… not just to respond to rodent sightings, but to literally always be on site and go out in search of vermin.
They’re making a 10x increased investment in fighting pests as part of a $5.2 million 7 year contract.
Chik-fil-A is apparently food option that Denver airport passengers want most behind Chipotle. And the restaurant chain has a tentative deal to open there. But the Denver City Council may block the deal because of the chain’s views on same sex marriage.
Adweek declare’s Delta’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Tim Mapes a “Brand Genius” although their description of the airline is telling.
The marketing lead at Delta is honored for everything except the airline’s primary customer facing marketing vehicle, SkyMiles.
Last week I noted that Frontier Airlines is getting rid of its 800 number and should save $2 million a year.
As I wrote at the time, this seems totally reasonable to me. When is the last time you paid for domestic long distance? (I haven’t even had a home land line in ~ 15 years.)
In fact getting rid of 800 numbers are a huge marketing opportunity that airlines could jump on.
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 »
