Monthly Archives

Monthly Archives for December 2018.

TSA is Changing Its Dog Strategy to Stop Scaring Children (Yes This is Real)

by Gary Leff

tsa
Dec 24 2018

Roughly 80% of the dogs used by TSA have floppy ears. The other 20% with pointy ears scare children so as pointy-eared dogs retire they are being replaced by dogs with floppy ears.

The TSA spends $26,000 to $42,000 training each dog and accompanying dog handler. Though they’re trying to make the dogs friendlier-looking, they don’t want kids to pet the dogs but did you know that dog handlers are given “baseball-like cards for [their] dog” to “give to children and adults who want to greet the canine while its working” which may be the most valuable feature of the program.

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Norwegian Air Maneuvers to Avoid Collapse

by Gary Leff

plane on runway
Dec 24 2018

Several days ago there were questions about Norwegian Air’s ability to survive into the New Year. A report from a Danish bank suggested they could breach financing covenants which could have led to the unraveling of the low cost carrier that has been driving down transatlantic airfares and that is active in Europe.

The carrier though has announced several moves that they say should shore up their balance sheet. Whether these are enough depends on a variety of factors such as the cost of fuel and demand during the winter dip in travel.

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To Everyone Leaving Marriott for Hilton: You’re Nuts

by Gary Leff

Dec 24 2018

I’m as disappointed as anyone with the way Marriott has delivered on their new loyalty program. The technical side of combining Starwood and Marriott accounts has been frustrating — my account still isn’t right. Customer service has been poor — I’m waiting for a reply to an email from September. And most of all the delivery of benefits and redemptions hasn’t matched what was promised.

However that doesn’t mean you should abandon Marriott. In fact you shouldn’t. Here’s why.

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New Policy: Federal Air Marshals Being Moved to the Back of the Plane Starting Friday

by Gary Leff

liam neeson on a plane
Dec 23 2018

Air marshals though are being moved towards the back of the plane where they can see all of the passengers in front of them, instead of having their back towards supposed threats. This new policy goes into effect December 28.

If nothing else they’ll occupy fewer of the premium seats in economy that airlines sell to passengers for an extra charge.

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No Daily Housekeeping and Linen Changes Every 4th Day at the Brand New Hyatt Regency Seattle

by Gary Leff

Dec 22 2018

Limited service hotels are a fast growing lodging segment. There’s no room service, for instance. Don’t expect a bellman or valet. Some ostensibly full service hotels are moving to become limited service, too.

The brand new Hyatt Regency Seattle opened December 10th. It’s across the street from the Hyatt Olive 8 and near the Grand Hyatt, and is the largest hotel in the Pacific Northwest with over 1200 rooms. And it does not provide daily housekeeping.

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A Sublime Experience at the New Dallas Fort-Worth Centurion Lounge

by Gary Leff

Dec 22 2018

Five years ago American Express opened their second Centurion lounge at the Dallas Fort-Worth airport. I was impressed. It was stylish. The food and drinks were good. There was even a spa.

It didn’t stay a secret for long and quickly eligible travelers began flocking to it and spending more time than anyone would have imagined, even factoring in knowing that people will spend more time than you expect in a lounge that’s actually nice.

A year ago American Express announced they were building a new Centurion lounge at DFW that’s about one-third larger than the old one.

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