Monthly Archives

Monthly Archives for August 2020.

Conservative Activist Arrives At Airport, Shocked American Airlines Banned Him For Mask Shenanigans

by Gary Leff

Aug 11 2020

David Harris, Jr., whose book title describes himself as a black conservative, posted a livestream refusing to wear a mask on American Airlines. With a wink and a nod he suggested that a medical issue with a mask was enough to exempt anyone from the requirement. It was clear he didn’t have a ‘real’ medical need. Indeed he had a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a mask.

He’s posted a new video to twitter showing the airline turning him away for his past mask altercation, and he’s shocked that no one from the airline told him he was banned.

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The 7 Best Things About The New Aeroplan Program (And 4 Things You’re Not Going To Like)

by Gary Leff

lounge
Aug 11 2020

Air Canada started off with arguably the best top elite tier in the world. They had a competitive award redemption program. A decade ago it was best in North America. A series of devaluations and the addition of fuel surcharges changed that, though it remained competitive because of even greater devaluations by U.S. airline programs.

The program was disjointed because the elite program was separate from – and owned by a different company, even – redeemable mileage earning and burning. Air Canada re-acquired their Aeroplan frequent flyer program, and they’ve announced plans for relaunching it November 8.

There are some great new features of the program. On the whole it seems like the program is better. There are, however, some features not to like or wish were better.

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If Our Government Was Competent, Banning People From Entering With Diseases Could Make Sense

by Gary Leff

passport getting stamped
Aug 11 2020

The federal government is considering new rules “that would allow border officials to temporarily block an American citizen or legal permanent resident from returning to the United States from abroad if the authorities have reason to believe the person may be infected with the coronavirus.”

However they’d do this based on their best guess – and not testing – and they’re considering doing this now after the coronavirus barn door has already been left open.

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Complete Guide To Air Canada’s New Aeroplan Program Launching This Year

by Gary Leff

air canada plane tarmac
Aug 11 2020

Air Canada has announced the details of their new frequent flyer program that will launch November 8th. I’ve had a chance to dive into the minutiae and speak with executives. Here’s your complete guide for what to expect.

This is a really thoughtful program, attractive for both casual users transferring points – because of the flexibility of redemptions and elimination of fuel surcharges – and for their most loyal customers. I especially love top elites conferring ‘status for a day’ on friends and colleagues, and earning 50% discounts on award redemption up to 11 times a year.

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American Airlines Makes Tons Of Cheap International Business And First Class Awards Available

by Gary Leff

Aug 10 2020

American Airlines has added back more flights than Delta or United. They also appear to be pricing more aggressively, something that United CEO Scott Kirby has publicly said he will not do.

Under American’s revenue-based model low prices also bring inexpensive award inventory. Often that’s only true for connecting flights but right now it seems to be true even for premium cabin international non-stops.

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