Monthly Archives

Monthly Archives for November 2021.

Europe Shuts Down Travel From Southern Africa Over Fears Of New Virus Mutation That Escapes Immunity

by Gary Leff

Nov 26 2021

While we’ve seen virus variants, we haven’t seen rapid mutation that escapes immunity and also involves greater fitness – so that the virus spreads faster and in vaccinated and previously infected populations.

This variant has multiple spike protein mutations that could help it become more transmissible and also evade immunity. Whether this variant becomes dominant or not, it’s suggestive that there are more mutations in the virus that are possible – countering prevailing wisdom that significant mutation wouldn’t be possible while continuing to infect humans.

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Inflation Is Rampant In Travel Even When Prices Don’t Appear To Be Rising

by Gary Leff

zimbabwe currency
Nov 25 2021

Perhaps the one area where higher prices and scarce inventory have followed the traditional path in travel is rental cars where if you can rent a car it’s expensive and then you have to hope there’s a car there when you arrive. Hotels and airlines are just providing you less, while not charging you proportionately lower prices, and so inflation isn’t as obvious.

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American Airlines Has An RFP Out For A New Inflight Meal Partner

by Gary Leff

Nov 25 2021

Before the pandemic American Airlines had partnered with Zoës Kitchen on branded meals. That partnership has expired. I’m not sure any restaurant chain would be interested in putting their name on an American Airlines Turkey Pastrami sandwich.

Based on a discussion with airline employees this week it sounds like American Airlines is open to cobranding their meals with non-traditional food businesses, perhaps ghost kitchens, or maybe a meal kit delivery service like HelloFresh?

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American Airlines First Class Awards To Hong Kong Wide Open 4+ Passengers

by Gary Leff

Nov 24 2021

For April, July, August, and September 2022 there are plenty of dates with availability for two passengers on the Dallas – Hong Kong flight in first class at 84,000 AAdvantage miles apiece. Next year there may be hope of visiting Hong Kong, or of using this flight to connect onward in Asia on American’s partner Cathay Pacific.

Availability on American’s Dallas flight is great because it’s a useful connecting point for most of the country.

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Something You’re No Longer Allowed To Bring To Australia, Without Getting An Online Prescription First

by Gary Leff

herb kelleher
Nov 23 2021

I’m looking forward to visiting family in Australia and they’re excited to now be allowed to leave to country and visit the States. I don’t vape but I’ve been keeping abreast of changing rules for travelers entering the country and this seemed worth passing along – especially since it’s a new change since most people have been permitted to go there.

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