Brand reputation matters a great deal in luxury. Customer experience matters a great deal in luxury. So while they want to compete to grow scope, joining the race to the bottom puts luxury at greatest risk. It’s an even more dangerous game for Hyatt to choose to play than Marriott.
Monthly Archives
Monthly Archives for July 2024.
Sneak Peek: Inside Charleston’s 787-9 Assembly Line – And American’s Orders (Exclusive Details) [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Bilt Devalues Rent Day Points-Earning Effective October 1
Each month they offer double points on the 1st for spending with their co-brand credit card. All non-rent spend doubles, and that doesn’t mean just an extra point. Dining earns 3 points per dollar with their card, so earns 6 points per dollar on the first. Travel earns 2 points normally, so earns 4 points on the first.
$25,000 Retro Pay and 28% Raises: American Airlines Flight Attendants Score Big with New Contract
American Airlines and its flight attendants have a tentative agreement on a new contract, four and a half years after the last one became amendable.
Details of the five year deal are now public. Between immediate pay rate changes and the addition of boarding pay, flight attendants will receive up to 28% raises immediately the month following contract ratification. And they’ll get full retro pay for the time spent without a new contract, which can be over $25,000 per crewmember.
NYC Hotel Crisis: Union-Backed Rules Will Shut Affordable Hotels And Raise Rates
Hotels have been repurposed to house migrants (over 10% of all rooms). The city has largely banned Airbnb. And new hotel construction has been limited, with hotel workers unions given an effective veto over projects.
Now the city wants to drive affordable non-union hotels out of business.
Unbelievable: Emirates Passenger Stuns Seatmates By Making Artisanal Coffee At 30,000 Feet
An Emirates passenger sitting in economy decided to pull out “all the gear” he needed to make “artisanal pour-over coffee” inflight. He made it for his companions, and even passed some around to those sitting nearby watching. Legend. He solved one of the great limitations of modern air travel.
New American Airlines Phone Prompt System Wastes Time, Costs Customers $31 Million
American Airlines rolled out a new automated phone system this morning. When you dial, there’s a new voice on the other end. And you have to listen to the entire recorded message – no skipping it by asking for an agent.
Bilt Rent Day: Virgin Cruise Deal, Blade Helicopter Party, And Discounted Fine Dining
Bilt’s monthly Rent Day deals have been revealed, and this month they have an offer on Virgin cruises; a Blade helicopter party; fine dining access at a discount; along with the usual double points on their credit card, SoulCycle offers and a game show to win cash for rent.
I really like the dining deals. I prefer when they have 100%+ transfer bonuses to airlines and status deals. But you don’t get those every month!
United Airlines Slashes Australia Routes: More Cuts on the Horizon
United’s seasonal second flight between San Francisco and Sydney will only operate for two months, and only three days a week instead of daily. They’ll use a smaller plane for San Francisco to Melbourne, and there will be fewer LA – Melbourne flights leading into peak season. Houston to Sydney will also see fewer frequencies as well.
Falling Apart at Premium Prices: American Airlines Taped-Up Premium Seat [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.