Southwest’s leadership drama appears to sideline Andrew Watterson as CEO-in-waiting. Deeper boardroom power struggles could reshape the airline’s famous culture just as it pushes through major changes to fares, bags, seating, and staffing.
United’s family mileage pooling is more useful now that pooled miles can be redeemed on most partners, with some odd limits for Hawaiian and Emirates. Also: Emirates tries insurance to bring travelers back to Dubai, a Delta passenger is accused of touching crew, and two cats fly to Japan in United’s cabin.
United may block middle seats on new Airbus jets so the planes can be certified with fewer flight attendants. The move could create a European-style premium economy row, but the real payoff may be cutting crew costs.
Former Delta President Glen Hauenstein explains how Delta turned first class from an upgrade giveaway into a profit center, why low-cost carriers struggle to go premium, and how Delta will address its own product slipping.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom pushed back against a United merger at the shareholder meeting, showing Scott Kirby’s pressure campaign still has not gone away.
Qatar Airways restarts daily Philadelphia–Doha service on August 1, and business class award space is wide open for at least two passengers. Awards start at 70,000 points to Doha, with easy onward pricing to the Mideast, Maldives, Africa, and Asia.
United CEO Scott Kirby still won’t declare an American Airlines merger dead, keeps praising JetBlue as a partner, and now admits United ordered excess aircraft.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom confirms the airline has a new widebody aircraft RFP in the market, after retiring 40% of its long-haul fleet and pivoting back toward premium global flying.
Emirates first class loads are down by 50% amidst the Iran war. That’s actually great news for using points, since Emirates actually makes first class upgrades easy you can even upgrade an award ticket and every empty seat is available for upgrade at the airport (and even onboard). Plus Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus, and free Thai Airways miles.
Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 150,000-point initial bonus ends June 15, with strong travel and dining earning, Sapphire Lounge access, and credits that can outweigh the fee.
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 »
