Streaming CEO Turns First Class Into Content Again—Passenger Says ‘Don’t Record Me,’ Gets Called Racist

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

A streaming CEO turned an Air France La Première cabin into content when a lone fellow passenger objected to being filmed and repeatedly asked, “Don’t record me.” The confrontation escalated fast—both sides recording each other and accusations of racism flying—while the broader issue is familiar: airlines have rules about filming other passengers that rarely get enforced. And it’s not even the first time he’s brought a camera-and-commentary routine into a first class cabin.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Hilton DoubleTree Abruptly Closes, Guests Told to Leave by Noon—Cites “Public Safety”

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown St. Paul told guests they must leave by noon as the hotel temporarily closes, citing “heightened public safety concerns.” The shutdown lands amid escalating tension in the Twin Cities tied to federal immigration operations and ongoing protests, with hotels increasingly caught in the blast radius.

Delta’s 787-10 Order Wasn’t the End—Insider Points to a Big Airbus A330neo Order Next

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

Delta’s new order for 30 Boeing 787-10s (with options for 30 more) doesn’t actually solve its near-term widebody replacement gap, since deliveries don’t start until 2031. Now an insider who correctly flagged the 787 deal months in advance says Delta isn’t done shopping—and the strongest bet is a sizable Airbus order next, most likely A330-900neos, with a case for additional A350-900s as well.

Screaming Child Melts Down on a Flight, Then Another Passenger Screams Back—And It Worked

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

A screaming child meltdown on a Phoenix–New York flight took an unexpected turn when another passenger—off camera—screamed back, and the child abruptly calmed down. It “worked,” but it’s still not okay to yell at someone else’s kid—and there are better ways to break the pattern without crossing the line.

Elon Musk Mulls Buying Ryanair and Putting “Someone Named Ryan” in Charge [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary’s Starlink spat has spun into a new bit: Musk musing about buying Ryanair and “putting someone whose actual name is Ryan in charge.” Plus: JetBlue’s JSX partnership ending, a near tail strike involving American’s new A321XLR, Scott Kirby praising Flighty, meal-voucher strategy during delays, and a claim that how you fill out a credit card app can affect approval.

Bilt Platinum Comes With Free Blade Helicopter Transfer—I Skipped Traffic and Was at JFK in 5 Minutes

by Gary Leff on January 18, 2026

Jan 18 2026

Bilt Platinum’s annual free Blade helicopter transfer is still one of the best perks in points, and I just used my third ride—skipping the inevitable Manhattan traffic and getting to JFK in about five minutes. Here’s what the Blade Lounge West experience is like, how my rebooking played out, and why the business is changing now that Joby owns the passenger side.

Bank of America Leaks Flying Blue Card Changes Early—Much Faster Air France KLM Elite Status Earning

by Gary Leff on January 17, 2026

Jan 17 2026

Bank of America accidentally tipped its hand early on a revamped Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card, with new perks that meaningfully accelerate elite status earning. The annual fee stays $89, existing cardmembers get the changes in March, and the updated XP bonuses make Silver, Gold, and even Platinum far more reachable through spend than before.

Airline Denies It—But Staff Accused of Stealing Aircraft Parts and Selling Them Back [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on January 17, 2026

Jan 17 2026

A report claims airline employees were stealing aircraft parts and then selling the components back to the carrier—an allegation the airline is now denying. Plus: a “world record” standby list for an inaugural flight, a passenger spooked by a “JetFuelCantMeltSteelBeams” Wi-Fi network name, Southwest gate magic in Denver, and more.

Readers Keep Getting Approved For Citi Strata Elite 100,000 Points And Over $2500 In First-Year Value

by Gary Leff on January 17, 2026

Jan 17 2026

Citi’s new Strata Elite card is handing out approvals fast — and for good reason. With a 100,000-point bonus, stacked travel and retail credits, and easy eligibility rules, it delivers first-year value few premium cards can match.

United 737 Runs Off Runway in Houston—Union Coaches Pilot While Passengers Evacuate: “Don’t Say Another Word”

by Gary Leff on January 17, 2026

Jan 17 2026

A United 737 MAX ran off the runway after landing in Houston, and the newly released incident report includes cockpit voice recorder audio from the aftermath. In the recording, the captain calls ALPA while passengers are still evacuating and is told not to “say another word,” then coached on what to do next—raising uncomfortable questions about how quickly self-protection can take priority even while the situation is still unfolding.

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Streaming CEO Turns First Class Into Content Again—Passenger Says ‘Don’t Record Me,’ Gets Called Racist

Minneapolis-St. Paul Hilton DoubleTree Abruptly Closes, Guests Told to Leave by Noon—Cites “Public Safety”

Delta’s 787-10 Order Wasn’t the End—Insider Points to a Big Airbus A330neo Order Next

Screaming Child Melts Down on a Flight, Then Another Passenger Screams Back—And It Worked

Elon Musk Mulls Buying Ryanair and Putting “Someone Named Ryan” in Charge [Roundup]

Bilt Platinum Comes With Free Blade Helicopter Transfer—I Skipped Traffic and Was at JFK in 5 Minutes

Bank of America Leaks Flying Blue Card Changes Early—Much Faster Air France KLM Elite Status Earning

Airline Denies It—But Staff Accused of Stealing Aircraft Parts and Selling Them Back [Roundup]

Readers Keep Getting Approved For Citi Strata Elite 100,000 Points And Over $2500 In First-Year Value

United 737 Runs Off Runway in Houston—Union Coaches Pilot While Passengers Evacuate: “Don’t Say Another Word”

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