Internal APFA meeting notes say the number of American flight attendants who couldn’t get hotel rooms during January’s Storm Fern “far exceeded” the 200 reported in a prior disruption, after the airline’s hotel-booking and crew-recovery processes failed. Instead of demanding make-goods, the minutes describe management as frustrated and “unable to help,” even as crews were left stranded in airports.
A Southwest flight arriving in Miami erupted into an aisle fight as passengers stood up to deplane, after one traveler appeared to bump into a child and an argument escalated instantly. Video from the cabin captures shouted accusations (“He hit my daughter”), the moment the confrontation turns physical, and the aggressor being ordered off the aircraft and detained.
Rove just added SAS EuroBonus as a 1:1 transfer partner along with live award availability searches built into the platform. They’re also running a 20% transfer bonus through April 8.
A JetBlue flight from West Palm Beach to Westchester returned to the gate Sunday night after a passenger rushed to the front of the aircraft just before takeoff, prompting a security response. Passengers say the man tried to get through the front door area and bit a flight attendant during the restraint.
You no longer need an American Airlines credit card to earn the most AAdvantage miles from your spending. Citi Strata Elite is offering a 75,000-point bonus, and because those points transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage, everyday purchases can earn more American miles than most AAdvantage cards themselves.
Amidst a government shutdown that affects only the Department of Homeland Security, where TSA screeners will have to work while waiting for congress to pass funding before they’re paid, we’re starting to see more employees failing to show up for work. That’s having a significant affect on security lines at several major airports.
Kansas City International Airport was evacuated Sunday after a reported bomb threat, with police and K-9 units sweeping the terminal as passengers were rushed out onto the tarmac. Aircraft already on the ground were held on taxiways and some passengers were offloaded, triggering widespread delays across the airport.
Citi has its best-ever offer for the AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard — 75,000 miles after $5,000 spend and no annual fee the first year. Lots of approvals reported.
American Airlines is firing flight attendants at a record pace, according to internal union minutes, as it steps up enforcement against crew who aren’t where they’re supposed to be while on reserve. The airline is pulling travel records, social media, and even company-issued device data in its investigations.
American’s Admirals Clubs are starting to roll out morning bagel and waffle bars—a nice upgrade, even as the airline keeps getting dragged online for the condition of its cabins. < Also: Southwest keeps scolding passengers for sliding into empty seats, Bozeman’s RFP for an 8,000-square-foot common-use lounge, Tampa’s push for two common-use lounges, and a first look at the Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse refurbishment.
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 »
