Mandatory tipping of people is bad enough, mandatory tipping of machines seems to be where we’re headed. You’ll face a surcharge to cover… their health care costs? I guess that’s what they’re calling maintenance these days.
“Why Don’t Homeless People Just Get A Platinum Card?” One Man Lived In Airport Lounges—Then Got Arrested
The idea here, I guess, is to shift the burden of homelessness off of society at large and onto airlines and other lounge operators even where those lounges have extremely limited space and too much demand, and they’re expensive to maintain – and lack social services. What could possibly go wrong?
Aaron Burr Skirted Banking Laws to Found J.P. Morgan Chase—And It Helped Spark the Duel That Killed Hamilton [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 Cuts Rent Points For Most Cards—But Travel Partner Cards Could Soon Earn 3X (Like Alaska)
Bilt is adjusting points-earning for rent payments on their new feature to earn rewards paying rent with any card, for a fee.
Trump’s Tariffs Cut Off Delta Coach Earbuds—But They’re Still Free If You Ask
Delta stopped passing through the coach cabin offering complimentary earbuds on May 15. This includes the extra legroom ‘Comfort+’ section. They still proactively pass them out in premium cabins.
They don’t tell you this, but the earbuds are still available on request.
Phoenix Gets Its First Asia Flight—Starlux Launches Taipei Route Thanks To $165 Billion CHIPS Act Bet
Phoenix is getting its first flight to Asia. Taiwan’s Starlux will launch Phoenix – Taipei service three times weekly with an Airbus A350-900.
American Airlines Passenger Tries To Force His Way Onto Sydney Flight—Then Slams Gate With Luggage In Rage
An American Airlines passenger was blocked from flying from Los Angeles to Sydney after he attempted to board before it was his turn and bring too many carry-on bags onto the aircraft. Fellow travelers filmed this escalate.
First Look: Champagne At The Door, Food To Order, And Chef Station—Inside American’s Stunning New Philly Lounges Opening Thursday
American Airlines will open its new business class Flagship lounge in Philadelphia on Thursday along with the new Admirals Club next door.
Southwest Bans Using Power Banks While They’re In Bags—But Doesn’t Offer Power At Most Seats
Southwest Airlines will become the first U.S. carrier to restrict the use of power banks inflight for portable charging. Southwest also significantly lags American, Delta and United in offering passengers power at their seat.
American Airlines Crew Rooms: Bed Bugs On Staff, Broken Recliners, And No Working Bathrooms
When CEO Robert Isom took over the airline, his admonition to employees at his first gathering was to never spend a dollar they don’t have to. That appears to cover the employee restroom facilities at their largest hub airport.