A Rome-bound ITA Airways Airbus A330 departing Los Angeles International Airport turned directly toward an American Airlines jet taking off from a parallel runway, prompting urgent controller commands to prevent a collision. The two aircraft reportedly came within about a mile of each other at the same altitude before air traffic control ordered evasive maneuvers.
A reader thought AAdvantage Dining had started charging for earning miles after seeing an “Advantage Program Fee” on their restaurant receipt. It turns out the fee comes from the restaurant’s point-of-sale system — a credit-card surcharge disguised with a confusing name.
Visa and Mastercard are finalizing a settlement that would let stores refuse certain rewards cards for the first time. The move could reshape how points and airline miles are earned — but the real impact may be smaller than you think.
Hilton has confirmed a new Diamond Reserve top-tier status that will finally include confirmed upgrades — while reducing qualification requirements for lower elite levels by 30%. The new tier requires 80 nights and $18,000 in annual spend, positioning Hilton to compete more directly with Marriott and Hyatt’s highest-status travelers.
Guests at a Fargo hotel were shocked and disgusted after witnessing—and filming—an employee soaking stained bedsheets in the hotel’s guest hot tub. The viral video sparked immediate outrage and led to a health department investigation.
A viral video shows a passenger repeatedly pulling down an airplane window shade while a 4-year-old behind him keeps pushing it back up. The two go back and forth in a mid-air tug-of-war — so who was right? Here’s how window-shade etiquette really works, and what you should do when the person behind you disagrees.
A passenger stripped down to his boxers and confronted TSA screeners at New Orleans Airport, briefly shutting down security lanes—and it was all captured on video.
A viral video shows a plane pushing back from the gate while passengers are still standing in the aisle and overhead bins hang open. It looks chaotic — but in Europe, it’s technically allowed. Here’s why they can do what would be unthinkable here.
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.
Airline executives are questioning the FAA’s 40-airport flight cuts, calling them political. Several C-level leaders say the government hasn’t shared the safety data they say they’re using as justification.
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 »
