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.
Possible Merger: Delta and Alitalia Executives to Meet in Atlanta for Talks
Alitalia is in the midst of restructuring, since Etihad pulled the plug and stopped subsidizing the Italian flag carrier. Before Etihad pumped money in, Air France lost their shirt on the carrier.
Two months ago it was reported that Delta had submitted a binding offer to invest in the Italian airline.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker is Aviation’s Greatest Troll
Truly Akbar al-Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, is a man for our times.
The great thing about Akbar al-Baker, and his access to the Al Thani pocketbook, is that when he wants to troll another airline CEO he can do it with a half billion dollar investment.
Is United in the Process of Eliminating Award Charts?
Delta SkyMiles eliminated award charts. They charge you whatever they happen to want to charge you for a flight on a given day. SkyMiles aren’t like money, you can’t spend them anywhere you want (say for travel on American). It’s a company town, SkyMiles are their scrip, and they make no promises about what you should expect to get for your points in the future with a published price list.
A year and a half ago United made fun of the idea. However they’ve taken down the fulll .pdf award chart, and the interactive price tool doesn’t even display premium economy award prices at all.
During Government Shutdown Global Entry Interviews are Cancelled, No One is Protecting Data Privacy
During the government shutdown Global Entry enrollment centers are generally closed. All that’s on the website is that the website isn’t being updated. Helpful.
However several readers have gotten emails and even personal phone calls letting them know their appointment cannot be honored. And apparently little regard is being paid to privacy.
Man Slips on a Puddle in the Lavatory, Becomes Permanently Disabled
A man flying on Qantas’ low cost carrier Jetstar on a Boeing 787 redeye from Bali to Melbourne says he slipped in water in the aircraft lavatory and is suing.
The incident bears a striking resemblance to the bullet that shot John F. Kennedy.
Air New Zealand Says They’ll Honor Sub-$1500 Business Class Roundtrips to Australia
This week’s amazing Cathay Pacific business and first class fare deal is being honored. Following right on after that Air New Zealand offered business class between Chicago and Sydney for under $1500 roundtrip.
If you booked this and your ticket is still intact it appears the deal will be honored. Congratulations!
Larger Cleaner Restrooms Coming to an Airport Near You! (and Come See Me at Travelcon)
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.
Alitalia Business Class $538 Roundtrip Barcelona – New York (and Other Cities)
Just since Monday we’ve seen the amazing Cathay Pacific business and first class fare deal get honored and we’ve seen business class between Chicago and Sydney for under $1500 roundtrip. Now it looks like there’s another special fare deal out there.
There’s an Alitalia business class offer starting at $538 roundtrip between Barcelona and New York JFK — and possibly also Los Angeles and Chicago.
TSA’s War on Water Claims At Least 6 Victims, CDC Investigating
Are water filling stations a good idea? We all know not to drink water from a plane’s on board tanks. But do you trust your government-run airport to ensure clean water? How aboutin Detroit?
Water fountains at the Cleveland airport were shut down after at least half a dozen passengers on a Frontier flight became violently ill.