About Gary Leff

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 »

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How to Turn Capital One’s New Mileage Transfers Into Great Trips

by Gary Leff

Jan 04 2019

The biggest end of year miles and points news is definitely that Capital One has introduced the ability to transfer their miles to a variety of different airlines. That’s a game changer because the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card is now a double threat. When you spend on the card you earn your choice of 2% back towards paid travel, or up to 1.5 airline frequent flyer miles per dollar spent.

Here are thoughts on how to best transfer your points and book award travel using this new option.

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Southwest Airlines Co-Founder Herb Kelleher Passed Away

by Gary Leff

herb kelleher
Jan 03 2019

Southwest Airlines was incorporated as Air Southwest Company by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher. Kelleher believed that by operating solely within the State of Texas an airline could avoid federal regulation — meaning they would be free to fly without Civil Aeronautics Board permission. It would also mean they wouldn’t have to charge the high fares mandated by the CAB.

King and Kelleher, together with banker John Parker, are said to have sketched out the idea for the airline on a napkin in a San Antonio restaurant.

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Airline Tells Flight Attendants: Lose 5 Pounds a Month of Get Referred for Medical Treatment

by Gary Leff

vietjet calendar cover
Jan 03 2019

Pakistan International Airlines has sent a memo to all of its flight attendants demanding weight loss.

There’s a requirement for those that are 30 pounds over the company’s rules which demands flight attendants lose 5 pounds per month with the waiver shrinking 5 pounds each month until starting in July no ‘excess weight’ will be permitted. Instead, overweight flight attendants will be grounded and referred for medical treatment.

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Hurry: Business Class to Sydney on United, Air New Zealand Under $1500 Roundtrip

by Gary Leff

syndeyhouse
Jan 03 2019

Right on the heels of one of the best airfare deals we’ve seen in a long time being honored, you can fly Chicago – Sydney roundtrip in business class from $1492. This is on Air New Zealand (fly Chicago – Auckland non-stop on their 787 and on to Sydney) or fly United through Los Angeles or San Francisco.

At this price you can definitely get yourself to and from Chicago for the journey.

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Marriott Paid Actual Money For This New Logo When They Should Have Just Invested in Fixing Their IT

by Gary Leff

Jan 03 2019

Unfortunately they’re investing in bad marketing when they need to be investing in fixing their IT — merged accounts that still aren’t right, elite status trackers that say members need only 75 nights for Ambassador status, and missing 75 night elite benefit options.

And if they are really that short of ideas for where to invest these dollars, to deliver strong branding, they might try putting the money into training customer service agents to give out accurate information.

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