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 »

More articles by Gary Leff »

United Removes a Pain Point for China Flyers, Fixes Inconsistent Checked Bag Policy

temple
Jan 08 2018

China is always ‘the next big thing.’ That was true 10 years ago and it seems like it will be true 10 years from now.

Airlines are betting big on China, since the U.S. and China don’t have Open Skies airlines have to fight for the best routes and then squat on them hoping they’ll be more valuable in the future. In a sense it’s like Havana service but with bigger stakes.

Continue Reading »

Hilton Introducing Faster Elite Points-Earning, Roll Over Nights, and Gifting Status

hotel room
Jan 08 2018

Hilton wants guests to stay with the program and have spent a lot of time making small points balances useful. And this month they’re introducing a suite of new American Express credit cards with really strong benefits.

However today they’re announcing improvements for elite members — how they earn points, earn status, and gift status as well.

Continue Reading »

Police Say Peeing All Over the Plane Isn’t What Got This Man Arrested

spirit plane
Jan 07 2018

The San Luis Obispo Tribune carries what may be the best headline ever about a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Myers, Florida to Detroit on Thursday night: “He reeked of alcohol and peed all over the plane. But that’s not what got him arrested, police say”

The man reportedly drank at the airport prior to his flight. He “nodded off in a chair by his gate” but things began to go downhill when he woke up. A gate agent walked by and smelled alcohol but allowed him to board anyway. That’s always a good idea.

Continue Reading »

American Now Allows Free Same Day Confirmed Changes for 75,000 Mile Elites

Jan 07 2018

Platinum Pro requires 75,000 miles flown or 90 segments and a minimum of $9000 in elite qualifying dollars. Platinum Pros receive an 80% bonus on earned miles from flying and unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades (rather than needing 500 mile upgrade certificates on flights 500 miles and over).

Platinum Pros now also get confirmed same day flight changes.

Continue Reading »