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.
About Gary Leff
The Worst Airline Complaint I’ve Ever Seen — Where Simple Steps Could Have Made It All Better
Oct
20
2017
Things go wrong when you travel. The most important thing is always safety, and while it’s frustrating when there are mechanical delays or flight diversions I’d always prefer to take the delay than push forward.
I wish that airlines did a better job communicating when things go wrong. However it’s often a game of telephone with two cups and a string. There’s uncertainty about the situation, about the plan to fix it, and between plenty of moving pieces — actually fixing the plane, what alternatives are available, and this all takes time to sort through.
Citi Explains Why They’re Walking Away From Rich Rewards
Oct
20
2017
With recent changes to Citi Prestige it has seemed like Citibank has given up. And in the face of Chase’s success with the Sapphire Reserve product and increased investment in the Platinum Card by American Express, it turns out they have — at least according to the bank’s CFO.
British Airways Status Matches and American Airlines Customizable Avocado Toast
Oct
20
2017
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.
SAD: Kimpton Karma Rewards Being Folded into IHG, Here’s What Happens to Points and Status
Oct
20
2017
Ultimately this move is good for IHG Rewards Club members (more redemption options), not good for Kimpton Karma Rewards members (sanitization of what’s unique about their recognition program). It’s difficult to get too worked up over it though since we’ve know this was coming.
We’ve had 3 years to go through all the various stages of grief. So it’s time for acceptance.
US Wants to Bring Back Electronics Ban: Forbidding Laptops From Being Checked as Luggage
Oct
20
2017
In the spring the US banned laptops from passenger cabins on US-bound flights from several airports,
requiring that electronics with lithium ion batteries be checked as baggage instead. They did this even though it was widely acknowledged to be dangerous.
Now the U.S. wants a new electronics ban — this time forbidding large electronics from being checked as luggage.
Review: Pre-Opening Peek Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge Philadelphia
Oct
20
2017
I had an opportunity to see the brand new American Express Centurion lounge Philadelphia last night and try the food since I was invited to the pre-opening party there.
The American Express Centurion Lounge Philadelphia is located in Terminal A-West near Gate A14.
Strategy: Delta Makes Its Inflight Product Better Even as Its Mileage Program Gets Worse
Oct
19
2017
Delta claims to earn a revenue premium over its competitors, arguing customers will pay more to fly Delta. And stock markets seem to prefer airlines that treat their customers well.
It’s clear what kind of bet they’re making. They’ll experiment and try to find the things that will cause customers to prefer Delta overall and pay more to fly their product than competitors.
United’s Earnings Call: Re-Banking Hubs Sells Credit Cards, and They Aren’t Really Devaluing MileagePlus
Oct
19
2017
I think that Scott Kirby destroys customer experience. Any investment that can’t be proven on a spreadsheet doesn’t get made or at a minimum is given short shrift in consideration.
But no one is more interesting to listen to on earnings calls. He’s generally more candid than other executives, and extremely thoughtful.
Wow: Southwest Companion Pass After One Purchase No Longer Targeted (California Residents Only)
Oct
19
2017
Southwest is battling Alaska/Virgin America for California supremacy and this is a huge tactic to lock in customers.
