Gary Leff, Author at View from the Wing

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 »

Trump Says Finland Will Buy Boeing Jets. Finnish Prime Minister Calls That #FakeNews

by Gary Leff on August 31, 2017

Aug 31 2017

I usually only pay attention to Finland because Finnair business class award space is very difficult to get, and when it appears available on the American Airlines website it’s usually phantom space (“fake news”).

However Finland’s military has begun the process to replace its 62 Boeing Hornet fighter jets, with scheduled de-commissioning in 2025. There are 5 planes they’re considering including Boeing’s F-18 and Lockheed’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as well as 3 European-made jets. Finland says a decision will be made in 2021.

Boston Airport Considering Charging People to Drop Off Passengers

by Gary Leff on August 31, 2017

Aug 31 2017

Boston’s Logan Airport will study charging drivers who pick up or drop off passengers. In exchange, an environmental group won’t oppose the airport adding parking.

Delta Adds Close-In Booking Mileage Surcharge to More Already-Expensive Partner Awards

by Gary Leff on August 31, 2017

Aug 31 2017

Since United and American are intent on copying Delta, not even trying to be better than Delta I actually want to like Delta because at least they offer a slightly better onboard product and a better on-time operation.

And yet I can’t bring myself to do it because of Delta management’s arrogance and dishonesty. And the utter contempt with which they treat frequent flyers.

No, Cathay Pacific Isn’t Launching Dallas Service: New A, B, C Routes Revealed

by Gary Leff on August 31, 2017

Aug 31 2017

There was significant speculation about Cathay Pacific’s new route announcements, the big rumor is that cities would start with B, C, and D.

While there was a greater likelihood of a European focus than new US routes, “D” could have been “The Big D” — Dallas — a hub for American Airlines, so a city where Cathay could have some traffic feed.