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 »

No, There’s No ‘Ghost In The Machine’ On Board American Airlines Aircraft

Sep 21 2022

The P.A. system is wired – it is not wifi or bluetooth-enabled. My first reaction when I saw this was, that’s simply not possible, right? It does not seem to be.

American Airlines inspected the Boeing 737-800 as well as the P.A. system itself after these reports. They tell me that maintenance “determined the sounds were caused by an issue with the PA amplifier. There was no external access to the system.”

Continue Reading »

Rendering Reveals American’s New Better Than Business Class “Row 1 Premium Seat”

Sep 21 2022

With American Airlines dropping Flagship First Class in favor of a new business class suites product with doors, I wrote to expect a ‘better than first class seat’ within the cabin in row 1 at least on widebody aircraft.

This isn’t just speculation or inside leaks, though. It actually appears to be an Easter egg in the cabin rendering that American Airlines shared with their announcement.

Continue Reading »

Premium Economy From Several U.S. Cities To Europe Over Half Off (From $860 Roundtrip)

picture of airline cabin
Sep 21 2022

Transatlantic airfares have been exceptionally high in all classes of service. I haven’t seen much like premium economy (think: domestic first class plus a foot rest) at reasonable pricing until now.

Delta and its partners are offering roundtrips starting at $860 for premium economy between October and May, a wide period of time that includes peak travel periods. And it’s available from numerous U.S. cities to several cities in Europe and back.

Continue Reading »

New Chase Sapphire Lounge Coming To Washington Dulles

Sep 20 2022

The lounge will be 5200 square feet on the A concourse. The A concourse is also home to the Air France and Virgin Atlantic lounges, though all concourses are connected airside and the A concourse connected to the B side with the Lufthansa, Turkish, and British Airways lounges.

It will include a 1,000 square foot bar/lounge, over 900 square foot dining room, 1,400 square-foot work area, family room, prayer room and kitchen. It will be two levels, seating 74 on the main level of the terminal and 44 upstairs.

Continue Reading »