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 »

‘We’re Experiencing Higher Than Normal Call Volumes’ Is Not True—Companies Make You Wait On Purpose

Feb 23 2025

I always thought that “We are experiencing higher than normal call volumes” just meant “We are experiencing normal call volumes and we underinvest in customer service.”

I don’t remember the last time I called Air Canada Aeroplan where the hold time wasn’t at least an hour. One of the best things about status is jumping to the top of the queues so that my time isn’t wasted. Although that isn’t always a help.

Continue Reading »

No Hotel Is Worth a 7-Hour Wait: Furious Hilton Guests Miss Half Their Vegas Trip Just Standing In Line To Check In

Feb 23 2025

Long check-in lines are de rigueur in Las Vegas. People go to Vegas for a break, and the start of their trip is a queue – probably first for the ride from the airport to their hotel, and then to get into their room. What could be more of a mass experience, and what could make an upscale hotel feel more like Circus Circus than this?

Continue Reading »

Possible Largest Airport Brawl Ever Erupts At Atlanta’s Spirit Airlines Gates—Police Arrive After Everyone Flees

Feb 22 2025

A brawl broke out Friday near Spirit Airlines gates in Atlanta. This wasn’t just a fight, it was a collective terminal velocity of fists. Dozens of travelers engaged in a melee, throwing punches and kicks in the crowded gate area. Parents can be seen frantically pulling their children away from the violence as the terminal filled with screams and commotion.

Continue Reading »