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 »

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Are Hotels Going To Start Charging For Daily Housekeeping?

Oct 13 2021

It’s the next logical step, and one hotel consultants are talking about.

One major Hilton and Marriott owner wants to make lodging more like an ultra low cost airline. That’s the direction some chains are headed at the behest of short-sighted REIT investors. But it’s going to drive customers away. Charging for housekeeping services will mean less revenue for the hotel.

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Bali’s Governor: Tourists Stay Away, You’re Our Biggest Mistake

shrine
Oct 13 2021

Bali planned to re-open to American tourism this month Instead they’re reducing quarantine requirements to 5 days I’m feeling good about my decision to drop Bali as a destination next month. Bali has been pushing hard against the string of the Indonesian government since last year.

Now Bali’s governor claims tourism isn’t actually good for Bali after all, despite representing over 50% of GDP.

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Delta’s CEO: People Won’t Lose Their Jobs Due To Vaccine Mandate

Oct 13 2021

I’ve actually expected that the December 8 deadline will push, but not until we get close, because if major airlines are far off from compliance the Biden administration won’t want to be blamed for ruining holiday travel due to mass cancellations.

They’ll need a reason for the delay, of course, that isn’t this. They will want to declare victory, or offer an extension on technical grounds. This will be especially tough to avoid if Covid-19 prevalence in the U.S. is low overall as the end of November approaches.

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American Airlines-JetBlue Elite Benefits Are Live Today, Mileage Redemption Starts Next Month

Oct 13 2021

The partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue started allowing each program’s members to earn miles and elite qualifying credit on each other’s flights back in the spring, and they announced that recognition of elite benefits across the two airlines would begin in the fall.

Elite benefits are here – today – and award redemption starts next month. Here are the details.

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Ryanair Refused Pandemic Refunds, Extorts Passengers Who Get Help From Credit Card Companies

ryan air plane landing
Oct 12 2021

Many customers took it upon themselves to seek help when airlines refused refunds during the pandemic. Some credit card companies were more helpful than others. American Express, apparently, was most likely to process chargebacks against Ryanair. After all, you cannot keep money for services that haven’t been delivered.

Now customers who succeeded with chargebacks, but bought new tickets for travel, are being told to return the refunds or their trips are off.

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