Category Archives for Airlines.
Delta calls it fraud protection. Regulators might call it illegal. In 2025 the airline is still refusing check-in to passengers who can’t produce their original payment card, stranding travelers overseas and exposing Delta to compensation claims under U.K. and E.U. law.
Ex-Delta CEO Richard Anderson says the airline’s edge wasn’t new planes or perks — it was reliability. Delta mastered old jets, invested in line maintenance, and made every seat-back screen work. That discipline built a 15-year lead rivals still can’t match. Competitors have copied the wrong lessons trying to catch up.
Delta isn’t just flying passengers anymore — it’s flying for the banks. On its latest earnings call, the airline admitted it’s expanding in cities like Austin and Raleigh because those markets deliver higher American Express charge volume. Routes aren’t chosen by demand alone anymore, but by where people swipe.
When US Airways Flight 1549 went down in the Hudson River in January 2009, Captain Sully Sullenberger became a national hero for saving 155 lives. What’s never been told publicly until now, according to former CEO Doug Parker, is that the “Miracle on the Hudson” may also have saved the airline itself.
Riyadh Air has launched Sfeer, its new frequent flyer program — and it starts with flights reserved for members. Founding participants get early booking access, free Wi-Fi, and the ability to share miles, status, and lounge benefits with family and friends.
She says she bought her Spirit Airlines ticket directly on the airline’s website — but at the airport, agents told her it “didn’t count” unless she paid another $306. Post-purchase price hikes like that aren’t just outrageous — they’re generally illegal under federal law.
Alaska Airlines’ vice president of loyalty, alliances, and sales pulled no punches in a Reddit AMA — touting a 60% upgrade rate for top elites and taking a subtle shot at Delta over the LATAM partnership. He also revealed plans for multi-factor logins, fixes for phantom awards, and even recognition for frequent-flying pets.
The Department of Transportation just told airlines they can stop serving dozens of small-town airports as the shutdown drags on. A 47-year “temporary” subsidy program may finally unravel—leaving entire communities without air service overnight.
Passengers love the extra legroom of exit rows—but one traveler boarded wearing a medical boot and couldn’t move his leg. Flight attendants gave the safety briefing anyway, and everyone silently wondered what would happen if they actually needed to open the door.
Spirit Airlines is surrendering nearly half its jets in bankruptcy—but which planes they’ll keep signals a bold plan to fight Delta and United on their own turf with bigger planes
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 »
