Air Canada was one of the worst offenders during the pandemic for keeping customers’ money even when they cancelled flights. This is clearly against U.S. law and Air Canada will pay the largest-ever consumer protection fine assessed by the Department of Transportation.
Airlines
Category Archives for Airlines.
The Economist Issues A Warning To Frequent Flyer Programs
Make the currency worth less, consumers chase it less at some margin. Reduced consumer interest is bad for the long run proposition of the currency, which is bad for the price of financial instruments derived from that currency. Now that airlines have issued upwards of $30 billion in debt backed by their loyalty programs, this is a new issue for them to manage.
American Airlines Doesn’t Have Enough Crew To Provide Premium Service
The U.S. federal government sets a minimum number of flight attendants on an aircraft for safety (generally, one per 50 passengers). But while many flight attendants announce that they are there “primarily for your safety” (don’t expect more than that!) they’re also the people in most direct contact with customers delivering an airline’s service.
So-called ‘full service’ airlines have historically staffed flights with more than the legal minimum. That started changing even before the pandemic, but accelerated when they weren’t providing much service at all.
New Fast Track To American AAdvantage Status
American Airlines is looking to fast track business travelers to elite status. There’s no registration required, all you need to do is book your tickets including your AAdvantage number and either a Business ExtrAA (small business program) account number or corporate travel program identifier.
Emirates Gold Status Match Looks To Capitalize On Italian Airline Chaos
The new Alitalia is handing out elite status to most anyone that wants it. Meanwhile Emirates is aggressively status matching anyone who reports living in Italy, in their Skywards account and to StatusMatch.com in their latest promotion.
American Airlines Building New Admirals Club Lounge In The Austin Airport
American Airlines and the Austin airport are announcing plans for a new Admirals Club near gate 14 that’s twice the size of the current club.
If You’re Using Your United Miles This Way, Find A Different Frequent Flyer Program
United Airlines has a new ‘cash and points’ option for using miles to reduce the price of a ticket. It is not a good deal, and not a good use of miles.
New Etihad Airbus A350 Business Class Seats Revealed
Gone or on the way out are Boeing 777-300ERs, 777-200LRs, and Airbus A330s. Gone as well the Airbus A380s featuring one of the world’s best first class products. Their long haul fleet instead will consist of Boeing 787s, 777-9s (when those are eventually ready), and Airbus A350s. Only a subset of Boeing 787s will even offer a first class cabin.
Etihad has finally revealed their Airbus A350 with new business class – or at least photos have been shared, rather than the airline officially releasing them.
How American Sees Its New York Strategy Going Forward
At an employee Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at LaGuardia airport, American Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja shared how the airline is thinking about the New York market going forward. Here are 8 observations he offered about what’s changing for American in New York.
Here’s Why American Airlines Is Eliminating The Northeast Shuttle
At an employee town hall event at New York LaGuardia on Tuesday, held as the elimiantion of the Northeast Shuttle was being announced, Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja explained the decision. He offered that the things that made the Shuttle different were outdated, like newspapers (Covid and the internet), free drinks (changing norms), and rear-door deplaning (changes to airports).