Category Archives for Airlines.
I just wrote about how great a job United Airlines has been doing recognizing the special moment that a customer reaches a lifetime status milestone – at the airport and inflight. It seemed fitting to share this heartfelt message from a newly-minted Delta Air Lines seven million miler.
On Wednesday, Southwest Airlines held a major employee rally. They’re working to support the culture, as they always do, but it’s especially crucial now after the airline’s holiday meltdown and because around one-fifth of the carrier’s employees are new within the last year.
However Southwest pilots used the opportunity to walk out on CEO Bob Jordan.
American Airlines re-assures crew that the audits are being performed by “non-threatening” employees riding in the jumpseat and taking notes on their behavior.
However some crew find working in new domestic ‘Oasis’ galleys, that have limited workspace (because it’s been condensed to make room for more seats) challenging enough as it is. American highlights that it hopes to see lower insurance costs out of the program, improved employee morale (?), and lower costs from workplace injuries.
When your flight is delayed and you miss your connection, or your flight cancels and you’re stuck in the airport on the way home, your airline will often provide you with a hotel room.
The truth is, though, you’re probably not going to like the process. You’re getting what you pay for.
Southwest Airlines filed its annual 10-K with the SEC and it contains disclosures about the carrier’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program – related to how much travel is being done with miles, and what that tells us about how they’re recovering from disastrous service during the holidays.
A viral video shows Delta Air Lines requiring a carry on bag to be checked at the gate – promising that if the bag is damaged the airline is responsible for that. The bag comes back with scuff marks.
This highlights the difference between what an airline considers damage and mere everyday use. However the traveler is particularly put out by the scuff marks because this is a Louis Vuitton bag and that’s no longer pristine.
United’s MileagePlus program offers the most generous lifetime elite benefits. What United has gotten really good at in the past couple of years is recognizing lifetime achievement in the moment and making it special.
Award travel on Delta is now 17.6% higher for SkyMiles members who do not have an American Express co-brand. That’s because having a co-brand Delta Amex (Gold and higher) comes with ‘TakeOff 15’, a 15% discount on Delta award travel. Those without the card pay 17.6% more miles than those without it.
Delta gained control of a full gate at Dallas Love Field under a legal settlement last summer, and will begin fully utilizing it in June.
Meanwhile Delta is finally going to grow in Austin. I broke the news they planned a focus city in my home town nearly five years ago. Growth here, delayed by the pandemic, is finally beginning.
Delta Air Lines, in its internal communications, is highlighting not just how much they’re paying out to employees in profit sharing – they’re highlighting how much better Delta employees have it than those who work for their largest competitors.
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 »
