Category Archives for Airlines.
It’s no surprise now to see him take to LinkedIn to tell the story of a flight attendant encounter, emphasizing why he sees more government subsidies for airlines as important. Only this time his argument is that his airline, which furloughed more employees than any other carrier by a wide margin, has gotten too old. Or at least that a flight attendant tells him that furloughing younger employees means they now miss the youth on board their planes.
American Airlines passengers have to wear masks throughout their journey – in all areas of the terminal controlled by the airline as well as on board (many airports require masks, too). Cabin crew have to wear masks as well throughout the flight. However pilots are allowed to take off their masks inside the cockpit.
Multiple pilots have reported being taken off of trips, forfeiting pay because they refuse to fly with another crewmember up front who won’t wear a mask.
Last month we learned details of the new British Airways first class seat, which will have a door for privacy.
They’ve taken delivery of their first plane with these seats, and photos have leaked.
Are HEPA air filters enough to stop a super-spreading event on a plane? Bankrupt Star Alliance member Avianca seemed determined to find out. They held a concert in the sky, with musicians who had holes cut out of their masks so that their mouths were unobstructed to play instruments.
Government subsidized loans had different employment rules than those contained in payroll support. They didn’t specify ‘no furlough’ they talked about the employment levels that airlines had to retain through September 30. Airlines receiving loan approvals did not meet these conditions.
Southwest Airlines has promised no furloughs through the end of the year, whether there’s additional government subsidies or not. However 2021 still looks like there will be fewer passengers, and the need for fewer employees to work fewer flights. They have a plan to avoid furloughs. It involves less pay for non-union workers. But to hit their goal they’ll need union concessions, too.
Two weeks ago Congressman Mike McCaul, who is in a tight reelection race, reportedly refused to wear a mask while seated in first class on his United Express flight, Washington Dulles – Austin. Do you think he’s been banned from United Airlines? And as the President’s treatment underscores, does anyone doubt the fifth wealthiest member of Congress would have access to the best treatments if he got sick – treatments that haven’t been approved for anyone else?
Southwest has another offer to make spending on a Southwest credit card get you to a Companion Pass faster, allowing you to bring someone on your travels (whether buying a ticket or redeeming points) for jus the cost of modest taxes.
If you want to redeem miles to fly El Al, the best option is usually using Qantas miles. Qantas is a transfer partner of American Express, Citibank, and Capital One. If you’re flying El Al, it’s usually best to credit flights to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
There’s very little use case for using El Al’s own Matmid Club.
Bringing people together in a stressful time inside a metal tube has meant plenty of passengers behaving badly. American Airlines just sent out a note to its employees letting them know what to look for in passengers who may be inebriated (or are high), and what to do when they encounter passengers who shouldn’t be boarding their 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 »
