Airlines

Category Archives for Airlines.

Why American Airlines Was Cutting Ties With Alaska – And How They Changed Their Mind

by Gary Leff on February 29, 2020

Feb 29 2020

American Airlines gutted their partnership with Alaska Airlines and the most recent stage of the breakup was just announced in the fall so I was genuinely surprised by the about-face announced in mid-February of a newly-energized partnership including oneworld alliance membership for Alaska.

On Wednesday American’s CEO Doug Parker held one of the airline’s monthly ‘Crew News’ employee question and answer sessions, a recording of which was shared with View From The Wing. During his introduction Parker talked about the strategic shift that this represents.

Business Travel – And Airline Stocks – Are Collapsing

by Gary Leff on February 28, 2020

Feb 28 2020

Since this morning we’ve learned that Amazon is telling employees to defer non-essential domestic business travel. After mentioning this on Twitter I’ve seen others reply that their companies are doing the same and pulling out of trade shows. The value of going to trade shows drops (they are a perfect example of network effects) and the reduction in travel spreads, along with a further reduction in economy activity. A 12% selloff in the markets over the last week may not be wrong.

Is American Airlines Going To Add A New Australia Route?

by Gary Leff on February 28, 2020

Feb 28 2020

When the American Airlines-Qantas joint venture was first announced I expected that an early route addition would be Dallas Fort-Worth – Brisbane. The head of the Brisbane airport expected it, too, and the CEO of Qantas International predicted their Boeing 787s made the most sense flying Brisbane to LA or Dallas.

Before Qantas began operating an Airbus A380 on the Sydney – Dallas route the flight was on a Boeing 747 and from Dallas to Sydney had to make a stop in Brisbane (but flew non-stop from Sydney to Dallas). Now JonNYC is writing that Dallas Fort-Worth – Brisbane is a route to look for.

Alaska’s Squirrelly Gambit To Make Up Lost Ticket Sales Due To Coronavirus

by Gary Leff on February 28, 2020

Feb 28 2020

Alaska is making a similiar – albeit less generous – move as what JetBlue has announced. They are also suspending fees on new ticket purchases made made March 11, ~~but they are only suspending fees until March 11~~. (Update: That was mistaken info provided by Alaska.)

Delta Will Start Offer Mileage Earning And Redemption On LATAM Starting April 1

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2020

Feb 27 2020

LATAM is the largest airline in South America. With Delta’s move to acquire 20% of the airline, LATAM is leaving oneworld and its planned joint venture with American Airlines to align itself with the Atlanta-based carrier.

News of Delta’s plan only came out in the fall, and they’re already launching reciprocal mileage-earning and redemption starting April 1.

Delta Air Lines Offers Reason To Be Optimistic About Coronavirus

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2020

Feb 27 2020

If you’re looking for green shoots in the coronavirus story, here’s one from Delta: even as there’s concerning news this morning about a person in California contracting the virus without having had recent international travel or having been known to come into contact with someone who was infected, there’s some indication that business in China is recovering.

At least Delta Air Lines cargo thinks so.

JetBlue Is Using Coronovirus Fears To Sell More Tickets

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2020

Feb 26 2020

If you have a previously purchased airline ticket, JetBlue’s normal cancellation rules apply. However if you buy a new ticket starting tomorrow through March 11 for travel completed by June 1, no cancellation fees will apply.

The airline says this is about getting consumers to buy tickets who are afraid of coronovirus, and the policy even applies to their basic economy and vacation package fares.

Why I’m Starting To Worry About Coronavirus, And What I’m Doing About It

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2020

Feb 26 2020

I’m not locking myself in a cabin in the woods. I’m doing the disaster-preparedness thinking that I should have done already, unrelated to coronovirus.

The closest analogue in my lifetime may have been Y2K preparedness, and that turned out to be a nothingburger. It was sure eerie to be flying on January 1, 2000 on board a nearly empty United Airlines Boeing 777 from Los Angeles to Washington Dulles. The plane didn’t just operate, it operated on time, and everything else worked fine too.

However the thing about disasters is they aren’t exactly predictable in terms of how or when they manifest, and thinking through preparedness can make good sense even if this turns out to be a non-event in the middle of the U.S. where I live.

Why American Didn’t Announce Details Of New Planned Doha Flight Yesterday

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2020

Feb 26 2020

There are two paths American could take for a new flight from the U.S. to Doha. One is replacing existing Qatar Airways service from one of their hubs. The other is flying Seattle – Doha, which makes a lot of sense once Alaska Airlines joins oneworld and potentially severs its partnership with Emirates. But American needs that to fall into place first, and get agreement over subsidies for their new flight.

Last Chance For Bask Bank 5000 Mile Initial Bonus Offer

by Gary Leff on February 25, 2020

Feb 25 2020

Deposit $1000 and earn 5000 miles in a month. You still have the $1000 in your account (and it keeps earning miles). This offer ends unless you open your account by Saturday, February 29. Starting March 1 they’ll require a $5000 deposit to earn 5000 miles after account opening.

You’re better off jumping on this before the end of the week, when the offer becomes less generous (but still quite good).

Airlines

Why American Airlines Was Cutting Ties With Alaska – And How They Changed Their Mind

Business Travel – And Airline Stocks – Are Collapsing

Is American Airlines Going To Add A New Australia Route?

Alaska’s Squirrelly Gambit To Make Up Lost Ticket Sales Due To Coronavirus

Delta Will Start Offer Mileage Earning And Redemption On LATAM Starting April 1

Delta Air Lines Offers Reason To Be Optimistic About Coronavirus

JetBlue Is Using Coronovirus Fears To Sell More Tickets

Why I’m Starting To Worry About Coronavirus, And What I’m Doing About It

Why American Didn’t Announce Details Of New Planned Doha Flight Yesterday

Last Chance For Bask Bank 5000 Mile Initial Bonus Offer

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About Gary Leff

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