Nov
15
2019
In a surprising move – because they’re being more generous with members – American Airlines has changed the rules for expiring systemwide upgrades.
New Rules for How to Use Expiring American Airlines Systemwide Upgrades
Airlines
Category Archives for Airlines.
Yesterday-Versus-Today: Carrier-Imposed Surcharges Drop 90%
Nov
14
2019
Yesterday I wrote about wide open business class award space on Iberia’s new Washington Dulles – Madrid flight that launches May 1.
This flight can be booked using American AAdvantage miles, with British Airways miles, with Cathay Pacific miles, or any number of other programs (including points transferred from bank programs).
Data Shows How People Actually Upgrade to First Class on American Airlines
Nov
14
2019
Fifteen years ago most of domestic first class cabins were filled with upgrades. On average about 10% of domestic first class seats were sold for cash. That’s changed.
Upgrades are far tougher than they used to be. American Airlines monetizes about half their domestic first class cabin. But how are the upgrades that still exist obtained? Here’s data that shows how people really get up there.
American Airlines Close to Revealing Their Brand Purpose to the Rest of Us
Nov
14
2019
Back in April American Airlines Senior Vice President Kurt Stache talked about the carrier clarifying its brand purpose and launching a new marketing campaign around it. At the time I was both excited and skeptical.
Wide Open Summer Business Class Awards Using American AAdvantage Miles
Nov
13
2019
The ability to use American AAdvantage miles at the saver level without significant fuel surcharges is a relative rarity and worth jumping on.
oneworld carrier Iberia – owned by British Airways parent IAG – is starting new summer seasonal service between Washington Dulles and Madrid five times a week, effective May 1. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330-300 with 29 business class, 21 premium economy, and 242 coach seats.
Delta Running Pop Up SkyClubs at Smaller Airports
Nov
13
2019
Sometimes a pop up lounge is meant to serve a member base where they find themselves during a peak period, sometimes it foretells a future club location.
There isn’t just one pop up lounge strategy, so it’s difficult to know exactly what Delta is doing here, but they’ve run a series of pop up SkyClubs at some smaller market airports.
Delta SkyMiles: Europe Business Class For Just 98,000 Miles Roundtrip
Nov
13
2019
Delta is running a flash sale on SkyMiles redemptions for business class trips to Europe. Book by November 14 for roundtrip travel December 24, 2019 through April 18, 2020.
Most Delta flash sales are for coach travel. It’s nice to see the occasional business class offer, even in off-peak periods. You’re likely only to find availability when prices would otherwise be low. However 98,000 miles roundtrip is a good deal – especially for use of SkyMiles. If you need to top off a Delta account, Membership Rewards points generally transfer instantly.
United Pilot Receives $300,000 Settlement After TSA Claimed He Was Exposing Himself
Nov
13
2019
Mental note: if forced to stay at the Westin Denver due to weather or other irregular operations, keep shades closed.
Aeroflot Confiscated a Passenger’s Miles Because His Cat Was Too Fat
Nov
12
2019
Aeroflot Bonus has confiscated the miles from a member whose cat was discovered to be overweight.
The passenger had a Moscow connection enroute between Latvia and Far Eastern Vladivostok. He registered his cat as a pet in cabin, but his cat was too large so he actually showed a different cat at the check-in desk. It cost him his 400,000 mile balance.
American Airlines Passengers Booked on Malaysia Airlines Codeshares Need to Change Their Itineraries
Nov
12
2019
The FAA has downgraded Malaysia’s air safety rating. This is a judgment about the government’s regulatory operation, and not about any Malaysian airline.
However the ‘category 2’ rating given means that Malaysia-based airlines cannot start new U.S. service or add to existing service. It also means that US airlines cannot codeshare with them.
