Commentary

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Marriott Reveals They Had My Unencrypted Passport and Credit Card Information, and Now Hackers Have It

by Gary Leff

man in suit looking at computer screen
Feb 24 2019

Marriott let me know that the hack of their systems released my unencrypted passport number and unencrypted credit card number. Even this information isn’t helpful because they don’t let me know which number or whether or not it’s expired.

The data breach compromised 383 million records including 5.25 million unencrypted passport numbers and 8.6 million payment cards. Marriott claims most credit cards were expired which means they have that information, but even though they’re telling me my credit card number was compromised they aren’t telling me the expiration date of the card.

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As Airlines Raise Drink Prices, Man Carries Giant Beer Through the Airport

by Gary Leff

Feb 23 2019

The price of inflight beer and wine – like all other airline fees – has gone up. You may now pay $9 for a drink. And just like the movie theater you aren’t supposed to bring your own snacks, but at those prices how can you not at least consider it?

That looks to be what happened at Washington Dulles airport as a man is seen carrying a giant beer on one of the airport’s mobile lounges between concourses.

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Nagoya Declares Itself “Ninja Airport” With Staff Directed to Dress as Ninjas

by Gary Leff

Feb 22 2019

Nagoya airport in Japan runs the Samurai Ninja Project to introduce the history of Central Japan to tourists.

The airport’s staff dressed up as ninjas for Ninja Day which is the 22nd day of the 2nd month because the Japanese word for two is ni (transliterated, natch) and ni ni ni is like Ninja. So it’s sort of like how May 4th is Star Wars Day because ‘May the Fourth be with you’.

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Marriott Requires $20,000 Spend for Top Tier Status, This Man Tipped $22,000 and Got Arrested

by Gary Leff

Feb 20 2019

Marriott’s new program doesn’t just require 100 nights a year to earn top tier elite status, it also requires $20,000 in spending. That’s odd for a loyalty program with so many hotels in China and elsewhere that rates are super cheap. It’s possible to stay nearly 300 nights with Marriott in a year and still not be a top tier elite.

One man probably wasn’t testing to see whether tips would count towards qualifying spend, though Marriott is at least in the process of rolling out points-earning for food and beverage while not a guest on property (something that Starwood offered for years).

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