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Category Archives for General.

Qantas May Launch New US Route Next Year

by Gary Leff on May 7, 2017

May 07 2017

When American Airlines and Qantas announced their enhanced joint venture which brought American back to Sydney, added Auckland to their route map, and returned Qantas to San Francisco Qantas CEO Alan Joyce speculated that when they start receiving Boeing 787-9s they could fly Melbourne – Dallas and Sydney – Chicago.

With the Obama administration having indicated plans to reject anti-trust immunity for the joint venture, Qantas ramped up its US lobbying presence in anticipation of American and Qantas re-submitting to the Trump administration.

Pilot Turns Over London Flight to a Trainee and Lies Down for Nap in Business Class

by Gary Leff on May 7, 2017

May 07 2017

I’ve frequently argued that Pakistan International Airlines is the worst airline in the world. But what’s finally got the government’s attention isn’t sacrificing a goat for safety or flying with more passengers than seats (and making customers stand for 1700 miles).

American Sued for Losing Ashes After a Funeral, and US Airline Can’t Figure Out How to Paint a Plane

by Gary Leff on May 7, 2017

May 07 2017

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Delta Cancels Media Day At Last Minute, Afraid to Face the Press

by Gary Leff on May 7, 2017

May 07 2017

After a family was kicked off a Delta flight with a flight attendant threatening to have their kids taken by Child Protective Services (when they refused to give up a seat they had paid for but that a different family member was sitting it).. And after Delta’s operational meltdown last month that was so bad they even lost a dead body (which came after multiple systemwide IT crashes).. And after blowing up the SkyMiles program.. it’s not surprising they don’t want to face questions from media.

Warren Buffett Is NOT Convinced This Time Is Different With the Airlines

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

depressed businessman leaning his head below a bad stock market chart

May 06 2017

American CEO Doug Parker has been asking investors to take a ‘leap of faith’ that this time is different in the airline industry. Delta wants to be valued as a ‘high quality industrial’.

Many investors took a serious signal when Warren Buffett made big investments in American, Delta, United and Southwest.

When the Travel Industry Can’t Win Your Business Offering a Better Product, They’ll Make You Buy It Anyway

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

May 06 2017

Where there’s a moral crusade against the evils of online gambling, there’s usually also funding from the US casino industry (especially from Sheldon Adelson). They’ll say it’s important to regulate gambling responsibly, what that means is it’s important to limit competition and preserve casino profits.

But did you think the travel industry lobbyists would be coming next for the websites you use to book your travel?

The Real FAA Car Seat Rules and a 3x Credit Card Category is Ending

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

May 06 2017

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Award Space for the World’s Best First Class is Wide Open to New York

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

May 06 2017

Etihad offers two flights a day between New York JFK and Abu Dhabi. Starting June 1 both flights will be operated by their Airbus A380 aircraft, which features what I’ve argued that the very best first class in the world, the Etihad First Apartment.

Hotel Efforts to Get You to Book Direct Aren’t Working. Here’s Why.

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

May 06 2017

Hotel chains want you to ‘book direct’ so they don’t have to pay commission to online travel agencies like Expedia or Orbitz, or other intermediaries.

Yet hotel chains are spending even more on commissions than before they launched their latest book direct efforts.

Engine Reportedly Falls Off United Plane? Does Anyone Have More Detail? [Update: It’s a Broken Axle]

by Gary Leff on May 6, 2017

May 06 2017

A reader tweets a photo suggesting that an engine fell off a United A320 at Newark last night and that the Port Authority police were threatening people taking photos.

General

Qantas May Launch New US Route Next Year

Pilot Turns Over London Flight to a Trainee and Lies Down for Nap in Business Class

American Sued for Losing Ashes After a Funeral, and US Airline Can’t Figure Out How to Paint a Plane

Delta Cancels Media Day At Last Minute, Afraid to Face the Press

Warren Buffett Is NOT Convinced This Time Is Different With the Airlines

When the Travel Industry Can’t Win Your Business Offering a Better Product, They’ll Make You Buy It Anyway

The Real FAA Car Seat Rules and a 3x Credit Card Category is Ending

Award Space for the World’s Best First Class is Wide Open to New York

Hotel Efforts to Get You to Book Direct Aren’t Working. Here’s Why.

Engine Reportedly Falls Off United Plane? Does Anyone Have More Detail? [Update: It’s a Broken Axle]

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About Gary Leff

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