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Today American Airlines Loses One Of The Industry’s Great Communicators

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2020

Aug 21 2020

Regular readers might imagine that I’m not the most popular guy at American Airlines, and certainly not the most popular in Corporate Communications. And despite all our ups and downs one person I’ve come to respect a great deal is Ross Feinstein who leaves the airline this week. There are two things about Ross that make him an outstanding communications professional.

Ross Feinstein will be missed at American Airlines. Selfishly I hope his next role is in the travel industry. For his sake, I hope it isn’t.

Woman Throws Water On TSA, Rushes The Checkpoint, And Makes A Break For The Airport Train

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2020

Aug 21 2020

Around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening a woman approached TSA screening at Pittsburgh airport, through water on a TSA employee when asked for her ID, and then ran through the checkpoint.

Police rushed her and subdued her. She broke free, “started fighting with them and ran for the airport train” but was detained again.

Redeem Cathay Pacific Awards Online With Aeroplan Miles

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

first class cabin

Aug 20 2020

Star Alliance member Air Canada has a limited partnership with oneworld member Cathay Pacific. Brand new today, it’s now possible to redeem Air Canada Aeroplan miles for Cathay Pacific flights online. And best of all, you can easily combine Cathay Pacific flights with other flights.

Delta Bans The Navy SEAL Who Killed bin Laden And Refuses To Wear A Mask

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

Aug 20 2020

Nine years, seven months, and 20 days after the September 11th attacks that took 2977 American lives, United States Navy SEALs of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group (“Seal Team Six”) executed Operation Neptune Spear, along with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the CIA’s Special Activities Division, raided Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

During that raid, bin Laden was killed. Now, nearly a decade later, the member of the SEAL team on that raid who says he’s the one that pulled the trigger refuses to wear a mask on a Delta flight, posts to social media about it, and gets banned.

American’s Plan To Drop Service To Sioux City, Iowa And Joplin, Missouri Is Illegal

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

Aug 20 2020

American Airlines announced this morning that unless the government gives them another round of CARES Act payroll support, they will drop service to 15 cities October 7.

Except they cannot legally leave two of the cities without giving advance advance notice to the Department of Transportation, which they have not done.

The Chief Executive Of Hong Kong Keeps Having Her Credit Cards Declined [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

credit cards

Aug 20 2020

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.

How American Airlines Is Threatening 15 Small Towns In A Craven Play For A $6 Billion Government Bailout

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

man speaking on microphone

Aug 20 2020

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker’s whole career is built on government subsidies. His airline is the most vulnerable to bankruptcy. So when the chips are down they’re playing the game that’s worked out best for him: threatening small cities where American Airlines has a virtual monopoly on air service, and announcing cuts to 15 cities that impose pain on 28 different Senators.

Delta Says They’ll Keep Blocking Middle Seats Through January 6, But It Isn’t True

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

Aug 20 2020

To avoid assigning any middle seats on a narrowbody aircraft with six seats across, that means blocking one-third of the seats in coach (67% load factor). Delta has been capping sales at 60% of the seats in coach. Starting October 1 they are going to be selling more seats, up to 75% of the seats in coach on each plane. That means filling each cabin 25% more than before.

American Airlines Will End Service To 15 Cities – Unless The Government Gives Them $5.8 Billion

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

Aug 20 2020

American Airlines is suspending service to 15 cities effective October 7, and CARES Act subsidies are mentioned 3 times in the release that’s just 151 words. The airline makes clear that if a second bailout passes they’re prepared to serve these markets.

Coronavirus Is Forcing Dubai To Loosen Restrictions On Alcohol Sales, Because We All Need A Drink

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2020

Aug 20 2020

Dubai is relaxing access to alcohol for foreigners, who are able to purchase it now without a permit just by showing a passport. The move comes as the sheikhdom tries to bolster its tourism sector in the face of c a coronavirus-led depression.

Traditionally economic growth has been expected to lead to greater social liberalism. That hasn’t happened in China, of course. Here it’s economic contraction that’s doing the work.

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 »