Travelocity Proves Fears Of Robots Taking Our Jobs Are Unfounded

by Gary Leff

man in suit looking at computer screen
May 26 2020

The Travelocity twitter account is like the Death Star’s exhaust port, or the vulnerability exploited in the final battle scene of Independence Day.

Jessica Langer shared her ‘earliest internet memory’ in response to someone’s silly question on twitter. It was a slow effort as her father tried to book a flight using Travelocity when she was really young. Langer was offering a genuine recollection, that wasn’t likely to garner much attention, except a Travelocity customer service bot decided to respond.

Continue Reading »

South American Mega-Carrier LATAM Files Bankruptcy

by Gary Leff

plane on tarmac
May 26 2020

South American mega-carrier LATAM, which recently left oneworld and entered a joint venture with Delta, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of New York. This follows a similar move by Avianca.

The bankruptcy filing includes LATAM Chile, Peru, Ecauador and Columbia but does not include Brazil, Argentina or Paraguay. Debtor-in-possession financing totaling $900 million is provided by existing owners the Amaro and Cueto families and by 10% owner Qatar Airways.

Continue Reading »

Airport Security Becomes Social Distancing Nightmare As Travelers Crowd Checkpoints On Memorial Day

by Gary Leff

May 25 2020

We’ve seen social shaming of airlines for failing to block middle seats. Oddly people are shocked there would be others sitting near them on a plane. They’re surprised the airline was selling them a ticket and selling tickets to other people, too.

A new front in the traveler shock and frustration over crowding in the coronavirus era is the airport security checkpoint, which became a big deal today at the end of a three day weekend despite travel still being down over 80%.

Continue Reading »

U.S. Airlines Are Now Pawns In The President’s Re-Election Saber Rattling Against China

by Gary Leff

china memorial
May 25 2020

Delta and United are looking to restart flights to China. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is largely under control there. It is home to several important business markets. Delta owns a stake in China Eastern and has viewed Shanghai as a hub, while for United the country is their sixth largest international market. (For American, despite owning a stake in China Southern, the country has mostly been a place to light cash on fire.)

However they’re caught up in escalating tensions between the U.S. and China and the President’s re-election strategy.

Continue Reading »

Hotels Cut Amenities To Pay For Cleaning

by Gary Leff

May 25 2020

Expect hotels to look at ways to cut costs anywhere they can and to use coronavirus as an excuse. Even better when changing consumer preferences make it easier to impose cost savings. Several chains already say they’re trying to make their increase investments in cleaning cost-neutral.

Continue Reading »