May
26
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.
Germany Re-Nationalizes Lufthansa
South American Mega-Carrier LATAM Files Bankruptcy
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.
Airport Security Becomes Social Distancing Nightmare As Travelers Crowd Checkpoints On Memorial Day
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%.
U.S. Airlines Are Now Pawns In The President’s Re-Election Saber Rattling Against China
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.
Airlines Can’t Just Give Out Hand Sanitizer, The Process They Have To Go Through For Permission
May
25
2020
You don’t think airlines can just provide hand sanitizer to passengers, do you? On Tuesday the FAA wrote to American Airlines granting permission, and the letter they sent offers a window into process the airline had to go to in order to secure the government’s blessing.
Hotels Cut Amenities To Pay For Cleaning
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.
Crazy Story How The Sale Of Several Hotels By Chinese Insurer Anbang Fell Through
May
25
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.
British Airways Is Laying Off All Its Flight Attendants, And Re-Hiring At Half Pay
May
24
2020
About a week and a half ago word came out about British Airways restructuring their flight attendant workgroup. Everyone would effectively be hired, and those re-hired would work for as little as a quarter or half pay.
US Bans Travel From Brazil
May
24
2020
The U.S. has announced a ban on travel by foreign nationals who have been to Brazil in the past 14 days. This adds to bans already in place for the United Kingdom, Europe and China.
Request for Requests: Ask Me Any Travel Question and I’ll Try to Answer
May
24
2020
One of the things I really enjoy doing is responding to reader questions and it looks like I haven’t really opened things up in a structured way in some time. So here’s your chance.
