May
05
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.
Delta’s Push To Drop Small Cities
United Says They’ll Deny You Boarding If They Think You’ve Been Exposed to COVID, Or Refuse Testing
May
05
2020
They can deny you boarding if they merely suspect you have coronavirus, or if they want you to obtain a test showing you do not have the virus and you decline. What will lead them to suspect someone may have the ‘rona? It could be temperature checks. It could be data shared via an app or the government in the future. It could be information about known exposures, including on a prior flight.
Consider this part of the new normal that we’re figuring out – we do not know what is going to happen in practice but United is updating its rules to allow them to take action based on what sort of testing or screening occurs.
A Tale Of Two American Airlines Companion Certificates: Barclays vs Citi
May
05
2020
Earlier in the day Citibank shared that the companion tickets earned from their American Airlines co-brand business card (after $30,000 spend in purchases each cardmembership year, at card renewal) that expire in 2020 will be extended to June 30, 2021.
Barclays has shared that their American Airlines companion tickets – offered as an initial bonus on new consumer cards, and earned from spend on their Red, Silver, and Business cards – will have their expiration extended as well.
Citi Offering AAdvantage Executive Cardholders $225 Credit, Companion Certificates Extended
May
05
2020
Citibank is giving a credit of 50% of the annual fee to AAdvantage Executive cardmembers. This is the card that comes with American Airlines Admirals Club membership.
Citi and Barclays American Airlines companion tickets are also being extended.
Marriott Hits Up Credit Card Partners For A Billion Dollars
May
05
2020
Marriott announced a deal for $920 million dollars with its co-brand credit card partners. In exchange for the cash Marriott has extended its co-brand deals with both partners.
These deals aren’t just good for the travel company, they’re good for consumers. But there’s an interesting reason we’re seeing hotel chains access their loyalty programs for cash before airlines do the same.
Frontier Airlines Is Right To Charge An Optional Social Distancing Fee
May
05
2020
Through August 31 Frontier Airlines is offering customers the option of paying for an empty middle seat, priced at $39. This is being compared to other airlines blocking middle seats for free. However that’s not a fair comparison. And all of the criticism over the airline for ‘charging for safety’ makes no sense.
United Airlines Imposing Unpaid Time Off, Planning For Huge Layoffs With No Severance
May
04
2020
Despite getting billions in federal aid precisely to ensure that employees do not see layoffs or a reduction in pay, United Airlines is reducing pay for non-union staff, including administrative help, by enforcing unpaid vacation time. They’re also planning to lay off at least 30% of this group October 1, as soon as CARES Act restrictions lift – and they’ve adopted a new policy that says any of these employees laid off will receive zero severance.
Cops Pull Over 5 Year Old On An Epic Road Trip To California To Buy A Lamborghini For $3
May
04
2020
Normally I’m against vehicular theft. I imagine reduced traffic from the coronavirus pandemic made the trip somewhat safer. Ultimately I feel like a boy this industrious needs to be encouraged, not punished.
Trump Campaign Ad Mistakes China Airlines For A Chinese Airline
May
04
2020
This is exactly why Taiwan is considering renaming China Airlines. A pro-Trump campaign ad attacks former Vice President Joe Biden for failing to support ban on travel from China with a China Airlines plane beside Biden.
Where We Stand: It’s Time To Start Planning (Domestic) Trips
May
04
2020
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly says it is safe to fly again, “We’re doing everything possible to encourage people to come back and fly.”
I’m going to offer what I hope is a slightly more limited and nuanced take, that it is safe for some people to plan now to travel again during the months of June, July and August. This is speculative, but sums up my currently thinking about where we stand.
