View from the Wing

United Cuts Denied Boarding Compensation By 75%

by Gary Leff on May 1, 2020

May 01 2020

United Airlines set the world on first when David Dao was dragged off of a United Express plane and bloodied three years ago. United’s CEO Oscar Munoz apologized… for having to re-accommodate him.

The worldwide outcry was so great that airlines had to revisit their policies for involuntary denied boardings. Now, as United does everything possible to reduce costs, it is scaling back efforts to control the sort of denied boardings that led to David Dao’s being dragged off a plane.

United Is Planning For Zero Net Passenger Revenue Into 2021

by Gary Leff on May 1, 2020

May 01 2020

During this morning’s earnings call, United Airlines President Scott Kirby told investors and journalists that the carrier is “planning for zero net passenger revenue for rest of year and into 2021.”

They hope demand recovers but they have plenty of places to go for cash and are driving down expenses. Come the fall the only place left to go for cuts will be reducing employee headcount. They even talked about taking loans out against the MileagePlus program.

The Best Airline And Hotel Loyalty Programs As Determined By Members

by Gary Leff on May 1, 2020

May 01 2020

The Freddie Awards are the voice of the frequent traveler. Each year millions cast their ballots for the best in loyalty. In normal times the industry comes together at the awards ceremony the last Thursday in April to see the winners (and each other).

American Airlines Will Limit The Number of Seats They Sell To Promote Social Distancing

by Gary Leff on May 1, 2020

May 01 2020

Like Delta, American Airlines is capping ticket sales to make sure there’s enough room on their flights for social distancing. This will run through the end of May. And they’ve done an about face on prior policy and will even compensate volunteers to travel later in order to avoid filling up planes.

American Airlines Brings Back Food On Flights Under 4 Hours

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 2020

When American Airlines announced the suspension of most meal service in late March, it made sense. This substantially reduced interactions between customers and flight attendants.

At the time the airline said this suspension would last through April 30. I assumed it would be suspended indefinitely. However it turns out that American is bringing back some catering on flights less than 2200 miles effective May 1. This is available to all passengers in all cabins.

Delta Won’t Sell More Than 60% Of Seats On Any Flight Through June 30

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 2020

Delta is going to cap the number of seats they sell in each cabin of their aircraft through June 30, to promote social distancing. Delta will also require customers to wear face masks starting May 4.

American Airlines Will Begin Requiring Passengers To Wear Face Masks

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 2020

To show how quickly things are changing – the modern day equivalent of one being as a thousand years and a thousand years one day – it was only Monday that American announced flight attendants would be required to wear masks and that starting May 1 they’d begin to roll out complimentary masks for customers as an option, subject to supply chain and operational constraints.

Indeed it was just six weeks ago that American still disciplined flight attendants who wore masks.

Trivago And Other Booking Sites Want A Bailout From Google

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 2020

Trivago, which is majority-owned by Expedia, along with 7 other companies wants Google to stop trying to collect on first quarter ad spending. These companies bought advertising, sold travel, but in many cases the trips didn’t happen – so they aren’t seeing revenue from those sales.

These companies are looking to the German government for bailouts, and want a bailout from Google as well because these companies would otherwise “be forced to use government loans to pay their debts.” German taxpayers would, in effect, be sending money to Google.

One Airline Now Lets Passengers Buy Up To 8 Empty Seats For Social Distancing

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 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.

Marriott Consumer Credit Cards Earn 6x On Groceries, May Through July

by Gary Leff on April 30, 2020

Apr 30 2020

We’re in a recession. We’re not traveling. Rewards credit cards that are optimized for travel may not be top of wallet. Cards that are optimized for heavily travel customers may also not match current spending patterns. We’re beginning to see brands and issuers adapt.

United Cuts Denied Boarding Compensation By 75%

United Is Planning For Zero Net Passenger Revenue Into 2021

The Best Airline And Hotel Loyalty Programs As Determined By Members

American Airlines Will Limit The Number of Seats They Sell To Promote Social Distancing

American Airlines Brings Back Food On Flights Under 4 Hours

Delta Won’t Sell More Than 60% Of Seats On Any Flight Through June 30

American Airlines Will Begin Requiring Passengers To Wear Face Masks

Trivago And Other Booking Sites Want A Bailout From Google

One Airline Now Lets Passengers Buy Up To 8 Empty Seats For Social Distancing

Marriott Consumer Credit Cards Earn 6x On Groceries, May Through July

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About Gary Leff

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