May
06
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.
The Most Stunning Photos You’ll See Of Planes Today
American Airlines Testing A New First Class Snack Box
May
06
2020
American Airlines suspended all food on flights under 4.5 hours back in March to accommodate social distancing requirements. Then on May 1 they introduced a snack bag and bottle of water for all customers as they board the aircraft on flights that are between 900 and 2199 miles long.
Now American is testing a snack box to bring back some food to first class, that doesn’t require flight attendant preparation. Here’s what’s inside.
American Airlines CEO Calls Out United For Illegally Reducing Employee Pay
May
06
2020
The point of shoveling out billions of dollars of airlines was to get airlines through the worst of the depression in travel so that workers all still had jobs, and to keep workers whole until then. That’s not how United Airlines is using the money, and American Airlines CEO Doug Parker calls them out for it.
United is likely correct on the law, Parker correct on the intention behind it. The way the CARES Act was drafted was sloppy, allowing United to take billions in government grants while reducing employee pay, pocketing more money to protect shareholders than the law intended. If airline’s had made clear how they’d behave after getting the bailout, it would never have passed.
Delta’s Push To Drop Small Cities
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.
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.
