Apr
18
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 Aviation Downturn’s Latest Casualty
As Hotels Struggle, One Chain Markets Rooms As An Escape From Your Spouse During Lockdown
Apr
18
2020
Facing an unprecedented downturn, hotels are struggling to stay afloat. Some are turning to unconventional means to fill rooms, like providing luxury quarantine services or serving the homeless at risk for infection.
One furnished apartment chain based in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo is taking a different route: they’re marketing themselves as an escape for spouses at wits end with their partners during the lockdown and the perfect antidote to ‘corona-divorce’.
Southwest Airlines Becomes New Biggest Airline In The World
Apr
18
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.
New American Airlines Safety Video Leaked “Safety At Scale”
Apr
18
2020
The new American Airlines safety video certainly would have been released by now if not for the current global pandemic. It features the airline’s new uniform. Seeing this gives me a sense of normalcy.
Canada Will Require Masks For All Airline Passengers Starting Monday
Apr
17
2020
Starting Monday at noon Eastern Canada will begin requiring face masks for air travel.
Possession of a mask will have to be demonstrated during the check-in process for all international flights departing Canada or flying to Canada. (That will require physical check-in). Masks must be worn going through Canadian security checkpoints (to protect security screeners). And worn whenever a passenger can’t be physically distanced from others.
Thailand’s King Visited His Country Only Briefly, Returning To Quarantine With His Harem in Germany
Apr
17
2020
The king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, is self-quarantining in Germany with a harem of 20 women and servants.
His country has had a ban on international flights in place, and Thai Airways has suspended passenger operations. Nonetheless the national carrier operated Bangkok – Munich service, including a tag flight between Switzerland and Germany.. so that the king could attend a dinner party, and then once again flee the country with a stop to see his wife before returning to the German Alps.
Southwest Asks For Labor Concessions, Their Biggest Union Responds ‘Full Pay Until The Last Day’
Apr
17
2020
United Airlines took a public approach telling all employees they expect to need fewer staff going forward and releasing the letter to media.
Southwest was more circumspect, holding private discussions with union leaders about how to avoid layoffs in the fall. They told unions that without concessions they expect to have to furlough employees. Southwest’s biggest union has gone public with a loud rejection.
American Express Just Bought Nearly Half a Trillion Hilton Honors Points
Apr
17
2020
A month ago I wrote that frequent flyer programs would save the airlines because they offer rich sources of value and cash. However while United and Delta are reportedly in talks to sell large chunks of miles at a discount to their credit card partner banks, it’s actually Hilton that’s first out of the gate with this.
Hilton shared with the SEC that they’ve pre-sold $1 billion worth of points to American Express. That probably somewhere around half a trillion Honors points.
American Airlines Extends Expiration of Systemwide Upgrades (But Some Upgrades Will Be Lost)
Apr
16
2020
Along with extending elite status by a year American Airlines is also extending systemwide upgrade certificates. Any systemwide upgrade expiring by January 31, 2021 will be extended to July 31, 2021.
But what about getting new upgrades when status is extended? And what about upgrades from last year that have been applied to 2020 travel?
50% Off Buying Elite Status And Club Access Via Prepaid Travel on American
Apr
16
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.
