Jun
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.
Incredible Video Of Several Homes Being Dragged Out To Sea
Why Uber Is Devaluing Its Rewards Program Now
Jun
05
2020
Uber is devaluing its rewards program, dropping the option to redeem 500 points for $5 cash. This was the simplest and straightforward redemption option.
Though Uber offers a milquetoast statement to explain the move, the truth is this represents a huge change in strategy for the company – walking away from plans to build their own digital currency.
On Top Of COVID-19 Airlines Lost Almost $5 Billion On Fuel Hedges This Year
Jun
04
2020
Ten airlines combined to lose $4.65 billion on fuel hedging this year. Half of the losses belong to Lufthansa and to British Airways parent IAG. Germany bailed out a financial derivatives trading firm, as much as an airline.
Watch Your Wallets: Transportation Secretary Says Let’s Talk About Another Airline Bailout In The Fall
Jun
04
2020
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao isn’t ruling out another bailout and says it’s something to discuss and consider in the fall, if airlines need one.
However there was absolutely no reason to bail out the airlines and for the overall economy – and for workers who will lose their jobs anyway – the bailouts were actually destructive. Still, the President doesn’t want mass layoffs one month before the election.
American Airlines Huge Leadership Reshuffling With Several Vice Presidents And Higher Leaving
Jun
04
2020
American Airlines announced a huge leadership reorganization today, resulting from its effort to shed at least 30% of management staff. A number of Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents are leaving – with voluntary exit packages more generous than what’s previously been disclosed publicly as part of this program – and that has meant reshuffling leadership roles.
Passenger Videotapes Himself Being Denied Boarding For Refusing To Wear A Mask
Jun
04
2020
A Ryanair passenger tried to fly from Dublin to London Gatwick without a face mask. He had flown before the face mask requirement went into effect, and claims not to have known he needed one – and if it was required, Ryanair should’ve provided it, the airline shouldn’t be able to keep his money and not transport him.
The passenger claims that Ryanair threatened him with a lifetime ban if he shared this video. And he further argues that if underwear were made a requirement of flying after he purchased the ticket then it’s an ex post facto change and shouldn’t be enforced.
American Express Pulls Back On Card Approvals And New Online AAdvantage Award Redemption
Jun
04
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.
Why The China Travel Ban Failed And The Virus Spread
Jun
04
2020
Research shows us that the ban on travel from China by non-U.S. residents didn’t work. I had thought it came too late because the virus was already here, but looking at details of the virus itself it appears that wasn’t true. The virus cases that actually spread came after the ban. So the ban didn’t work.
A new investigation shows why the travel ban failed, and it isn’t the partisan reasons many people think.
Southwest Airlines Looks To Become Much Bigger Than Other U.S. Airlines By End Of Year
Jun
04
2020
While it makes tremendous sense for airlines to cut back their operations significantly in the face of reduced demand, if there was one airline that didn’t do this to nearly the same extent they could benefit in an outsized manner as travel began to return.
Since they’re still paying employees anyway, still making lease payments on planes (or own them), and fuel is cheap the variable costs of flights are fairly low. If one carrier could aggregate the bulk of demand it could be a better financial strategy than shrinking.
American Airlines Re-Opening Admirals Clubs, Growing Summer Flight Schedule
Jun
04
2020
American Airlines is building is schedule back up domestically for July, re-opening Admirals Clubs, and improving its change fee waiver – while re-asserting one element of restrictions attached to its basic economy fares.
