Hilton In DC Learns ‘Pimpin Ain’t Easy’ After Charging 5th Graders A $10,000 Coronavirus Cancellation Fee

by Gary Leff

May 12 2020

Within hours of the story hitting several media sources, a Homewood Suites by Hilton has reversed course and will refund $10,000 owed to a 5th grade class in Florida.

In a rather bizarre story the Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC Downtown wanted to charge an elementary school $20,612 when they weren’t able to travel to D.C. in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The hotel eventually agreed to take just $10,000, withheld from the group’s deposit. In an unexpected twist, the kids are getting the money back thanks to intervention by an incarcerated rap artist.

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United’s New Refund Policy Is An “Unfair and Deceptive Practice’ Per DOT Guidance

by Gary Leff

May 12 2020

Airlines are required to provide a refund when they cancel a flight, or make a significant change to their schedule. Federal law does not define what either of these two things mean, so airlines can create their own definition as long as it’s reasonable. United has adopted an unreasonable interpretation.

However the Department of Transportation reminds that even that new interpretation cannot be applied retroactively to tickets that were purchased before it went into effect.

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Ryanair Will Make Passengers Ask Permission To Use The Toilet

by Gary Leff

ryan air plane landing
May 12 2020

One of Ryanair’s new guidelines is no queuing for the lavatory. In the front of the plane post-9/11 security measures have usually included this guidance, though people frequently do line up in the back.

What’s new at Ryanair is that passengers will have to ask permission to use the toilet before getting up. Apparently it’s perfectly safe to sit beside someone in your seat, and dangerous to do so near the loo.

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United Airlines Won’t Block Middle Seats, Here’s How To Protect Yourself From COVID-19

by Gary Leff

united plane
May 12 2020

Delta and American Airlines are limiting the number of seats they’ll sell on each flight, to give customers confidence they can travel without having another passenger squeezed up next to them in a middle seat. United is not doing this, and says if you don’t want to be crammed in next to someone else then don’t take the flight.

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2021 New Virgin Business Class Award Space For 4+ People Wide Open From East & West Coasts

by Gary Leff

virgin upper class seat
May 11 2020

Wide open business class awards for four or more passengers between the U.S. and Europe in Virgin Atlantic’s new product for multiple cities.

Since this is available for 2021, it’s reasonable to book, and there are great mileage values out there – and you can book the seats using points from any of the major transferable bank currencies.

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