View from the Wing

Here’s How United Airlines Is Reducing Payroll Expense

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

United is farthest ahead preparing for the worst as a business. They are cutting capital spending, slashing flying, and eliminating discretionary expenses. They have raised additional cash and assume that their revenue is down 70% in April and May and not fully recovering this year. We don’t know yet if things will be even worse than this, and more drastic measures will need to be taken.

For now there aren’t any layoffs, but United is trying to reduce personnel spending and they’ve imposed a hiring freeze so that retirements will reduce their head count. Here’s the detail of the United Airlines voluntary leave plan.

Buy One Way Tickets Right Now, Not Roundtrips

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

Roundtrip tickets used to be cheaper than buying two one ways. For the most part that isn’t true anymore. One way tickets, at least domestically, do not usually raise the cost of a trip.

Still many people book roundtrip travel because of change fees. But for the most part those do not apply right now.

Southwest Airlines New Elite Benefit: Priority Boarding For Companions

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

Effective March 12 Southwest will let companions on the same reservation as an elite member board with the elite. Companions on the same booking will be assigned boarding numbers at the same time as the elite.

The U.S. Government’s Travel Ban And Warning Is Not Based On Science

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

We need to practice social distancing, focus on science-based evaluations of risk, and focus public policy accordingly. Flights from Europe are less of a risk than concerts. Many countries of the world are less of a risk than the U.S. is. And we need flights for cargo, including for the chemicals needed to process COVID-19 tests.

U.S. Government Warns Against International Travel. COME HOME NOW.

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

On the heels of the confusing statement by the President ostensibly banning flights from Europe other than the U.K. for 30 days, but really banning entry by non-U.S. residents who have been to the Schengen area of Europe in the past 14 days, the State Department is now warning against all global travel.

My recommendation: It would be a good idea, if you’re an American traveling abroad, for you to arrange to return home as quickly as possible before it becomes more difficult to do so.

President Trump Announces Ban On Flights From Europe, Entry By Non-Residents Who Have Been To Europe

by Gary Leff on March 11, 2020

Mar 11 2020

President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, announced that the U.S. would suspend travel from Europe for 30 days effective Friday. Right now there are more questions about that than answers, since all that has actually been released on paper is a ban on non-U.S. residents entering the country who have been in Schengen Area countries within the last 14 days.

U.S. Considering Ban On Flights To And From Europe

by Gary Leff on March 11, 2020

Mar 11 2020

The U.S. is discussing banning travel to and from Europe, though they may also opt to warn against all European travel and to impose a quarantine on European arrivals.

I’d avoid European travel at this time simply because it may be more difficult to get back in the event of potential extreme policy responses.

United Airlines Hates Its Customers. For Short-Term Survival That’s a Good Thing.

by Gary Leff on March 11, 2020

Mar 11 2020

Right now United isn’t thinking about the long run, they’re preparing to survive the short run. Scott Kirby made clear everything else comes later.

Expect to see other airlines shift into that mode – hopefully seeing customers as partners rather than as potential marks for cash.

Insane: 3.3 Million People Already Have The Apple Card

by Gary Leff on March 11, 2020

Mar 11 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.

India Will Shut Down Border To Foreigners, Suspend Visas Starting Friday

by Gary Leff on March 11, 2020

Mar 11 2020

Effective March 13th all Visas for India are suspended until April 15th. This applies to point of departure, which means that passengers leaving their home country prior to March 13th should have their visas honored. Visa-free travel for Overseas Citizenship of India cardholders is also suspended until April 15

Here’s How United Airlines Is Reducing Payroll Expense

Buy One Way Tickets Right Now, Not Roundtrips

Southwest Airlines New Elite Benefit: Priority Boarding For Companions

The U.S. Government’s Travel Ban And Warning Is Not Based On Science

U.S. Government Warns Against International Travel. COME HOME NOW.

President Trump Announces Ban On Flights From Europe, Entry By Non-Residents Who Have Been To Europe

U.S. Considering Ban On Flights To And From Europe

United Airlines Hates Its Customers. For Short-Term Survival That’s a Good Thing.

Insane: 3.3 Million People Already Have The Apple Card

India Will Shut Down Border To Foreigners, Suspend Visas Starting Friday

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About Gary Leff

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