Sigh Of Relief As Virgin Atlantic Brings Frequent Flyer Program Back Online

by Gary Leff

virgin atlantic
Jun 03 2020

Virgin Atlantic has been looking for – but hasn’t yet received – a government bailout. They’ve presented themselves as insolvent without one.

To conserve cash there are several airline frequent flyer programs that have suspended redemptions, or partner airline redemptions, that would require them to pay out funds. So when Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer program went offline due to technology issues, and some bank card transfer partners suspended points transfers (so the points wouldn’t disappear enroute), that raised alarm bells.

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What It’s Like Flying To China In The Era Of Coronavirus (Incredible, Photos)

by Gary Leff

Jun 02 2020

The country is especially cautious letting people in, because that risks re-igniting the virus. However there are Chinese nationals looking to return home. This is the story of what it’s like to fly today from Los Angeles to Beijing. Except you can’t actually fly to Beijing. Air China’s CA988 has actually been landing in neighboring provinces – either Shijiazhuang or Tianjin – for quarantine.

This trip cost $4900 one-way in coach on Air China, plus $1400 for hotel and food during a 14 day stay prior to release.

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Airlines Eliminate Onboard Food: Is It Coronavirus Or Cost Cutting?

by Gary Leff

Jun 02 2020

Airlines have cut back inflight food and beverage offerings both for social distancing (to reduce passenger – flight attendant contact) and for cost savings. I’ve written that post-pandemic I don’t expect inflight product investment to return right away, as airlines work to repair their balance sheets after borrowing unprecedented sums to stay in business.

Soon though airlines are going to have to differentiate the premium cabin experience to recover, or else they’ll be unable to sell premium fares.

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Hawaii Begins To Lift Restrictions – But Only For Their Own Residents

by Gary Leff

hawaii
Jun 02 2020

Hawaii is set to re-open some travel – but only for its own residents and not other U.S. citizens.

During the coronavirus crisis Hawaii has kicked people off the island who couldn’t possibly have brought the virus there and still be spreading it. They use the virus as an excuse to push out Airbnb rentals which compete with local hotel owners as well as trying to keep tourists segregated in resort areas. They’ve considered requiring anyone coming to the islands have a ticket to leave.

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Hawaii Uses Coronavirus As Excuse To Attack Airbnb and Protect Hotels

by Gary Leff

hawaii
Jun 01 2020

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis Hawaii has mixed a legitimate desire to keep cases out of the islands and prevent spread with a fear and even hatred of outsiders.

Now there’s a move to keep tourists segregated in resort areas and keep them out of Hawaiian neighborhoods that want to keep those neighborhoods only for locals. This is also protectionism for hotel owners.

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Southwest Lays Out Really Generous Offers For Employees To Take Leave Or Retire Early

by Gary Leff

Jun 01 2020

Last week word broke that American was targeting letting go 30% of management and support staff. They were being offered voluntary departure packages, at 3 to 6 months at one-third pay. Hanging around and being terminated later wouldn’t be as good a deal. United meanwhile changed its internal rules so that laid off employees receive no severance.

Southwest Airlines, by contrast, is being really generous with its employees.

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