Sep
03
2025
Prashant Sharma is out as Vice President of Delta SkyMiles. The airline confirms his departure to me.
The SkyMiles VP Who Promised Less Value Is Gone—But The Damage Is Done
United Pilot Spilled His Coffee While Taxiing In Chicago—And That $5 Drink Grounded A $130 Million Jet
Sep
03
2025
United flight 1996 from Chicago O’Hare to San Juan was delayed three hours when the captain spilled coffee in the cockpit. The Airbus A321neo was already taxiing out when this happened
American Airlines Passenger Arrested At London Heathrow Over Tweets—Armed Police Seized TV Creator After Phoenix Flight
Sep
03
2025
Award-winning Irish TV writer Graham Linehan was arrested over his tweets on Monday when his American Airlines from Phoenix landed at London Heathrow, because the British government regulates online speech – including speech that takes place outside the U.K.
Japan Airlines Pilot Calls In Drunk From The Gate In Honolulu, Delaying 3 Flights Up To 19 Hours
Sep
03
2025
On August 28, a Japan Airlines Honolulu – Nagoya, Japan flight was delayed because the captain decided a night at the hotel bar was more important than preparing for duty. He called in sick at the gate, admitting he’d been drinking the night before.
$26 Marriott Platinum: Why Everyone In China’s Hotels Is Suddenly Elite
Sep
02
2025
$26 buys you four months of both Marriott Platinum and Hilton Gold if you’re in China – and challenges to keep the status for at least another year.
Spirit Blames Southwest’s Hated Changes For Fare Cuts That Drove Bankruptcy—Unveils Shrink-To-Survive Plan
Sep
02
2025
Spirit AIrlines blames Southwest for making them lose money, and their aircraft lessor AerCap for pushing them back into bankruptcy.
Hyatt Demands $15 Housekeeping Tips—With No Housekeeping
Sep
02
2025
It’s particularly galling to see a tip solicitation in this guest room at the Rapid City, South Dakota Hyatt Place – they’re suggesting a minimum tip of $5, but angling towards $10 or $15, when the property… isn’t doing daily housekeeping!
Phoenix Airport’s New 10,000 Sq. Ft. Lounge With Outdoor Deck, Camelback Views—Capital One Favored?
Sep
02
2025
Phoenix airport is building a six gate expansion at Terminal 3 North. The upper mezzanine level will have space for a 10,000 square foot lounge.
Skipped Flight, Hired a Serbian Bodyguard—Traveler Hunts Down Stolen iPhone in Vienna [Roundup]
Sep
02
2025
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.
Riders Bear The Risk: Gavin Newsom Lets Uber & Lyft Slash Insurance 94% In Exchange For Weak Unions
Sep
01
2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom has struck a deal with Uber and Lyft that (1) will unionize drivers, and (2) deliver big cost cuts to the ridesharing platforms. But it’s the unions themselves that will benefit most; helpful to the Governor as he prepares for a presidential run.
Uber and Lyft will see a 70% – 94% reduction in how much insurance they have to carry, and while unions will be able to collect dues they won’t get much bargaining leverage.
