View from the Wing

Why Doug Parker Changed His Mind And Started Working Closely With Qatar Airways Again

by Gary Leff on March 4, 2020

Mar 04 2020

In making the announcement of the renewed codeshare with Qatar Airways this past week American said that “the issues [of subsidies] had been addressed” between the two airlines. That’s bullocks, the U.S. airlines failed completely in their effort to get meaningful government action against their Gulf rivals.

On Wednesday American Airlines CEO Doug Parker spoke to employees at an internal town hall, a recording of which was shared with View From The Wing. There he explained the carrier’s change of heart.

How’s This For A Creepy Tweet From TSA?

by Gary Leff on March 4, 2020

Mar 04 2020

The TSA responded to one of my tweets, divulging personal information about me, and it’s a reminder of how much freedom we’ve given up in the name of a false sense of security.

Man With Coronavirus Flew Delta On February 22 – And Other Passengers Aren’t Being Told

by Gary Leff on March 4, 2020

Mar 04 2020

A 56 year old man flew on Delta from Amsterdam to Atlanta on February 22. He had connected from Milan, Italy. A few days after the flight he showed symptoms of coronavirus. Other passengers on board aren’t being informed.

Marriott Lost The Iconic Four Points Niagara Falls, New York

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

The property is slated to leave Marriott after today. It should tell you something though about the Four Points brand that the property is being required to invest in upgrades to meet Best Western requirements.

U.S. Airlines Asking The Trump Administration To Scale Back Government’s Role in Consumer Protection

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

Airline lobbyists are trying to curtail the power of the Department of Transportation to engage in consumer protection. They want to be regulated just like other industries, with definitions employed by the Federal Trade Commission. But this ignores how other industries are regulated by the states and consumers through the courts, which the airlines are frequently excused from by the Airline Deregulation Act.

Four New Meals Introduced On American Airlines Domestic Flights

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

Instead of replacing all of their domestic first class meals at once, as they’ve had in the past, American Airlines has been replacing a few items at a time on a rolling basis.

The airline has introduced four new entrees and two salads.

After More Than Two Decades Berlin’s New Airport Is Ready, And Lufthansa’s Move-in Plans Were Leaked

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

In 1989 David Hasselhof stood atop the Berlin Wall belting out “Looking for Freedom.” Less than a year later East Germans were finally free.

Thirty one years after David Hasselhof stood between East and West Berlin the East’s old airport may finally be freed as the new Berlin Brandenburg airport, replacing Berlin Tegel. It’s a costly reminder of East German-style planning.

Marriott’s New Promotion Is Out, It’s Weak, But Register Now Before You Forget

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

The question is whether Marriott is making a big mistake with such a modest promotion as hotel occupancy and rates begin to fall. This was happening even before coronavirus. The argument in favor of spending very little on promotion marketing is that bonus points aren’t going to move the needle when people are scared to travel (it’s why airfares went up after 9/11, only those who absolutely had to travel were taking to the skies).

Two Countries That Are Taking Coronavirus Travel Bans To The Greatest Extremes

by Gary Leff on March 3, 2020

Mar 03 2020

Samoa is requiring all passengers entering the country or transiting through it to undergo medical screening three days prior to travel to the country. The government is also enforcing reductions in international air service.

Meanwhile Micronesia banned travelers from any country where there was a confirmed coronavirus case.

$118 Buys One Year Unlimited Asia Travel Pass (And Coronavirus Will Have Passed For Most Of That Time)

by Gary Leff on March 2, 2020

Mar 02 2020

Southeast Asian low cost carrier AirAsia has been a success (except for their restaurant chain). AirAsiaX, the long haul version of the airline, has struggled.

The airline had plenty of empty seats even before coronavirus, so they’re selling a one year all you can fly pass for 499 MYR (about US$118) offering “Australia, Japan, India and more.”

Why Doug Parker Changed His Mind And Started Working Closely With Qatar Airways Again

How’s This For A Creepy Tweet From TSA?

Man With Coronavirus Flew Delta On February 22 – And Other Passengers Aren’t Being Told

Marriott Lost The Iconic Four Points Niagara Falls, New York

U.S. Airlines Asking The Trump Administration To Scale Back Government’s Role in Consumer Protection

Four New Meals Introduced On American Airlines Domestic Flights

After More Than Two Decades Berlin’s New Airport Is Ready, And Lufthansa’s Move-in Plans Were Leaked

Marriott’s New Promotion Is Out, It’s Weak, But Register Now Before You Forget

Two Countries That Are Taking Coronavirus Travel Bans To The Greatest Extremes

$118 Buys One Year Unlimited Asia Travel Pass (And Coronavirus Will Have Passed For Most Of That Time)

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About Gary Leff

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