New Partnership Will “Fully Reimagine” Airport Starbucks

by Gary Leff

starbucks coffee
Feb 11 2020

Airport food locations aren’t actually run by the restaurant names you know. Restaurants will license the concept, and collaborate on menus, with concessions companies like HMS Host, Delaware North, and OTG.

HMS Host had an exclusive deal to offer Starbucks in U.S. airports since 1991. We learned last week that this exclusive deal is over, though existing Starbucks locations should remain in airports through the duration of the HMS Host-airport contract at least.

Here’s what’s next for Starbucks in airports. Hint: it may involve iPads.

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Air Italy Shutting Down, Expects Other Airlines To Operate Their Schedule For Two Weeks

by Gary Leff

Feb 11 2020

This morning I wrote that Air Italy faced an uncertain future – and possible liquidation – after losing 200 million euros in 2019, up from 164 million the year before. The carrier needed more cash, and Qatar Airways which owns 49% of the airline was blocked from taking an additional stsake in the airline by foreign ownership restrictions.

And in fact a decision has been made today to shut down the airline.

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Southwest Airlines Employees Won’t See Most Of Profit Sharing In Their Paychecks

by Gary Leff

Feb 10 2020

All of the reporting about Southwest Airlines employees receiving 6 weeks of extra pay in their paycheck next month turns out to be inaccurate since most of the money is required to go into a retirement account that is separate from employee 401(K)s. That’s good for employee retirement, but not as valuable as cash for those who want access to the funds today.

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Hyatt’s New Promo Offers Double Points And A Big Boost For Hyatt Credit Card Customers

by Gary Leff

hotel bed
Feb 10 2020

Hyatt has launched its new promotion, double points after your second stay, with an extra bonus for co-brand credit card customers on weekend stays. Registration required.

While I don’t favor promos that start bonusing after the second stay, double base points from Hyatt is more generous than double base points from Hilton or IHG.

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7 Surprising Facts About The Austin Airport

by Gary Leff

austin airport food court
Feb 09 2020

Austin airport has been one of the fastest growing in the United States for several years. This past year they inaugurated 9 new gates. There’s now transatlantic scheduled service to London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.

Here are 7 surprising facts about my home airport.

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