When Everybody’s Bailed Out, Nobody Is

by Gary Leff

Mar 17 2020

Hotels are in line right behind the airlines looking for a bailout – even the Walt Disney Company. So are airport workers, and now Boeing is raising its hand too. We need to reserve government’s response for where it makes the most leveraged difference to society as a whole. There are lessons from China on what’s coming down the road.

The economic challenges aren’t primarily in travel, that’s just what’s slowing down first, and when everybody is bailed out no one is.

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Marriott Furloughs “Tens Of Thousands” Of Employees, Many Hotels To Close

by Gary Leff

Mar 17 2020

Hotels that are empty don’t need so many people at the front desk or servicing rooms. Restaurants that aren’t allowed to serve guests except on a to-go basis don’t need as many servers, even if they had guests. And so Marriott has furloughed ‘tens of thousands’ of employees who will not be paid, but will continue to receive health benefits. Many hotels will also be closing.

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Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Review

by Gary Leff

Mar 17 2020

The Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver is now open, and like its counterpart in Toronto is one of the best business class lounges in the world.

At the end of 2017 Air Canada unveiled their international business class Signature Suite lounge in Toronto. In my experience it is the best business class lounge in North America, and perhaps the best lounge in North America. Dining there is genuinely fantastic. It is open only to paid business class passengers on Air Canada, not to Star Alliance customers, award passengers, or upgrades.

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New Golden Age For Frequent Flyers Is Just Around The Corner

by Gary Leff

Mar 17 2020

A lot of people are grounded right now. Most of us are going to travel again. And we’re sure going to be itching to do so.

No matter what happens with the business of any of the airlines, we’re going to have big airlines to take us where we want to go. They are going to have tons of empty seats for awhile – which means deep discounts, award availability, and aggressive mileage promotions.

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Paid Travel Subscriptions Need To Waive Fees For Several Months (Or Else You Should Cancel Now)

by Gary Leff

gogo plane
Mar 17 2020

Suspending paid services like Gogo and Expert Flyer makes sense. Don’t spend money on a service you aren’t using right now. From a travel company’s perspective they can generate some revenue from customers who forget to cancel, but it’s better to keep all of their customers long term by making it unnecessary to cancel. Many who give up the services temporarily won’t come back

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Virgin Atlantic Launches Status And Bonus Miles Promotions While Seeking Government Bailout

by Gary Leff

virgin atlantic
Mar 16 2020

Delta-controlled Virgin Atlantic has its hand out for government subsidies on the one hand, while running new bonus miles and elite qualifying promotions on the other.

I still think it’s too early to move the needle on travel with promotions, but Virgin is in a different boat than U.S. programs whose status years run with the calendar. They don’t have the option of waiting to extend elite status.

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14 Things You Need To Know About Working From Home But Were Afraid To Ask

by Gary Leff

laptop
Mar 16 2020

Work from home tips are like a cottage industry now, but I’ve got a real head start on you and I think I can offer solid concrete advice. I transitioned out of being in the office every day back in 2014, and I’ve worked from home and on the road ever since. It’s the best decision I ever made, but it isn’t for everyone and it isn’t ‘natural’ for someone that isn’t used to it. Some people thrive, and others flounder.

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