View from the Wing

Delta Eliminating Europe Flights, Parking 300 Aircraft, and Asking For Government Subsidies

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

At the beginning of the week airlines knew the novel coronavirus impact on their business could be large, but no one was taking this as seriously as United. That’s changed. Delta has sent a memo to employees outlining unprecedented changes to their business in light of drying up revenue.

Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian says that they’re receiving more cancellations than new bookings, and that “the demand fall-off is unlike anything we’ve seen” as a result they are “moving quickly to preserve cash and protect” the airline.

Hyatt Offering New Flexibility On Non-Refundable Bookings, Postponing Most Award Price Changes

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

Hyatt was first out of the gate with an offer of points for customers having to cancel non-refundable bookings. I thought that was generous because they were first and it was something. Of course this is all fast-moving, and other hotel chains have since done more.

So Hyatt has responded, well I think, and is out with a new policy allowing for cancellation of non-refundable bookings, encouraging new bookings, and offering greater flexibility for Hyatt points.

Marriott Is Last To The Party, Finally Offers Coronavirus Travel Waiver

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

Marriott is out with a policy giving flexibility to existing reservations, offering additional flexibility on new bookings, and extending expiring points, suite upgrades, and free night certificates.

Starting Today United Will Hold Back More First Class Seats To Sell At Check-In

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

Effective today United Airlines plans to stop offering some seats that used to be available for upgrade to members of their MileagePlus program, holding those back to sell to infrequent customers at check-in instead. This helps the airline generate extra short term cash now as they prepare for a drop in revenue of as much as 70%.

A Step Towards Revenue-Based Redemption At American Airlines

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

American is extending their AA20 program – 20% off paid travel for employees – to web special awards. If there was any doubt that these web specials were revenue-based redemption, this change should offer insight into how American thinks about them.

Domestic Hotel Occupancy Was Already Down Sharply Last Week

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2020

Mar 13 2020

Domestic hotels already began experiencing a decline in rates and occupancy last week. Next week will be worse. Here are the details.

The Biggest Domestic Travel Coronavirus Threat At Airports May Be The Security Checkpoint

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

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.

United’s Regular Europe Schedule Operates For One Week, Then This Is All That’s Left

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

In light of the U.S. government’s limits on travel by non-U.S. citizens that have been to Europe within the past 14 days, in addition to reduction in travel broadly in reaction to the novel coronavirus, United has announced that it will only fly it’s current schedule through Thursday, March 19. That gives people time to get home, and to bring employees home.

Here’s what Europe should look like after that for United.

Southern California Disneyland Becomes 4th Disney Park To Shut Down Due To Coronavirus

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

Disneyland in Southern California will close Saturday through end of month (though of course that closure could be extended). Disneyland resort hotels will remain open through Monday to let guests make travel arrangements.

U.S. Reportedly Considering Travel Restrictions For California And Washington State

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2020

Mar 12 2020

The President of the United States is said to be considering travel restrictions between California, Washington, and the rest of the country. I’ve heard rumors of this prior to this reporting and it is certainly not confirmed and not at this point certain to happen.

Meanwhile it appears that travel restrictions haven’t been effective in stopping the spread of this virus.

Delta Eliminating Europe Flights, Parking 300 Aircraft, and Asking For Government Subsidies

Hyatt Offering New Flexibility On Non-Refundable Bookings, Postponing Most Award Price Changes

Marriott Is Last To The Party, Finally Offers Coronavirus Travel Waiver

Starting Today United Will Hold Back More First Class Seats To Sell At Check-In

A Step Towards Revenue-Based Redemption At American Airlines

Domestic Hotel Occupancy Was Already Down Sharply Last Week

The Biggest Domestic Travel Coronavirus Threat At Airports May Be The Security Checkpoint

United’s Regular Europe Schedule Operates For One Week, Then This Is All That’s Left

Southern California Disneyland Becomes 4th Disney Park To Shut Down Due To Coronavirus

U.S. Reportedly Considering Travel Restrictions For California And Washington State

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About Gary Leff

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