Fifteen years ago most of domestic first class cabins were filled with upgrades. On average about 10% of domestic first class seats were sold for cash. That’s changed.
Upgrades are far tougher than they used to be. American Airlines monetizes about half their domestic first class cabin. But how are the upgrades that still exist obtained? Here’s data that shows how people really get up there.
Back in April American Airlines Senior Vice President Kurt Stache talked about the carrier clarifying its brand purpose and launching a new marketing campaign around it. At the time I was both excited and skeptical.
I just booked what I hope will be my last flights of 2019, and my last hotel stays as well. Looking back on the year I realize I traveled less – fewer days than I’ve spent on the road in recent times since the birth of my daughter last fall.
Less time in the air and in chain hotels for me will still seem like a lot of time away to many readers. In 2016 I was gone half the year. That hasn’t been close to true this year. Still, I’m on track to renew several of my status levels.
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.
The ability to use American AAdvantage miles at the saver level without significant fuel surcharges is a relative rarity and worth jumping on.
oneworld carrier Iberia – owned by British Airways parent IAG – is starting new summer seasonal service between Washington Dulles and Madrid five times a week, effective May 1. The flight will be operated by an Airbus A330-300 with 29 business class, 21 premium economy, and 242 coach seats.
Sometimes a pop up lounge is meant to serve a member base where they find themselves during a peak period, sometimes it foretells a future club location.
There isn’t just one pop up lounge strategy, so it’s difficult to know exactly what Delta is doing here, but they’ve run a series of pop up SkyClubs at some smaller market airports.
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.
Delta is running a flash sale on SkyMiles redemptions for business class trips to Europe. Book by November 14 for roundtrip travel December 24, 2019 through April 18, 2020.
Most Delta flash sales are for coach travel. It’s nice to see the occasional business class offer, even in off-peak periods. You’re likely only to find availability when prices would otherwise be low. However 98,000 miles roundtrip is a good deal – especially for use of SkyMiles. If you need to top off a Delta account, Membership Rewards points generally transfer instantly.
Mental note: if forced to stay at the Westin Denver due to weather or other irregular operations, keep shades closed.
Aeroflot Bonus has confiscated the miles from a member whose cat was discovered to be overweight.
The passenger had a Moscow connection enroute between Latvia and Far Eastern Vladivostok. He registered his cat as a pet in cabin, but his cat was too large so he actually showed a different cat at the check-in desk. It cost him his 400,000 mile balance.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
