View from the Wing

Today United Breaks Trust With Customers Who Bought Lifetime Club Memberships

by Gary Leff on November 1, 2019

Nov 01 2019

United has held firm that they can take a customer’s money for a lifetime service and change the terms (the “our fingers were crossed” rule). Unlike Delta and American, people who purchased lifetime United Club memberships cannot continue to use United Clubs unless they’re flying United or designated partners same day.

To me United’s decision undermines CEO Oscar Munoz’s credibility to claims that the airline is motivated by a desire to do the right thing for customers. It all come down to trust. But then what do you think their elimination of award charts means?

Free Breakfast and Dinner on St. Regis Maldives Redemptions

by Gary Leff on October 31, 2019

Oct 31 2019

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.

British Airways Promo: Top Customers Can Earn Award Booking Without Capacity Controls

by Gary Leff on October 31, 2019

Oct 31 2019

Customers at a certain value (in this case buying the most expensive fares when other customers tend not to be doing so) should be able to use their miles any time they wish without penalty. And it’s worth letting them do so even if the flight they might book onto would otherwise be full.

Citi Prestige Card Inviting Cardmembers to Choose a Holiday Gift From Tiffany

by Gary Leff on October 31, 2019

Oct 31 2019

Citi is sending out year-end gift offers to Prestige cardmembers, though I don’t yet know wehther this is a targeted offer or something sent far and wide. It’s the opportunity to choose a complimentary gift from Tiffany & Co: a pen, a bowl, a platter, tumblers or wine glasses.

Qantas Selling Access to LAX First Class Lounge

by Gary Leff on October 31, 2019

Oct 31 2019

There was a time I would have argued that the Qantas first class lounge at LAX was the best lounge in the United States. That was before United opened its Polaris lounges, and American opened its Flagship First Class dining rooms.
While I prefer the ambiance of the Star Alliance business class lounge’s outdoor deck with fire pits at LAX, the sit down dining of the Qantas lounge makes it the most desirable place to spend time in the Tom Bradley international terminal prior to a flight.