With this change – reversing the benefit American trumpeted a decade ago that one way awards would never cost more than half a round trip – there was no press release.
Nonetheless it makes sense in the new world American AAdvantage has put itself in. Paid roundtrips are still sometimes less expensive than two one ways for international travel. It’s not surprising that awards would mirror this.
American Airlines released third quarter earnings and held their earnings call this morning. The carrier reported $557 million in pre-tax income for the quarter.
Their 4.6% pretax margin during the peak summer third quarter is weak. However CEO Doug Parker kept his job through the quarter and that’s the biggest victory for this management team after alienating employees, shareholders, and customers.
The Austin airport teased a new route announcement coming this morning. Routes Online broke the news ahead of their announcement – and it’s one I didn’t expect.
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.
Three years ago I wrote about the problem of gate agents skipping over people for upgrades if they weren’t waiting at the gate. American has just sent out a memo addressing this problem.
According to the President of Star Alliance member airline Thai Airways, the Bangkok-based carrier is on the verge of shutting down if they don’t succeed quickly in a turnaround.
Over the summer the airline’s President introduced a six point plan to crowd source cost cutting ideas; reduce food waste; make a ton of money flying to Sendai, Japan; collaborate with a local gas station cafe chain; and platitudes but it was (shockingly) insufficient.
Unquestionably Singapore Airlines has one of the great international first class products. Admittedly their lounges are somewhat sub par. However their food and beverage program is outstanding. Their main meals are my favorite. And their wine program is fantastically curated. What could be greater luxury – beyond the quality of the champagnes, even – than the ability for passengers to have choice?
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.
According to Air New Zealand’s acting CEO dropping London flying frees up aircraft for New York. The North America- New Zealand market is strong. And Chicago service is doing well.
Video from Chinese social media platform Weibo shows an Airbus A320, being transported by truck, getting stuck underneath a pedestrian bridge near Harbin, in northeastern China.
The truck driver deflated the truck’s tires in order to dislodge the plane and get past the bridge, and then re-inflated the tires them shortly after.
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 »
