The latest from Italy is that the government is driving to close on a restructuring of the airline with the government continuing to pump in money and take a majority stake of the airline (35% of which would be through the state railway) while Delta takes 10% ownership though presumably exercises outsized influence.
DEAL: Business Class to Monaco With Helicopter Transfers $1599 Roundtrip
All business class airline La Compagnie is advertising a special roundtrip Newark – Paris fare of $1400. But that’s not even their best deal.
La Compagnie also flies Newark – Nice. Prices start around the same. However they will also book you to Monaco and include the helicopter transfers to and from the Nice airport.
Tokyo Airport Hotel Now Offers a ‘Superior Cockpit Room’ With a Boeing 737 Simulator ($233/Night)
Forget the TWA Hotel as an avgeek’s paradise, the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu attached to terminal 2 at Tokyo Haneda airport has them beat, hands down.
The property has just introduced a “Superior Cockpit Room” which includes a full sized Boeing 737-800 flight simulator. And they offer one of the best deals anywhere for experiencing a sim.
If This Doesn’t Tell You Everything You Need to Know About American Airlines Right Now
American Airlines went to court to get an injunction against their mechanics union, claiming they were engaged in an illegal action to sabotage the performance of the airline. But two of the airline’s lawyers failed to show up for a meeting with mechanics’ representatives — because their flight was cancelled.
Resort Fees are a Huge Lie, and Washington DC is Suing Marriott for a Refund
“Resort fees” are extra charges, on top of a room rate, that aren’t optional. In other words they’re part of the price of a room, but the hotel advertises a lower price instead. That’s on face deceptive.
What Happens to Your Credit Card Purchase Data After You Leave the Store
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 New British Airways San Francisco Lounge is Open (With Separate First Class Dining)
British Airways opened their refurbished lounge in San Francisco today after a six month closure. The lounge is in the international terminal between gates A4 and A6. You’re greeted at reception where your credentials for the lounge will be checked and then the lounge is down one level by elevator.
Spirit Airlines Forces Woman to Move Because Seatmate Didn’t Like Her Race
Flight attendants reportedly thanked this woman “multiple times for being a team player” and moving away from the passenger who didn’t want to sit next to a black woman — when they should have given that passenger a choice to either stop harassing her assigned seat mate or get off the aircraft.
Marriott Got Bonvoyed by the EU: $123 Million Fine Does Nothing to Protect Meaningful Data
Marriott hasn’t talked about the really valuable data that’s been breached, preferring to focus on expired credit cards and passports. The EU proposes to fine Marriott for a criminal hack of their systems, which is how the law works, but it’s not clearly the best way to drive collaboration between large companies and government agencies protecting against nation state attacks.
And indeed it’s government agencies that are the biggest violators of data privacy.
Destination Hotels Start Joining Hyatt August 20
So far only 8 out of three dozen Destination Hotels have dates set for joining, and there’s no list of properties which won’t become part of Hyatt. Of course some Destination Hotels will become part of other Hyatt brands.