View from the Wing

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Weighs in on the Dispute Between American Airlines and its Mechanics

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 2019

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 26 other New York-area members of Congress sent a letter to American Airlines CEO Doug Parker and to the heads of the Transport Workers Union and the International Association of Machinists.

American’s mechanics and ramp workers have maintained their separate legacy US Airways and American unions, and they’re negotiating as part of an ‘association’ however each work group has different interests. Negotiations have gone badly. And the New York congressional delegation has waded into this thicket.

American Confirms Plan to Fix First Class, Defends Inferior Coach

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 2019

Over the weekend I wrote that American will fix some of the problems with its new domestic first class seats. They won’t be making changes to the new coach product.

Here’s how they defend the new coach seats — and why they may spend even more money to put in bad first class seats into planes, before ripping them out and replacing them again.

Lebanon’s First Female Captain Landing at London Heathrow in Crosswinds

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 2019

SkyTeam member Middle East Airlines was recruiting pilots – including women – in 1993. A friend showed a newspaper column to Rola Hoteit, then completing her degree in Mathematics at the American University of Beirut. It read, “Women cannot drive a car. How will they be able to fly an airplane?”

Hyatt Starts Adding Destination Hotels, Here are the Redemption Categories for Each

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Destination Hotels Start Joining Hyatt August 20

Aug 20 2019

Last month we learned Hyatt would begin adding Destination Hotels properties to the Hyatt portfolio August 20.

At the time we learned which 8 out of three dozen Destination Hotels would join early on. Now Hyatt has shared the new redemption categories for each of those.

Today Only: Up to 50% Off United Awards to Mumbai, India

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 2019

With the closure of Pakistani airspace, United suspended its India flying. They extended cancellation through late October right before the airspace re-opened. United added India flights back into their schedule. It doesn’t surprise me to see certain flights lightly booked.

As a result they’re using the mileage program to unload seats at a discount. United is running a flash sale – today only – with 50% off awards to Mumbai.

Delta Suffered a Data Breach – and They’re Looking to Get Compensation For THEMSELVES

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 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.

Truth in Advertising, American Airlines Catering Edition

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2019

Aug 20 2019

Short premium cabin flights in Europe usually come with lounge access and a decent meal but don’t give you more legroom. In contrast U.S. airlines sell lounge access separately, give you a bigger seat and a bit more room, but the food is often wretched.

I date the beginning of real cuts to domestic premium cabin meal service to early 2001.

Marriott’s Twitter Team Can’t Fathom Anyone Complimenting Bonvoy on Social Media

by Gary Leff on August 19, 2019

Aug 19 2019

Twitter used to be the “go-to” way of getting personalized customer service, and with some brands it still is. Many companies assign super competent agents to deal with twitter, and empower them to cut through bureaucracy to solve problems.

Not all do however. And some just follow the ‘first rule of social media’ which is to try to get customers to stop blasting the company as quickly as possible. The easiest way to do that is to get the customer to ‘take it to DM’.

Are Flight Attendants Significantly Overpaid?

by Gary Leff on August 19, 2019

Aug 19 2019

Flight attendants respond to emergencies, bear the brunt of passenger frustrations and poor behavior, and staffing levels on some flights have been cut leading to more work. Maybe they’re underpaid.

I want to try out a very unpopular argument: that airlines pay too much for the flight attendants they’re hiring today, but that they should be paying more to attract flight attendants who will provide better service.

What On Earth is This Man Doing to the Seat?

by Gary Leff on August 19, 2019

Aug 19 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.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Weighs in on the Dispute Between American Airlines and its Mechanics

American Confirms Plan to Fix First Class, Defends Inferior Coach

Lebanon’s First Female Captain Landing at London Heathrow in Crosswinds

Hyatt Starts Adding Destination Hotels, Here are the Redemption Categories for Each

Today Only: Up to 50% Off United Awards to Mumbai, India

Delta Suffered a Data Breach – and They’re Looking to Get Compensation For THEMSELVES

Truth in Advertising, American Airlines Catering Edition

Marriott’s Twitter Team Can’t Fathom Anyone Complimenting Bonvoy on Social Media

Are Flight Attendants Significantly Overpaid?

What On Earth is This Man Doing to the Seat?

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About Gary Leff

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