Dec
01
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.
A Cat Took a 5 Year, 1200 Mile Solo Journey
Changes Without Notice? One Airline Used to Offer a “Redemption Guarantee”
Dec
01
2019
Continental Airlines tried to take advantage of the uproar, committing to give members a window to take advantage of current rules if they ever tried to devalue.
The OnePass program, which covered Continental and Eastern, offered a “redemption guarantee.” If they ever increased the mileage price of awards.
Why is Airline Breakfast So Bad?
Dec
01
2019
A simple way to think about better breakfast is to think brunch. That opens up a whole new world of possibility beyond reheated scrambled eggs or omelettes, granola or oatmeal.
Brilliant: China Southern Makes Cash Payment to Flight Crew For Avoiding Fatal Incident
Dec
01
2019
In the case of air travel it’s expected that flight crew have the same incentive as passengers – to get where they’re going safely. However there can be pressure to stay on time or get out ahead of bad weather, there can be a tendency to misjudge risks, and it’s crucial to make clear there’s a corporate culture of safety.
China Southern is taking that to the next level. They aren’t just saying ‘safety first’ and that employees won’t be punished for raising safety concerns that lead to delays, they are rewarding crew for raising safety issues.
This Hotel Wasn’t Exactly Lying When They Said They Had a ‘Pool Area’
Nov
30
2019
In 2001 a Hooters restaurant in Panama City ran a contest for their waitresses. The one who sold the most beer would win a Toyota. At least that’s what the manager said, or what the waitresses thought they had heard.
When Jodee Berry was announced as the winner she was led out into the parking lot of the restaurant in a blindfold. The blindfold was removed and she found her prize waiting for her: a Toy Yoda.
Desperate Hong Kong Airlines Shuts Down Inflight Entertainment System, Can’t Pay Employees
Nov
30
2019
Hong Kong Airlines was troubled long before protests erupted in the Chinese Special Administrative Region, keeping travelers away. Parent HNA Group was under strict orders to deleverage, with the government concerned about over $100 billion in debt.
HNA had problems paying for fuel. They had problems meeting interest obligations. They missed a $43 million debt payment last year and offered travel vouchers instead of cash to repay its investors.
Why Southwest’s Open Seating Policy is a Windfall for New Parents
Nov
30
2019
Not only does Southwest offer ‘family boarding’ when you’re traveling with a child under 4 years old — boarding with elites who don’t have A group boarding passes — but if you are traveling with a lap infant and the flight isn’t 100% full you can almost always get an extra seat for your baby without having to buy them one.
When Can You Pick a New Flight During an American Airlines Flight Delay?
Nov
30
2019
Whenever there’s a flight delay I’ve been able to get agents – whether on the phone or in an Admirals Club – to get me rebooked. However being an Executive Platinum helps, having lounge access helps, and it can be difficult for many passengers to get through to an agent when flights go bad.
The airline has a tool to let customers rebook themselves onto new flights. It’s available on the website, using the airline’s mobile app, or at kiosks and launched two years ago. But when does the ability to rebook oneself onto a new flight become available?
The Secret History of Credit Cards
Nov
29
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.
Up to 15% of People are Financing Their Package Vacations Every Month
Nov
29
2019
Last week I learned that each month between 10% and 15% of United Vacations sales are made on credit. Since the same credit provider services AA Vacations I assume the results there are similar, though I don’t know their numbers specifically. I found this disconcerting, but not surprising.
