View from the Wing

United Puts Unaccompanied Minor on Flight to the Wrong Country

by Gary Leff on July 1, 2019

Jul 01 2019

Last night Brenda Berg reported on Twitter that her son had flown as an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines from Raleigh Durham to Newark, intending to connect on to Stockholm on SAS. However United put him on a Eurowings flight to Germany instead.

I can only imagine this woman’s horror because she couldn’t even get through to United. If you don’t have elite status telephone wait times are interminable, and that’s just to get access to an agent without much motivation or empowerment to do anything that requires more than keystrokes on their computer.

Bernie at Southwest Explains Carry On Size Limits

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 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.

European Union Warns that Delta, American and United are About to Start a Trade War

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

The campaign by U.S. airlines for trade subsidies from the federal government could backfire, because if the U.S. violates its treaty obligations and Europe then sees the treaty as non-absolute, United, Delta, and American could face their own challenges with operating rights in Europe.

Capital One Offering 25% Transfer Bonus to Avianca LifeMiles, More Bonuses on the Way

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

Capital One has just announced a 25% bonus on all miles transferred to Avianca LifeMiles in July.

Already on their fourth transfer bonus of the year, having just launched transferable points, and Capital One notes “limited-time offers like this will be another major perk for Venture and Spark Miles account holders to take advantage of.” So we can certainly expect to see more.

How American Airlines Is Prepared In Case Your Cell Phone Catches Fire

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

While it doesn’t happen often, lithium ion batteries catch fire. The fire can usually be contained in the passenger cabin. It’s harder to deal with as cargo, which is why airlines don’t allow these sorts of batteries to travel in checked luggage.

As a result of this risk American Airlines now boards fire containment bags and heat resistant gloves on all of their aircraft.

Flight Attendant Joke

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

The flight attendant listened patiently to a man complain…

Free the Slots: Stop Subsidizing Airlines and Protecting Them from Competition

by Gary Leff on June 29, 2019

Jun 29 2019

Government-granted airline privileges are a driver of industry consolidation. The primary reason Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America was for access to gates and slots at congested airports. Badly run carriers, that provide poor passenger experience, are protected from market discipline because more innovative startups aren’t permitted to compete and incumbents can continue earning off inferior products because passengers lack other options.

Here’s a New Premium United Card Value Proposition Chase is Considering

by Gary Leff on June 29, 2019

Jun 29 2019

The 20% redemption discount is interesting, It could be well worth upgrading from a base United Explorer to this card — but wouldn’t be worth spending money on this card over more compelling alternative transferable points products.

American Airlines Can No Longer Squat on China Routes

by Gary Leff on June 29, 2019

Jun 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.

Qantas is Seeing a Run on Redemptions Prior to Award Chart Devaluation

by Gary Leff on June 28, 2019

Jun 28 2019

Lower coach award prices are translating into greater redemptions for coach travel. That’s exactly what you’d expect. However it’s the changes in redemption patterns that are happening when prices have not (yet) changed that’s most revealing.

United Puts Unaccompanied Minor on Flight to the Wrong Country

Bernie at Southwest Explains Carry On Size Limits

European Union Warns that Delta, American and United are About to Start a Trade War

Capital One Offering 25% Transfer Bonus to Avianca LifeMiles, More Bonuses on the Way

How American Airlines Is Prepared In Case Your Cell Phone Catches Fire

Flight Attendant Joke

Free the Slots: Stop Subsidizing Airlines and Protecting Them from Competition

Here’s a New Premium United Card Value Proposition Chase is Considering

American Airlines Can No Longer Squat on China Routes

Qantas is Seeing a Run on Redemptions Prior to Award Chart Devaluation

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About Gary Leff

	Bilt Mastercard® Earn Points Paying Rent (up to 100,000 each year) plus earn 3x at restaurants; 2x on travel; as long as you make at least 5 purchases per month. No annual fee.
	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (See rates and fees)
	Citi® / AAdvantage Business^TM World Elite Mastercard® For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]