View from the Wing

You Can Now Double Dip With Air France KLM Flying Blue and Accor Hotels

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 20 2019

There’s been a trend towards airline-hotel chain tie-ups, where each loyalty program tries to capture the business of members of the other program. These are expensive to offer, granting points and frequently privileges, but they’ve expanded because their proponents have reported that they work.

Now we’re seeing the first Crossover Rewards-style offering in Europe, with the launch of a dual points-earning offer and points conversion between Air France KLM and Accor Hotels.

Deal of the Year: 80,000 Point Offer for New Lucrative Southwest Business Card

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 20 2019

The brand new Southwest Peformance Business Card is fast out of the gate with what may be the deal of the year, an 80,000 point initial bonus offer — which count towards a companion pass — and benefits like A1 – 15 boarding four times a year and inflight wifi reimbursement up to 365 times a year.

Video Shows Why Passengers Applauded a Diversion to Oklahoma City

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 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.

The Asterisk in American’s Big Boast About Inflight Wifi

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 20 2019

Headlines blare “American Airlines offers satellite WiFi to its entire mainline fleet” and therefore “You Shouldn’t Have to Struggle for a Good Connection”.

I think it’s great that American Airlines has invested in faster satellite internet for most of its domestic narrowbody aircraft. However coverage of American Airlines completing its project to add satellite wifi to planes is being overclaimed.

Cathay Pacific Cuts First Class From Several Routes

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 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.

Qantas Announces ‘Biggest Overhaul’ in its Frequent Flyer History

by Gary Leff on June 20, 2019

Jun 20 2019

Qantas is keeping award charts and not moving to dynamic award pricing so if there’s a silver lining in redemption pricing that along with a reduction in scam charges is it. The move towards recognition of non-flying but still important program members and recognition of lifetime elite status up to Platinum are improvements, as are the introduction of new redemption partners.

What Credit Card Does Airbus Accept When Buying New Planes?

by Gary Leff on June 19, 2019

Jun 19 2019

It wasn’t really a $13 billion deal as reported, new planes buyers usually pay about half of list price. It’s incredible to contemplate even 9.75 billion Membership Rewards points however.

Citi Prestige Limits Access to Good Hotel Rates for 4th Night Free Over Two Months Early

by Gary Leff on June 19, 2019

Jun 19 2019

I wrote off the fourth night free hotel benefit when the changes were announced in November, capitalizing it as though the restrictions were already in place. It looks like the limitation on what rates can be booked may already be in effect.

Data Shows How Badly Mechanics are Hurting American Airlines Reliability

by Gary Leff on June 19, 2019

Jun 19 2019

American Airlines shared performance stats with employees yesterday after “three weeks on the books for the 2019 peak summer travel season [and] 11 1/2 more weeks remaining.”

American Just Ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs: Expect Direct Aisle Access Lie Flat Seats, Premium Economy

by Gary Leff on June 19, 2019

Jun 19 2019

Two weeks ago I wrote that American Airlines was likely to order the Airbus A321XLR at the Paris Air Show. They’ve now done exactly that.

Here are some of the routes and aircraft configuration to expect, according to American’s President Robert Isom.

You Can Now Double Dip With Air France KLM Flying Blue and Accor Hotels

Deal of the Year: 80,000 Point Offer for New Lucrative Southwest Business Card

Video Shows Why Passengers Applauded a Diversion to Oklahoma City

The Asterisk in American’s Big Boast About Inflight Wifi

Cathay Pacific Cuts First Class From Several Routes

Qantas Announces ‘Biggest Overhaul’ in its Frequent Flyer History

What Credit Card Does Airbus Accept When Buying New Planes?

Citi Prestige Limits Access to Good Hotel Rates for 4th Night Free Over Two Months Early

Data Shows How Badly Mechanics are Hurting American Airlines Reliability

American Just Ordered 50 Airbus A321XLRs: Expect Direct Aisle Access Lie Flat Seats, Premium Economy

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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® Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]