View from the Wing

One Way I’ve Dealt With Hotel Upgrade Shenanigans in the Past – But It’s Risky

by Gary Leff on April 14, 2019

Apr 14 2019

Here’s what I’ve done in a similar situation. I once checked in at the Park Hyatt Sydney early in the morning after a long transpacific flight. They told me they did not have any standard rooms available (I had redeemed points) but they did have an Opera View King available and if I wanted that room it would be an extra AU$100 per night for my 5 night stay. (Since they were ‘full’ they wouldn’t offer any complimentary upgrades.)

Unquestionably this is a room type eligible for elite upgrade. And by definition it was available for the entire length of my stay (as with Marriott, a requirement for Hyatt) since they were offering it to me. I was tired and wanted to go to my room, so I accepted…

California Threatens to Destroy the Hotel Bathroom Experience Outlawing Mini Toiletry Bottles

by Gary Leff on April 14, 2019

Apr 14 2019

First they came for the straws, but I don’t drink from plastic straws so I said nothing. Now they’re coming for miniature shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel as California considers outlawing single use toiletries.

That means hotels would install wall dispensers in the shower but wall dispensers are awful and must be stopped. And it turns out this is a gift to corporate hotel interests under the fig leaf of the environment.

American Extends 737 MAX Cancellations Through August 19 – Believes Plane Will Fly Sooner

by Gary Leff on April 14, 2019

Apr 14 2019

American Airlines, in a letter to employees, announced this morning that they had extended their grounding of the aircraft through August 19th.

They were explicit, though, that they believe the plane will be flying before then – and that an earlier return to service will mean using the MAX as spare aircraft to help during peak summer travel.

The Future of Credit Card Rewards

by Gary Leff on April 14, 2019

Apr 14 2019

In many ways this is the golden age of rewards. There are big initial bonus offers, fast earning for spend, and rich benefits. And rewards expense is higher than ever for card issuers.

There are risks though, and challenges for issuers. Here’s how rewards are going to have to change to be successful.

How to Scan Your Room for Hidden Cameras and Change to United’s Business Class Menus

by Gary Leff on April 14, 2019

Apr 14 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.

Airline Executives Need Mandatory Frequent Flyer Training

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2019

Apr 13 2019

There’s a major difference between “know that” and “know how.” The latter comes from deep practice and a development of tacit knowledge that comes from first-hand experience. And airline executives too often lack know how in loyalty marketing and make big mistakes that undermine profits as a result.

Hopper Claims JetBlue Will Drive Down Airfares 12% When They Begin Flying to London. That’s Absurd.

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2019

Apr 13 2019

The basis for this silly claim is, “[H]istorically, when JetBlue enters an international market, fares plummet by on average 12 per cent. Though it can be even more. Hopper pointed out that when the carrier launched flights from Fort Lauderdale and New York’s JFK to Trinidad and Tobago, it spurred savings on all airlines of up to 26 per cent.”

Why BA Won’t Buy Used A380s and As If Boeing Didn’t Have Enough Problems..

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2019

Apr 13 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.

San Jose Airport Will Combat Chick-fil-A With Rainbow Flags

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2019

Apr 13 2019

San Antonio politicians decided to ban Chick-fil-A from opening in the airport over perceptions of the chain’s politics disagreement with the chicken restaurant’s donations to certain charities. Buffalo pressured concessionaire Delaware North to withdraw Chick-fil-A from its plans and will (disingenuously) paint the move as voluntary.

San Jose airport has a new approach.

American is 95% Done Installing High Speed Internet: Where Aircraft Types Stand With Power and Wifi

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2019

Apr 13 2019

Both American and Delta have invested heavily in truly usable internet, which distinguishes them both from United whose internet rarely works when I fly them.

American says they are now 95% done with their project to install satellite wifi in their aircraft, and that they will complete the project by May. What that means is that if you’re flying an Airbus narrowbody (A319/A320/A321) or a Boeing 737 you should have fast internet on board.

One Way I’ve Dealt With Hotel Upgrade Shenanigans in the Past – But It’s Risky

California Threatens to Destroy the Hotel Bathroom Experience Outlawing Mini Toiletry Bottles

American Extends 737 MAX Cancellations Through August 19 – Believes Plane Will Fly Sooner

The Future of Credit Card Rewards

How to Scan Your Room for Hidden Cameras and Change to United’s Business Class Menus

Airline Executives Need Mandatory Frequent Flyer Training

Hopper Claims JetBlue Will Drive Down Airfares 12% When They Begin Flying to London. That’s Absurd.

Why BA Won’t Buy Used A380s and As If Boeing Didn’t Have Enough Problems..

San Jose Airport Will Combat Chick-fil-A With Rainbow Flags

American is 95% Done Installing High Speed Internet: Where Aircraft Types Stand With Power and Wifi

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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]