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.
American’s First Airbus A330 To Get Premium Economy Has Gone For Retrofit
American Airlines became the first US airline with an international premium economy product last October when it brought its first Boeing 787-9 into the fleet.
American has beaten their September-projected start for beginning the Airbus A330 project, with the first one — tail number N279AY — having been flown from Philadelphia to Paine Field today.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Status Of American Airlines Boeing 777-200s
I absolutely love the introduction of premium economy as a product. Eventually I expect it not to be great for upgrades (that in the future upgrades will be from coach to premium economy, and not to business class). And I absolutely love American’s direct aisle access seats, especially the new Super Diamond seats which are the best seats I’ve flown in business class.
The Boeing 777-200s are interesting because they run the gamut and tell a story of the evolution of American’s thinking over the past half dozen years.
Sydney Airport Plotters Tried to Hide Bomb Inside a Barbie
We now know a lot more about the airline bomb plot that was foiled in Sydney. The plan was to blow up an Etihad Sydney – Abu Dhabi flight. As usual much of the initial reporting was wrong.
The story at the beginning was that the bomb was hidden inside a meat grinder in a passenger’s luggage, but as luck would have it the bag was too heavy and didn’t get checked. Now that story has changed, and the bomb was supposedly hidden inside a large barbie doll.
Classified: United’s New Invitation-Only Restaurant Inside Newark Airport
There’s a new OTG restaurant at Newark that’s invitation only for United customers. It’s called Classified and the fact that it’s exclusive appears to be the primary thing that’s special about it.
American Did the Same Thing to Retired Employees That They Did to Lifetime Elites
American, though, didn’t just take away benefits from their most loyal (lifetime) customers. They took away travel benefits from legacy American Airlines retirees, too. Retiree travel priority changed in September 2014.
Bought Basic Economy? American Expects You to Fly Into Floods and Terrorist Attacks
American Airlines travel waivers — the ability to change your travel when the air system is disrupted, such as because of weather or strikes — won’t fully apply to customers booking Basic Economy fares.
This is something American Airlines explicitly promised wouldn’t happen with new Basic Economy fares but that I predicted.
American Taking Away Free Premium Coach Seats From Full Fare Passengers
Under the new regime whether it bolts down onto the plane or not it’s for sale and nothing’s free. American has changed their policy, and effective August 30 full fare customers and AAnytime awards no longer receive complimentary Main Cabin Extra and they no longer receive complimentary preferred seats either.
No free extra legroom, no free seats closer to the front of the plane. Buy up, sit in back, or take what’s left.
Today Only – Free Marriott Rewards Points
There’s finally something good about the eclipse — free points.
Bear in mind that points earned via social don’t extend the expiration date of your account. And also that Marriott points transfer 3:1 into Starwood Preferred Guest. Points post quickly.
Courtesy When Having Sex on a Plane and New 10 Year Thai Retirement Visas
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.