American Airlines Blocking CLEAR From Setting Up Expedited Security Lines

by Gary Leff

people walking in airport
May 25 2018

CLEAR lets you skip to the front of the security line. You use a fingerprint for identification and even if you’re precheck you go ahead of everyone that’s waiting to have their ID checked.

Delta made an investment in CLEAR two years ago. That’s helped CLEAR to expand, and in turn Delta got their biometric technology which they’ve experimented with for aircraft boarding and for SkyClub access. In the future you should be able to check bags based on fingerprints rather than showing ID.

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Delta is Launching a Flight to India — and Obi Wan Kenobi Tells You Why

by Gary Leff

arch like building
May 24 2018

Delta announced that they will fly to Mumbai, India next year. They haven’t said where they’ll fly from, but presumably it’ll be Atlanta where they can muster plenty of connecting traffic. New York has competing flights already from United and Air India, great for non-stop traffic, but a less than ideal city for connections.

They’re doing it because they have a great new partner in Jet Airways and a more fuel efficient aircraft in the A350 but they want you to think it’s because of Donald Trump.

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Cathay Pacific Devalues Asia Miles With One Month’s Notice

by Gary Leff

first class cabin
May 24 2018

Effective June 22 they’re making changes to mileage earning and redemption. This matters to folks in the U.S. because Asia Miles is a oneworld frequent flyer program (earn and redeem on American, British Airways, Japan Airlines, etc.) and because it’s a points transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

To me the most important takeaway is that roundtrip premium cabin long haul awards are getting more expensive.

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