Air Canada’s Offer to Buy Aeroplan Was Rejected (But a Deal May Still Happen)

by Gary Leff

air canada plane tarmac
Aug 03 2018

Air Canada wants to buy back the Aeroplan program, which is spun off into a separate company. The program is owned by Aimia, which also owns 49% of Aeromexico’s frequent flyer program. Either Aimia sells Aeroplan back, or Air Canada starts its own new program in July 2020.

Air Canada and its bank partners in the deal had offered $250 million plus assumption of the program’s liabilities. They had raised their offer to $325 million. Aimia was willing to sell, but they wanted $450 million.

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Good American Airlines Business Class Award Space to Europe

by Gary Leff

first class cabin
Aug 02 2018

American AAdvantage miles are tough to use for actually flying American. That’s changed somewhat over the past 9 months as American has opened up greater connecting availability in coach and also loosened its routing rules for domestic awards. But premium cabin international travel on American’s own flights remains challenging.

That’s why I highlight when even modest international business class award space opens up. When it does, it’s time to jump.

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Aeroplan Now in Talks With oneworld

by Gary Leff

lounge desk
Aug 02 2018

Air Canada spun off its frequent flyer program Aeroplan into a separate company. Aimia owns Aeroplan along with other loyalty programs including a 49% stake in Aeromexico’s Club Premier.

Last year Air Canada announced they weren’t going to renew their exclusive partnership with Aeroplan after their 15 year deal expires at the end of June 2020. Now Aeroplan is confirming partnership discussions with oneworld .

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No, the TSA Isn’t Eliminating Security at Small Airports. Why Do You Ask?

by Gary Leff

tsa
Aug 02 2018

CNN is reporting on TSA documents for a proposal eliminating “passenger screening at more than 150 small and medium-sized airports across the US.”

The two things to know are (1) there are actually pretty good arguments for this, and (2) it isn’t being seriously discussed — as in considered for implementation — this is never going to happen.

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Qantas First Class Award Space Available

by Gary Leff

sydney opera house
Aug 02 2018

Australia is one of the toughest frequent flyer awards, at least in premium cabins. In order to fly business or first class between the US and Australia you often have to connect in Asia.

However Qantas premium cabin awards are easier to book than you think, because American AAdvantage hides the seats from their members. Here’s when they’re available and how to book them.

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Watch a Self-Upgrader Get Dragged Out of Korean Air Business Class

by Gary Leff

person being moved from sear by flight attendant
Aug 01 2018

Self-upgrading to business class has never been considered okay. It also rarely ever works. I’ve seen people try it and they’re always sent back to coach. Usually they’re a bit sheepish as they head back, sometimes offering some innocent-sounding explanation about how they thought it was the same cabin (no they didn’t!) and the seat was empty.

Passengers who refuse to move get the David Dao treatment.

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Passengers Evacuate Departing Aircraft When Passenger’s Cell Phone Charger Catches Fire

by Gary Leff

cell phone charger on fire
Aug 01 2018

A Ryanair flight from Barcelona to Ibiza had just pushed back Tuesday late afternoon when a passenger’s cell phone which was being charged by an external battery, caught fire. Everyone was evacuated down emergency slides and onto the tarmac.

The only injuries were incurred on the slide with passengers falling over each other to get out and incurring burns from friction across the slide. Here’s video.

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