American Wants Employees to Understand Why They’re Offering a Worse Product to Many Customers

by Gary Leff

airline cabin
Feb 16 2018

Kerry Philipovitch, American’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience defends the idea of Basic Economy fares in the latest “Tell Me Why” podcast aimed at the airline’s employees.

She says that without Basic Economy “we’re going to see our most price sensitive travelers leave us” — as though stripped down fares are necessary to offer low fares, and even though immediately after she explains that American had been offering fares that match ultra low cost carriers before Basic Economy.

Continue Reading »

Indonesia May Ban Gay Sex (and Extramarital Sex)

by Gary Leff

indonesia
Feb 16 2018

Indonesia is a seen as one of the more socially tolerant Islamic nations, however they’re now considering legislation that would ban gay and extramarital sex.

While the party in power is generally seen as more socially liberal (and secular) than those calling for a ban they also see ‘compromise’ legislation as the best avenue to averting even a stronger crackdown.

Continue Reading »

Marriott’s CEO Laid Out Vision for 2019’s New Combined Loyalty Program

by Gary Leff

outside marriott hotel
Feb 16 2018

In Marriott’s earnings call yesterday Arne Sorenson laid out his thinking on the loyalty program that will combine Marriott, Starwood, and Ritz-Carlton in 2019.

The only thing from Sorenson’s remarks that worries me is that they’re driving down the cost of the program for hotels, although no doubt that’s a part of how they get properties on board with program changes they’re planning to announce in the coming months.

Continue Reading »

American is Removing Business Class Seats from Some Boeing 777s to ‘Standardize’ Product

by Gary Leff

first class cabin
Feb 16 2018

American Airlines has myriad aircraft in different configurations from legacy American Airlines decisions before the merger and from US Airways, and a series of individual decisions along the way. Customers can luck out with better aircraft for passenger experience and worse aircraft.

They’re making efforts to standardize the fleet where they can, and that means the 13 Boeing 777-200s with 45 business class seats will each be losing 8 seats up front.

Continue Reading »

The EPA Administrator Flew Emirates Business Class and That’s Just Fine

by Gary Leff

private airplane bar
Feb 15 2018

Earlier in the week I wrote about the pretty outrageous domestic first class fares the EPA Administrator travels on. He’s loyal to Delta even when the federal government has awarded a city pair contract to another airline. And he pays full fare first even for the Delta Shuttle between New York and DC.

There’s been much hand wringing though over his flying Emirates business class Milan – New York in June. That’s wrong. Here’s why.

Continue Reading »

Hyatt Launches New Promotion, You Should Register Right Now, Even Free Nights Earn!

by Gary Leff

hotel room
Feb 15 2018

Last year Hyatt ran double points April through June and double points for the last month and a half of the year. Those were the only bonus promotions for hotel stays Hyatt ran. Period. And there’s been nothing yet this year.

Until now: they’ve just announced their new promotion and it’s likely better than double points — and kicks in with your first stay.

Continue Reading »