During the American Airlines Investor Day on Monday afternoon, an analyst asked whether American would be open to re-starting its partnership with JetBlue. When the government sued to break up the deal, the judge in the case argued that it’s carving up who flies where that was an anti-trust violation. The judge’s decision was clear that a partnership along the lines of how American and Alaska Airlines work together in their ‘West Coast Alliance’ would have been legal.
American Airlines Changes Coming: More Miles, New Redemption Options And The Highest Value Per Mile
American Airlines held its Investor Day on Monday afternoon. There was a surprising amount about the AAdvantage program in the discussion, in addition to what you’d expect about airline strategy.
We can expect to see some changes in how miles are awarded (more miles), new redemption options, and better redemptions for members with status. And there’s an explicit commitment not just to defend the value of their miles, but to ensure their currency provides greater value per mile than competitor airlines and even banks do.
Boeing’s Unsettling Descent: John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight Takes On Quality Control and Safety Escapes
Quality and safety at Boeing is now a late night comedy skit. They’ve faced years of production and risk issues from the Boeing 787, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, and other aircraft. There is a fundamental problem that’s caused even their most loyal airline customers to publicly put them on blast.
American Airlines Places Massive 260 Aircraft Order: Will Retire Small Regional Jets, Add First Class Seats
A week ago I wrote that American Airlines would announce a big order for new planes on March 4th. Now they have done just that, placing an order for 260 planes: 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft.
Delta Amex Card Has The Highest Credit Limit In The World
Delta Air Lines has a corporate American Express card with a $1.1 billion credit line. They use it for fuel purchases – they’re one of the biggest buyers of jet fuel in the world. And they own an oil refinery.
The crazy thing is that they have to pay off this card monthly and they still max it out!
JetBlue Walks Away From Spirit Airlines Deal: Here’s What They Should Do Instead
It seems clear that JetBlue is better off without the distraction and cost of a Spirit Airlines acquisition. They should work on a new American Airlines alliance similar to American’s deal with Alaska, which the anti-trust judge outlined would be permissible (and American in its earnings call said they’d consider a new partnership).
They need to get their operation under control, rebuild service to Boston, shift away from long haul international growth where they’re bleeding, and walk away from Southern California. Or else, expect Carl Icahn to dismantle the carrier and sell it for parts.
These Baggage Handlers Trying To Futz With A Stroller Are Every Airport Dad Ever [Roundup]
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.
The Truth Behind Migrants Flying Out of Southern Border Airports: What You Need to Know
Is American Airlines bumping paying passengers so that they can fly migrants out of southern border airports? That’s the claim being made across some sectors of the media. It takes one element of truth – that the number of migrants on planes out of a handful of airports has become substantial – and mixed it with an odd anecdote about a man who may have checked in late for his American Airlines flight and lost his seat.
$600 Or More: Is Splurging on High-End Hotels Really Worth Your Money?
There’s a live social media debate over whether expensive hotels are “that much better” so as to justify their extra cost – that a modest price over cheaper accommodations may buy you a better stay, but that once you get past a few hundred dollars the extra money just doesn’t buy you very much.
I think there’s a lot of nuance to this, and I don’t spend $600 or more out of pocket on room nights myself though I regularly redeem points for hotels that cost far more than this. My controversial take is that I do feel that they can deliver a lot for the money! But that I’m reluctant to spend that money myself.
The Customer Last: What American Airlines Management Is Doing Wrong
Jeff Bezos for years has preached a simple mantra: that the biggest mistake companies can make is focusing on what their competitors do, rather than what their customers want – and working backwards from satisfying the customer to figuring out the product.