Feb
02
2018
Reportedly there will be “an open ‘demonstration kitchen’ where chefs will whip up Malaysian and international gourmet dishes”
Malaysia Airlines Kuala Lumpur Lounges Re-Open in a Month
Etihad May Default on $1.2 Billion in Bonds
Feb
02
2018
In 2015 Etihad created an Amsterdam-based special purpose vehicle “SPV Equity Alliance Partners” which issued bonds for Etihad and other airlines it controlled. Etihad has since walked away from its investments in Alitalia and air berlin, each of which reportedly held 19% of the debt.
Etihad is discussing “how to support the bonds” given the “political and reputational pressure” not to default. It will be expensive for the Al Nahyans to cover the commitment, but embarrassing for them not to.
Inside a Flight that Caught Fire Yesterday When a Battery Charger Exploded
Feb
01
2018
An Aeroflot Airbus A320 from Moscow Sheremetyevo to Volgograd had just landed yesterday after its 577 mile flight when one of the economy seats caught fire following the explosion of a battery charger.
There’s video from inside the aircraft where passengers appear to be calm, but some on the plane reported chaos and some passengers evacuated down emergency slides.
Cuts Continue at Etihad as Barber/Beauty Salon Eliminated from First/Business Lounges
Feb
01
2018
Style and Shave still appears as an Etihad Guest mileage redemption option and it’s on the airport website. However reports are that the facility has closed in both the first and premium lounges in their home airport Abu Dhabi, “[A]s one shift ended, the[ staff] had no idea there was nobody coming in to replace them.”
United Starts Selling WiFi Subscriptions — and Seats to Basic Economy Customers
Feb
01
2018
During United’s earnings call last month they explained they would be tweaking Basic Economy fares.
The idea of Basic Economy is to offer such a bad experience that you’ll spend more money to avoid it. However when United first rolled out the fares they lost about $100 million — because customers were avoiding United.
Hyatt’s ‘Amex Offers’ Adds a New $30 Off Groceries/Drugstores
Feb
01
2018
The Hyatt Credit Card has been offering several value-added promotions on top of its usual benefits. In the fall of 2016 they also began experimenting with rebates for targeting kinds of spending. Now they’re offering a $30 rebate on drug store and grocery store spend.
United Copies Delta’s Crackdown on Emotional Support Animals
Feb
01
2018
Two weeks ago Delta announced a supposed crackdown on fake emotional support animals. All they really did in practice was say they’ll require advance notice, proof of health and vaccinations, and insist passengers attest that their animal can behave.
Since American and United do what Delta does American says they’re studying similar changes and United announced that they’ve copied Delta’s changes also to go into effect March 1.
Delta Diamonds Get Free Spa Treatments in Atlanta, New York and Seattle
Feb
01
2018
Delta is offering free spa treatments in Atlanta for SkyMiles Diamond members.
Through July 31 Diamonds receive complimentary services at the Asanda Spa Lounges in Atlanta terminal E, New York JFK terminal 4, and the Seattle Delta Sky Club.
Viral Inflight Yoga Video Raises Questions About Proper Behavior in Coach
Feb
01
2018
As long as passengers follow flight crew instructions, don’t obstruct other passengers, and are good at it then it’s fine for one passenger — first come first served — to practice yoga in the aisle. Violate any of these conditions and it becomes a problem, and potential flight diversion, and a matter for law enforcement that ends possibly dragging the yogi down the aisle (in an epic ‘assist’).
Here’s How American’s New Passenger Compensation System Works
Feb
01
2018
A few weeks ago I wrote that American is giving flight attendants a new tool to hand out onboard compensation for service failures. If something bad happens during your flight, they can give you AAdvantage miles on the spot.
We now know something about what situations are programmed for miles (and what will get you bupkis) and how much you can expect to get.
