View from the Wing

Do I Even Need to Tell You What United Did to a $42,000 Specialty Wheelchair?

by Gary Leff on July 13, 2017

Jul 13 2017

United Airlines abusing its customers has become so de rigueur I’m not even sure it warrants mention any longer.

Whether they’re forcing children with their own tickets to sit in parents laps instead of seats, having law enforcement remove a couple flying to their wedding, kicking a passenger in the head, and pushing a 71 year old man to the ground… or breaking guitars or breaking a passenger’s face when something terrible happens to a passenger you just shrug and ask, United?

Your Guide to Which United Flights Get What Amenities — And When They Might Run Out?

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

Here’s United’s chart laying out exactly which amenities are provisioned on what routes in both business class and economy — and in what quantities.

Oscar Munoz Reverses Course, No Longer Wants Better Service at United

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

United CEO Oscar Munoz’s statements now suggest he’s happy with the quality of service his airline provides.

Delta, American, and United want to be protected from competition because they’re afraid it will hurt their business. But that’s the point — it will, unless they improve to compete. Acting as a quasi-public utility is a recipe for a continuation of the status quo, and no customer should want that.

American Ending Codesharing With Qatar and Etihad Effective March 25

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

For the past two years American has been asking the federal government to crack down on flights to the U.S. by Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar. Along with Delta and United they want less competition and higher prices.

Inconveniently for American, however, they have maintained a codesharing relationship with Etihad as well as a frequent flyer partnership. And Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld alliance with American, so they offer reciprocal mileage-earning and redemption and frequent flyer recognition.

Nationalists in Trump Administration Considering Terminating Open Skies With UAE and Qatar

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

The campaign by Delta, United, and American to limit consumer flight choices and raise prices by enacting protectionist policies against Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar went nowhere with the Obama administration.

However the Trump administration now includes “nationalists pushing for aggressive trade restrictions” according to Politico. And action in response to lobbying from Delta, United, and American is now under consideration.

Plastiq Promo, Hotel Direct Booking Pushes are Failing, and More

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

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.

How American’s Fleet Is Changing (Mostly in a Good Way)

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

American Airlines filed updated fleet projections with the SEC today.

They show, quarter-by-quarter, the size of each aircraft family in their fleet. I’ve highlighted aircraft totals as of June 30th and also where they project to end 2017.

American Express Centurion Lounge Philadelphia Won’t Open Until Fall

by Gary Leff on July 12, 2017

Jul 12 2017

Since I’ve seen a couple of references this week to the opening of the Philadelphia American Express Centurion Lounge this week ‘in early August’ (at The Points Guy) and ‘Aug 2017’ (at The Derp Report) I thought I’d clarify that the new Philadelphia lounge does not open in August.

United’s New Debit Card Isn’t a Scam But It’s Good For Almost No One

by Gary Leff on July 11, 2017

Jul 11 2017

I’m not prepared to say that “absolutely no one” should get the card and that it’s “a bad deal.” I think that’s wrong. But it’s useful only for a limited set of people.

Man Checks Can of Beer as His Only Luggage

by Gary Leff on July 11, 2017

Jul 11 2017

A man checked a single can of beer as his only luggage onboard Saturday’s Qantas flight QF777 from Melbourne to Perth. Melbourne – Perth is a cross country flight in Australia, about the distance of New York – Denver.

Do I Even Need to Tell You What United Did to a $42,000 Specialty Wheelchair?

Your Guide to Which United Flights Get What Amenities — And When They Might Run Out?

Oscar Munoz Reverses Course, No Longer Wants Better Service at United

American Ending Codesharing With Qatar and Etihad Effective March 25

Nationalists in Trump Administration Considering Terminating Open Skies With UAE and Qatar

Plastiq Promo, Hotel Direct Booking Pushes are Failing, and More

How American’s Fleet Is Changing (Mostly in a Good Way)

American Express Centurion Lounge Philadelphia Won’t Open Until Fall

United’s New Debit Card Isn’t a Scam But It’s Good For Almost No One

Man Checks Can of Beer as His Only Luggage

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About Gary Leff

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