Emirates Announces Newark – Athens Flight, Watch Delta’s Head Explode

by Gary Leff

Jan 23 2017

While United, American, and Delta have complained about growth of the Mideast carriers, who offer one-stop service to smaller cities in India, Pakistan and surrounding areas that US carriers do not serve (and that in some cases even their European partners do not serve) some have suspected the real concern is fifth freedom routes — to date, only Emirates has flown transatlantic, offering New York JFK – Milan.

This flight then represents something of a watershed. It will no longer be just one transatlantic flight offered by a Gulf carrier.

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Report: Delta Improving 2018 Diamond Elite Status – By Taking Away Automatic Lounge Access

by Gary Leff

Jan 22 2017

Delta Platinum members get one ‘choice benefit’ and Diamonds get two.

A Diamond member might choose 4 confirmed international upgrades valid on any fare, a benefit the airline introduced three years ago.

Indeed, now that American Airlines has reduced the number of confirmed international upgrades given upon reaching top tier to 4 and tightened up availability Delta is even with American offering international upgrades to top elites.

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United Pilot Becomes Unconscious on 767 Flight to Amsterdam, 757 Captain Takes Over

by Gary Leff

united plane docked
Jan 21 2017

Thursday evening’s United Airlines UA946 Washington Dulles – Amsterdam flight was lightly loaded with just 82 passengers onboard — about two-thirds empty — declared an emergency while at 35,000 feet and 180 nautical miles Northwest of Shannon, Ireland.

The plane’s first officer reported that the captain had become incapacitated. They diverted to Shannon and landed 35 minutes later, where the captain was rushed to the hospital.

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