Just a few months ago, JetBlue had a big plan for growth. Now they’re shrinking quickly. They offered buy out packages to non-union employees to reduce staff count. And now they’re offering to pay pilots not to fly.
When American Airlines announced the AAdvantage Business program, an odd quick was that you would only be able to earn in AAdvantage Business if you booked directly through American Airlines. But travel agents could still add an AAdvantage Business number to the reservation. This was.. odd?
And then the big reveal that AAdvantage Business customers would be exempt from the ban on mileage-earning for tickets booked through many third parties. But signing up those customers for AAdvantage Business is meant to be the undoing of those agencies.
A travel blogger’s meal on China Eastern is being called the “worst meal after” after being served “mac and cheese topped with shrimp and ‘slimy’ mushrooms’” for breakfast. Nicola Easterby, “Polka Dot Passport,” described her “bad smelling” fish pie and then things got worse. Nicola and James were given ‘bad smelling’ tuna fish pie accompanied by vegetable couscous and a pear and ricotta crumble, which she claims was the only ‘fully edible’ part of their dinner. She told viewers: ‘I tell you what, it tasted even worse that how it looked,’ before rating it a measly two out of 10. The travel blogger added: ‘Out of all the things to serve on a plane, the smell was so bad. …However, the worst food combination came when they recieved their final breakfast and were met with…
If AAdvantage Business were just a devaluation that would be one thing. But it’s a massive headache.
Have issues with opening an account, as many have had? Try getting any customer service. American is even telling reservations agents not to help with AAdvantage Business problems.
American Airlines Announces New Tokyo Haneda Flight, Throws Down At United ‘Newark Is Not New York’
They’re now claiming to be the only U.S. airline flying New York to Tokyo. Which is only possible because United’s hub at Newark is not New York.
Here’s an Uber tipping scam you need to watch out for. Tipping is still voluntary in the app, and there is no automatic tip for rides. But some drivers, apparently, are warning riders about an automatic “30% tip” if they don’t choose their own tip. That motivates riders to enter a tip.
The Supreme Court heard a challenge to the Durbin Amendment. Specifically, they’re expected to rule on whether a new challenge to the Durbin Amendment is too late.
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.
New redemption pricing for Etihad awards, with ‘around 70% of routes seeing a decrease’. Elite status changes will include elimination of segments as a means of qualifying; a new top tier Diamond level that requires $150,000 in spend on top of qualifying miles; and new choice benefits for all elites.
I’m a big fan of going to any length possible to avoid checking bags, but I think I may have found someone willing to take steps even I have never imagined.
I don’t remember the last time I laughed as hard as I just did watching the host pick out items for their trip and compress everything.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
