Just in time for the holidays, you can have free checked bags on American Airlines. You can have Priority Boarding, too, which means you’ll get on the plane early enough that there’s still overhead bin space available. And forget long check-in lines, if you have to check in with a person rather than online or at a kiosk you get to use Priority Check-in.
These are benefits of “oneworld ruby” status, the entry-level status of American’s oneworld partners.
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.
When former US Airways President Scott Kirby left as President of American Airlines to become President of United American sent out their press release about elevating Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom to President and explained that Scott Kirby was leaving immediately. It didn’t mention anything about United, and it didn’t say anything about spending more time with his family.
In a long piece from Fortune on Oscar Munoz’s tenure at United we…get this explanation about Scott Kirby’s move from American to United:
Delta is raising the price of SkyClub memberships next year.
Just like when they raised prices three years ago the rationale is offered that higher prices allow them to continue to invest in the clubs. But it’s strange then that they’d be reducing the mileage price at the same time then. And it’s certainly not necessary to raise the price in order to improve the experience. Most airlines in the world don’t charge memberships for lounge access at all.
Trip delay coverage that comes with many premium credit cards can save you and your family up to $500 this holiday season if things go wrong during your travels. But it requires followup.
Although DOT wasn’t ready a year ago to approve an expanded joint venture between American and Qantas and it was possible they might ask for certain concessions in exchange for doing so (they’re asking for slots from Delta and Aeromexico at New York JFK and Mexico City in exchange for approving theirs) history suggested that American and Qantas would be able to move forward.
However — although Australia and New Zealand authorities already signed off a year ago and although DOT allowed a joint venture between US carrier Delta and Australia’s Virgin Australia — the US Department of Transportation is blocking the expanded cooperation between American and Qantas
Spirit offers perhaps the worst airline experience in America. But Spirit will let you pay to bring a full size carry-on bag onboard.
United’s Basic Economy fares won’t let you bring a rollaboard onto the plane (unless you have MileagePlus elite status, a United co-brand credit card, or are a Star Alliance Gold member). You have to check the bag (and wait for it, and maybe lose it) and pay for the privilege of doing so.
I love the creativity of Singapore Airlines such as building a model of one of their Airbus A380s using manila envelopes. The seats even work inside.
But Singapore Airlines flight attendants are at the heart of their brand for the service they provide, and they’ve just come out with a video where they perform the ‘#MannequinChallenge’.
Hotel cards often give 2 night stays. That’s great for a Friday to Sunday, or as part of a stay. But 3 nights makes a big difference for a trip. Here are some ideas for where to redeem your 3 complimentary nights in Asia.
Earlier in the month I covered the significant cutbacks and customer-unfriendly changes that British Airways is planning.
But I likely buried the lede.
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 »
