New Insight Into How American’s President Scott Kirby Wound Up President of United

by Gary Leff

Nov 19 2016

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:

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Delta Raising Prices for Lounge Membership Again, Says They’re Doing You a Favor

by Gary Leff

Nov 19 2016

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.

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Will Donald Trump Save American’s Flights to Sydney and Auckland Now that DOT Ruled Against Their Qantas Joint Venture?

by Gary Leff

syndey opera house
Nov 19 2016

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

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If You’re Buying the Cheapest Domestic Fares, Fly Delta

by Gary Leff

delta plane
Nov 18 2016

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.

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