Financial Analysts Frequently Misunderstand Rewards and That’s a Problem (For Them)

by Gary Leff

Jul 24 2016

Moshe Orenbuch of Credit Suisse appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch midweek addressing American Express. His claim is that biggest problem Amex faces is the value of their rewards. He says that they give less cash back, and that Membership Rewards has introduced lower cost options for redemption and so expenses on average have fallen.

Customers see those options and think the rewards have less value. Although the claim that a couple hundred thousand Membership Rewards points gets you a toaster sadly goes unchallenged.

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Man Downs Bottle of Wine in the Lavatory, Threatens to Kill Everyone If Plane Diverts

by Gary Leff

Jul 23 2016

There are some amazing places in the world to enjoy a cocktail. Some of my favorites that come to mind include the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel at sunset looking out over the Pacific, the beach at the Park Hyatt Maldives (Hyatt Gold Passport Diamonds are offered free cocktails and snacks at sunset) and the club lounge at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong looking out over Victoria Harbor after dark.

I’ve never considered, however, an airplane lavatory.

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Cathay Pacific’s First A350 Delayed When Passenger Pulls Off Ceiling Panel

by Gary Leff

Jul 23 2016

I really enjoy flying Hong Kong-based oneworld airline Cathay Pacific on short haul flights, because while they do have a ‘short haul’ business class (which is better than US airline first class) often short flights like the 1049 mile Hong Kong – Bangkok route will be operated by long haul aircraft with fully flat seats (and in either case you get a multi-course meal up front).

Wednesday’s Cathay Pacific flight CX705 was operated by an Airbus A350. And it suffered a 3 hour delay for a rather unusual reason.

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American Airlines Will Refund Overcharged Award Taxes

by Gary Leff

Jul 22 2016

The UK has a departure tax (‘Airline Passenger Duty’) that’s high in coach and higher still in premium cabins, and is often referred to as a ‘premium cabin departure tax’ or ‘luxury tax’.

One improvement, implemented a little over a year and a half ago, is that children under 12 flying economy no longer pay this tax. On a London – New York ticket that’s a savings of $96 per child, which really adds up for a family traveling with several kids. However American Airlines is still collecting the tax on award tickets.

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What to Do When a Hotel Refuses to Honor Elite Benefits

by Gary Leff

Jul 22 2016

Each hotel chain takes a different approach towards pushing members of their loyalty programs to book directly with the chain. They withhold points, and in some cases elite recognition, from members who make their bookings via third party sites like Expedia or with a vacation package (air and hotel, air and car) provider like United Vacations.

One reader booked a fantastic three cabin first class fare with AA Vacations combined with hotel stay at the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, choosing the hotel because he’s a Hyatt Diamond member. Only he didn’t get the Diamond recognition he expected.

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What Hath Brexit Wrought? British Airways Business Class Cutbacks

by Gary Leff

airline cabin
Jul 22 2016

It will be years before Britain leaves the EU, if it leaves at all, and if it does there’s any number of scenarios for what that could look like. But the mere possibility, post non-binding referendum to do so, is having significant effects on the UK economy.

While fuel prices are low and world airline profits are high, British Airways appears to be preparing for the apocalypse with reported changes to business class service:

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