Seat Savers Beware: How Other Passengers Hijack Your Southwest Airlines Strategy

Jun 23 2024

Southwest Airlines doesn’t pre-assign seats. Once you board you can take any open seat. There’s no rule against saving seats for other passengers. And it’s perfectly acceptable to subtly discourage other passengers from sitting beside you, though if they want to take the empty seat next to you they can. In this Hunger Games world of Southwest Airlines seat selection there’s basic game theory to defend and expand your turf – from saving seats, to boarding early, and figuring out whom you may want to sit next to you (if someone has to).

Continue Reading »

Defiant Delta Passenger Vapes On Jet Bridge, Prioritizes Smoke Over Freedom

Jun 22 2024

You can’t smoke on a plane. You can’t vape, either. Sometimes passengers sneak a drag in the lavatory – but disabling lavatory smoke detectors can cost you a fine up to $2,000.

Occasionally passengers just flat out smoke out in the open. One Delta Air Lines passenger decided to vape on the jet bridge prior to boarding. That’s not allowed, either. Do you think someone this brazen abstained for the rest of the flight?

Continue Reading »

Girlfriend Sues Boyfriend For Airport No-Show: ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’

Jun 21 2024

A man promised to take his girlfriend to the airport and watch her dogs while she was away. He flaked on her, failing to show up. She missed her flight and she sued for breach of contract. The two had been dating for six and a half years, and she probably let the relationship go on too long, but the New Zealand court found (quite sensibly) that there was no consideration – just a promise and not a contract.

Continue Reading »

Amex’s $400 Million Power Play: How Tock Deal Fits Into New Super App To Change Dining Forever

Jun 21 2024

American Express is assembling its travel and lifestyle super app. Cardmembers spend a lot on restaurants, and those with the disposable income to go out at upper-end restaurants are a lucrative segment.

Meanwhile, embedding a card brand into the dining ecosystem, and leveraging a platform to deliver restaurant reservations and experiences to guests, is a way to win loyalty. At least that’s the bet.

Continue Reading »