RUMOR: American Express Created New Rewards Abuse Team

by Gary Leff

Dec 09 2016

Frequent flyer programs all have corporate security, and so does American Express. I’m not sure whether this is a ‘new team’ and even if it is whether that means a new charge. We’ve certainly seen reports of accounts being frozen and investigated when using targeted links that weren’t intended for public use, and we’ve seen points clawed back from those accounts when violating American Express terms to achieve bonuses (such as meeting minimum spend with gift cards).

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DOT Proposes Trigger Warnings for Inflight Cell Phone Use

by Gary Leff

older gentleman taking a selfie with smartphone
Dec 08 2016

The Department of Transportation announced a proposed rule today to require airlines to disclose to consumers in advance if their flight will permit passengers to make voice calls using wireless devices.

This is a strange regulation to open comment on for a number of reasons. Not least of which because there’s no inflight cell phone calling allowed in the US today.

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Delta Will Status Match a Lot More Airlines

by Gary Leff

delta plane
Dec 08 2016

Here’s an overview of status matches, asking a loyalty program to give you status based on the status you hold with another program.

Travel providers are interested in acquiring their competitors’ best customers, but elite status has a lock-in effect. Sure, you might want to defect from United to American or from Delta to Alaska, but it’s pretty tough to do that and start from scratch with a new airline. You’re well treated as an elite, and it’s rough out there often times flying without any status.

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Flying Economy is Actually Getting Better: Delta Introduces New Snacks Next Week

by Gary Leff

Dec 08 2016

While frequent flyer programs have gotten less competitive over the past three years, and many blame airline consolidation, in many ways airline product has gotten more competitive.

The major US legacy airlines have even been improving the experience in coach with better snacks and inflight entertainment. Delta takes their next step December 15.

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It’s Not Just Passengers: American Flight Attendant Reported to Work at 8 Times Legal Alcohol Limit

by Gary Leff

american plane
Dec 07 2016

There’s no question this happens far more often with passengers, like this American Airlines customer who “pulled his pants down, arched his back,” and made a mess of his seat before being sent to the lavatory where he promptly passed out on the floor. Need I add that you shouldn’t ever go into an aircraft lavatory without shoes?

Nearly every inflight disturbance involves alcohol.

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