American’s New Hong Kong Route Will Be Bookable March 20!

by Gary Leff

Mar 08 2016

Early this morning American Airlines had accidentally posted on their website the launch of new Los Angeles – Hong Kong service, which I’ve been expecting since November or December. They promptly pulled the announcement down, however American confirmed the news for me.

American has focused on Los Angeles for building up its Pacific route network. They recently added a Sydney flight (with an improved inflight service). They’re adding Auckland, New Zealand. And they’re adding Tokyo Haneda service. And those are all international routes that face competition.

Now they’ve formally announced the Los Angeles – Hong Kong flight, and provided details.

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Gordon Bethune Making a Play to Return as Chairman of United

by Gary Leff

Mar 08 2016

With Oscar Munoz set to return to United as CEO after a medical leave in a week, the airline is also planning to replace a few directors – the former head of T Rowe Price, the former Chairman of Air Canada, and the CEO of Red Hat. But the plan faces opposition.

Altimeter Capital Management and PAR Capital Management which together own 7.1% of United are backing six new board members at the airline led by former Continental Airlines CEO Gordon Bethune.

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CONFIRMED: American Airlines Launching Los Angeles – Hong Kong (Cat’s Out of the Bag)

by Gary Leff

Mar 08 2016

I had heard back in November or December that a route announcement for Los Angeles – Hong Kong was imminent. So I was surprised that when they made their big splash about growth at LAX they didn’t announce the service then.

Last night American put Hong Kong service up on their website in error, and quickly pulled it down. I asked American spokesperson Casey Norton, and he confirmed the service.

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American Express May Be for Sale. Will Wells Fargo Buy?

by Gary Leff

Mar 08 2016

American Express hasn’t even lost Costco charges yet, and it’s reeling. Here’s the inside story on how Amex lost the Costco deal. Delta is their second largest co-brand, but with Marriott buying Starwood they presumably lose the ability to issue Starwood co-brands at some point when the programs are expected to merge. Although American Express wants to find a way to keep the Starwood card post-merger.

American Express lost the JetBlue co-brand to Barclays though it’s small. Their network is no longer used for Fidelity card transactions.

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A Reader Shares Their Success: First Class on Emirates/Etihad, 14 Nights in the Maldives, and a Suite in Dubai

by Gary Leff

Mar 07 2016

I ran into four different couples who came up and introduced themselves to me last month at the Park Hyatt Maldives. I got another email from a reader who saw me there but didn’t say hello. That’s at a resort with only 50 rooms. We’ve taken over.

The Park Hyatt Maldives is a great aspirational property. As a category 6 (not 7!) hotel in the Gold Passport program, it’s a great value for 25,000 points a night when room rates often exceed $1000. And it’s a great use of the 2 free nights that come with the Hyatt Visa.

One of the folks I met there, Steve S., shared the rest of their trip with me by email:

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The Secret to Always Finding Space in the American Express Centurion Lounge Dallas

by Gary Leff

Mar 07 2016

I love the American Express Centurion lounge in Dallas. I transit DFW more than any other airport. Depending on the day of week American has 14 or 15 flights a day between my home airport in Austin and their hub at Dallas Fort-Worth.

When the lounge first opened it was a marvel: good quality chef-inspired hot food, good cocktails, a complimentary spa and showers not to mention stylish furnishings. The problem is that it’s gotten more and more crowded.

I like taking matters into my own hands and I’ll share with you what I do, fully realizing that readers may wind up taking the option away from me…

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Review: Did I Fly Spirit Airlines or British Airways Club Europe: London Heathrow – Paris Orly?

by Gary Leff

Mar 07 2016

I had read about the reduced seat pitch in British Airways intra-European business class, “Club Europe.” I knew it was 30 inches. But surely it had to be a spacious 30 inches. Like Donald Trump’s hands, it wasn’t.

Now there’s no more legroom in business class than there is in coach, and it’s an inch less legroom than the major US airlines offer in coach. Instead, British Airways “Club Europe” is coach with a blocked middle seat and a cold meal tray.

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