Is an American Express Centurion Lounge Coming to LAX?

by Gary Leff

Nov 05 2015

Reader Michael G. spotted couches just past security in the Tom Bradley International terminal at LAX “Courtesy of the American Express Centurion Lounge” .. there’s no celebrity chef, but clearly an attempt to raise awareness of the American Express and Centurion lounge brand.

We know of course that American Express is seeking to build its own network of lounges in major airports, rather than relying on airline partners alone to provide lounge access to their premium cardmembers. Here’s what else we know:

Continue Reading »

An Important Trick to Get Upgraded Ahead Of Others on the American Airlines Waitlist Sometimes

by Gary Leff

Nov 05 2015

There’s an interesting anomaly that I’ve noticed, that several readers have asked about and that’s been discussed in several forums recently. American seems to be using ‘married segment’ logic for upgrade availability sometimes and on some routes. I’m not certain that this is intentional, but it throws a monkey wrench into how we track upgrade space but also creates an opportunity for jumping the upgrade queue internationally sometimes as well.

Let me explain what married segments are, how to use the information to find upgrade space that you wouldn’t otherwise know about — and what to do to jump the upgrade queue.

Continue Reading »

Giveaway: 20 Tickets on Each of 3 Inaugural Flights to the Caribbean!

by Gary Leff

Nov 04 2015

Back in June I wrote that discount carrier Norwegian – which offers cheap flights between the US and Europe – would start flying from the US to the Caribbean as well.

By flying between French Caribbean islands and the US they’re able to take advantage of US-Europe Open Skies agreements.

There are 3 inaugural routes launching at the beginning of December. Here’s a giveaway with 20 tickets on each of the 3 inaugural flights (with choice of return).

Continue Reading »

American and Alaska Airlines CEOs (Claim to Be) Glad Delta is Gone From Industry Lobbying Group

by Gary Leff

Nov 04 2015

The Chairman of the airline industry lobbying group is the CEO of America. The Vice Chairman is the CEO of Alaska. With Delta pulling out and saving its $5 million a year, those two are saying good riddance. In fact, Delta is out 6 months early from the group and other airlines are making up the difference in dues.

Brilliant move on Delta’s part to free ride on the lobbying efforts of others, or unwise to give up the power that comes from your lobbyists having very personal relationships with the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee?

Continue Reading »

Uh-oh: DOT Not Ready to Grant Antitrust Immunity to American/Qantas Flights That Start Next Month

by Gary Leff

Nov 04 2015

American Airlines and Qantas became joint venture partners in 2011. That means they’re allowed to coordinate schedule and pricing. These arrangements also frequently include revenue-sharing. Competitors Delta and Virgin Australia are also joint venture partners.

American and Qantas are entering into a new, tighter arrangement that’s making possible American’s Sydney flight and Qantas’ San Francisco service – plus possible new service by American to Auckland. The first flight starts December 17. But the Department of Transportation may not give the go-ahead.

Continue Reading »

American Airlines Launching Tokyo Haneda Service, Flights Start Selling Sunday, Here’s What You Need to Know

by Gary Leff

Nov 04 2015

American — after getting the DOT to take slots away from Delta — is finally publishing its schedule for Los Angeles – Tokyo Haneda flights. They’ll begin selling seats this Sunday for service which starts in February.

Here’s what you need to know about the new service, about which Delta has recently lodged new complaints with the Department of Transportation… and what you need to know about booking Japan awards through American AAdvantage.

Continue Reading »

Use Your Delta Miles NOW For Award Travel to Europe Next Summer

by Gary Leff

Nov 04 2015

I’ve been a strong critic of Delta SkyMiles. Theirs are one of my least-preferred currencies. I’d much rather have miles with United, American, or Alaska. I’d much rather have miles with Aeroplan, Singapore, or Japan Airlines. I’d much rather have miles with Korean Air in Skyteam.

Yet right now availability for summer business class travel to Europe is quite good at least on some routes. So redeem those Delta SkyMiles now for 62,500 miles each way.

Continue Reading »