Airlines built loyalty programs that once defined premium travel. Now banks control the game. Their credit-card empires generate billions, fund airport lounges that outshine airlines’, and shape where travelers choose to fly. This $6 billion power shift is rewriting who really owns the premium traveler—and the future of airline loyalty.
California Just Made Hotel AI Pricing A Crime — While Airlines Get To Keep Using It Freely
A sweeping new California law targets AI pricing algorithms — this will mean big process changes for hotels but airlines remain shielded by federal law.
Miami Airport Got $100,000 In Federal Grants—Budgeted It On A Rodeo, Then Got Caught [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
‘So You Have Honor Now?’: Iranian Woman Defies Cleric, Steals His Turban For Her Hijab At Tehran Airport
At Tehran’s airport, a woman confronted a cleric — asking, “So you have honor now?” before taking his turban and wearing it herself, turning his symbol of authority into her own act of defiance.
Hotels Once Courted Airline Crews — Now United Flight Attendants On Layover Aren’t Welcome, Union Warns
United’s flight-attendant union says hotels that once courted airline crews are now backing away from discounted layover contracts. Properties find transient guests more profitable, leaving United crews farther from downtown and without familiar stays.
We Spent Billions Making Airports Nicer — To Help Travelers Endure Wasting $100 Billion A Year In Lost Time
We’ve built gleaming terminals with art installations, waterfalls, and luxury shopping. But the core function of air travel—getting people where they need to go quickly—has collapsed. Security lines, early arrivals, and sprawling concourses now waste roughly $100 billion a year of travelers’ time. The beauty just makes the waiting prettier. Airports have mistaken comfort for purpose.
Readers Tell Me Citi’s New Premium Card Keeps Approving People Instantly—Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Readers keep telling me Citi’s new premium card approves instantly. I was approved instantly as well. And it’s worth doing.
Delta Accuses Marriott Of Hijacking Its Brand — Trial To Force Name-Change Now Underway
Delta Air Lines has taken Marriott to court, claiming the hotel giant’s “Delta Hotels” brand confuses travelers and infringes on its trademarks. The high-stakes trial could force Marriott to rename the chain in the U.S.
‘27 Lives Could Have Been Lost’: In 14 Minutes, A Family’s Call Stopped An AR-15 Attack At Atlanta Airport
A 14-minute race from family tip-off to arrest saved dozens of lives at Atlanta Airport, where police intercepted an AR-15 gunman before he could strike.
United Jet Diverted After Captain Feared Space Debris Cracked His Cockpit Windshield — It Was a Balloon
A United 737 captain thought space debris had smashed his cockpit windshield and cut his arm — but it appears to have been an AI weather balloon.