A newlywed tech executive asked Twitter whether he should take a solo upgrade or sit with his wife in coach. Minutes later, he posted the answer — from Emirates first class.
Southwest’s decision to fire its skycaps and outsource curbside check-in has created an unexpected new loophole: tip the contract agent, and your bag might still fly free. It’s cheaper than paying the fee inside — and another example of how cutting labor costs can cost an airline in ways it didn’t plan.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle has confirmed what many flyers have waited years to hear: Wi-Fi is finally coming. After long resisting the cost of onboard connectivity, the ultra-low-cost carrier appears ready to join the rest of the industry online.
I’ve already reported that Delta plans to announce service to Singapore and Manila. They’re also planning to launch New York JFK and Los Angeles to Seoul, which leverages their joint venture with Korean Air and Korean’s Seoul-Incheon hub for onward connections in Asia.
As American Airlines touts its “premium” transformation, the cost-cutting behind the scenes continues. The carrier is laying off headquarters and hub managers across departments—including IT, accounting, and customer-service roles—raising questions of whether this is the price for a premium future or that they’re still more focused on cost-cutting than revenue generation?
I’ll be in Las Vegas December 5–7 for ZorkFest — the conference where miles, points, and casino loyalty meet. If you’re attending, join me for lunch on Saturday (use code vftw2025) — and yes, lunch is on me.
Delta has unveiled its new Distinctly Delta uniforms for 65,000 employees — featuring Missoni-designed scarves and ties, Bombas socks, and a revived wrap dress from the airline’s early-2000s look. The collection begins wear testing in 2026 before rolling out systemwide in 2027.
After five years without a raise, 71% of United Airlines flight attendants rejected a union-backed deal that barely kept up with inflation. Now, the union is back at the table with eight new demands — from ground pay to better layover hotels.
American Airlines has fired two flight attendants — at their union’s insistence. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants reported both crewmembers for unpaid dues, triggering mandatory termination under its own contract.
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.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
