View from the Wing

American’s President Can’t Wait to Make Changes to the AAdvantage Program and to Copy Some Competitors

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2015

May 20 2015

At the Wolfe Research Global Transportation Conference, American Airlines President Scott Kirby shared the things he’s looking forward to once integration is complete. There are lots of projects that have been put off given the single-minded focus on combining American Airlines and US Airways.

Among those, “we would have loved to make some modifications to the frequent flyer program” and he talked about more ancillary revenue and ‘shamelessly copying’ come of their competitors…

My Deeply Troubling Miles and Points Dreams

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2015

May 20 2015

Last night I dreamt I was in the American Airlines Admirals Club in Los Angeles (although the woman sitting at the desk was one of the gems from the Washington National club.

I watched as a passenger had the agent there run her credit card to fund a bank account. I was a little bit excited for a moment, thinking you could charge bank deposits at American Airlines lounges when I woke up.

How Much Are Citi Prestige’s Benefits Really Worth?

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2015

May 20 2015

Citi Prestige offers an airline credit, lounge access, a big signup bonus and then a variety of perks like free rounds of golf and 4th night free on hotel stays. How much is all this ‘stuff’ worth, anyway?

50% Off Singapore Airlines Economy Awards for 28 Destinations

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2015

May 20 2015

Singapore Airlines is offering 50% off economy redemptions through its KrisFlyer program for 28 destinations. Since Singapore is a transfer partner of so many programs (Amex, Starwood, Chase, Citi) you probably have access to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles.

If You Fly United, Soon There May Be No Way Out

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2015

May 20 2015

Under United’s new mileage-earning program, miles are earned based on the price of the ticket not the distance you fly. And they seem to be stamping out, one by one, the places you can go to still earn full mileage — United airline partners, one by one, are reducing the miles earned on United discount fares. This is no accident. When will there be no options left?

Review: Emirates Colombo Airport Lounge and First Class, Colombo – Dubai

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2015

May 19 2015

Now it was really time to head home from my Maldives trip, having had my fill of Sri Lankan food for the day. We checked out of the Hilton and made what was nearly an hour’s drive in traffic to the Colombo airport.

Once there, though, things moved quickly. I had boarding passes from the day before, picked up in Male for both Colombo – Dubai and Dubai – Dallas. And there was pretty much no wait at all for immigration formalities or security to head to the Emirates lounge while waiting to fly Emirates first class to Dubai…

American Opening Up Business Class Awards to Europe With No Fuel Surcharges

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2015

May 19 2015

American is actually making premium cabin – business and first class – award space available on its own flights to Europe for the winter months. That means no fuel surcharges, even to London, where you can connect beyond using British Airways flights.

Earn 30,000 American Miles for a Checking Account With No Fees, and More…

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2015

May 19 2015

A collection of interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.

Is Etihad Operationally Awful? Here’s Why They Have Problems and How to Prepare.

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2015

May 19 2015

Etihad’s operation is really good considering the contraints the airline faces — for US-bound flights (security) and the rest of the world (insufficient airport facilities). Here’s what their problems look like, and how to plan around them.

American Express Now Competes With Defunct Radisson Hotel Program Through Fast Casual Dining Strategy

by Gary Leff on May 19, 2015

May 19 2015

It’s back to the future for American Express Membership Rewards and their new partnership to allow you to use points at Chili’s. Radisson Hotels used to share a loyalty program with TGI Friday’s. That was a bad use of points, and so is this. But with a few points you can get a quesadilla explosion…

American’s President Can’t Wait to Make Changes to the AAdvantage Program and to Copy Some Competitors

My Deeply Troubling Miles and Points Dreams

How Much Are Citi Prestige’s Benefits Really Worth?

50% Off Singapore Airlines Economy Awards for 28 Destinations

If You Fly United, Soon There May Be No Way Out

Review: Emirates Colombo Airport Lounge and First Class, Colombo – Dubai

American Opening Up Business Class Awards to Europe With No Fuel Surcharges

Earn 30,000 American Miles for a Checking Account With No Fees, and More…

Is Etihad Operationally Awful? Here’s Why They Have Problems and How to Prepare.

American Express Now Competes With Defunct Radisson Hotel Program Through Fast Casual Dining Strategy

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About Gary Leff

	Bilt Mastercard® Earn Points Paying Rent (up to 100,000 each year) plus earn 3x at restaurants; 2x on travel; as long as you make at least 5 purchases per month. No annual fee.
	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (See rates and fees)
	Citi® / AAdvantage Business^TM World Elite Mastercard® Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]