Pilots Now Officially Higher Priority Than Customers At American Airlines

by Gary Leff

cockpit with pilot
Dec 01 2023

Under the new American Airlines pilot contract, for the first time, deadheading pilots receive upgrades ahead of customers to available first class seats at the gate. Officially, in American Airlines computer systems, these pilots are coded with a higher priority even than top status Executive Platinum and even Concierge Key members. AA: "Did know if you saw this but effective today, AA Deadheading pilots traveling under A1DP/A3DP status will now go on the upgrade list as a UPG0, ahead of CK and EP Something about their ratified contract" — JonNYC (@xJonNYC) December 1, 2023 Unsold first class seats now go to employees who are not piloting an aircraft between segments on a trip they’re working. That’s different than commuting to and from their base if they live in a different city than where they’re assigned…

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Exposed: United Airlines Executives’ Multi-Million Dollar Bribery Scandal at Newark Airport

by Gary Leff

Dec 01 2023

Three former United Airlines executives engaged in a bribery scheme involving renovations at Newark airport. They accepted bribes from a maintenance and construction company to secure a restroom renovation project.

In exchange they received renovations to their own homes, electronics and jewelry and total bribes over $1.2 million. They steered the business to the most expensive contractor, who submitted a two page bid in comparison to dozens of pages for competing contractors. Then the employees inflate contract change orders to help the company recoup its bribe expenses.

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American Airlines’ Lounge Food Strategy: Small Plates Make Big Mess

by Gary Leff

Dec 01 2023

On arrival at the airport two days earlier I picked up a sandwich from Tortas Frontera, so I skipped it on this visit. Heading straight to the American Airlines Admirals Club it struck me just how copious the food offerings are… at Delta Sky Clubs, where you’ll find beef, chicken, salads, and sandwiches and many more options as well, all complimentary for guests.

American Airlines sells food in its Admirals Clubs and offers a much more modest spread.

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Mike Tyson Beat Up A Passenger In Business Class, Now He Wants $450,000

by Gary Leff

Dec 01 2023

Last year Mike Tyson beat up a passenger on a JetBlue flight.

Tyson flew JetBlue from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale. The man sitting behind him in business class wouldn’t stop talking with him. Their interaction began with Tyson agreeing to take a selfie, but when passengers wouldn’t leave him alone Tyson let them know he’d had enough. Finally Tyson got up and began giving the man behind him a beat down. Going full-on Joe Lewis, he drew blood.

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Antisemitic Congresswoman Demands Answers After American Airlines Bans Palestinian Sweater

by Gary Leff

Nov 30 2023

On Wednesday I wrote about an American Airlines passenger being made to remove to turn their sweatshirt inside out in order to fly on American Airlines flight 2829 from New York JFK to Phoenix. The sweatshirt said “Palestine” and defined it as, in essence, the whole of Israel.

American’s policy on passenger attire says “Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.” There’s not enough guidance to gate agents or flight attendants on what clothing is offensive, but in New York and in the aftermath of Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, the employees interpreted the policy to include a sweatshirt that appeared to promote the elimination of the Jewish state.

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