From the Sky to SNAP: How American Airlines Flight Attendants Qualify For Food Stamps

by Gary Leff

Dec 19 2023

On Monday I wrote about the struggles of American Airlines flight attendants, especially junior crew, who have seen their wages eroded by inflation and whose last pay increase was in January 2019.

Some report lacking gas money to get to the airport, being unable to afford meals (and living off of snacks from the first class snack basket) and not being able to afford Christmas presents. But there’s a lot of confusion over how flight attendants are paid and how much they work.

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Breathtaking Views or Bait and Switch? The Sydney Harbour Marriott’s Upgrade Controversy

by Gary Leff

Dec 19 2023

The Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay has many rooms with fantastic views, of the harbor and even the Sydney Opera House, though of course there are simply ‘skyline view’ rooms which are less desirable.

You can imagine how disconcerting it was for Marriott Bonvoy elites to hear from the hotel that if they were staying on property during the “festive season” they would not be entitled to room upgrades.

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From Vine To Decline: American Airlines Drops Printed Wine Lists From Business Class

by Gary Leff

Dec 19 2023

Printed wine lists are out in American Airlines long haul premium cabins. Instead of a menu listing options, the printed meal menu given to business class passengers now says “We invite you to engage with our flight attendants to learn more about the selection of wines available for your enjoyment.”

Flight attendants, of course, have been given no extra training on the wines being offered. You can ask, and maybe they’ll show you the bottle.

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How Some Lucky Flyers Bagged Business Class Tickets for Just 13,500 Miles – While Others Get Cancelled

by Gary Leff

Dec 18 2023

On Friday it was possible to book transatlantic business class award tickets on Air France for as little as 13,500 Flying Blue miles each way and in fact in some cases for just 1,500 points (!).

This was an error in pricing. Some people who booked it will get to travel, while others will have their plans cancelled.

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American Airlines Flight Attendants: Can’t Afford Gas, Live Off Stealing First Class Snacks

by Gary Leff

Dec 18 2023

Flight attendants at American Airlines, frustrated by lack of progress on a new contract, have gone online to commiserate and share how much they’re struggling day to day with a raise. Some don’t have money for gas to get to the airport, or to pay their bills and buy food so they make up for it pocketing snacks from the first class snack basket. Some of the stories are heart wrenching.

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Southwest’s $140 Million Penalty: The Scary Truth No One Should Be Happy About

by Gary Leff

Dec 18 2023

The Department of Transportation has settled with Southwest Airlines over its meltdown last Christmas, with the airline agreeing to a $140 million penalty (but not really). It took DOT a year to deal with this. Customers who were inconvenienced in the mess do not get anything from this. And Southwest Airlines doesn’t deserve it in any case.

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Why Traditional Business Travel Is Dead – Even Years After The Pandemic

by Gary Leff

Dec 17 2023

In early 2020 white collar professionals stopped going to the office. People worked from home, and went online. They stopped flying. And there were varying schools of thought on how much they’d return to office and return to business travel.

Some people were waiting for the economy to tighten, expecting employers to insist that everyone go back to office and get back on the road. Others thought it was just a matter of time.

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