The Ups and Downs of Marriott’s Elite Ambassador Program: A Tale of Service, Layoffs, and Revival

by Gary Leff

Dec 04 2023

Marriott has the most exclusive top elite tier with published earning criteria. The Ambassador level requires not just 100 nights in hotels but also a minimum of $23,000 in spend, nearly impossible to achieve in many parts of the world with low hotel rates.

Yet for three years the Ambassador level didn’t even come with Ambassador service. Marriott eliminated dedicated Ambassadors during the pandemic, even while Hyatt (which offers concierges at just 60 nights without minimum spend) kept theirs.

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Luxury Larceny: How 5-Star Hotel Guests Are Stealing More Than Just Towels

by Gary Leff

Dec 04 2023

A new study shows that guests at 5-star hotels are more likely to steal high-value items like tablet computers, artwork, TVs, and mattresses, reflecting a trend among wealthier guests. There’s been an increase in the theft of more valuable items since 2019, including coffee makers, mattresses, and tablet computers. Mini fridges are now commonly stolen from 4-star hotels.

The survey categorizes theft behavior in hotels by nationality.

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The Unbelievable Pringles Challenge: Sleeping Passenger’s Hilarious Mid-Flight Snack!

by Gary Leff

Dec 04 2023

Passengers took video of a man sleeping in a plane’s middle seat. His mouth is open. And the aisle seat passenger is sticking Pringles potato chips in his mouth, one after another after another. The Pringles stay in his mouth and the man doesn’t wake up, while people around him strain to prevent themselves from busting a gut laughing, which might wake him.

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Alaska Airlines Is Buying Hawaiian Airlines. Ok For Customers But A Kind Of Dumb Deal?

by Gary Leff

hawaii
Dec 03 2023

Alaska Airlines has announced a deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1 billion cash and assumption of $900 million in Hawaiian Airlines debt. They will keep the two separate brands, though combine their loyalty programs. The deal is expected to close in 12-18 months, subject to approval of Hawaiian’s shareholders and making it through anti-trust review.

For Mileage Plan and oneworld frequent flyers this is great. For Hawaiian customers this should be fine-to-positive. It’s Alaska shareholders that may not benefit from the merger integration costs in order to swallow an unprofitable airline. Although perhaps the biggest beneficiaries will be the transaction and anti-trust lawyers whose billable hours will be immeasurable.

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Delta’s Day Of Disarray: Unbelievable Tale of Endless Errors And Delays

by Gary Leff

Dec 03 2023

Passengers were escorted through a restricted part of the airport, typically off-limits to passengers, by Delta employees and TSA staff. After passing through Customs and checking their luggage, the passengers encountered the first issue.

The group was mistakenly taken to the wrong airplane three separate times, being transported by bus to different planes. When they eventually boarded the correct plane, they encountered another problem.

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