View from the Wing

Another Family Sues American Airlines After Flight Attendant Videotapes Young Girl Using Lavatory

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

This flight attendant has been arrested and charged with taking video of five young girls on separate flights as they go to the lavatory. This was discovered after a 14 year old girl reported being asked to wait to use the lav, and then invited in where she found an iPhone taped to the toilet to watch her.

The 9 year old learned about the incident when FBI officers showed up at their home, since they’d found more content on the crewmember’s phone than just the one incident that was first reported. She wasn’t the youngest.

From Bag to Worse: Profane Note from Baggage Handler Sparks Major Airline Discipline

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

I won’t tell you exactly what the baggage handler wrote on the luggage, but it’s the same as a tourism slogan for Australia’s Northern Territory. You can see for yourself in the photos.

United’s Baggage Handling Is So Bad, They Bent This Titanium Shaft [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

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.

Now That Pilots Get Upgraded To First Class Ahead of Passengers, Is Top Elite Status Worth It Anymore?

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

Passengers express frustration as pilots receive upgrade priority over them, prompting a reassessment of the value of top-tier elite status versus the advantages of mid-tier benefits.

While there’s a tradeoff upgrading pilots versus passengers along a certain margin, that’s not the reason most elites are sitting in back most of the time – just a visible lightning rod. Still, re-evaluating loyalty and status makes sense.

Farewell, Frequent Flyer’s Best Kept Secret: Big Turkish Airlines Devaluation Coming Next Week

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

Turkish Airlines has updated its award charts and it’s an absolute gut punch to the value of the Miles & More program. But there may still be an opportunity to redeem your miles at the old rates.

JetBlue Brings Back Marty St. George As New President

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

The airline lost anti-trust trials over its partnership with American Airlines and its acquisition of Spirit Airlines (for which it was likely overpaying, and would be taking on significant operational complexity to execute the merger). And its CEO announced his exit.

JetBlue elevated airline President Joanna Geraghty to CEO-designate. Now they’ve made another big move.

American Airlines Withdraws Support for Flight Attendants In Need Amid Contract Standoff

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

American Airlines has ceased financial support for a charity aiding flight attendants in need, amidst ongoing contract negotiations and economic pressures, highlighting the airline’s financial austerity measures and the consequent hardships faced by its cabin crew.

Rumor: United Airlines To Open Hub In Florida

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

United Airlines has over 700 new aircraft on order, even excluding 45 Airbus A350s that until recent Boeing production issues were expected never to materialize. If demand develops to support that sort of growth (though many aircraft on order will allow the airline to replace existing planes) they are going to need more places to send them. And one gap is certainly the Southeastern United States.

Hilton Honors Members Will Be Able To Earn And Redeem Points At Luxury Boutique SLH Hotels

by Gary Leff on February 7, 2024

Feb 07 2024

With Hyatt expected to onboard some Mr. and Mrs. Smith properties in the coming months, their Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership has been in doubt. Now Hilton has launched a new partnership with SLH.

Scoop: American AAdvantage Expands Access To Alaska Airlines Award Space, But At What Cost?

by Gary Leff on February 6, 2024

Feb 06 2024

American AAdvantage has expanded access to Alaska Airlines award space in and out of California with new booking classes at higher mileage prices, but this change poses questions about the potential impact on the value of AAdvantage miles and the program’s overall benefits.

Another Family Sues American Airlines After Flight Attendant Videotapes Young Girl Using Lavatory

From Bag to Worse: Profane Note from Baggage Handler Sparks Major Airline Discipline

United’s Baggage Handling Is So Bad, They Bent This Titanium Shaft [Roundup]

Now That Pilots Get Upgraded To First Class Ahead of Passengers, Is Top Elite Status Worth It Anymore?

Farewell, Frequent Flyer’s Best Kept Secret: Big Turkish Airlines Devaluation Coming Next Week

JetBlue Brings Back Marty St. George As New President

American Airlines Withdraws Support for Flight Attendants In Need Amid Contract Standoff

Rumor: United Airlines To Open Hub In Florida

Hilton Honors Members Will Be Able To Earn And Redeem Points At Luxury Boutique SLH Hotels

Scoop: American AAdvantage Expands Access To Alaska Airlines Award Space, But At What Cost?

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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® For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]