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Chris Guillebeau’s Self-Recommending “Gonzo Capitalism” Is Out Today

by Gary Leff on August 22, 2023

Aug 22 2023

Chris Guillebeau is out with his latest book, Gonzo Capitalism. It comes with book blurbs from Daymond John, Gretchen Rubin, and Dan Pink.

He’s written extensively on the new economy, entrepreneurship, and finding personal freedom in an unfree world. He founded the World Domination Summit where thousands of people descended on Portland, bringing their own dreams and schemes and bound together by a desire to live life by their own rules and still live it well. Self-recommending.

Self-Checkout Demanding Tips: Machine Rejects $0 As “BAD TIP” [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

Aug 21 2023

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.

North Korea’s Air Koryo Abruptly Cancels First International Flight In 3 Years

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

Aug 21 2023

There hasn’t been a scheduled commercial flight in or out of North Korea since the start of the pandemic over three years ago. The first one was supposed to occur today, but two hours after the flight from Pyongyang to Beijing was supposed to land it was announced in Beijing as having cancelled.

Earn 50 Miles Per Dollar Donating To Cancer Research [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

stand up to cancer

Aug 21 2023

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.

American Airlines Flight Diverts After Passenger Pepper Sprays The Cabin

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

Aug 21 2023

American Airlines flight 1680 from Miami to New York LaGuardia diverted to Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday after a passenger released pepper spray into the cabin. Passengers towards the rear of the aircraft began coughing and had their eyesight affected. Flight attendants were impacted as well. A crewmember made an announcement asking for any information about what might be in the air of the cabin.

FAA Breakdown: There Were 46 “Close Calls” Between Planes Last Month And 300 Near-Collisions In A Year

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

Aug 21 2023

The FAA ATO is understaffed. It has badly managed technology investments for decades, only finally working to eliminate the use of paper flight strips and pushing back against investments like remote towers.

Strange Route: Alaska Airlines Will Fly From Cleveland To Pittsburgh

by Gary Leff on August 21, 2023

Aug 21 2023

Cleveland to Pittsburgh is a 106 mile flight. You can drive it in 2 hours. But Alaska Airlines is going to fly this route, and they’ll sell you a ticket for $129. But they won’t fly you back.

American Airlines Doesn’t Always Waive Bag Fees For Elites, Here’s How To Fix That

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2023

Aug 20 2023

There are times when American Airlines systems do not recognize these bag benefits even though the passenger is entitled to them.

An August 8, 2023 memo to the airline’s customer care agents outlines “a few known scenarios” where American’s computers fail to recognize free checked bags that customers are entitled to.

In Beirut One Air Traffic Controller Works At A Time, Up To 24 Hour Shifts, 96 Hours Per Week

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2023

air traffic control

Aug 20 2023

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and International Civil Aviation Organisation conducted a “pre-audit” in June, to prepare for next year’s formal Universal Safety Oversight Audit, to give them a chance to rectify problems first. They identified two issues, both problems in the United States, but it’s the details here that are scary.

American Airlines Flight Attendant: Water in Business Class Is A Privilege, Not A Right

by Gary Leff on August 20, 2023

Aug 20 2023

An American Airlines flight attendant took to social media because she wants premium cabin customers to know that they are not entitled to a bottle of water. Traditionally you’ll find a bottle of water at your seat when flying long haul in business class. Alaska Airlines gives you one at your seat domestically. But if you ask for one, that’s at the discretion of the crewmember on American – and this one wants you to know that it is a privilege and not a right.

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.

Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »