I’m on the road 11 out of 12 weeks and during that time I’m flying American, Delta, United, Alaska, Southwest, Qantas, British Airways and Volotea. I don’t fly United a ton. Their route network and frequencies don’t help me a whole lot out of Austin, where they’re the fourth largest airline. I long avoided them because they had the worst wifi in the industry and I try to be productive inflight. Their inflight internet has gotten better, even before bringing on StarLink which is the best wifi in the skies (I’ve used it on JSX and on Hawaiian). I hadn’t experienced this on my most recent United flights, but this past week flight attendants locked the lavatories for descent. That’s not something I’ve ever seen on another U.S. airline. It’s something that United does increasingly…
United Airlines Bizarre Upgrade Rule Exposed: The Empty Business Class Seat They Won’t Let You Have [Roundup]
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.
United Flight Attendants Demand New Union: “Leaders Took 37% Raise, Left Us With Nothing”
A large number of United’s cabin crew seem to be very unhappy with the contract their union negotiated. To me, the biggest issues are that after five years without a raise, the contract doesn’t really appear to produce economic terms that are better than competitors even though other flight attendants got raises first, and it makes concessions like allowing the airline to put crew up in hotels that are merely ‘tenantable’ while they’re on the road.
Huge Passenger Win: American Airlines Finally Restores In-Person Standby at the Gate—Starting Tomorrow
As part of a more customer-centric focus, one of the key things I’ve been suggesting American should do is reverse this policy. Now the airline shares that all customers will once again be able to be added to standby in-person with an agent.
Most Travelers Never Notice The Amex JFK Lounge’s Secret Room With Premium Bar—Here’s Exactly Where It Is
I’d take the Capital One lounge over this one in a heartbeat. The coffee here is going to be better than in the Chase lounge or Delta Sky Club. It’s decent as far as airport lounges go but I wouldn’t go out of my way to seek it out or spend extra time here.
Guests Horrified As Hyatt Hotel Gives Up In Final Days: ‘Green Pool, No TV Service, Soap In Takeout Containers’
One guest relays, “apparently the pool wasn’t worth fixing after it turned green and the hand soap is in a takeout sauce container.”
Airports Hit New Low: Now Charging Travelers $9 To Use A Luggage Cart For A Few Minutes [Roundup]
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.
British YouTuber Flies 4,000 Miles to Pakistan Chasing Stolen AirPods—Police Launch Raid, Then Buy Him Lunch
While checked into a Dubai hotel, British travel vlogger Miles Routledge (who goes by “Lord Miles”) noticed his AirPods were gone. He immediately put them into Lost Mode, enabling remote location pings and an alert tone each time the buds came online.
Free Marriott Gold Trial, Plus Stay 3 Nights To Keep The Status Through February 2027
Marriott Gold’s primary benefit is avoiding the worst room in the house and 2 p.m. late checkout at eligible properties.
Data Point: Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 100K Bonus Approving Applicants Over 5/24—Is The Rule Relaxed?
New Chase offers, especially best-ever offers, sometimes are processed without ‘5/24’ blocking approvals and bonuses. And these are… new, best-ever offers.