California Governor Gavin Newsom has struck a deal with Uber and Lyft that (1) will unionize drivers, and (2) deliver big cost cuts to the ridesharing platforms. But it’s the unions themselves that will benefit most; helpful to the Governor as he prepares for a presidential run.
Uber and Lyft will see a 70% – 94% reduction in how much insurance they have to carry, and while unions will be able to collect dues they won’t get much bargaining leverage.
A passenger in Toronto films checked bags being handled roughly on arrival, and the interaction is fascinating – as well as the reactions on social media.
September 30 is the last day to redeem miles from one program for travel on the other airline. No changes to any redemptions for future-dated travel starting October 1.
I’d start with talking to American Airlines, get Dallas up and running 3 times a week to replace Seattle and Tokyo, and shore up finances. Once the 787-9s are operating profitably, consider whether narrowbodies make sense to free up widebody capacity for new routes – but recognize that the number of routes that will work are limited.
Sara Blake Cheek complains that an American Airlines flight attendant made her “button [her] shirt” in order to fly out of Atlanta on Sunday. She says “I was unaware that American Airlines had a dress code that said you can’t wear athletic attire if you have big boobs.”
Champagne, a skyline… and a bucket brigade. A couple of hotel guests floord a spa suite in China. The skyline tub was is the star attraction at the Iseya hotel in Chongqing. It comes with its own pool-sized bath and storm-spa theatrics.
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.
The inaugural American Airlines Airbus A321XLR flight is likely to be between New York JFK and Los Angeles in the second half of December. That’s according to aviation watchdog JonNYC, who reports expecting American to run a transcon with the plane as early as “Holidays 2025.”
One thing we know about the ‘ultimate’ benefit guarantee from Marriott is that it’s only guaranteed if the hotel agrees to pay it. If the hotel says no, guarantee notwithstanding, you’re out of luck.
Hyatt’s China joint venture was selling phantom stays so that guests could earn Globalist status, confirm upgrades to suites, get free breakfsat and guarantee late checkout. Hyatt blamed the customers and nuked their accounts. Now Chinese courts have gotten involved.
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 »
