As American Airlines touts its “premium” transformation, the cost-cutting behind the scenes continues. The carrier is laying off headquarters and hub managers across departments—including IT, accounting, and customer-service roles—raising questions of whether this is the price for a premium future or that they’re still more focused on cost-cutting than revenue generation?
I’ll be in Las Vegas December 5–7 for ZorkFest — the conference where miles, points, and casino loyalty meet. If you’re attending, join me for lunch on Saturday (use code vftw2025) — and yes, lunch is on me.
Delta has unveiled its new Distinctly Delta uniforms for 65,000 employees — featuring Missoni-designed scarves and ties, Bombas socks, and a revived wrap dress from the airline’s early-2000s look. The collection begins wear testing in 2026 before rolling out systemwide in 2027.
After five years without a raise, 71% of United Airlines flight attendants rejected a union-backed deal that barely kept up with inflation. Now, the union is back at the table with eight new demands — from ground pay to better layover hotels.
American Airlines has fired two flight attendants — at their union’s insistence. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants reported both crewmembers for unpaid dues, triggering mandatory termination under its own contract.
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.
A passenger who pre-ordered a vegetarian meal began eating when their tray arrived — only to be scolded for “ruining the flight” by a seatmate who insisted everyone in the row must wait. Airline etiquette or invented rule? In coach, it’s simple: eat when it’s served.
At 2,000 feet over Cleveland, a Southwest jet and a medical helicopter crossed paths—while the tower’s calm “Roger” left pilots to save themselves.
For the first time since 2019, Lufthansa’s Miles & More again allows U.S. points transfers—now instantly and at a 1:1 ratio through Rove. The move ends a six-year freeze and marks a major shift in Lufthansa’s interpretation of Germany’s payments law.
From rubbery eggs to lifeless pancakes, U.S. airline breakfasts have never figured out altitude—or appetite. The fix isn’t more bacon, it’s rethinking the entire meal: stop serving “breakfast” and start serving food that actually works in the air and on the ground.
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 »
