Twenty three years ago today I was sitting in my office in Arlington, Virginia.
The first news I heard about planes crashing into the World Trade Center came over email. It wasn’t on the newswires yet. I was on an airline industry list, and the subject line was “Terrorists are bombing us with airplanes.” I didn’t think it was real.
I sometimes assume too much – airline miles are old hat to me, I’ve been traveling for work for 3 decades and writing about this space for 22 years. But when I start talking to people who are familiar, and earn plenty of points, even some of the starting points are new.
So I started thinking, what are the 10 basic lessons to share with someone just paying attention to miles and points for the first time? And this is the list I came up with.
Gate agents came onto the plane and saw the car seat – being used – and they “lost their temper, screaming at the mother and the flight attendants.” They had already told the woman it had to be gate checked. Their authority wasn’t going to be undermined.
A year ago Delta Air Lines announced severe changes to its SkyMiles elite program and for access to its Sky Clubs. Employees are talking about bringing back planned changes.
A United flight attendant was harassed and called a snitch by other crew. Then she was yanked from her purser role. And all because she reported safety violations by her co-workers, according to a lawsuit she’s filed.
Flight Attendant B began loudly ranting that Shelton was “too stupid” to understand the airline’s policies, declaring that she was “going to get them off this plane” while allegedly falsifying a narrative of unruly behavior on the part of Shelton and her son.
The A350’s right wingtip made contact with the CRJ-900’s T-tail while both aircraft were maneuvering on adjacent taxiways. The impact was severe enough to slice off the vertical and horizontal stabilizers of the CRJ-900. Photos and videos from the scene showed the regional jet’s tail hanging from the fuselage, while the A350 sustained damage to its wingtip.
With greater Elliott sway, and Kelly leaving, rumors are swirling in Dallas that other changes pushed by Elliott will be implemented. We may or may not learn details at the airline’s investor day this month. Two major changes that are being widely discussed at headquarters are an anticipated end to free checked bags, and the introduction of basic economy.
Here’s what basic economy would look like if Southwest moves forward, I am told.
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.
It’s a ‘fish out of water’ story, with relatable observations from someone not used to traveling in the front of the aircraft.
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 »
