The Conspiracy Theory About Why United Airlines Says They Expect To Lose Money

by Gary Leff

Mar 15 2023

Combined with a broad sense of bank fragility in the face of rising interest rates, alongside a concern that we’re late in the economic cycle and potentially headed into recession, United’s announcement worried some observers that it was a sign that consumer spending was tightening alongside shrinking household balance sheets.

But what changed at United? They cite some booking softness earlier in the year. And they made a decision to accrue costs related to a new pilot contract into the first quarter for their projections. Isn’t that… a little weird?

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Passenger Gets Tased By Cops After Drinking ‘About’ 3 Margaritas At The Airport

by Gary Leff

Mar 15 2023

The man, despite his state, makes an a point to the officers: why is it a problem to drink 3 margaritas when there’s a bar at the airport? I’d add that if the man committed a crime, surely it’s admitting to paying $2,000 for what is probably a domestic flight.

He resists arrest, and gets tased. But what’s priceless is the older male passenger in a mask approaching, trying to intervene?

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Pre-Opening Look Inside New Austin Airport Chase Sapphire Reserve Terrace

by Gary Leff

Mar 14 2023

Last month I broke the news, based on an Austin city permit that Chase would be opening a space in the Austin airport, an indoor-outdoor space next to the Delta Sky Club< which takes over the public outdoor deck. It's opening this month and will offer grab and go food. Chase has shared that the “Sapphire Terrace” will open March 20, and be available to Sapphire Reserve cardmembers departing from Austin (no access on arrival) and offer complimentary local beverages (“like cider from Austin Eastciders and beer from (512) Brewing Company as well as non-alcoholic beverages”). There will be “shuffleboard, a giveaway, and more” and “artwork from Austin artist and muralist Rex Hamilton that’s inspired by the vibrant colors and native flowers of Texas.” Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will be eligible to bring two guests. The…

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Devaluation Without Notice: Alaska Airlines Hikes Japan Airlines Award Pricing Up To 100%

by Gary Leff

Mar 14 2023

After a debacle years ago increasing award pricing without notice for travel on Emirates, Alaska Airlines made an express commitment to notify members in advance when making changes to the program.

Sadly they did not do that this week, as Monday they increased the price of award travel on their oneworld partner Japan Airlines, and they did this without any advance notice. So members who were saving their miles for a specific trip had the rug pulled out from under them.

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American Airlines Passenger Demands Removal Of NFL Great From Plane, ‘My Status Is Higher Than His!’

by Gary Leff

Mar 13 2023

Desmond Howard spent 11 seasons in the NFL, after winning the Heisman Trophy as a senior at Michigan. He holds the NFL record for most punt return yards in a single season. He was Super Bowl MVP in 1997. And he’s had a tv commentator gig. That makes him more or less cultural royalty in America. He may have higher ‘status’ than anyone ever to set foot on an American Airlines plane besides the Pope.

His seat opponent tried to have him removed from an aircraft for coughing, citing their status.

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