View from the Wing

Hyatt Promises To Fix Zeroing Out Award Night Availability In Aruba

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

The Hyatt Regency Aruba has a history of playing games with free night award availability. They made it nearly impossible to spend Hyatt points, assigning only 22 out of their 357 rooms as potentially eligible for redemption. This hotel is actually owned by Hyatt, and after I brought their shenanigans to corporate’s attention they adjusted the practice.

However Aruba redemptions again became a problem. Some time in the second half of December all award night inventory at the property for 2023 zeroed.

Nonsense From The New York Times On How To Address Airline Reliability

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

The New York Times ran an op-ed on Friday by William J. McGee full of bizarre nonsense, arguing that it’s time to re-regulate the airlines, because Southwest Airlines melted down over the holidays and the FAA (government regulator!)’s antiquated NOTAM system failed for several hours this past week.

The author makes the case for the Civil Aeronautics Board – abolished by deregulation – because it limited competition and ensured airline profitability. That’s obviously bad for consumers.

The Biggest Problem Facing Southwest Airlines After Holiday Meltdown Is.. Securities Fraud?

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

Southwest Airlines did a bad thing. It cancelled flights affecting around two million passengers over the holidays. Southwest has talked about its IT issues for years, but never said ‘and we might wind up cancelling travel on two million people costing $825 million. Therefore investors were misled about the business’s prospects. Everything is securities fraud.

American Airlines Announces New Policy, Use This The Next Time They Blame Weather

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

When a flight delays, airlines almost always blame weather. Factors outside of their control mean they don’t owe you anything, like a hotel to spend the night in or meals at the airport. But American Airlines CEO Robert Isom now says that when his airline fails to recover from problems, that’s on them and they owe their customers. That’s a sea change, following on the Southwest Airlines debacle over the holidays. But not everyone in the company’s customer service department may be ready to change.

The Best Pizza In New York, From 8 Year Study

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

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.

3 Facts Delta Just Dropped About SkyMiles And Their American Express Partnership

by Gary Leff on January 13, 2023

Jan 13 2023

In an 8-K filing with the SEC in advance of the Delta Air Lines fourth quarter earnings call, the carrier revealed three data points about SkyMiles and the importance of their partnership with American Express. More people are getting the card than ever and American Express is the largest single contributor to their profits.

American And Alaska Airlines Expand Elite Upgrades

by Gary Leff on January 12, 2023

Jan 12 2023

Elite frequent flyers in each airline’s program have benefits like extra legroom seats, not just the usual priority check-in, baggage and boarding benefits. And for nearly two years upper tier elites have been able to upgrade when traveling on the other airline.

Now, quietly – neither airline has sent out an announcement – the upgrade benefit has been extended to more frequent flyers.

Great Business Class Award Space To Europe And Asia On Singapore Airlines

by Gary Leff on January 12, 2023

Jan 12 2023

Singapore Airlines frequently makes plenty of award space available towards the end of its booking calendar. If you’re searching 9 or more months in advance you have a good shot at finding a plethora of options, although right now there’s good close-in availability as well.

I want to make a few additional points though.

British Airways Cuts Cost To Transfer Avios Between Accounts By 90%

by Gary Leff on January 12, 2023

Jan 12 2023

There’s another way to combine miles and that’s literally to move the points from one account to another. Airlines usually charge a fee for this. But British Airways has cut theirs by 90%.

[Now Live] New Simon Malls Cash Back Card Offers Up To 5% Back

by Gary Leff on January 12, 2023

Jan 12 2023

We now have full detail on stores earning 5% back: JCPenney; Aeropostale; Brooks Brothers; Nautica; Forever21; Reebok; Eddie Bauer; Lucky Brand (brands earn 5% at Simon malls and online) as well as gilt.com, ruelala.com, and shoppremiumoutlets.com. 3% and 5% categories are capped at $10,000 spend annually.

Hyatt Promises To Fix Zeroing Out Award Night Availability In Aruba

Nonsense From The New York Times On How To Address Airline Reliability

The Biggest Problem Facing Southwest Airlines After Holiday Meltdown Is.. Securities Fraud?

American Airlines Announces New Policy, Use This The Next Time They Blame Weather

The Best Pizza In New York, From 8 Year Study

3 Facts Delta Just Dropped About SkyMiles And Their American Express Partnership

American And Alaska Airlines Expand Elite Upgrades

Great Business Class Award Space To Europe And Asia On Singapore Airlines

British Airways Cuts Cost To Transfer Avios Between Accounts By 90%

[Now Live] New Simon Malls Cash Back Card Offers Up To 5% Back

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About Gary Leff

	Bilt Mastercard® Earn Points Paying Rent (up to 100,000 each year) plus earn 3x at restaurants; 2x on travel; as long as you make at least 5 purchases per month. No annual fee.
	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (See rates and fees)
	Citi® / AAdvantage Business^TM World Elite Mastercard® Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]