Southwest Airlines is beginning redeye flights. They’re working on premium seating and assigned seats. They’ve been slow in most of their new efforts, and are being dragged into change faster by an activist investor. But some of what’s under consideration could do real damage to the Southwest brand and the multiples that their stock has been able to achieve – and alienate customers who are fanatically loyal.
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.
Yesterday I covered changes being considered for United Clubs and for United’s premium credit card. Chase, which issues United cards, is also surveying changes to Southwest’s credit card portfolio at least in part as a result of the planned move to assigned seating.
Last fall Hyatt launched a short-term rental booking platform called Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt. It’s similar to Marriott Homes & Villas.
People keep renting cars from them. So here’s finally some advice on how to do so without ending up in jail as their next victim, or at least one way you may be able to see an early warning signal that this could happen to you.
The FAA reported Wednesday that it had sent 43 cases of passenger incidents to the FBI over the past year. That’s out of 1,240 cases airlines reported to the FAA – that sounds like a lot but there were about 820 million domestic passengers carried in the U.S. last year. And the number of incidents is down 80% compared to 2021, when there were far fewer passengers.
What accounts for better-behaved passengers in the skies?
Hip Hop start Juvenile (Terius Gray) was kicked out of American Airlines first class. His wife was allowed to stay in the overbooked cabin. However, rather than suffer the indignity of American’s Main Cabin, he got off the aircraft – declaring himself a celebrity and than American was making a mistake denying him the seat.
United Airlines is surveying changes to their United Club – from higher costs for memberships and for their premium co-brand credit card, to limitations on benefits. They are also contemplating changes to give some customers priority getting into the lounge, getting help with their bookings, and finding seats. Much of this is inspired by Delta Air Lines and their Sky Clubs.
Virgin Australia flight attendant, Dylan Macnish, has to be reinstated after an Australian employment tribunal ruled that his dismissal in February 2024 was unfair. Among other things, he admits to drinking alcohol within 8 hours of working a flight.
Bally Sports reporter Michaela Bennett is mad at United over a checked bag that she got back at baggage claim, with her jewelry missing. It’s her second United trip in a row where things have gone south.
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 »
