Citizen Journalist “Audits” The Right To Film At Newark Airport, And TSA Fails Badly

by Gary Leff

Jul 23 2022

Outside of a limited set of legitimate interests, government functions in publicly-owned airports are generally open to filming. Passengers can’t pass through TSA checkpoints without a ticket or other authorization, but prior to the checkpoint it’s generally not a problem as long as the activities don’t interfere with the function of the airport or screening activities.

To be sure I wouldn’t want to be filmed in my workplace either. At the same time without documentary evidence of bad actors, a passenger likely has little recourse against TSA or airline employees who treat them poorly.

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Congressman Under Fire After Using Campaign Cash For Wife’s Travel, ‘Flight Upgrades’

by Gary Leff

Jul 23 2022

Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) has been spending thousand of dollars of campaign cash on ‘upgrades’ and flights for his wife, according to FEC filings. He’s coming under criticism for doing so, since campaign funds can’t be used for personal expenses. However I suspect that the freshman congressman, who is locked in a toss-up race for re-election, is getting a bad rap.

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Is It Ethical To Book Backup Flights On Another Airline In Case Your Flight Is Cancelled/Delayed?

by Gary Leff

gary leff selfie
Jul 23 2022

The single best way to protect yourself against airline screwups is to make more than one flight booking to get where you are going. And doing this has been made easier and less costly by changes to airline policies over the past two years.

When your flight is delayed and you’re going to misconnect, or your flight is cancelled, other flights ae often too full – your airline may not be able to re-accommodate you quickly or even for several days. But is already having a backup flight in case – taking a seat you may not intend to use, that the airline cannot sell and other passengers can’t use until you give it up – ethical?

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Flying Delta Economy: “I’ve Seen Dog Food Look More Appetizing”

by Gary Leff

Jul 22 2022

The summer before the global pandemic, Delta Air Lines revamped its long haul economy product. In a sign that they had forgotten they were an airline they introduced amenity kits, welcome drinks and hot towels, and course-based dining in economy class.

To show just how different of an airline Delta is now, compare course-based dining in economy with this.

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What’s The Real Risk That American Airlines Files For Bankruptcy?

by Gary Leff

Jul 22 2022

I wrote on Thursday that American Airlines could find itself in chapter 11 bankruptcy. It wasn’t a prediction that this would happen, or a claim that it’s somehow inevitable. Instead it was an explanation that it is now thinkable because of their vulnerable financial position combined with high fuel prices, increasing labor costs, and looming recession. If these stars misalign for them, they’re the most likely big airline to take that hit.

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American Airlines Loses Money Flying Passengers, Profit Comes From Selling Miles

by Gary Leff

Jul 22 2022

The top line message from the American Airlines second quarter was record revenue and a return to profitability. But their financial statements actually show that flying planes from one place to another, and selling tickets, doesn’t generate profit for American Airlines. Instead, the AAdvantage loyalty program is responsible for all of American’s profits.

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Capital One’s New Spark Travel Elite Won’t Show Up On Personal Credit

by Gary Leff

Jul 21 2022

Capital One launched the new Spark Travel Elite card this week. It’s the ‘small business version of Venture X’ and has an initial bonus offer to earn up to 250,000 miles.

Currently the card is only available through Capital One business relationship managers, though that’s expected to change and the card should become available more broadly. Existing customers of Capital One business cards except for Spark Cash Plus are eligible to apply for the product.

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