Federal Government Seeks Authority To Impose Airline Mask Mandates, Court Date Set For January 16th

by Gary Leff

Oct 17 2022

The Biden administration declared that they would stop enforcing the mask mandate. They said they’d appeal… if the CDC said it was important to do so. They swung at a pitch in the dirt, because the CDC then said it was necessary to defend a broad scope for their authority. This put the Biden administration in the position of having to pursue a mandate in court that they themselves no longer wanted to enforce. But they were in no rush. Oral arguments have been scheduled for… next year.

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American Airlines Brings Back Elite Status Challenges, Based On Loyalty Points Not Flights

by Gary Leff

british tail plane
Oct 17 2022

American Airlines hasn’t had an ongoing status match or challenge program since launching Loyalty Points as the new way to earn status, where most AAdvantage activity counts and no longer just flights.

However they’ve brought back status challenges, called Instant Status Pass, and these will now be based on how many Loyalty Points you earn (whether from credit card spend, online shopping etc.) and not just how many trips you take.

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Etihad Increases Pet In Cabin Fee Sevenfold To $1500, But Falcons Still Fly Free

by Gary Leff

Oct 16 2022

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is raising its pet in cabin fee from $200 to an incredible $1500 on October 15. This fee can be paid in cash or miles at a per-mile value of just below $0.007 (which is itself awful). And even if you buy a separate seat for the animal, you still pay the pet fee. That extra seat is even mandatory in premium cabins.

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What Should My Hotel Do After Ruined Sleep?

by Gary Leff

Oct 16 2022

Just before 2 a.m. on a recent Thursday night the fire alarm went off at the Park Hyatt Washington. There was substantial smoke near the hotel’s gym. Guests fled the building to the street. And while no actual fire took place, everyone was out of their rooms for a full hour.

Does a hotel owe anything to guests rousted from their beds for an hour in the middle of the night, and of course also losing however long it takes them to fall back to sleep? I didn’t ask for something, but still felt that a follow up letter of explanation and apology the next day would have been appropriate. What say you?

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Wife Refuses To Go On Vacation When Husband Books Himself In First Class, Her In Coach

by Gary Leff

economy seats
Oct 15 2022

A woman took to the internet to gauge whether she was overreacting. Her husband often travels alone with his best friend, but this time invited her along. He bought her a ticket in coach, while he buying tickets in first for himself and his friend. The man explained that she flies coach because the woman – a stay at home mom – has “no job” even though she reports they’re easily able to afford first class.

They left the kids with the wife’s mother, and got ready to travel, which is when she learned she’d be in economy and he wouldn’t.

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The British Airways New York Move Begins Next Month, Readying New Premium Lounges

by Gary Leff

Oct 15 2022

There’s a new shared premium check-in area and revamped larger joint premium lounges with a dedicated premium path directly to the lounges.

Flagship First check-in is being enlarged, renovated, and rebranded, since it will be used for both BA and American. Lounges are being redone as well, with a total capacity for 1000 passengers. The most premium lounge – replacing First Dining – will include a champagne bar, a sit down dining room and a fireside lounge.

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