Review: Aloft Dallas Love Field With No Shampoo Or Hot Water

by Gary Leff

Dec 01 2022

Aloft isn’t one of my usual brands. In fact I hadn’t stayed at one in nearly six years. I needed a one night stay near Dallas Love Field for Southwest Airlines Media Day and the Aloft seemed like a reasonable choice at $144, while reacquainting myself with Marriott’s brand.

This one is a combined Aloft and Element in the same building, with separate entrances. Aloft is a limited service, lower-scale chain with modern aesthetic that was dubbed ‘a vision of W Hotels’. Element is an extended stay chain with Westin branding tie-in.

Continue Reading »

Review: Hawaiian Airlines First Class, Austin – Honolulu

by Gary Leff

Nov 30 2022

My wife, daughter and I flew to Honolulu in November to meet up with family. It’s a convenient halfway point between our home in the U.S. and Australia. And Hawaiian Airlines operates a three-times weekly non-stop Austin – Honolulu.

I was able to book $200 one-ways and upgrade using miles, and American Express had a 25% transfer bonus to Hawaiian.

Continue Reading »

Delta Drops The Hammer On Sky Club Access In Four Ways

by Gary Leff

airport lounge
Nov 30 2022

Delta’s Sky Clubs are nicer than competitor products, with more and better food. But they’re also busy. There are frequently (long) lines to get in, and once inside they’re crowded – hardly a respite from the terminal. Delta has a problem, driven in part by more people with access through credit cards because of their Amex agreement, and in part because a nicer lounge means passengers are more likely to go when eligible.

This week I wrote that Delta Air Lines would cut Sky Club lounge access for elites flying coach on international itineraries. They’re doing that. But they’re going further.

Continue Reading »

Low Cost Carrier Avelo Launches Deal To Promote Capital One Venture Cards

by Gary Leff

Nov 30 2022

In order to be an attractive co-brand partner you need a large base of customers who are loyal to your brand. And ideally you have a currency and benefits those customers are willing to accelerate with their spend. There’s just not a huge opportunity on day one.

So Avelo has an interesting workaround. They’re not yet in a place to generate that sweet, sweet co-brand cash. But they can earn a commission on credit card signups.

Continue Reading »

Hertz Rented Cars To President Biden’s Secret Service – That Burst Into Flames

by Gary Leff

Nov 29 2022

At approximately 5:22 a.m. on Tuesday, Hertz-owned vehicles that had been rented by President Biden’s Secret Service burst into flames in a lot at the Nantucket airport after they were returned.

A Ford Expedition had reportedly been under a battery recall, but hadn’t yet had the battery replaced. It appears to have caught fire, taking four other vehicles with it.

Continue Reading »