American Airlines rolled out a new automated phone system this summer. There was an AI-sounding voice that forced you to listen to a minute-long greeting about how, for instance, you can add a pet to your reservation online before you’re allowed to do anything else. The system no longer recognized “agent” or similar requests until it had finished burning a minute of your life you’d never get back.
Hyatt Place’s Ongoing Breakfast Test: Will $14 Charges Replace Free Morning Meals?
Hyatt ended free, full breakfast at Hyatt Place properties as a brand standard guarantee during the pandemic.
They dropped the requirement that you book direct to get breakfast, but also started charging non-elite guests for breakfast at some properties as a test. I hadn’t realized until recently that – four years later – this test continues, with the future of free Hyatt Place breakfast still uncertain.
United Airlines CFO Hints at Multi-Billion Dollar Stock Buyback—Strategic Move or Critical Error?
The CFO of United Airlines presented at the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Laguna Conference on Thursday and he tipped his hand that the airline is about to start buying back stock
Delta Air Lines Shocking Memo to Flight Attendant Applicants: ‘Wear Underwear’ Is Now a Rule?
Delta Air Lines sent out a memo to prospective employees interviewing for flight attendant jobs. Candidates were told to wear “proper undergarments” to their interview – underwear should not be visible to staff.
Unlock Free Water Onboard Allegiant: The Ice Hack They Don’t Want You to Know! [Roundup]
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.
Delta Unveils Plan to Add Premium Seats—Business Class Perks On The Chopping Block
Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein spoke at the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Laguna Conference and shared that they are going to add premium seats to planes.
World’s Worst Airline – With Fake Pilots – Close To Restoring Flights To Europe
The airline believes restoration of service is close enough that they’ve been out catering contracts for Manchester and Birmingham service in the U.K.
Qatar Airways Increases Fuel Surcharges On Award Redemptions Without Notice
Qatar Airways has significantly increased the surcharges on award redemptions using Avios points, creating a substantial impact on travelers looking to redeem their points for flights. While the number of Avios points required for these flights remains unchanged, the fees associated with these bookings have escalated dramatically.
Air Canada Averts Pilot Strike, Total Shutdown With New Contract Deal
Passengers flying with Air Canada can breathe a sigh of relief after the airline reached a last-minute agreement with its pilots, narrowly averting a significant disruption that would have impacted more than 110,000 travelers per day.
The Real Reason American Airlines Pulled the Plug on Austin Expansion
Austin has had one of the fastest growing airports on the country, year-after-year for many years. American Airlines planted a flag, growing tremendously there, though Southwest Airlines remained the largest carrier in the market by a wide margin.
Now American has pulled back almost completely, retrenching to hub flights and limited Mexico leisure service.