View from the Wing

Doug Parker Retires As American Airlines CEO Today. Here’s His Legacy.

by Gary Leff on March 31, 2022

Mar 31 2022

Doug Parker steps down today as CEO of American Airlines. He’ll become non-executive Chairman, but consistently describes this as “retiring.” Airline President Robert Isom becomes CEO in his place.

Parker has been a staple at the top of U.S. aviation for more than two decades, and more than anyone is responsible for changing the entire industry by kicking off consolidation. He’s been a genial leader willing to dress up for Halloween and sing to employees. He’s been personally successful – as successful as anyone can possibly be in the airline industry – while leaving customers, shareholders, and employees all worse off.

New Hotel Amenity: Talk Therapy, As Hotels Push Into Wellness Space

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

Kimpton Hotels is providing free therapy to guests. They’re providing “up to 1,000 complimentary video therapy sessions with licensed counselors to any guest over the age of 18 staying at one of Kimpton’s 60+ participating properties.”

And the deal on mental health treatments extends even beyond the stay.

That Was Then, This Is Now: Here’s Odesa Airport’s Take On Future After Russian Invasion

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

Odesa International Airport has a rather remarkable presentation in which it begins by reviewing its 2021 results, and pivots to outlining what happened to it during Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Airport leadership laid out lessons on “sav[ing] an airport on initial stage of war” – not something most airport authorities need contingencies for.

Marriott Says Award Redemptions Are No Longer Considered Free Nights

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

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.

Rare Status Match Offer From oneworld Airline, Get American Flagship Lounge Access Free!

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

The best benefit here is lounge access. oneworld sapphire members of frequent flyer programs other than American AAdvantage and Alaska’s Mileage Plan get access not just to American Airlines Admirals Clubs and Alaska Lounges but also to American Airlines Flagship lounges even when traveling domestically. That means nice bar setups and buffets at New York JFK, Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles and in a few weeks once again at Chicago O’Hare.

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Business Class Lounge Adds Flight Simulator Experience

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

Turkish Airlines offers one of the very best business class lounges at its home airport in Instanbul, complete with library, billiards area, and golf simulator. Now they have a new feature: virtual flight simulator. It’s called the “Hezarfen Flight Simulator Experience” after the first person in Turkish aviation history to take flight.

Masks For Thee But Not For Me, Airline & Airport CEO Edition

by Gary Leff on March 30, 2022

Mar 30 2022

Delta held a ribbon-cutting for the terminal 2-3 headhouse at LAX today. It opens to passengers April 20.

There was something striking about the event. The audience was well-masked, per federal regulations. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Delta CEO Ed Bastian? Not so much.

32% Of American Airlines Flight Attendants Are Behind In Their Union Dues

by Gary Leff on March 29, 2022

Mar 29 2022

It’s particularly galling to send flight attendants to collections and threaten termination over their dues within days of reporting to those same flight attendants that their former union president misappropriated their dues for personal gain. And doubly so since the union flight attendants are paying for is so weak.

Air Tahiti Nui Will Partner With Alaska Airlines, Fly To Seattle

by Gary Leff on March 29, 2022

Mar 29 2022

Air Tahiti Nui is launching non-stop Papeete – Seattle service and a new partnership with Alaska Airlines. This is in addition to its partnership with American AAdvantage.

Cash-Strapped Airline Is Selling Off Seats Two At A Time

by Gary Leff on March 29, 2022

Mar 29 2022

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.

Doug Parker Retires As American Airlines CEO Today. Here’s His Legacy.

New Hotel Amenity: Talk Therapy, As Hotels Push Into Wellness Space

That Was Then, This Is Now: Here’s Odesa Airport’s Take On Future After Russian Invasion

Marriott Says Award Redemptions Are No Longer Considered Free Nights

Rare Status Match Offer From oneworld Airline, Get American Flagship Lounge Access Free!

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Business Class Lounge Adds Flight Simulator Experience

Masks For Thee But Not For Me, Airline & Airport CEO Edition

32% Of American Airlines Flight Attendants Are Behind In Their Union Dues

Air Tahiti Nui Will Partner With Alaska Airlines, Fly To Seattle

Cash-Strapped Airline Is Selling Off Seats Two At A Time

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About Gary Leff

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