Alaska Senator Can’t Vote On Legislation Because She’s Been Banned From Flying Over Masks

by Gary Leff

Sep 10 2021

In April, anti-mask Alaska state senator Lora Reinbold – who had been fined for reusing to properly wear a mask in the state capitol – was banned from Alaska Airlines after she refused to keep her mask above her nose and employees claimed to feel threated by her in the altercation that ensued.

Now, with Alaska Airlines her only option for getting to and from her state’s capitol, she’s asked to be excused from voting through the end of the legislative session. Over the summer she’s flown Delta between Anchorage and Juneau – via Seattle! – but that service is only seasonal.

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President Biden Demands Respect From Airline Passengers

by Gary Leff

Sep 10 2021

President Biden has issued an order telling the TSA to double fines for passengers refusing to wear masks on planes and other forms of transportation. This is purely symbolic, because fines – which start at $250 for a first offence – are rarely imposed let alone paid.

The President demanded that air travelers show some respect and that this is the reason for the increased fines.

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Now We Know Why United Airlines Was So Bold With Its Vaccine Mandate

by Gary Leff

Sep 09 2021

President Biden on Thursday announced sweeping national vaccine mandates, which are still to be written. Timing remains uncertain, but federal workers will have to be vaccinated. So will federal contractors. And most health care workers. And anyone employed by a company with over 100 workers (though weekly testing will be an alternative). Federal workers, of course get a 75 day grace period and only then will begin the ‘standard H.R. process’ such as it is.

This announcement puts a move made by United Airlines just the day before in a new light. United Airlines was specifically called out as an example by President Biden.

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Chase Acquires The Infatuation, Will Deliver More Dining Benefits To Cardmembers

by Gary Leff

man cooking
Sep 09 2021

Chase created Chase Dining with Tock offering special restaurant reservations at top places set aside for cardmembers. This was part of a continued assault on American Express as the category leader in travel and entertainment. Amex, by the way, didn’t stand still. They traditionally offered a special reservations program but double down by acquiring reservations platform Resy. The American Express Gold is my favorite card for dining spend, earning 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar. Chase’s premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® has offered 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar since card launch. Recently Chase revamped its Sapphire cards and made them even more rewarding on dining. The $95 annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card improved its earning to 3 points per dollar on restaurant spend, and added a getting a 10% anniversary bonus on spend during…

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Viral Flight Attendant Video Offers 3 Secret Tips For Scoring An Upgrade On Your Flight

by Gary Leff

Sep 09 2021

There’s a certain genre of travel article that gives advice on how to upgrade your flight, with advice that’s nearly always wrong or at least highly misleading.

It usually begins with how you dress, but one Bloomberg piece took the art form to a new level telling you just to mention the words “revenue management” and airlines have to give you a business or first class seat. You’d be better off trying to upgrade by gifting the pilot of your flight a dependable work mule, or dressing up as a mimosa (because alcohol is free up front).

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