View from the Wing

Rapper Who Videoed Passenger Being Kicked Off United Gets Kicked Off Too

by Gary Leff on March 14, 2021

Mar 14 2021

On a United Airlines flight to Houston on Saturday, rapper DJ Drama filmed a passenger being removed from the aircraft – and was then removed himself.

The aptly-named Drama, née Tyree Simmons, posted video of the removal to Instagram – and also video of the aftermath, where he’s being ejected from first class. The ostensible reason is a mask violation but he appeared to have been asked to wear a mask once, complied, and remained respectful throughout. So the real reason for his ejection is .. subject to speculation.

American Airlines: We’ll Order More Planes If They’re Cheap Enough

by Gary Leff on March 14, 2021

Mar 14 2021

Brian Znotins, Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning at American Airlines, offered “When people ask me as a network planner ‘what’s my favorite airplane?’ it’s the cheapest.” And he reported that if the price is right they’ll buy planes.

Doug Parker: Republicans Promised To Break Ranks, Support Airline Subsidies In Biden’s Stimulus

by Gary Leff on March 14, 2021

Mar 14 2021

Americans may be on the verge of receiving $1400 in Biden Bucks, but U.S. commercial airlines are getting $14 billion – including $3 billion for American Airlines. And according to the CEO of American, who has spent much of the last year working Capitol Hill, Republicans were ready to break ranks with their party to ensure that subsidies would flow to the airline industry.

In fact, from Parker’s telling at an internal meeting with employees, the Republican Party may not have tried to remove these subsidies because it would have caused some of their members to defect and create bipartisan support for part of the legislation.

Brazil’s Gol Is Changing The Schedule Of Every Flight In April, And Customers Must Rebook

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

Gol, the American Airlines partner in Brazil, says it is changing the schedule of every one of its flights in April and customers have to rebook.

China Introduces Vaccine Passports – But Only Those Taking Chinese Vaccines Are Eligible

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

China has announced its first ‘vaccine passport’ policy reducing restrictions for people traveling from Hong Kong to mainland China but only for people who have had Chinese-made vaccines. The 50% effective Sinovac vaccine qualifies, while vaccines from the West do not.

Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum Have A New Tourist Tax That’s Not Included In Your Ticket

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

Starting April 1 all international visitors over age 15 to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum, will have to pay a new tourism tax of 224 pesos (US$10.81). Visitors from Belize get a 10% discount.

The tax is enforced upon departure. It isn’t included when you buy your airline tickets, making it an extra hassle apart from the cost.

5 Reasons The U.S. Won’t Have Vaccine Passports

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

The E.U. and others are working on the idea of a vaccination passport (or ‘certificate’ for those who find the nomenclature more palatable). 62% of Americans even believe vaccination should be required for air travel.

Rental Car Prices Are About To Rise, Here’s How To Beat The Trend

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

The rental experience is awful. Rental car loyalty programs are awful. And rental cars are about to get a lot more expensive. Don’t get taken to the cleaners.

[Roundup] Southwest Kicked Disabled Passenger Off Flight Over Mask Despite Federal Rules

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2021

Mar 13 2021

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.

Brilliant Way To Board A Plane Solves Social Distancing – And Gate Lice

by Gary Leff on March 12, 2021

Mar 12 2021

An airline boarding process video has gone viral – it’s been viewed nearly 4 million times on TikTok and been reposted several times on Instagram. The reason the video has drawn so much attention is because it’s a boarding process most people have never seen before. It’s socially distanced and orderly, and it involves moving blue lights projected on the ground that seem to force passengers to behave the way they’re supposed to.

Rapper Who Videoed Passenger Being Kicked Off United Gets Kicked Off Too

American Airlines: We’ll Order More Planes If They’re Cheap Enough

Doug Parker: Republicans Promised To Break Ranks, Support Airline Subsidies In Biden’s Stimulus

Brazil’s Gol Is Changing The Schedule Of Every Flight In April, And Customers Must Rebook

China Introduces Vaccine Passports – But Only Those Taking Chinese Vaccines Are Eligible

Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum Have A New Tourist Tax That’s Not Included In Your Ticket

5 Reasons The U.S. Won’t Have Vaccine Passports

Rental Car Prices Are About To Rise, Here’s How To Beat The Trend

[Roundup] Southwest Kicked Disabled Passenger Off Flight Over Mask Despite Federal Rules

Brilliant Way To Board A Plane Solves Social Distancing – And Gate Lice

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About Gary Leff

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