Are Mask Mandates Extending The Pandemic?

by Gary Leff

May 10 2021

I’ve been very ‘pro-mask’ throughout the pandemic, arguing that flight attendants should be allowed to wear them back when airlines forbid it and the CDC wasn’t yet recommending it. I’ve even argued that conservatives should favor mask-wearing as a ‘conservative alternative to lockdowns’. I applauded JetBlue as the first U.S. airline to require masks for passengers. It helped build confidence to travel, knowing that everybody else on board would be wearing a mask.

However the federal transportation mask mandate is no longer useful, and may be counterproductive – even extending the pandemic in the United States.

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Review: New Alila Marea Encinitas [Hyatt Award With Confirmed Suite Upgrade]

by Gary Leff

May 09 2021

The new Alila Marea Encinitas is a fantastic hotel and a great spot for Hyatt loyalists to redeem points. It’s available as a category 6 hotel for 25,000 points per night. And I was able to confirm an upgrade at booking into an ocean suite that runs of $2000 per night.

The property combines a nice spot on the ocean, great service, and fantastic food – all to go along with fantastic value through the World of Hyatt program.

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Quirk About American Airlines Upgrades Lets You Skip A Cabin

by Gary Leff

airline seat
May 09 2021

An interesting story American Airlines upgrade story – compounded by terrible customer service – tells me it’s worth reminding that American Airlines does not offer any way to upgrade to premium economy before the day of travel and that no American Airlines upgrade instrument will cover the cost of a premium economy upgrade.

This is actually a good thing because it means that all advance upgrades, and upgrades paid for with a certificate, still skip over the premium economy cabin.

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Papers, Please: American Airlines Cracks Down On Passenger ID Policy

by Gary Leff

May 08 2021

It wasn’t until after TWA flight 800 that the U.S. government began requiring passengers to show ID. President Clinton wanted to be able to announce something to look like he was doing something after the event, since initially there was speculation that the explosion was terrorist-related rather than an accident.

Airlines have wanted customers to show ID for a long time because they don’t want their tickets to be transferable.

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Passengers Break Into Fight Over Masks In Miami, Get Kicked Off Flight Which Only Makes Things Worse

by Gary Leff

May 08 2021

A face mask brawl broke out at the Miami airport just a week after a fight broke out at Miami’s gate D14 over the last seats available to standby passengers on an American Airlines flight to Chicago. In other words, just another day at the Miami airport.

Florida. Masks. Trapped inside a metal tube. And a disproportionate number of first time leisure travelers. All passengers are Spirit Airlines passengers now.

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