Carry On Won’t Fit In The Bag Sizer? American Will Now Charge You To Check It

by Gary Leff

Apr 26 2021

From now on when American Airlines takes your carry on bag at the gate and requires you to check it, you can expect to pay for the privilege – unless you’re entitled to free checked bags with a premium cabin ticket, AAdvantage elite status, or co-brand credit card.

Frequently customers bring more carry on bags than they’re allowed, or bags that are bigger than what’s permitted. Gate agents are supposed to insist that the passenger checks the bag. They used to do this for free, but according to a new American Airlines “Airport Excellence Advisory” agents are now supposed to collect a checked bag fee.

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Breaking: Europe Will Re-Open To Vaccinated Americans This Summer

by Gary Leff

Apr 25 2021

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday that because the U.S. is using vaccines that are approved by the European Medicines Agency, the European Union will accept proof of vaccination to allow Americans to visit this summer, “because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A.”

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What Happened To The Sign From Gate 35X, And Other American Airlines Construction Projects

by Gary Leff

gate number
Apr 25 2021

Washington National airport built an entire new concourse to replace one miserable gate. Gate 35X was a bus gate that served 14 remote stands for 50 seat regional jets. The new concourse, in contrast, supports 14 large regional jets.

Just after the opening of this new concourse for American Airlines flights, which will also feature an Admirals Club, American Airlines shared some construction updates with employees as part of a question and answer session on earnings call day last week.

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Anti-Mask Politician Says Her Constitutional Rights Are Being Trampled After Airline Ban

by Gary Leff

Apr 25 2021

An Alaska Airlines state senator who “has sparred with Alaska Airlines employees over the mask policy” since January has been banned from the airline – although apparently just for 30 days even though mask refusal is supposed to result in an indefinite ban, at least until the end of the mask requirement. It remains to be seen if a temporary suspension will be converted to a longer duration.

Lora Reinbold was recently fined $250 for refusing to properly wear a mask in the state capitol. On Thursday she was captured on video having a disagreement over keeping her mask above her nose at the Juneau airport before a flight to Anchorage.

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It’s Time To Stop Using The Covid Excuse

by Gary Leff

Apr 24 2021

Marriott hotels – though not only Marriotts – ignore elite breakfast benefits because of Covid-19. In fact you now need to do a lot more research on hotels when considering a booking to find out whether they’re offering the facilities and services that you want and are paying for. No towels for the pool? Blame Covid.

Union boss Sara Nelson doesn’t want flight attendants working on flights because Covid. The CDC, apparently, needs to update its guidance on virus spread to include catching Covid-19 from aircraft galley ovens because the temperature of food is a risk – Nelson thinks flight attendants serving hot food is unacceptable in first class, but wrapped sandwiches are ok.

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