A deal should be possible, notwithstanding that the Biden administration has opposed most forms of consolidation and cooperation (successfully in the airline industry, less so outside of it).
They need a little more time to get something done – and the parties still seem to think it’s possible – as suggested by another extension this time through the end of Monday.
Alaska Airlines flight attendants have just voted down the contract their union negotiated. It would have given them an immediate 18% raise and then 3% raises in subsequent years. They’d receive boarding pass and retro pay back to 2022. The vote wasn’t close – 68 to 32 against.
Starting today, American’s Gold members and above receive free checked bags when flying Gol. Each bag may be up to 50 pounds. One companion on the same reservation is entitled to a single complimentary checked bag as well.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby laid out the competitive landscape of the airline industry for his employees. United is doing well, Kirby is overly optimistic. He offers important insights but the path is far more fraught for the airline than he lets on.
Upgrades are tough out there. First class doesn’t cost as much as it used to when airlines sold only about 10% of the seats up front. Planes are full and plenty of people have status. They’re more likely to pay for first class outright. And airlines sell first class upgrades aggressively. There are far fewer leftover seats available complimentary to those with airline status.
Now, at least, American Airlines will reward you when you buy a coach ticket and take their paid offer for an upgrade.
Qatar Airways has had great award pricing for short-distance travel on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. What’s more, their points are easy to come by. Unfortunately, Qatar has devalued these redemptions without notice.
A passenger on board United’s flight 939 from London Heathrow to San Francisco made “sure to touch everything with her bare feet” on Monday, according to a reader. Dan P shared photos of his seat opponent – propping her feet up on the seat’s television, standing up on seat cushion, and nestling in comfortably foot-to-seat – all sans socks.
The government now has until August 16th to conclude its review. An additional day means those involved in the negotiations think they’re close – close enough that a deal is possible, and without much more time.
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.
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.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
