Oct
18
2020
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.
[Roundup] Airbnb Is About To Eat The Big Hotel Chains’ Lunch
Amazing Award Space For 4: QSuites And Non-Stop Australia Throughout 2021
Oct
18
2020
Right now there are some great opportunities to use your miles for the whole family on Qatar Airways QSuites from San Francisco to travel to the Mideast, Africa, or region around India as well as to travel on the new Qantas Chicago – Brisbane flight. Space is generally available throughout 2021, and by the second half of the year we could be past the current unpleasantness.
Fired Muslim Flight Attendant Wants Supreme Court To Let Her Sue For Having To Serve Drinks
Oct
18
2020
A fired flight attendant who worked for defunct ExpressJet Airlines is asking the Supreme Court to review a 6th Circuit decision that didn’t allow her to sue for requiring her to serve alcohol to passengers even though she’s Muslim.
The case presents interesting questions of whether federal labor law (which requires arbitration) trumps federal civil rights law (which allows a suit) and whether an airline having to re-open a collective bargaining agreement to provide an accommodation constitutes an undue burden.
Southwest Is Starting Service At 3 New Big United And American Hubs – But They Can’t Legally Go To DFW
Oct
17
2020
While the Wright Amendment’s restrictions on flying to specific states with aircraft that have more than 56 seats was lifted, I had forgotten that not all restrictions were eliminated. Southwest would have to give up some of its Love Field gate space if it wanted to serve DFW airport. That’s a restriction that remains in place until 2025.
It is effectively illegal for Southwest Airlines to come in and compete against American Airlines at DFW.
United Airlines Flight Attendants Are No Longer Allowed To Share Beds On Long Flights
Oct
17
2020
United Airlines flight attendants don’t have to social distance from each other in the galley. On long haul flights they’re in close contact with customers as they serve beverages and even meals. But the airline is telling them that as a Covid precaution they need to stop sharing beds up in the crew rest area of widebody aircraft.
Terminal 75 Year Old Kicked Off Flight For Wearing Too Much Personal Protective Equipment
Oct
17
2020
A 75 year old woman with terminal lung disease was heading to Seattle on Alaska Airlines – but was kicked off of her flight at the Fairbanks, Alaska airport over face mask rules.
She wore an N95 mask and a face shield during boarding. But once she settled into her seat she replaced those with a respirator helmet.
[Roundup] American Airlines Changed Its Check-In Kiosks
Oct
17
2020
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.
The New President Of American AAdvantage Gives His First Interview I’ve Seen
Oct
17
2020
The piece opens with new American Airlines frequent flyer head Rick Elieson, who moves over from cargo, explaining how loyalty and cargo aren’t that different than you’d think and the joke almost writes itself about AAdvantage members being self-loading cargo.
Elieson does confirm that award charts aren’t going away, that he’s working to get more saver award inventory, and that he’s open to considering a family pooling benefit.
Hotels And Planes Are Both Safer Than We Thought (While Driving Still Has Risks)
Oct
17
2020
There’s been no known cases of Covid-19 transmission on US airlines. Sure US contact tracing isn’t very good. But even internationally and across the whole world there are only a few flights where spread is believed to have occurred despite around a billion people traveling so far this year.
Hotels too seem to be safe. There haven’t been documented cases of spread between rooms either in hotels or office buildings.
American Airlines Expecting To Bring Beverage Service Back To Coach Next Month
Oct
16
2020
American Airlines, like other major carriers, cut first class meal service early in the pandemic and largely eliminated drink service from coach. American brought back coach buy on board as first class food, and has always offered at least drinks on request up front. However on most domestic flights there’s still not a formal drink service.
That appears to be about to change, though apparently some flight attendants aren’t happy about it.
