Frontier Airlines Offering Elite Status Matches That Waive All Fees, Make Tickets Refundable

by Gary Leff

frontier plane docked
Nov 17 2020

Through December 1, Frontier Airlines is offering to give elite status to customers with existing status with another airline. Status is valid through the end of 2021, and they’re matching up to their top tier of status. That’s actually really interesting because while Frontier is a low fare, fee-based airline top elites generally see all of their fees waived for everything.

Base-level status comes with a free carry on bag and seat assignment, and extra legroom seats if available at check-in as some of its benefits. Mid-tier status adds bonus miles. And top tier status offers checked bags and makes all tickets refundable, for everyone on the member’s booking.

Continue Reading »

Is The New Air Canada Aeroplan Delivering Awards At The Prices They Promised?

by Gary Leff

air canada plane tarmac
Nov 17 2020

Aeroplan continues to work well for Americans, I think, and perhaps even for those who fly Air Canada with elite status or their co-brand credit card. Whether they work as well as promoted for the general member in Canada who doesn’t sign up for a card depends on how pricing of Air Canada flights is managed going forward (but the program still appears to be a real improvement over what was offered before, without fuel surcharges).

Continue Reading »

American Airlines Is Discounting Its Airport Concierge Service And Making It Available To More Passengers

by Gary Leff

Nov 17 2020

American Airlines is making its paid premium airport concierge service available to more passengers, at a lower price: parties of 3 or more receive a 50% discount on their booking. The discount applies when spending miles instead of cash too.

This service gets you airport meet and greet and escort through security, to the lounge and from there to the gate (there’s also service for connections and on arrival). It includes Admirals Club access, priority boarding, and assistance with flight re-accommodation during irregular operations.

Continue Reading »

New Student Frequent Flyer Program Points To A Renaissance In Loyalty

by Gary Leff

qatarplane
Nov 16 2020

There’s a long history of loyalty programs targeting people while they’re young, hoping to build a lifetime relationship with a customer. And some of those ideas are resurfacing today.

Seeing more efforts along these lines is a sign that loyalty matters again. When planes were full airlines didn’t have to work as hard building relationships with customers or marketing to fill empty seats. That’s all changed, and we’re beginning to see a renaissance of the frequent flyer program. Hopefully that spirit lasts even once we’re back to normal times and traveling again.

Continue Reading »

Michigan Is Back Under Lockdown, But People Can Still Drink At The Detroit Airport

by Gary Leff

delta skyclub
Nov 16 2020

The same rules allowing Delta’s club lounge to serve alcohol despite the Michigan governor’s order closing bars should apply equally to restaurants in the airport for those who don’t have club membership and are willing to pay for a drink.

However it seems a lot easier for people to drink alone, as Michigan’s governor seems to prefer people in her state do, than make a trip out to the airport just for liquor. It would be fascinating to see Delta’s internal data over the next three weeks about whether alcohol consumption continues to track with passenger numbers, or whether it increases on a per-admittance basis in to the club.

Continue Reading »