The Next Evolution In Airline Mask Policy

by Gary Leff

Aug 12 2020

It wasn’t enough just to ask customers to wear masks. Part of the reason is how political masks have become, although I wonder if they’re getting less so as people become used to the requirement, the President wears one in public, and Red States are requiring them too.

There are subtleties in airline mask policies, but largely there’s been a six-part progression to airline rules. The latest is to define what kind of mask is acceptable. There’s an exception to the ‘no masks with valve’ rule, though.

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Hotel Clerk Pummels Guest Who Goes Nuts After Refusing Covid-19 Temperature Check

by Gary Leff

Aug 12 2020

A front desk security camera at a hotel in Brazil caught a beat down that occurred between a guest and a check-in agent Saturday night after the 24 year old reception agent insisted on taking the customer’s temperature as they entered the property.

The man, who apparently objected to contactless thermometers the way some airline passengers feel about masks, seemed as though he was going to walk away and leave. He comes back and hits the employee with a pedestal and threw hand sanitizer as well. That’s when the desk agent goes full on Bruce Lee in Fists of Fury on the customer.

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American Extends Flexible Booking Policy, Will Even Allow Name Changes For Business Travel

by Gary Leff

Aug 11 2020

It’s been clear for months that airlines need to continue waiving change fees in order to convince customers to buy tickets. Otherwise their plans are just too uncertain to pull the trigger on travel.

American’s policy has been extended, applies to award travel even next year, and the airline will allow name changes on business travel tickets.

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Conservative Activist Arrives At Airport, Shocked American Airlines Banned Him For Mask Shenanigans

by Gary Leff

Aug 11 2020

David Harris, Jr., whose book title describes himself as a black conservative, posted a livestream refusing to wear a mask on American Airlines. With a wink and a nod he suggested that a medical issue with a mask was enough to exempt anyone from the requirement. It was clear he didn’t have a ‘real’ medical need. Indeed he had a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a mask.

He’s posted a new video to twitter showing the airline turning him away for his past mask altercation, and he’s shocked that no one from the airline told him he was banned.

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The 7 Best Things About The New Aeroplan Program (And 4 Things You’re Not Going To Like)

by Gary Leff

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Aug 11 2020

Air Canada started off with arguably the best top elite tier in the world. They had a competitive award redemption program. A decade ago it was best in North America. A series of devaluations and the addition of fuel surcharges changed that, though it remained competitive because of even greater devaluations by U.S. airline programs.

The program was disjointed because the elite program was separate from – and owned by a different company, even – redeemable mileage earning and burning. Air Canada re-acquired their Aeroplan frequent flyer program, and they’ve announced plans for relaunching it November 8.

There are some great new features of the program. On the whole it seems like the program is better. There are, however, some features not to like or wish were better.

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