News and notes from around the interweb:
- “It’s easier to laugh and smile than it is to cry.” Southwest Airlines passenger breaks down over kind helpfulness of an agent. Then the agent breaks down in tears being recognized for it.
Kindness brings Tears to this Southwest Employee What a great Representative for the Airline pic.twitter.com/xpem8nw2Fy
— G-PA (@IndianaGPA) May 6, 2025
- Delta kills preboarding for their 360 members who will instead board in zone 2 after first class. Between Delta 360, United Global Services, and American’s ConciergeKey I would take ConciergeKey in a second and never think twice about the decision. I had that status for a brief time and it was fantastic. Long-time members say it’s declined, but the personal service was fantastic.
- Travelers who completed the SAS EuroBonus million mile challenge it was an amazing offer but of course the math only mathed if you (1) bought coach tickets and (2) enjoyed the travel rather than considering the time spent a cost towards acquiring the points. And did you know that it’s not the first time travelers were in for a million SAS points?
- The Airplane ‘Barf Bag’ Is A Genius Invention Most People Never Think About, And Using One Blew My Mind (HT: Paul H)
- Amtrak cutting 450 positions, $100 million in annual costs which is pretty de minimis. They’re crowing about record ridership, they’re also receiving record subsidies.
[Amtrak] received about $2.4 billion in annual federal support in 2023. Congress in March approved $2.42 billion for Amtrak through September 30 in annual funding…Congress approved $66 billion for rail projects as part of a massive infrastructure bill in 2021, with $22 billion dedicated to Amtrak over five years on top of regular funding.
- McKinney, Texas airport says commercial flights to begin late next year. It’s about 35 miles northeast of both DFW and Love Field. (HT: Dan C.)
Glad to see service starting to McKinney TX. I lived in Plano for years and, as most of you likely know, there are quite a few corporate headquarters and major employers in the Plano, McKinney, Frisco area. This will be much more convenient than driving to DFW although it will be interesting so see what destinations are served. I suspect it will be very limited and doubt AA or WN would fly there given their fortress hubs at DFW and Love Field. Maybe DL to ATL or UA to Chicago/Houston
If I’m the example CK has become the new EXP (and EXP the new PLT). That being said, it’s pretty sweet. Along with the FL lounges being able to pre board is very beneficial. True to form today at SAN an older couple jumped in front of preboards, others already standing outside the lane in Group One and even a deadheading crew to try to board first. I thoroughly enjoyed the smart ass look I threw them as I was called to board before them.
The Group One lane cloggers (even before preboards are called to line up) are far, far worst than any of the Group Nines trying to before their group is called.
I truly feel sorry for what has been & will be coming her way amidst all the negative changes @ WN and blowback from pissed pax…. But, it seems from her demeanor she will survive, maybe even moving on to another carrier if she doesnt’ have that much seniority & doesn’t mind starting over….