News and notes from around the interweb:
- Never book Virgin Atlantic redemptions as a roundtrip changes to one direction forces a reprice of both directions. Also, it appears there’s never saver availability anymore within 28 days of departure.
- From Spirit Airlines, non-fuel unit costs across the industry
- Singapore Airlines will serve 2018 Piper-Heidsieck in business class vintage champagne outside of first is not common!
- The five most influential airlines in history I’d actually put Delta on this list for the role they’ve played in the industry for more than a decade, with airlines around the world copying them for no reason other than an assumption that they’re smarter, and for their investment in international airlines that’s extended their reach.
- Hertz no show fee for non-prepaid reservations
- “Even the mice are disgusted”
Even the mice are disgusted by the champagne served in plastic cups in the admirals lounge lol @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/f9Z4iX68lk
— josephthomas (@josephthomas) November 24, 2024
- Etihad will launch Atlanta flights July 2. This Abu Dhabi service gets them out ahead of eventual Riyadh Air and Delta flying to Saudi Arabia.
When Qatar first launched Atlanta, the airline found a hostile environment from the airport which operates as a subsidiary of Delta, but back then Delta was in the midst of a crusade against Middle Eastern state-backed airlines. They lost that fight, have now taken even bigger subsidies themselves, and will be partnering with a deep-pocketed Gulf state-backed carrier. How times have changed!
What American lounge has the mice? That should be reported immediately to the health department.
I never thought I would see such a sight at the PHL Admirals Club…. available seating!
About the five most influential airlines, most could probably fit but I find Qantas kind of weak. I understand why it is there since the article is from The Telegraph in the UK and Australia is a former colony. I would argue that an airline from the rest of Europe that flew to many international destination should be on the list instead such as KLM or Air France (or even Aeroflot.)
@ Gary — The Hertz fee doesn’t seem like a big deal unless your flight is severely delayed. In that case, Hertz supposedly knows from your flight information that your flight is delayed. Then again, this is Hertz, so….
At this point I don’t even care about food or drinks anymore. Just give me a big quiet space I can relax in with power outlets and clean private bathrooms.
@ Jeff — Sounds like being at home, which is starting to seem better these days.
The only list Delta belongs on is Ten Worst Airlines, occupying all ten slots.
I’d say that Avianca or KLM might be among the five most influential airlines ever but the list is pretty accurate as is.
I remember Delta’s full-throated attack of Qatar Airlines for being government subsidized.
They had ads on the radio. Huge signs in the city.
Then they quietly and very willingly got a boat-load of money from the US Gov’t, but it’s now OK….
Qantas shouldn’t be on the list. Delta maybe. But it really should be Ryan Air
I would argue that the Bob Crandall era American should be on that list. He led AA to be the most innovative airline the world had seen to that point. AAdvantage, Sabre, the growth plan, B-Scale, twin engines across the Atlantic, interior US gateways, and a management team that has gone on to lead some of the most impactful airlines in the marketplace.
Why would anyone ever book a round trip award ticket? It isn’t cheaper, and makes it harder for you to swap a leg for a better option on the same or another airline if one comes available (I do this all the time). Looking for one ways also definitely broadens your chances of getting a saver award on the dates you want.
Virgin fuel surcharges are really insane. I doubt I will use them for any US-Eu flights agin. Its too bad because I like the LHR-MIA flight alot on the NEO330 with the departure lounge.
Tax is sometimes a lot lower booking as a single round trip rather than two separate one ways.