News and notes from around the interweb:
- United devalues Mileage Plus again, this time anytime premium awards to Europe and South America they keep doing this, your United miles keep getting less valuable. Every time it seems like Andrew Nocella shed his past, they do something like this. And since they hired a Comcast executive to run the program they clearly aren’t looking to deliver outsized value and experience to consumers.
- Didn’t stick around for departure checklist tasks – taking out the trash, stripping the beds, starting the dishwasher – but the host can’t fine him. (HT: @crucker)
poor guy, we've all been there pic.twitter.com/DfixaZFrOj
— Andrew Stiles (@AndrewStilesUSA) August 1, 2024
- Is Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’ the perfect takeoff song for a plane? (HT: Paul H) I’d say the perfect deplaning song is either Dire Straits ‘Walk of Life’ or Pete Townsend ‘Let My Love Open The Door’.
Nine years ago American Airlines had the best boarding and deplaning music and then I don’t know what happened? They actually introduced me to up and coming artists, before they actually became.
- Workers at Austin airport concessionaire Delaware North will take a strike vote next week the airport minimum wage is $20, the union demands a $25 starting wage. Last month they successfully unionized the airport Hyatt Place.
- It Isn’t Easy for Students to Get a Credit Card Anymore. Here’s What to Know (HT: @crucker)
- Boston and Chicago – Europe business class for 55,000 miles roundtrip
After an aircraft crash or fire that necessitates an emergency evacuation, I suggest playing “Another One Bites the Dust” by the British rock band Queen as my selection of appropriate deboarding music. Bee Gees “Stayin’ Alive” is my second choice.
@ Gary — It’s hard to believe that the least valuable airline currency could beocme even less valuable.
I already gave up on FF miles, I’ll make sure I earn what is deserved. I occasionally look and see if I can use them. But, I never expect a more than very occasional happiness that I can get that flight free.
In a free society, the employers at these locations could take a “fire” vote and eliminate union vermin.
Your regular reminder to never hoard miles. However much you think they are worth, they are always worth less.
Actually, I think the song Closing Time by Semisonic would be fun for exiting the plane.
With some terminal programming, the Delaware North workers can make up the $5/hr difference in tips easily…
@Gene: Skymiles are much less valuable then United miles, not that I don’t actively avoid accruing United miles.
@Gene
Skymiles are much less valuable than UA miles.
I’ve used them for international biz class to South Asia twice last year. I had some good redemptions this year too, but I went with AA awards since they could get me Qatar Air.
Skypesos by contrast cost 495K miles for one way biz class to South Asia on Saudia and VA (when VA’s own miles are just 120K or so).
Unless you’re a road warrior or premium jet setter, It seems all airline and hotel loyalty schemes are a waste of time now. Better off booking the best value and most convenient routes over loyalty to any of these greedy corporations.