Back from Cuba early on Friday, I received word that a family member had died and I had to travel to Colorado…the next morning. Once again, I found that giving up United will not be easy. For the second...
Why Leaving United Airlines is Going to be a Lot Harder Than I Thought
Last week I shared about my decision to redirect much of my travel to American Airlines this fall. That remains my goal, but I quickly realized today that old habits die hard. I had a United e-certificate set to...
American Airlines Here I Come!
I consider myself a savvy traveler and have turned much of the lemons created by United Airlines’ 03 March system integration debacle with Continental Airlines into lemonade. I’ve run into a fair number of problems and a great deal...
American Airlines Hints at Potential Merger with US Airways
After weeks of repeated denials that it was even considering a merger with US Airways, American Airlines has agreed to “study” the prospects of a marriage between America’s third and fifth largest air carrier by traffic. American Airlines says...
The Secret Story of American Airlines’ AAirpass Program
When I am in California, the Los Angeles Times is a critical component of my breakfast each morning. This morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find a fascinating article on American Airlines’ fight against alleged abusers of their AAirpass...
A Recap of the 2012 Freddie Awards
I had a wonderful time at the Freddie Awards in New York City last night, mingling with a number of bloggers, journalists, industry folk, and even some of my readers! A big thanks to Gary Leff for the invite and...
US Airways Says Merger with American Airlines would Generate $1.2BN per Year
As American Airlines management continues to insist its goal is to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger, leaner stand-alone airline, US Airways is upping the rhetoric on a potential merger: Speaking on a conference call with reporters and analysts...
US Airways and American Merger Announcement Imminent?
I am hearing some rumblings tonight that an announcement is coming as early as Monday morning that US Airways and American Airlines may officially tie the knot. With news on Friday that American Airlines’ labor unions have thrown their...
Spirit Airlines Bickers Over the Return of All-In Pricing
A refreshing change has hit U.S. airline websites this morning: the return of all-in pricing. Under a new directive by the Department of Transportation, airlines must now display all-in pricing initially and at all junctures of your flight search–not...
American Airlines Business Class Seats – Only $140!
Act fast and you can purchase not just one, but two American Airlines business class seats for only $140! Just watch out for splinters… Now that I’ve got your attention, allow me to direct you to the following craiglist...
TSA Carry-On Policy: Guns Yes, Cupcakes No
If the Transportation Security Administration was a Shakespeare play, it would be A Comedy of Errors. In an apparent case of mistaken identity and astounding sloppiness, an x-ray scanner picked up a .38-caliber revolver in a passenger’s carry-on baggage...
American Airlines Restores Free Beer and Wine in International Economy Class
Starting 01 February, 2012, American will re-introduce free beer and wine in economy class on their flights between the US and Asia, Europe, and select markets in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay). Gary wonders if such a...
As American Airlines Departs, Opportunity for United at Burbank
News that American Airlines will suspend service from Burbank/Bob Hope Airport next month compounds a problem for an airport that continues to lose passengers even as it invests in a pricey infrastructure upgrade that will enhance the parking facilities...
Free Kingfisher Silver Elite Status = Free Checked Bags on American Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines will soon join the OneWorld Alliance and is offering free silver elite status to select MasterCard holders: To register, you should have an eligible MasterCard (Platinum, World, Titanium Credit Cards or a Premium Debit Card), and you...
Alec Baldwin Pokes Fun at American Airlines on SNL
Alec Baldwin is such a jerk. But this video is hilarious: For those of you unfamilar with what happened, Baldwin was tossed off an AA flight last week after repeatdly ignoring FA requests to turn off his electronic equipment....
What American Airlines’ Bankruptcy Filing Means for You
AMR Corp, parent of American Airlines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this morning. Bankruptcy does not mean going out of business. Far from it, the move will allow the company to restructure and emerge as a more competitive...
American Airlines Headed for Bankruptcy?
The balance sheet at American Airlines is looking more troubling by the day. Some are warning about bankruptcy, though I am not convinced that will be necessary. In fact, if you are the gambling-type, this may be the perfect...
American Airlines Flight Attendants Shun First Class Turndown Service
You would think that flight attendants would be happy about their employer spending more to take care of customers. After all, a happy customer is easier to work with and there is a certain sense of pride that comes...
PJs, Duvets, and Slippers Coming to American Airlines First Class
I really do think many travelers suffer from the “grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome when comparing U.S. airlines to those carriers outside the U.S. Sure, the Southeast Asian carriers like Singapore and Cathay Pacific offer...
US Airways: We Love Fees, Charlotte, and Mergers (but not Pilots)
Ely Portillo of the Charlotte Observer covered the US Airways monthly employee meeting in Charlotte on Tuesday attended by CEO Doug Parker. Here’s a quick rundown: On Fees: Parker said he understands that fliers hate the new fees, but...
