Point.me has released a report on the world’s best frequent flyer programs, with a surprise “bronze” finish for United Airlines MileagePlus. Let’s unpack this list and explore the value of each of the top programs. The 10 Best Frequent...
The New Coke Problem: Gary Kelly Ousted From Southwest Airlines Board
With the announcement that Executive Chairman Gary Kelly will step down, Southwest Airlines has caved into activist investor Elliott Investment Management. But Southwest Airlines must zealously guard against a “New Coke” disaster as it seeks a return to profitability....
United Airlines CEO Analyzes The Airline Industry…And Names Names
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has analyzed industry-wide earnings numbers in a video message to employees, arguing that the future of United Airlines is bright, even if a recession hits and the broader airline industry falters. Unlike in more...
DCA Slot Roulette: Who Should Win The New Beyond-Perimeter Slots?
Airlines are jockeying for new beyond-perimeter routes after Congress approved five new slots for longer-distance flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Who should those slots go to? DCA Slot Awards: Five New Beyond-Perimeter Slots Are Up For...
Why I’m Not Rejoicing Over The Departure Of Vasu Raja At American Airlines
Vasu Raja, the Chief Commercial Officer at American Airlines, is out. But I’m not ready to celebrate his departure just yet… Vasu Raja Out At American Airlines, But Will His Replacement Be Even Worse When It Comes To AAdvantage?...
Analysis: JetBlue-British Airways Partnership Is All About American Airlines
JetBlue wants a closer relationship with American Airlines. British Airways also wants a closer relationship with American Airlines, though on its terms. I see that as an essential common link in the new partnership between JetBlue and British Airways....
Spirit Airlines CEO (Correctly) Calls Airline Industry A “Rigged Game”
Still fuming over the blocked merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie III fumed that the US airline industry is a “rigged game.” He’s right. Spirit Airlines CEO: “US Airline Industry Is A “Rigged Game”...
What Cranky Flier Misses In United Airlines Pacific Load Factor Analysis
One of my favorite industry blogs is Cranky Flier, written by Brett Snyder. We both live in Los Angeles and I have benefited from his perspective for years. But I think he missed a big issue in his recent...
Boeing 737 Mechanic Explains Why United Airlines Is Under Scrutiny
A Boeing 737 mechanic has weighed in a helpful way that provides insight as to why United Airlines now finds itself under FAA scrutiny. Veteran Boeing 737 Mechanic Offers Opinion On Why Increased Scrunity Over United Airlines Is Justified...
As Uber And Lyft Threaten To Suspend Service, Minneapolis Hurts The Very People It Intends To Help…And Fuels Trump’s Rise
If it follows through on its warning, you will soon no longer be able to catch an Uber or Lyft in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That truly hurts the very people the City Council set out to “help” by raising minimum...
The Spirit Airlines Paradox…
Phillip Longman offers an interesting piece in The Atlantic with the same title, noting the tension between too little competition squeezing consumers and too much competition leading to a race to the bottom in the US airline industry. Let’s...
Did Passengers Flout Flight Crew Instructions On JAL A350-900 That Collided With Coast Guard Aircraft In Tokyo Haneda?
Tragedy struck this evening in Tokyo when a Japan Airlines A350-900 struck a Japanese Coast Guard Dash 8-300, killing five on the Coast Guard aircraft. If there is any glimmer of good news in this story, it is that...
Alaska Airlines Already Indicates It Might Not Keep Both 787 And A330
Alaska Airlines says that fleet rationalization is part of its “DNA” and is already considering whether it will keep both the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 as part of its long-term fleet strategy after a merger with Hawaiian Airlines....
The Widebody Implications For Alaska Airlines Of Hawaiian Airlines Merger
Although Alaska Airlines plans to keep Hawaiian Airlines as a separate entity, I wonder if we might see Alaska Airlines operate widebody aircraft for the first time in a move that could transform the dynamics of Alaska’s transcontinental service....
Analysis: Alaska Airlines Unveils Sustainable Mileage Plan Award Changes Coming In 2024
Alaska Airlines will update its Mileage Plan award charts in 2024 with new zone and distance-based pricing. There are winners and losers versus current redemption pricing, but I am optimistic these changes represent a sustainable path forward for the...
Will You Reward Delta Air Lines For Being Honest?
Now that the dust has settled, I am trying to get a feel for how Delta Medallion elites will approach loyalty on Delta going forward. Will Delta Air Lines’ candor about its ultimate intentions deter loyalty now? When it...
Why United Airlines Is Profitable And Budget Carriers Are Losing Money
United Airlines held its Q3 earnings call yesterday in which various executives offered statements about United’s performance and fielded questions from analysts. I found the discussion over why United Airlines’ domestic yields are trending in the opposite direction of...
Exclusive: United Airlines’ Shrinking Domestic Route Network Will Not Rebound
United Airlines is adding over 800 aircraft to its fleet over the next decade, but many smaller cities that were once served via United Express will not return to the route map. United Airlines COO: “Saturated” Domestic Network Will...
My Blueprint For United MileagePlus In 2024-2025
United Airlines has not yet announced any program changes to MileagePlus for next year. Perhaps it is waiting a bit longer for the dust to settle at Delta Air Lines before making any adjustments to its own program, which...
Silence Is Not Golden: Delta Air Lines Made Critical Communication Error
Jonathan Jacobs offers an interesting take on the recently announced changes to the Delta Sky Miles program, focusing not so much on the changes themselves as on the way in which Delta communicated them. The idea that Delta showed...
