United Airlines and Philippines Airlines are escalating their fight over additional slots in both Seattle and Manila. As I wrote about last fall, United Airlines has opposed Philippine Airlines’ further U.S. expansion, arguing that the U.S. should not grant...
Alitalia Cuts Two Routes, Ditches 777-300ER And A330-200s
Beleaguered Italian carrier Alitalia may have outlasted Air Italy, but it continues to struggle. Now it will cut two longhaul routes and ditch three widebody aircraft. Alitalia has been operating in bankruptcy protection since 2017. Nearly three years later,...
TSA Seized Legal Money, Won’t Return
The TSA seized one contractor’s cash for a vehicle, but even though it was legal and documented, they won’t return it. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If...
Google Flight (Matrix) Starting to Make Impact
Google Flights has finally started to make a significant dent in the travel space and competitors and paying the price. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you...
How Coronavirus May Be A Financial Windfall To Airlines
For some airlines, the Coronavirus outbreak may actually bolster profit, not inhibit it. While the focus has been on service suspensions when it comes to airline-related Coronavirus news, there’s another side of the coin: cheaper jet fuel. CNBC reports...
United Airlines Adds Free Food To More Hawaiian Flights
After a successful trial last month, United will expand its free meal offerings to more Hawaiian flights starting in March. Live and Let’s Fly broke news in January that United would be testing complimentary sandwiches on flights between Chicago...
Report: Boeing Employees Left Tools + Rags In 737 MAX Fuel Tanks
Another day, another drama for Boeing’s troubled 737 MAX program. The aircraft manufacturer has found so-called “debris” in fuel tanks of undelivered 737 MAX jets. The issue was revealed by Scott Hamilton of Leeham News, who obtained a memo...
China’s Aviation Market Is Now Smaller Than Portugal’s
Just over a month ago, China was the third largest international aviation market in the world behind the United States and United Kingdom. Now it ranks between Portugal and Vietnam. China was on an ascent, set to take over...
Shameful Thai Airways Fat Shames Passengers Out Of Business Class
This story just make me shake my head in disbelief. Thai Airways Denies Business Class Seats To Three Passengers After Humiliating Them Huhana Iripa travelled with her two daughters, Renell and Tere, from Auckland to Bangkok so that the...
Why Venezuela Banned TAP Air Portugal
While most airlines have suspended service to troubled Venezuela, a handful have continued, including TAP Air Portugal. But the Star Alliance member now finds itself condemned by Venezuelan authorities and suspended for 90 days. Venezuela Punishes TAP Air Portugal...
Irony: Middle East Airlines, Owned By Central Bank, Won’t Accept Local Currency
UPDATE: Middle East Airlines has (wisely) scrapped this policy. How’s this for irony? Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines is 99% government owned, but announced yesterday that it will no longer accept payment in local currency, the Lebanese Lira. Lebanon is...
DHS Responds Regarding New York Global Entry Application Ban
A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security reached out following last week’s article regarding the New York Global Entry application ban for residents. I offer my own clarifications as well. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
So What If Bernie Sanders Flies First Class?
Bernie Sanders was “caught” this week flying first class. So what if Bernie Sanders flies first class? Is it really a complete rescission of his moral imperatives? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card...
Another European Airline Collapses, Maybe?
Turkish airline AtlasGlobal has weathered several storms over the preceding months. Once again, it appears the airline has ceased operations. Will it be for good this time? I say “maybe” and “appears” because there has been no formal announcement...
Former United CFO Plans A “Boring” New Airline
“The best way to compete in the airline industry is to not compete.” – Andrew Levy Former United CFO Plans New Airline Former United Chief Financial Officer Andrew Levy plans a new airline of his own, one that won’t...
My Beloved Air Italy Bites The Dust
In an unexpected move, Air Italy decided to cut its loses and shut down…effective immediately. This is a very sad day for a very special carrier. Investors accelerated an emergency meeting, originally scheduled for February 18th, to today. There,...
Pictures: Winter Storm Brings Chaos To Munich Airport
With Storm Sabine flooding streets and knocking down trees and power lines, all flights were suspended from Munich Airport. That created a de facto refugee camp in the terminal halls of Germany’s second largest airport. Storm Sabine (called Storm...
United Airlines Tries To Make Kosher Food Tasty
United Airlines is improving its kosher menus with new choices of food and drink on Tel Aviv flights. A Kosher Meal Problem I have many clients at Award Expert who keep Kosher, meaning I frequently order Kosher meals on...
DHS Was Right To Block New York Global Entry Applicants
The Department of Homeland Security began blocking New York residents from applying for their trusted traveller program, Global Entry, over the state’s “Sanctuary policies” but there’s more to the story and DHS was right to do it. If you...
United App Unnecessarily Forces Update, Frustration
The Coronavirus has caused a number of shifts in air travel, but United forced users to update their app. Flyers had issues at the airport, but other airlines didn’t require the same. If you are considering booking travel or signing up...
