Troubled Italian flag carrier Alitalia loses about €2,000,000 per day, according to a government minister. The solution? Another cash infusion… Earlier this month, Italy appointed a new administrator, Giuseppe Leogrande, to oversee cost-cutting measures and find a buyer for...
United Airlines Extends 737 MAX Cancellations Until June 4, 2020
With a software solution elusive and regulatory approval uncertain, United Airlines extended cancellation for the 737 MAX by more than six months. The troubled Boeing aircraft is now out of the scheduled until June 4, 2020. In a note...
I Love It: Sea-Tac Airport Now Open To All
Want to spend the day at the airport even though you are not flying? You now can at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Effective immediately, Sea-Tac will allow 100 non-travelers per day through security checkpoints. The new SEA Visitor Pass program will...
American Airlines Mechanic Pleads Guilty To Sabotaging Aircraft
A long-time American Airlines mechanic has pleaded guilty to tampering with an aircraft, but strongly denied there was any link to terrorism. In a U.S. federal court in Miami, Abdul-Majeed Marouf Ahmed Alani pleaded guilty to attempted destruction of...
Sun Country Growth Plan Fueled By Amazon
Looking to solidly its burgeoning grip over e-commerce, Amazon is enlisting the aid of Sun Country Airlines. The move will mark another pivot for a carrier that has struggled to find its footing. As next-day delivery becomes less of...
Air China In Center Of Spat Between US And China Over North Korea
Photos of Air China refueling in Pyongyang have led to accusations from the US that China has defied tough international sanctions against the repressive North Korean regime. Pictures have emerged documenting that Air China frequently refuels at Pyongyang Sunan...
SPG Should Have Taken the Hyatt Offer
Starwood Preferred Guest hotels sold to Marriott a couple of years ago. Now, following the first full year of their combined loyalty program, it’s clearer than ever – SPG should have taken Hyatt’s acquisition offer. If you are considering...
Boeing Removed Lightning Protection On 787 Dreamliner Over FAA Objections
I’m not in the business of attacking Boeing, but the optics of a decision to remove lightning safety protections on the 787 are not helpful to the troubled aircraft manufacturer. Boeing Removed Lightning Protection On 787 Dreamliner Dominic Gates of...
United Airlines Adds Two New Washington Dulles Routes
United Airlines is continuing its expansion at Washington Dulles with two new routes next summer, further growing its mid-Atlantic hub. In 2020, United will add service to Bangor, Maine (BGR) and Madison, Wisconsin (MSN). Service to Madison is effective...
Nigeria Threatens To Ban Turkish Airlines
Nigeria has issued a ban effective next Monday on Turkish Airlines unless the airline solves an ongoing baggage accommodation problem. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has given Turkish Airlines an ultimatum: stop leaving passenger baggage behind or stop flying...
Unlike Matthew, United’s CEO Change Makes Me Reconsider Loyalty
United announced this week that CEO, Oscar Munoz, would step down with United President, Scott Kirby, taking over May 1st, 2020. Changes like these don’t affect flyers often but I’m reconsidering my loyalty to United. If you are considering...
The Case For, Against Airline Loyalty
Following unwanted management changes at United and unrequited management changes at American, I am re-examining my airline loyalty. Here are the arguments for and against holding loyalty status. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Manchester’s Principal Hotel Rebranded Kimpton Clocktower
We know Manchester (we lived there for several years) and love The Principal hotel. IHG acquired it (along with 13 others) last year in an effort to bolster the Kimpton brand. In January, the Kimpton Clocktower will launch where...
South African Airways Placed In Business Rescue: What Does That Mean?
South African Airways will receive a bailout even though all parties deny it is a bailout. But what does this mean for the airline and its customers? I sort of asked this question already in a post last week,...
Does Terror Alter Your Travel Choices?
Another terror attack in London and the Hague sparked concerns for my family and raised the question of whether or not acts of terror alter our travel choices. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Mass Arrests Across USA As Airport Catering Strikes Bring Civil Unrest
Catering workers are being arrested at airports across the United States as they protest for higher wages and benefits. A nationwide series of strikes and sit-ins have blocked traffic and terminals at airports across the nation. Arrests have been...
Has American Airlines Turned The Corner?
American Airlines has had a rough couple of years, but after a decent performance in the third quarter and some management “changes” has the carrier finally turned the corner? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Hyatt’s “Surprise and Delight” Does Just That
Hyatt began running a “surprise and delight” campaign for Globalist members of the hotel chain’s World of Hyatt program. The promotion is accomplishing its stated goal. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
EU Ambassador Bolts From Impeachment Hearing To United Polaris
U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland must have a very good driver after leaving Capitol Hill at 4:00PM and somehow still making his 5:50PM flight to Brussels on United. After providing testimony implicating President Donald Trump, Secretary...
Cover-Up? The Real Reason An American Airlines A330 Diverted To Dublin
An American Airlines A330-300 did not divert due to a spilled cleaning product. Instead, an oil leak is likely to blame, even as AA denies it. Last month, AA729, pushed back from the gate at London Heathrow on schedule at...
