Qantas unveiled “the biggest overhaul to the airline’s loyalty program in its 32 year history” earlier today in Sydney. But put simply, the changes are not as draconian as I feared. Here’s how Qantas spins the “major initiatives” members...
Five TSA Officers Injured In Phoenix By “Brazen” Teenager
A teenager is in custody after attempting to rush past a security checkpoint at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. By the time he was subdued, he had injured five agents. At 9:45 AM Tuesday morning, 19-year-old Tyrese Garner tried to...
Supermodel Apologizes For “Racist” Airport Lounge Photo
Supermodel Bella Hadid has apologized for a cultural faux pas committed in an airport lounge on Instagram. On Instagram Stories, the 22-year-old model placed her boot against the window in an airport lounge, with the sole pointing at a Saudia...
Warning: Qantas To Announce “Overhaul” Of Frequent Flyer Program
Qantas will unveil “the biggest overhaul to the airline’s loyalty program in its 32 year history” tomorrow. Be very afraid. A frequent flyer program that already lacks value will likely become even less valuable. Forgive my cynicism, but when...
Attack Of The Italian Ants On United Airlines!
United Airlines was forced to “deep clean” a 767-300 after it was overrun with oversized ants on a flight from Venice. Charlotte Burns, an New York-based editor, live tweeted the entire incident in hilarious fashion: She saw a couple...
Foreign Carriers Can Now Operate Domestic Flights In Brazil
Foreign carriers can now operate domestic flights in Brazil thanks to a new law signed by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. But don’t count on free checked baggage. I wrote about the proposed law last month, noting that it would...
Thai Airways Blames Declining Revenue On US – Chinese Trade Tensions
Thai Airways is blaming lower-than-expected revenue on a drop in Chinese tourism, further exacerbated by Chinese trade tensions with the United States. The argument goes like this: In the first quarter, the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand has...
Premium Economy Best Way to Qualify For Status
Last week I wrote about the need for a status run on United to maintain my 1K status. It’s clear that Premium Economy is the best way to re-qualify on seemingly any US airline. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Mechanics Slowdown Makes American Airlines Safer, Not Enjoyable
Mechanics at American Airlines have been negotiating their contract (and have been out of contract) for years. Work slowdowns for maintenance concerns, however, make the carrier safer, even if inconvenient. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Breaking: United 757 Skids Off Runway, Newark Closed
UPDATE (20:15): United issued the following statement, noting the 757 experienced “multiple flat tires” upon landing in Newark. United issued the following statement: United flight 627 from Denver to Newark, New Jersey experienced multiple flat tires upon landing in...
737 MAX Ferry Flight Blocked From German Airspace
A 737 MAX 8 ferry flight was denied the right to fly over Germany, forcing an unplanned landing in France for refueling. As mandatory worldwide groundings continue for the troubled 737 MAX 8, Norwegian is attempting to consolidate its...
International Protests Mount Over New Machu Picchu Airport
Last month, I wrote about a proposed new airport near Machu Picchu in Peru. Many readers expressed outrage over its construction. As construction progresses, international protests have increased. Even though the new airport has been planned for decades, it was...
Busted: How A New Jersey Woman Smuggled Airline Parts Into Iran
A New Jersey woman faces up to five years in prison for her role in a scheme to smuggle airline parts illegally into Iran. Joyce Eliabachu pleaded guilty on Tuesday to playing a pivotal role in smuggling over $2,000,000...
Suicidal Man Held Without Bail After Chasing Estranged Wife Through Airport With Fake Bomb
A knife-wielding suicidal man chased his estranged wife through an airport terminal in Brisbane, Australia with a fake bomb as part of an ongoing bitter custody battle over their children. Gamal Elsaied Elboushi is in a heap of trouble....
Dubai Is Manipulating Weather To Create More Rain
Dubai and other emirates in the United Arab Emirates are creating rain through cloud seeding technology, hoping to bring year-around precipitation to the sun-baked land. I’ve been to Dubai several times over the years during the summer months. The...
United Airlines Reaches Secret Compromise Over Los Angeles Landmark
More than two years later, United Airlines and the University of Southern California have reached a compromise on naming rights for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The agreement is shrouded in secrecy. In May 2017, USC and United announced...
American Airlines Executives Throw Away Cash, Buy More AAL Stock
This week American Airlines senior executives loaded their personal coffers with even more American Airlines stock (AAL). Was it a sign of hubris or idiocy? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
British Airways Abandons Special 747 Flights
British Airways has scrapped plans to operate a trio of Boeing 747s on domestic routes in commemoration of its 100th birthday. As I wrote about on Monday, 747s suddenly popped into the schedule for the following six flights on...
United Airlines Operates “Flight For The Planet”
United Airlines claims it operated “the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation” from Chicago to Los Angeles on Wednesday. Combining biofuel with carbon credits and compostable service ware with “gentle” taxiing, United achieved (virtually)...
Uber Copter Will Compete With BLADE For Manhattan – JFK Traffic
Uber will offer helicopter service between Lower Manhattan and New York JFK starting this summer. The ride-sharing service plans to take on BLADE, which currently offers helicopter service between all three New York airports (JFK, LGA, and EWR) and...
