Dear Readers, I’ve received an uptick in nasty email and comments this week celebrating the imminent collapse of Live and Let’s Fly. I’ve also received notes and comments from many concerned about me and my family as we adjust...
United Airlines Warns Of Mass Layoffs Absent Government Bailout
The message from United Airlines is clear: bail us out or we are going to start laying off massive number of workers. Earlier today I shared that United Airlines will reduce international service by 95% in April. Domestic service...
United Airlines Will Reduce International Schedule 95% In April, Cut All Longhaul Service
Blaming depressed demand and government restrictions, United Airlines will cut 95% of international travel in April, leaving service to only a handful of cities in Mexico. United Airlines Suspends All Transatlantic Service United is suspending all service to Europe,...
The Last Supper In The Polaris Lounge…
United has shuttered all of its Polaris lounges, hopefully just on a temporary basis. What are we missing during this time? Dinner In United Polaris Lounge Newark Last week, I enjoyed linner (lunch and dinner in one sitting) in...
Are Flight Attendants Onboard ONLY For Safety And Security?
In the new world of COVID-19, are flight attendants onboard only for safety and security? A comment in a story I wrote earlier today, has left me scratching my head. Lisa, who presumably is a flight attendant, commented on...
Labor War Reignites At American Airlines
Flight attendants are “highly offended” at American Airlines over disparities in treatment between themselves and pilots as well as about their working conditions and options for leave. In an open letter written by Lori L. Bassani, National President of...
United Airlines Closes Additional United Clubs
3/20/20 Update United will close five more clubs; two effective today and three on Saturday: Now closed: Raleigh-Durham – RDU – United Club London Heathrow – LHR – Arrivals Lounge Tomorrow (3/21), the following three lounges will close: Mexico...
Even Emirates May Ground A380 Fleet
When it comes to Airbus A380 operators, there are many airlines. Then there is Emirates, the outlier with over 100 in its fleet. But even Emirates is mulling the grounding of its A380s. Already, we’ve seen Lufthansa, Air France,...
First Impressions: Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto
The Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto exceeded my already-lofty expectations with great service and delicious food. I spent several hours in the Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), enjoying a very tasty multi-course meal and several great cups...
Why I Oppose Bailouts For Airlines, Hotels, And Especially Boeing
I’ve chewed on this issue for several days, trying to place logic over emotion and seek pragmatism over pettiness. But I simply cannot support the sort of widescale bailouts that airlines, hotels, and even Boeing are now seeking. First,...
How Delta Air Lines Will Combat Falling Demand
In a note to employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian outlines the aggressive steps Delta is taking to address growing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bastian notes “it is safe to travel, but always make sure you are taking the...
Social Distancing Is Hard Work For This Restless Traveller…
It’s only day three of my self-imposed social distancing campaign and this is proving to be very difficult. This traveler is just not a homebody. Monday was supposed to be the start, but I went into the office…I’m just...
Man Spits On Flight Attendant, She Slaps Him, He Decks Her…
In a nasty brawl filled with foul language and violence, a passenger spit on a flight attendant then tackled her when she slapped him. I would start by watching the video below, which was allegedly filmed last Friday. The...
How Airport Lounges Are Adapting To Our New World…
Airport lounges are adjusting to the our new world by reducing shared spaces, especially those involving food. I flew though Istanbul Sunday and spent a few hours in the Turkish Airlines Business lounge, one of my favorite lounges in...
Here Are The Domestic Routes United Will Suspend Next Month
United Airlines will suspend several domestic and transborder Canadian routes next month, though the cuts are not as deep as I originally anticipated. Only one city, Mammoth Lakes, California, will lose service completely. Other cities will see cuts from...
United Will Operate Only 45 Daily International Flights In April 2020
United Airlines will dramatically reduce its international service in April 2020, operating only about 45 daily flights and 36 routes. United Arlines International Schedule For April 2020 United will reduce international flights in April by 85% over 2019 levels....
Cute: Now Even The Silvers Get Upgraded
With demand for air travel cratering, even low-tier elites are receiving complimentary upgrades on many U.S. domestic routes. It was so cute to watch the joy of a young couple who were upgraded on my recent flight from Washington...
First Impressions: Air Canada 787 Business Class
Let’s take a break from the coronavirus headlines for a brief look at my recent Air Canada flight in business class from Toronto to Los Angeles. Air Canada really impressed me with service, comfort, and meals on what felt...
Why British Airways Is Not Seeking Government Aid…Yet
While airlines around the world are approaching governments for aid, British Airways has taken a different approach. In the United Kingdom, Flybe went out of business early after the COVID-19 outbreak due to depressed demand. Virgin Atlantic has now...
U.S. Airlines Seek Over $50 Billion In Government Assistance
U.S. airlines have asked the U.S. government for $50 billion in assistance, citing continued negative pressure from COVID-19. As reported by CNBC, Airlines For America, the lobbying arm of the major U.S. passenger and cargo airlines, has asked the...
