As United makes painful adjustments to its flight operations in light of prolonged depressed demand, pilots across the network will feel pain. First Step: United Airlines Will Close Many Pilot Bases Earlier today, I wrote about how United is...
Southwest CEO: It’s “Absolutely” Safe To Fly
Southwest CEO Gary Kelly has a message for weary travelers: it’s safe to fly. He was a guest on Face The Nation yesterday on CBS and the very first question asked by host Margaret Brennan was whether it is...
United Airlines Has More Pilots Than Daily Passengers: Staggering Job Cuts Loom
United Airlines is hardly unique having more pilots than daily passengers, but it is the first airline that has indicated how it might handle pilot job cuts once CARES Act funding dries up this autumn. United Airlines Hints That...
American Airlines Business Class for United MileagePlus Coach Prices
The coronavirus crisis has thrown the entire travel industry into turmoil and it can be confusing how brands respond. American Airlines, however, is dropping prices while United is increasing them. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Feeling Restless, Wishing I Was in Laos
Of all the places I find myself longing to return during the restless coronavirus crisis, I’m wishing I was in Laos. This is a reminder from our last trip there about a year ago. If you are considering booking...
Thinking About Gaggan, Returning to Bangkok
Quarantine during the coronavirus crisis has made most travellers long for the return to favorite places. For me, I’d love to return to Bangkok, Thailand and try Gaggan’s new restaurant. Here is a revisit of my experience at the...
Expecting To Travel This Summer? Your U.S. Passport May Be A Big Problem
While a United States passport is not the most powerful passport in the world, it is certainly in the top tier. But with COVID-19 still a growing concern, might U.S. citizens be locked out of the summer travel season?...
Are New American Express Card Benefits Worthwhile?
With travel grounded and travel benefits a primary perk of several cards, American Express got creative this week with new category bonuses and statement credits. But do the new benefits still justify the annual fee? New Perks For American...
United Airlines Unilaterally Reduces Employees From Full-Time To Part-Time Status
After trying to play nice with unions, United Airlines took unilateral action on Friday to shift two work groups from full-time to part-time. Unions are crying foul but United asserts it is still in compliance with the CARES Act....
United Airlines Suspends 20 Additional International Routes, Announces June 2020 International Schedule
United Airlines just shared its June international schedule internally, which includes the suspension of more European routes and a cautious resumption of others. United also hopes to return to Mainland China. What Additional Flights Is United Airlines Cutting? United...
Airline Passenger Counts Rebound…To 1956 Levels
Yesterday was the busiest day at U.S. airports in more than a month, in terms of how many people passed thru TSA airport security. Yes, things are looking up…like it’s 1956. It’s a chilling figure, isn’t it? After the...
Exclusive: United Airlines Cuts Compensation Limits By Up To 85%
Those $10,000 offers to take a later flight when your flight is full? Another relic of the past. United Airlines will now limit voluntary denied boarding compensation to a maximum flight credit of $2,500, a 75% reduction. It is...
Southwest Catches JetBlue In Long Beach
JetBlue’s strategic retreat from Long Beach now positions Southwest Airlines to become the airport’s largest airline. It was only in June 2016 when Southwest began serving Long Beach (LGB) with four daily flights. But thanks to quieter aircraft and...
Wow: Lufthansa Pilots Volunteer 45% Pay Cut For Two Years
Lufthansa pilots have volunteered to offer a 45% pay cut for more than two years in order to avoid job furloughs. It’s a tempting offer, but I’m still not sure it will work. Lufthansa Pilots Offer Surprise Concession* Without...
American, Delta, United Make Masks Mandatory For All Passengers
The big three legacy airlines in the United States will all require passengers to wear masks starting next month. American Airlines Makes Masks Mandatory For Passengers Starting May 11, 2020, American will require facial masks onboard, with two exceptions:...
U.S. Supreme Court Debates First Class Vs. Economy Class
A narrow majority on the U.S. Supreme Court indicated a preference for “first class” information over “economy class” information in a recent ruling, using a metaphor that strikes close to home. No, this is not really a travel-related post....
Delta’s Ludicrous Contradiction On Air Travel Safety
So Delta, is traveling with you safe or unsafe? Apparently, it depends upon the audience… Visit delta.com and you’ll see Delta taking about how it is delivering a “safe, healthy, clean” travel experience. Delta has rolled out “Delta Clean”,...
Air France Must Cut Domestic Flights In Exchange For State Aid
As an exchange for state aid, Air France must aggressively cut carbon emissions, which will include a suspension of domestic flight sales on routes that are well-served by high speed train. Air France Close To Receiving €7 Billion In Aid...
United Airlines Extends Change Fee Waiver
United Airlines has extended its change fee waiver another month, with free changes and cancellations now permitted through May 31, 2020. Yesterday evening, each MileagePlus member received an email from Toby Enqvist, United’s Chief Customer Officer. The letter was full...
United Raises Partner Award Costs: Here’s The Breakdown…
When the going gets tough, stick it to them where it hurts…United Airlines has raised the cost of awards on partner airlines by at least 10% across the board. Earlier today I wrote about United Airlines’ decision to no...
