United announced on Friday afternoon that they would increase the spending requirement for their 1K (100,000-mile elite) members from $12,000 per year to $15,000. This is an effort to thin the herd as they have too many top-tier elite...
Pittsburgh Quietly Losing Routes Despite Additions
Pittsburgh has made big headlines over the last five years as they try to grow their footprint back from near obsolescence. However, as announcement after announcement comes from Steel City, the airport is quietly losing routes too. If you...
Alaska Airlines Cuts Pre-Flight Alcohol in First Class…For Now
If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage before your flight, it may be best to avoid Alaska Airlines. At least for now. In fact, complimentary alcohol has been missing since August 01st. Spokeswoman Ann Johnson told USA Today this...
Horizon Airplane Stolen – Imagining The Investigation
On Friday night a Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines commuter subsidiary) was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. While details remain incomplete, I imagined the investigation that would follow such an event, here are my thoughts of what has taken place....
Commercial Aircraft Stolen From Seattle, F-15s Pursue, Pilot Commits Suicide
A Horizon Air Q400 turbojet was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport then crashed 25 miles away as it was being pursued by F-15s. Sadly, this is not a joke. Alaska Airlines, of which Horizon is a subsidiary, initially issued this...
Let’s Give Alaska Airlines The Benefit Of The Doubt
Alaska Airlines has taken a lot of heat this week over an allegation that it deliberately separated a gay couple onboard a New York to Los Angeles flight so a straight couple could sit together. But I’m ready to...
Sun Country Airlines Challenges Alaska Airlines in Portland
Sun Country Airlines is continuing its expansion beyond Minneapolis with service from Portland, Oregon to five new cities, including Honolulu. If Portland sounds far from Minneapolis, it is…1,426 miles to be exact. But the “new” Sun Country is looking...
Exchanging Free Business Class For Paid
Though we already had our Christmas tickets purchased, a change in the plans thanks to Hotwire.com had us swap in our “free” (paid with miles) tickets for reasonably-priced business class tickets. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
Alaska Airlines Is Ditching What Made It Special
Alaska Airlines is praised for its customer-friendly policies and lack of nickel and diming. But that unique position continues to erode. Starting on June 05, 2018, Alaska Airlines will make three major fee changes. 1. 24-hour free change/cancellation policy...
Latest Alaska Devaluation Was Bizarre Overreaction
Have you ever heard the old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater?” That’s what Alaska Airlines just did in its latest Mileage Plan devaluation. Alaska Airlines now blocks partner redemptions on Cathay Pacific and JAL within...
Prosecutors Allege Alaska Airlines Pilot Flew Drunk for 20 Years
A former Alaska Airlines pilot will plead guilty and serve one year in prison for flying a plane while under the influence of alcohol. But prosecutors paint a grim picture of what could have happened. David Hans Arntson, 62, flew...
Disgusting: FAs Indifferent to Sexual Harassment on Alaska Airlines
The recent wave of sexual harassment allegations is transforming the U.S. landscape and emboldening more every day to come forward with their stories. But such treatment, generally against women, persists…and some practices die hard. Like on Alaska Airlines… I...
