Paul Frishkorn, a well-loved and well-respected Philadelphia-based flight attendant for American Airlines, has died due to complications arising from COVID-19. Up until his final days, Frishkorn served as both a flight attendant and union representative. In that latter role,...
American Airlines Backs Downs On Mask Ban
American Airlines (wisely) backed down on its ban on masks for flight attendants, now allowing them to wear masks onboard and in airports if they so choose. If the U.S. government is to believed (and that’s sadly not a...
American and United Match Delta’s More Flexible Change Fee Waiver
American and United quickly matched Delta’s decision to further loosen its change fee waiver, a move that was long overdue, but nevertheless better late than never. Up until this point, the “Big 3” U.S. airlines have used change fee...
Airlines: Remember Those Elite Travelers You Didn’t Need?
Airlines ramped up elite status qualifications over the last few years because they had too many elite travelers. But now, they need them more than ever, are they remorseful? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
American Airlines Pushes Credit Cards Then Closes Accounts
American Airlines has begun to excommunicate members for signing up for their credit card offers. But what’s the whole story and do they have the right to do it? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
American Airlines: Better Late Than Never….
You wouldn’t be foolish for wondering if American Airlines was throwing everything against the wall lately, just hoping something would stick. But I’m going to give American Airlines a bit more credit. Yesterday, I discussed AA’s mad dash to...
Miniature Horse Flies First Class On American Airlines…
As the U.S. Department of Transportation considers sweeping changes that would allow airlines to ban emotional support animals and limit service animals to dogs, one miniature horse traveled across the country in first class on American Airlines. Ronica Froese...
Alaska Airlines Joining oneworld Doesn’t Assure Program’s Demise
This week, Alaska Airlines joining oneworld made headlines. Many critics were quick to assume the death of one of the greatest loyalty programs in the world. Joining oneworld doesn’t have to mean Mileage Plan’s demise. If you are considering...
Airlines Use Coronavirus As Excuse To Reduce Losses, Save Face
The airline business is tricky, but some carriers see opportunity in the Coronavirus to reduce their losses and save face when routes haven’t gone as planned. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Opportunistic? American Airlines Pilots Refuse To Fly China, Sue Airline
I’m not saying, I’m asking: is there a direct link between the battle for a new contract and pilot’s refusal to fly to China at American Airlines? American Airlines Pilots Fight For New Contract I’ve written about the ongoing...
Editorial: Delta Is Living In The Future
Delta has become the airline to beat in many respects among US carriers. From pet carriers to closed-door business class suites, Delta is absolutely living in the future. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
American Airlines Hasn’t Resolved Labor Issues
The summer from hell has passed for American Airlines. Despite no announcements of any deals with their unions, all seems calm among labor groups at the world’s largest carrier, but that’s deceiving. If you are considering booking travel or signing up...
Waiting For The Next AAdvantage Devaluation? It’s Already Here
If you thought the elimination of close-in award bookings fees on American (to match Delta and United) was simply a gift, you have not been paying attention. Have you seen what “AAnytime” awards are suddenly pricing at? American Airlines...
Creepy American Airlines Employee Stalked Female Passenger At Airport And Onboard, Offered Her Free Flights
An American Airlines employee is in big trouble after misappropriating personal passenger information in a manner which can only be described as super creepy. Imagine you are sitting in the gate area and all of a sudden receive the...
Spend Your Upgrades Early and Often
Hotels, airlines and even car rental companies give us benefits that are good all year, but sometimes we treat them too preciously. This is the year to spend your upgrades early and often! If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Loyalty in 2019, Plan For 2020
At the turn of the year (and in this case, the turn of the decade) reflection is important before forging ahead. My loyalty experience in 2019 was interesting, 2020 feels more intentional already. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
American Airlines Shows Advantages of Eliminating Award Charts
American Airlines offered an outstanding deal in long haul first-class and great prices on business class fares. As much as we all want to hate airlines eliminating award charts, this example shows excellent advantages to doing so. If you...
Analysis: American Airlines Sues Delta Over “Flagship”
American Airlines has sued Delta over its use of the term “flagship” in its brand marketing. I wouldn’t call this a frivolous case, though I am not certain American Airlines can show consumer confusion, a key hurdle for winning...
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...
Why Meal Service Matters, Even On Late Evening Flights
My trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles via Chicago on United this week demonstrates how limited meal service windows can leave passengers very hungry, even in first class. I needed a late flight out of Philadelphia because I had...