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Delta Air Lines canceled more flights last month than in 2018 and 2019 combined, following an outage involving their cybersecurity provider, CrowdStrike. The airline delayed addressing customer concerns, denied responsibility for the disruptions, and its CEO attended the Paris Olympics during the crisis.
When you have elite status with a hotel chain, one of the most valued benefits is the potential for an upgrade. This could range from a better view, which is significant at beach resorts, to a suite where guests can enjoy more space or accommodate family members.
Airlines are not typically recognized for their customer service, despite competing for business in an industry closely related to hospitality. Over the years, the number of airlines has decreased, leading to a perception among customers that these companies are large and impersonal bureaucracies. The capital-intensive, heavily regulated, and unionized nature of the airline industry further detracts from its customer focus.
The lawsuit against American Airlines concerning AAdvantage account shutdowns for using credit card signup offers intended for others has not been dismissed or moved to Texas as the airline requested. Instead, it has been moved to private dispute resolution.
United Airlines has been promoting significant deals on award travel this week, featuring a different mystery destination each day with sale prices available only for that day. The destinations have now been revealed ahead of schedule.
A Frontier Airlines passenger, enraged after missing her flight at Chicago O’Hare, threw a computer at airline staff. The woman, quickly labeled a ‘Karen’ online, became violent by jumping over the luggage scale at the check-in counter to confront employees.
Extra person charges are less common in U.S. hotels compared to Europe and other regions, where rooms often have strict occupancy limits and additional fees for extra guests. This difference can lead to unexpected charges for travelers unfamiliar with international practices.
American Airlines' recent changes to its standby policies have sparked significant frustration among frequent flyers. The airline's focus on cost-cutting measures appears to be causing inconvenience for many customers, with several reporting being stranded at airports due to the new rules.
An American Airlines passenger recently experienced two consecutive flights where overhead bins were virtually empty, yet passengers were required to gate check their carry-on bags. Despite ample space in the cabin, they were not permitted to bring their bags onboard.
Reader Doug inquired about the absence of Coca-Cola in Turkish Airlines' business class or Miles & Smiles lounges in Istanbul. The reason is a political statement.
Individuals are increasingly taking glamor shots for their passport photos, staging the lighting to enhance their appearance. This trend, however, is causing complications at immigration checkpoints. TikToker Beth Gould shared her experience upon landing in Taiwan: “The machine said my passport photo didn’t look like me, so I had to go to the desk and get my identification verified.”
Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Chicago Midway found themselves in an uncomfortable situation when a woman's hair draped over the back of their seat. Seeking assistance, they approached a flight attendant, who reportedly responded with, “What exactly would you like me to do?”
A recent incident involving a couple traveling together on an anniversary trip has sparked debate over travel etiquette and honesty. The couple was flying with American Airlines, where only one upgrade seat to first class was available. The husband suggested they both remain in coach to stay together, and the wife agreed.
News and notes from around the internet:
Airlines use up to four digits for flight numbers, allowing a maximum of 9,999 flights. Despite this seemingly ample range, major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United are facing a shortage of available flight numbers.
Delta Air Lines experienced a significant operational failure following a glitch from CrowdStrike, resulting in more flight cancellations over five days than in all of 2018 and 2019 combined. The incident cost the airline approximately $500 million. Amidst the crisis, Delta's CEO was reported to have traveled to Paris for the Olympics, leaving employees and passengers to manage the aftermath.
United Airlines has announced a devaluation of its MileagePlus program, specifically affecting premium award prices for flights to Europe and South America. This move continues a trend that has seen the value of United miles diminish over time. Critics have noted that despite efforts by Andrew Nocella to improve the program, changes like these undermine consumer value. The hiring of a former Comcast executive to oversee the program has also raised concerns about the airline's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Bilt Rewards has raised an additional $150 million at a $3.25 billion valuation, with the funding round led by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Other participants included Vanderbilt University Endowment, the University of Illinois Foundation, and existing investors. This extension follows a January funding round that increased Bilt’s valuation from $3.1 billion to $3.25 billion.
On Sunday, individuals can visit any DoubleTree hotel to receive a free cookie, even if they are not guests. The offer includes both the original warm chocolate chip cookie and an allergy-free version. This initiative coincides with National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
A video that has gone viral shows President Biden appearing to be confused while attempting to board the wrong plane. The claim is that he mistook a small jet for Air Force One. This incident aligns with narratives suggesting that he frequently loses situational awareness, raising questions about his competence to hold office now and in the future.