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ANA Rolls Out New Amenity Kits for Premium Cabin Travelers
ANA Rolls Out New Amenity Kits for Premium Cabin Travelers
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The airline announced new amenity kits coming to the premium cabins in a collaboration with Ettinger Bags and two major cosmetics companies.
New Kits Feature Bags from Recycled Materials and Sustainable Cosmetics
The new amenity kits will come to ANA flights starting in January 2024 contained in Ettinger pouches. ANA will be the first international carrier to feature the luxury brand as part of their amenity kit. The pouches will be made of “natural cotton canvas and recycled materials.”
Image Courtesy: All Nippon Airways
Flyers in both First Class and Business Class will receive different amenities. In First Class, flyers will find SENSAI cosmetics, including a toner lotion, cream, and lip treatment. SENSAI products are described by the airline as “made from materials grown on a recycling-oriented farm that does not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers for some of its ingredients.”
In Business Class, flyers will receive Aveda cosmetics in their amenity kit, featuring a lip balm and Shampure body lotion. Aveda derives their products from natural resources and are never tested on animals.
In addition to the Ettinger bag, both classes will receive a recycled ANA original reusable bag. The airline says the new amenity kits reflect their dedication to sustainable travel towards the future.
“ANA’s collaboration with ETTINGER symbolizes our commitment to sustainability and provides customers with luxurious products that enhances their travel experience,” Tomoji Ishii, executive vice president of customer experience management and planning at ANA, said in a press release. “These amenity pouches are not just travel companies; they represent ANA’s dedication to our ANA Future Promise goals of removing plastic.”
The move comes as ANA continues to deepen their plans into improving the customer experience. In March 2023, the airline announced a partnership with IHG Hotels, including co-advertising between the two companies and cross-booking opportunities for flyers.
Keep up with everything ANA on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 21, 2023 at 12:13PM
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Southwest Reaches Tentative Deal with Pilots Union
Southwest Reaches Tentative Deal with Pilots Union
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The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) announced they have come to a tentative deal with the airline, with a unionwide vote scheduled through January 22, 2023.
Tentative Agreement Could End Three Years of Negotiations
The last contract between Southwest and SWAPA ended in 2020, with little progress being made on a new contract. The union held a strike vote in May 2023, leading to the two sides going to mediation by September.
Reuters reports the new deal is valued at $12 billion through December 2028. While SWAPA did not provide definitive numbers in their press release, the union noted the agreement “provides significant gains in compensation, with pay rate increases over the next four years.” The new agreement also provides “improvements to work rules and flying schedules, better disability coverage, and increases to retirement benefits.”
“Our membership has fought for almost four years to reach an agreement with Southwest Airlines,” SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray said in a press release. “They now have the opportunity to evaluate this deal and cast their vote accordingly.”
The move comes as labor unions are putting more pressure on airlines to secure contracts in a post-COVID world. In November, American Airlines flight attendants requested permission to strike from the National Mediation Board, claiming their negotiations were deadlocked with the carrier. Earlier in December, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA representing Alaska Airlines flight attendants called for vote to authorize a strike. Alaska Airlines says they are working with the union towards a tentative agreement.
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December 21, 2023 at 10:51AM
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Delta and El Al Form Codeshare and Rewards Agreement
Delta and El Al Form Codeshare and Rewards Agreement
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The Atlanta-based carrier announced the launch of a new partnership with El Al Israel Airlines, which includes reciprocal codeshare flights and frequent flyer benefits.
Codeshare to include Flights From Israel to Three U.S. Gateways
Under the new agreement, Delta will add their code for El Al flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) from five U.S. airports: New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan Airport (BOS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). In turn, when Delta resumes flying to Tel Aviv, they will add El Al’s code to inbound flights to JFK, Boston, and Los Angeles, as well as an additional 280 flights across the United States.
In addition, members of both airlines loyalty programs will have the ability to earn and redeem miles on each other’s airlines. Delta SkyMiles flyers can earn miles or use them for flights aboard El Al, while El Al Matmid members can earn points when flying aboard Delta flights.
“Delta remains steadfast in our long-time commitment to serving consumers and businesses who depend on convenient, high-quality air service to and from Tel Aviv,” Alain Bellemare, president of international at Delta, said in a press release. “Through our codeshare agreement with EL AL, we will offer customers more convenient travel options between North America and Israel.”
The move comes as all three legacy U.S. carriers paused international flights to Israel amid the war with Hamas. Delta initially cancelled their schedule to Tel Aviv at the beginning of October 2023, and has not yet announced when they may continue flights to the nation.
Stay up to date with all things Delta on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 19, 2023 at 04:22PM
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Southwest Fined $140 Million Over 2022 Holiday Season Meltdown
Southwest Fined $140 Million Over 2022 Holiday Season Meltdown
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The figure comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $140 million civil penalty against Southwest for “numerous violations of consumer protection laws” during the network-wide chaos, causing over 16,000 flights to be cancelled and over two million flyers displaced.
Penalty Includes Credit for $90 Million Compensation Fund, Rapid Rewards Deposits
According to the Transportation Department, the $140 million civil penalty is based on three major shortcomings by the airline during the network meltdown. First, the administrative body says Southwest did not provide adequate customer service, as flyers were “often met with busy signals, hours-long queues to connect with agents, or dropped calls.” The carrier was also accused of not providing timely updates on flight status, as well as failing to provide refunds in a “prompt and proper manner.”
Although the announced fine was $140 million, Southwest will only pay $35 million to the U.S. Treasury. The company will receive a $72 million offset for creating a $90 million compensation fund for future travel vouchers.
“In the event Southwest causes a passenger to arrive at their destination three hours or more after their original scheduled arrival time due to an issue within Southwest’s control, Southwest is required to provide the passenger with a transferrable $75 voucher for future use on the airline,” the Transportation Department said in a statement.
Southwest will also get a $33 million credit on the penalty for providing each affected flyer with 25,000 Rapid Rewards miles in compensation.
“Today’s action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: if airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Taking care of passengers is not just the right thing to do — it’s required, and this penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again.”
The civil penalty is in addition to around $600 million in refunds provided to travelers who were directly affected by the incident. The Transportation Department says the $140 million fined “is 30 times larger than any previous DOT penalty for consumer protection violations.”
Share your thoughts on the Southwest Airlines civil penalty on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 19, 2023 at 03:25PM
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Alaska Rolls Out A More Rewarding Mileage Plan
Alaska Rolls Out “A More Rewarding Mileage Plan”
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In a quiet update to the Alaska website and posted to the FlyerTalk Forums, the airline announced what the loyalty program will look like in the New Year.
Elite Status Based on Elite Qualifying Miles Without Minimum Alaska Flights
The biggest change for 2024 is how elite status is earned. Starting on January 1, 2024, flyers status will be based solely on the number of elite qualifying miles earned aboard Alaska and the carriers global partners. In addition, the airline is also eliminating the minimum flight requirements aboard Alaska Airlines’ flights.
Because elite status will only be earned through elite qualifying miles, flyers will no longer be able to become a Mileage Plan MVP through flown segments. The number of elite qualifying miles needed to reach the elite tiers will stay the same.
To help top-tier elites retain their status, the carrier will automatically roll over any elite qualifying miles earned by MVP Gold 100K flyers in 2023 to the 2024 qualification year. Gold 100K elites will also get additional options for their choice benefits, including 50,000 miles, gifting MVP Gold status to another person, complimentary internet access aboard Alaska flights, or complimentary Clear Plus membership.
Alaska flyers will also be able to earn elite qualifying miles from their credit card spend. During 2024, credit card holders can earn 4,000 elite qualifying miles for every $10,000 spent on the card. Using this method, Mileage Plan members can earn a total of 20,000 elite qualifying miles.
On the downside, the bonus mileage earnings for most elite flyers will drop in 2025. Mileage Plan MVP and MVP Gold 75K flyers will earn 25% fewer bonus points, while MVP Golds will drop from 100% to 50%. Top-tier MVP Gold 100K flyers will see no change to their elite bonus mile earnings.
Share your thoughts about the 2024 Alaska Mileage Plan changes on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 14, 2023 at 02:07AM
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Oneworld Carriers Add New International Partners
Oneworld Carriers Add New International Partners
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Both American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced new travel partners, opening doorways to The Philippines and Canada, respectively.
Partnerships Expand Destinations Through Select International Routes
At American Airlines, their newest codeshare is flag carrier Philippine Airlines, based out of the capital city Manilla. American flyers will be able to book codeshare flights to Manila and the beaches of Cebu aboard Philippine through Tokyo. Flyers can also connect to Manila aboard the airline from Honolulu and Guam. American will carry the Philippine codeshare aboard flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to seven U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
“We are excited to partner with Philippine Airlines, which will provide our customers seamless connections to Manila, the capital and economic hub of the region, and Cebu, the gateway to countless tropical islands with pristine beaches,” Anmol Bhargava, American’s vice president of global alliances and partnerships, said in a statement. “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our partnership with Philippine Airlines.”
For Alaska Airlines, Canada’s Porter Airlines will become the Seattle-based carrier’s 30th global airline partner. The new alliance will connect Alaska flyers to Eastern Canada via Toronto through Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The Canadian carrier is planning on operating the Embraer E195-E2 from the West Coast to Toronto starting on January 16, 2024.
Tickets for the new service is now available for purchase on Alaska’s website. Mileage Plan members traveling on the Porter partner flights will earn at least 100% of miles flown and 100% of elite qualifying miles towards future status.
Stay up to date on everything Alaska Airlines and American Airlines on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 14, 2023 at 01:37AM
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Hilton Offers Status Match to Aeromexico Elites
Hilton Offers Status Match to Aeromexico Elites
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The hotel operator announced a special status match for all Aeromexico elites, offering Hilton Honors Gold status for a limited time.
Aeromexico Status Match Includes Challenge to Keep Gold Status Through 2024
The status match is open to Aeromexico Rewards elite members at all levels (Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) who also have a Hilton Honors account. After signing up for Hilton Honors and putting their Hilton Honors number into the website, members will be able to verify their status level to get matched to Hilton Honors Gold.
Once the status match is approved, Aeromexico elites will get 90 days of Hilton Honors Gold status and all the perks that come with, including room upgrades where available, spa discounts at all-inclusive properties, rollover nights, and faster Milestone bonuses. As always, members can also transfer Hilton Honors points to Aeromexico to get closer towards free flights.
The status upgrade also comes with a challenge to keep it through 2024. If guests stay six nights within the 90-day window, they will receive Hilton Honors Gold for another year from their achievement date. The challenge is shorter than the 40-night requirement usually required for Gold status.
The new status match opportunity comes as Hilton and American Express recently announced upgrades to their Hilton Honors cobranded credit cards. Some of the upgrades to the cards include additional points per $1 spent, Emerald Club Executive status, statement credits for use at Hilton hotels, and limited cell phone protection.
Keep up with everything Hilton Honors on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 12, 2023 at 12:54PM
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Japan Airlines to Debut A350 on U.S. Routes
Japan Airlines to Debut A350 on U.S. Routes
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The carrier announced the first passenger flights of the Airbus A350-1000 will take place between Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting January 24, 2024.
Tokyo-Dallas Flight First of Two A350 Airframes to Start Service in Four Months
The first flight using the next-generation A350-1000 will start on January 24, 2024, codesharing with joint venture partner American Airlines. The flight from Tokyo Haneda to John F. Kennedy International Airport, Japan Airlines Flight 6, will depart Japan at 11:05 a.m. local time, and arrive in New York at 10 a.m. The return from New York, Japan Airlines Flight 5, will leave New York at 12:40 p.m. to arrive in Tokyo at 5:15 p.m. on the next day. The flight will become a daily route once the airline receives their second A350, scheduled for delivery by March 31, 2024.
Shortly after the Tokyo-New York route launches, the airline intends to offer the A350-1000 on a second route between the two countries. With their third A350-1000, the carrier will add service between Tokyo Haneda and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The service is part of a larger plan to introduce the A350 to several North American markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
The new aircraft will feature the airline’s latest improvements to the premium cabins. The First Class cabin will feature fully-enclosed suites with convertible lie-flat beds, while the Business Class suites will offer privacy partitions and increased headroom by cutting overhead bins from over the middle seats.
Japan Airlines’ ultimate goal is to replace their fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000. The airline currently has 13 on order from the French manufacturer.
Learn more about Japan Airlines and their planned Airbus A350-1000 service on the FlyerTalk Forums.
Feature image courtesy: Japan Airlines
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December 12, 2023 at 11:43AM
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Mexicana Plans Revival Before New Years Day 2024
Mexicana Plans Revival Before New Years Day 2024
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Reuters reports the carrier – now run by the Mexican military – is planning to launch new routes despite having an agreement for aircraft fall through.
Revival Plans Calls for Flights with Boeing 737 Airframes
Mexicana was once one of the oldest airlines in the world, before being forced to fold in 2010. The revival of the name will be backed by the country’s government and run using military aircraft.
The company’s goal was to relaunch with as many as 10 Boeing 737-800 airframes by October 2023, alongside another agreement to rent Embraer 145 regional jets. With the deals falling through, the airline will now launch with two military aircraft: A Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-300.
To keep their operator license, Mexicana will need to take the two aircraft into possession. The 737s are currently being inspected before they can be “delivered” to the airline. From there, the airline will need to determine which “initial” routes will be offered by their target launch date of December 26, 2023.
With the government relaunch, officials in Mexico promised to offer a lower-cost option for air travel than other airlines operating in Mexico. It is unclear where the airline will fly, if they are looking to add international service sooner rather than later, or if they will seek to join an airline alliance.
If the carrier does look to U.S. expansion, Mexicana could be the first new carrier to fly north since the Federal Aviation Administration restored Mexico’s Category 1 safety rating. The FAA downgraded Mexico’s status in 2021, before bringing it back to the highest tier in September 2023.
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December 06, 2023 at 09:02PM
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Future of JetBlue-Spirit Merger Now in Judges Hands
Future of JetBlue-Spirit Merger Now in Judge’s Hands
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Reuters reports the merger may still go through, with certain concessions from JetBlue.
Door Open on Merger with Potentially More Divestures
The bidding war for Spirit Airlines ended in mid-2022, after JetBlue outbid Frontier Airlines. But once the federal government sued JetBlue and American Airlines over their Northeast Alliance, it was all but certain the Spirit Airlines merger would go under extra scrutiny.
During the trial lasting over a month, leaked documents allegedly suggested prices on routes serviced by Spirit could increase by as much as 40% once the merger was complete, which ended up being a key argument by the Justice Department. JetBlue argued that consolidating the two airlines would increase competition by providing more options for flyers in underserved communities.
During the closing arguments phase, Judge William Young expressed he had “trouble” blocking the merger outright, considering the challenges aviation has faced in the post-COVID era. The judge noted that similar deals could have worked “if there were this divesture or that divesture.” JetBlue has already agreed to divest slots in Boston and Newark to Allegiant Air.
Federal attorneys argued during questioning that there could be no path forward but a “full-stop injunction that would restore competition.” In return, lawyers for JetBlue noted that the New York-based airline and Spirit only account for 8% of the current marketplace, suggesting a merger would create another national airline to put pressure on the “legacy three” airlines.
Judge Young told both sides that his questioning did not indicate how he would ultimately rule, and the case currently remains unresolved. It is unclear when a decision can be expected in the case.
Keep up with JetBlue and everything about their passenger experience on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 05, 2023 at 05:31PM
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World of Hyatt Adds New Milestone Rewards Choices for 2024 Loyalty Year
World of Hyatt Adds New Milestone Rewards Choices for 2024 Loyalty Year
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The hotel loyalty program announced the new changes on their website, starting with new rewards up to 150 qualifying nights stayed.
New Benefits Include More Choices and Rewards for Planners
Starting in 2024, travelers will earn additional benefit choices when they reach 20 qualifying nights or earn 35,000 base points. From there, travelers will continue to earn rewards for each 10 qualifying nights or 15,000 earned base points.
At the base level of 20 nights, travelers will now get a choice of earning 2,000 points on their next stay at select Hyatt brands, two club access awards, or a $25 FIND Experience Credit. FIND experiences are unique to a property’s location, and range from culture, community and arts experiences to restorative classes.
After 30 nights, travelers will earn a Category 1-4 free night award, along with a choice among the same gifts at 20 nights. After earning 40 nights or 65,000 base points, loyal guests will receive their first Guest of Honor Award, where they can gift themselves or someone else temporary Globalist status for up to 7 nights, along with the choice of 5,000 bonus points, a suite upgrade award, or a $150 FIND experience credit.
At 60 nights or 100,000 base points, travelers earn two Guest of Honor awards, two suite upgrades, a free night at up to a category 7 hotel, and access to a My Hyatt concierge for dedicated assistance while traveling. The rewards continue up to earning 150 nights, where travelers can earn the “Ultimate Free Night Award” good for one night at any participating Hyatt hotel up to category 8, resorts in categories A-F, or a Miraval Resort.
Meeting and event planners can also get rewards for utilizing Hyatt hotels. Planners can earn two qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on events each year after full payment, up to $150,000 for the equivalent of 60 nights to earn Globalist status. By 2025, loyalty tier criteria will no longer be based on the number of qualifying events held in a year.
“In evolving World of Hyatt, we listened to our members to understand the people, places and experiences at the heart of their world to ensure our program is the most rewarding for our members,” Amy Weinberg, senior vice president of brand, loyalty and data at Hyatt, said in a press release. “The new Milestone Rewards are rooted in what we heard from our members—we understood they wanted more rewards and more choice — so we are offering a wider array of options to craft their travel journey, care for their wellbeing and immerse themselves in the transformative experiences that World of Hyatt offers.”
Share your thoughts on the World of Hyatt changes on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 04, 2023 at 05:06PM
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Alaksa Airlines to Buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 Billion
Alaksa Airlines to Buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 Billion
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On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Alaska Airlines announced an agreement to purchase rival Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in cash and assuming nearly $1 billion of debt.
Merger Promises More Flexibility and Destinations for Over 54 Million Flyers Annually
Under the agreement, Alaska will pay $18 per share in cash for their competitor, which they anticipate will grow beyond its value two years after the close. The combined airline will have a collective fleet of 365 narrow- and widebody aircraft, serving 138 destinations between them and through the Oneworld alliance.
Instead of bringing the two airlines together under a single brand, Alaska plans to operate both brands under a single company. Both carriers would work under “a single operating platform, enabling the remarkable service and hospitality of each to be enjoyed by passengers with continued excellence in operational reliability, trust and guest satisfaction for which both companies have been consistently recognized.” Their stated goal is to “enhance competition and expand choice for consumers on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands” for a combined total of over 54 million flyers annually.
The merger of the two airlines would also give Alaska Airlines a hub at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which the carrier says would help them preserve and grow jobs across Hawaii. The airline says they are committed to “Maintain and grow union-represented jobs in Hawai’I,” including those for pilots and flight attendants.
In a statement about union jobs, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said in a statement: “Our first priority is to determine whether this merger will improve conditions for Flight Attendants just like the benefits the companies have described for shareholders and consumers. Our support of the merger will depend on this.”
Alaska also notes working through a Honolulu hub could also provide better domestic and international connectivity. In addition to expanding inter-island travel, flyers would also have a new place to connect for seamless Asia-Pacific travel.
The merger has been approved by both airline boards, and is expected to close no later than 18 months from now. However, the transaction will need to be approved by federal regulators, which have been hawkish about aviation mergers. The Justice and Transportation Departments previously broke up the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue and is currently working to prevent the merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
Share your thoughts on the proposed Alaska purchase of Hawaiian on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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December 04, 2023 at 04:08PM
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Alaska Introduces Seamless Booking for International Travel
Alaska Introduces Seamless Booking for International Travel
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The airline announced the launch of seamless booking across all their partner airlines through their website, AlaskaAir.com.
New Booking Options Include Oneworld and Other Airline Partners
While booking travel aboard partners was always an option with Alaska Airlines, the number of partners and currencies available were limited. With the new upgrade, travelers can book aboard over 20 carriers towards 500 destinations globally.
In the first phase, Alaska flyers will be able to book travel with cash and earn Mileage Plan miles towards future trips. Using the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card will also allow flyers to earn triple miles on all ticket purchases through the Alaska site, including those on partner airlines.
The next phase will roll out in March 2024, adding Mileage Plan award redemptions to the partner carriers. According to Alaska, award booking on all 24 partners will be available, with some flights starting at 4,500 miles one-way. The Seattle-based airline will also add more award inventory, allowing flyers to use their miles to book domestic and international awards easier.
Alaska’s upgrade comes as travelers say they are more ready to travel than ever before. A survey conducted by the carrier shows 85% of U.S.-based travelers are planning an overseas trip in 2024, with nearly half considering a trip to Europe. Around one in ten said they would like to go to Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji, while the same number said they would be interested in going to Asia in the new year.
“The power of our Oneworld and partner airlines is now fully accessible by our flyers who can book their overseas travel directly on our website,” Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines, said in a statement. “When you book at alaskaair.com, you earn elite qualifying miles for every mile flown, no change fees and triple miles for all purchases when using the Alaska Airlines credit card.”
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November 29, 2023 at 08:23PM
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American Flight Attendants Wont Strike Yet
American Flight Attendants Won’t Strike — Yet
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The Dallas Morning News reports the request for a strike by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants has been denied by the National Mediation Board.
American, Flight Attendants Continue Fight on Compensation Package
American flight attendants organized under the APFA originally requested to start the 30-day cooldown period towards a strike in late November 2023, claiming they were hopelessly deadlocked with the Fort Worth-based airline over their contract. The Dallas Morning News reports the flight attendants are asking for a 35% raise upfront with two additional pay increases of 6% over the next two years.
In return, the airline offered the union an initial raise of 11% along with a 2% pay increase each year for two years. American is also offering to pay flight attendants for time during boarding, which would match a move from Delta Air Lines in 2022.
Instead of opening the door for flight attendants to walk off the job, the National Mediation Board ordered both sides to continue negotiating towards a new contract. American and the APFA will meet again December 12 through 14, 2023.
In a statement to the newspaper, American stated they “look forward to continued negotiations with APFA and reaching an agreement our flight attendants have earned.” On the other side, the APFA say they “strongly disagree” with the decision.
“The company has had our economic proposal since March, and has refused to respond to our comprehensive counter proposals since September,” the APFA said in an update to their members. “They have been stonewalling us, offering nothing but a single, rigid economic framework that does not address our current economic needs. This is not negotiations; it is a mockery of our efforts.”
If negotiations continue to stall, the APFA could once again request the 30-day cooldown period towards a strike to begin after the meetings ending December 14.
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November 29, 2023 at 07:51PM
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Choice Hotels Targets Wyndham Board in Takeover Bid
Choice Hotels Targets Wyndham Board in Takeover Bid
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In an exclusive report, Reuters says the hospitality company may be looking to nominate Wyndham board members who would be more receptive to their takeover efforts.
Choice Looks to Board for Takeover Bid
Since May 2023, Choice Hotels has been publicly pursuing a merger with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. After talks between the two for an amicable merger broke down, Choice submitted a $9.8 billion bid to their competitor in October 2023, which was rejected.
Now, the hotelier is looking for another path to gain in-roads towards their goal. According to Reuters, the company has purchased shares of Wyndham on the New York Stock Exchange, with reported intentions to get even more.
With their shares, Choice would be able to nominate persons to serve on Wyndham’s board of directors who could be more interested in a merger. Choice is reportedly interviewing potential nominees who could ascend to the board in January 2024.
An inside source also told Reuters that along with the board nominees, Choice could also submit a new bid to purchase Wyndham, signaling serious intentions to move forward with a merger. If the move is successful, it could potentially create a company with over 15,000 locations around the world. It would also compliment Choice’s acquisition of Radisson’s U.S. properties, completed in 2022.
If a merger were to commence, it could potentially receive scrutiny from federal authorities over antitrust and anti-competition laws. The U.S. Department of Justice previously broke up the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue, and is currently in trial over the proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
Neither Choice Hotels nor Wyndham have publicly commented on the reports.
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November 27, 2023 at 10:12PM
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Authorities Investigating Flyer Escaping Southwest Aircraft in New Orleans
Authorities Investigating Flyer Escaping Southwest Aircraft in New Orleans
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New Orleans CBS affiliate WWL-TV reports the incident happened on Sunday, November 26, 2023, in the early evening.
Unclear What Caused Flyer’s Episode Aboard Flight
According to authorities, the incident took place around 7:45 p.m. as a Southwest Airlines flight was preparing to depart Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Before the aircraft could push back from the gate, witnesses say the flyer opened one of the emergency exits over a window.
Once opened, the traveler then jumped off the aircraft and attempted to leave the airport using a service vehicle. The flyer was stopped by authorities before he could escape the premises.
The flyer is only being described as a 38-year-old man who may be from Atlanta. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies say the flyer was “incoherent and not fully aware of his surroundings.” The case has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a statement, Southwest apologized to customers for the inconvenience of cancelling the flight, while praising their staff for their actions.
Reports say the flyer was not arrested, but rather was hospitalized and remains in care for continued evaluation.
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November 27, 2023 at 10:06PM
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United Gets in Holiday Spirit with Romantic Comedy
United Gets in Holiday Spirit with Romantic Comedy
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United Airlines is surprising flyers with the launch of their own film, debuting online before the Thanksgiving holiday and aboard flights this year.
“Love In Plane Sight” Creates Connection in Denver
The film was shot on location at Denver International Airport (DEN) and aboard a United 777-200 aircraft, featuring airline employees working at the carrier’s fastest growing hub. The short film comes with everything one would expect from a holiday romantic comedy: A chance encounter, misguided connections, and a romantic hook by the end so that everyone can live happily ever after.
“Ms. Elle Towe has it all: A dream job as an astronomer and a trip home for the holidays on United Polaris® business class,” the short film description reads. “All she’s missing is love. But a chance encounter in the airport and connection at 35,000 feet just might change everything in United’s own holiday rom-com short.”
Reviews from various critics have been mixed, at best. The Washington Post points out several points which would drive them crazy, from the over-talkative seat mate, to the excessive exercising that would make one change seats.
Writing for Insider, Alexandra Karplus notes: “The only scenario in which I could see myself devoting another six minutes of my life to this movie is if I happened to be on a United flight over the holidays, had a screaming baby next to me, and forgot to pack literally any other form of entertainment.”
FlyerTalkers have not yet given their opinions on whether the six-minute short should be “Certified Fresh.” The film will be available on all United in-flight entertainment options in December 2023.
The United production is the latest example of brands using holiday films to get travelers into the spirit. Hilton Hotels is teaming up with The Hallmark Channel to offer a group of holiday suites in New York, Chicago, and other major cities.
Share your thoughts about the film and all things United Airlines on the FlyerTalk Forums.
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November 20, 2023 at 08:30PM
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