View from the Wing

American Airlines Admits It Sells Too Much Basic Economy, Says 30% Of Seats Generate Half Its Revenue

Gary Leff — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:04:03 +0000

American has already stripped mileage earning and elite seat and upgrade benefits from Basic Economy. Now it’s adding first class and Main Cabin Extra seats to give customers more—and smaller—steps up the fare ladder.

Marriott Names A New Bonvoy Boss From JetBlue And The Points Guy—Will He Make Hotels Honor Your Benefits?

Gary Leff — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:04:55 +0000

Chris Buckner helped overhaul JetBlue’s loyalty program before joining The Points Guy. Now he takes over Bonvoy, where the biggest opportunity is getting hotels to deliver promised benefits, making upgrades useful and stopping resort fees from turning “free” nights into expensive stays.

Comments

I am happy to welcome our new Bonvoymeister Chris Buckner. I ... by Ken A
It amazes me that there hasn't been a class action lawsuit ... by FNT Delta Diamond
Lifetime Platinum at Marriott. Barely stay there these days, ... by VVFF
So he's the guy that named the JetBlue status levels… wait ... by Peter
*PROJECTILE VOMITING* by 1990

Chase Raised World Of Hyatt Business Card Bonus Offer To 70,000 Points

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:04:37 +0000

Chase increased the World of Hyatt Business Card’s offer to 70,000 bonus points after $7,000 in spending within three months. Beyond the bonus, the card earns five elite nights for every $10,000 spent and offers up to $100 in annual Hyatt credits.

Comments

Ffs retard, get a new script. by Mantis
@Mantis — Is the 'if I could get approved' because you're ... by 1990
Hey… Chase and Hyatt… you folks gonna do a 'premium' ... by 1990

Frontier Airlines Passengers Brawl While Getting Off The Plane—One Takes Off His Hoodie And Keeps Swinging

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:04:10 +0000

A Frontier Airlines passenger pulls off his hoodie in the middle of a fight, then keeps throwing punches over the seats. It started with a shove as people stood to get off the plane as nearby travelers wound up pulling the men apart.

Comments

@Ken A — We’ll know it’s hit rock-bottom when folks to ... by 1990
@Bubby: Greyhound has passenger behavior standards but Frontier ... by Ken A
Frontier the new Spirit. Back to greyhound for these people by Bubby
If $150 oil puts Frontier and its ilk out of business, it will ... by Denver Refugee
'Fights on planes'! A VFTW classic! Do 'dogs on planes,' next! by 1990
Plus 2 more...

Chase Now Lets You Invest Ultimate Rewards Points—But It’s Better To Redeem For Travel Even If You Want Cash

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:34:56 +0000

The J.P. Morgan investment redemption pays the same one cent per point Chase already offers as cash back. Current Pay Yourself Back offers can beat it, while a better travel redemption can preserve more money to invest.

Comments

Premium Travel Cards Now Cost Up To $895 But $95 Cards Still Deliver Outsized Rewards

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:04:23 +0000

You do not need a $395, $495, or $895 annual fee card to earn valuable travel rewards. These mid-tier cards, mostly around $95 per year, can still deliver strong returns through transferable points, travel and dining bonuses, airline and hotel partners, rent or mortgage rewards, and credits that help offset the fee.

Comments

Key word: *can* Other words: *but also, might not* by 1990
This is the way for most people. I still think the Strata ... by Peter

Delta Adds $165 Silver Oak To Business Class, But United Still Has A Better Wine List

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:04:35 +0000

Silver Oak joins international Delta One October 1, while Taittinger expands to domestic Delta One. The new list narrows United’s lead and goes beyond American’s recent improvements—but some of Delta’s less expensive wines may be better choices in the air.

Comments

In reply to Andrew M. @Andrew M – yes, they're looking for ... by Gary Leff
@Albert Wonders — Yeah, yeah… but, it pairs nicely with ... by 1990
Silver Oak has got to be one of the most overpriced of the ... by Andrew M
Id love some Laurent Perrier Rose Cuve by jerry
Gary – Why do you NOT mention that Delta (and AA with ... by Mark W
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Why American Airlines’ Pilots Union Is Calling For A New CEO—Even As He Makes Changes It Wanted

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:58:10 +0000

American’s pilots union chief acknowledges the airline is finally focusing on customers, yet he’s calling for new leadership. Contract talks, a demand for a board seat, and an internal union merger fight help explain why he’s escalating now.

Comments

I like flying American but 450 k one way to Europe in biz? I ... by Dwondermeant
@steve — I can feel your frustration. Palpable. But, like, ... by 1990
@1990- I would prefer a situation where people like Doug Parker ... by steve
@alanZ — If only there were a 'system' where we could hold ... by 1990
Improving lounges may be nice. But there is no correlation to ... by alanZ
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Chase Sapphire Reserve Turns 10 With Up To $1,050 In Travel Offers—And A Bigger DoorDash Credit

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:48:43 +0000

Sapphire Reserve’s anniversary offers include $200 back on a $200 JSX purchase and rebates at IHG, Alila, Miraval, Sixt and Wander. Separately, the monthly DoorDash promo rises from $5 to $15 starting October 1, adding up to $120 a year.

Comments

I see this card as a break even card. The Dining & Travel ... by Kimo C.
None of those credits work for me. I have the Reserve and ... by Wileydog
Just downgraded from Reserve to Preferred. For me and my ... by patrick
@Peter — Yeah, that's what we call an 'illusory promise.' ... by 1990
The contest is borderline insulting – “be an influencer for ... by Peter

Woman Complains Male Passenger Refused To Lift Her Heavy Carry-On: Should Men Be Expected To Handle Women’s Bags?

Gary Leff — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:04:22 +0000

A woman says a man refused to help lift her heavy carry-on, then acted annoyed while she held up boarding. Her complaint to social media drew death threats and a fight over what men owe women on planes. Helping another passenger should be normal, right? But it's also not an entitlement and ill-advised to rely on help you aren't paying for.

Comments

Flip the argument……if it was a man asking you to put his ... by Als
@Maryland — I love a good 'Bah.' (Yes, partners should be ... by 1990
Bah. This problem belongs to the husband once married.! After ... by Maryland
Pay to check your bag, problem solved. by Mauiguy
As a man, I'd help if I could, but I have a bad back and one ... by Geezer
Plus 5 more...