Brian Sumers, Skift
The messaging about the U.S. airline recovery includes some, shall we say, irrational exuberance. Sure, some people will always want or need to fly. But many more want to manage their risk, and that's hard to do when the United States can't control a raging pandemic.
4 days ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Since March, United Airlines has been the first U.S. carrier to sound the alarm on almost every major issue facing the airline industry. That is also the case here. Look for other global network airlines to make similar announcements in the coming weeks.
6 days ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Airlines have complete control over their frequent flyer programs. They can take your miles for nearly any reason. It is probably not a good idea to try to defraud them.
7 days ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
KLM has a powerful brand and should be able to withstand this crisis. But it is not a good time for legacy European airlines that usually rely on lucrative corporate travelers.
2 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
U.S. carriers had identified travelers visiting friends and relatives as a bright spot, even amid the Covid-19 pandemic. But as cases continue to rise, some travelers may change their minds and cancel their plans.
3 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Just wear a mask on an airplane. It's not that hard, and it keeps everyone safer.
3 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Airlines are highly competitive businesses. Usually, the routes announced Thursday would engender a massive competitive response. But is there an appetite for that now? Hard to say.
4 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Legacy airlines are in trouble. Many deserve bailouts. But let's not take it too far. There's no reason to penalize low-cost airlines. If they can make money with cheap fares, let them.
4 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
United opened some of the books for its MileagePlus program. It's a highly lucrative operation, based mainly on sales of miles to third parties, including credit card companies.
4 weeks ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Covid-19 will change the flying experience for a long time, as people take precautions to avoid getting sick. But it'll also change flying for another reason. Airlines are taking on considerable debt, and they'll need to cut costs as they try to repay it, at least until revenues improve.
1 month ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Several airlines have extended the length of time passengers have to use travel credits. Are they trying to be nice? Or are they trying to make sure passengers use credits over time, and not all at once?
1 month ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
American and United are taking different approaches in the Covid-19 recovery. Each has valid reasons for their strategies, which seem rooted in how they view the U.S. market's potential.
1 month ago
