Brian Sumers

Brian is the Los Angeles-based airline business editor-at-large for Skift. He loves baseball, travel and the American West.

Latest Stories

Airlines

Why Airlines Don’t Want to Fly ‘Ghost Flights’ Into European Airports This Winter

In a pandemic, with few people flying, you might think it would be bad business to fly empty airplanes to squat on airport slots. But if that's what is required for airlines to keep access to key airports, they'll probably do it.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

Why Airlines Don’t Want to Fly ‘Ghost Flights’ Into European Airports This Winter

Airlines

Not Every U.S. Airline Is Eliminating Change Fees in the Same Way

In the near future, airlines expect fewer business travelers will fly. That means they need to attract people going on vacation. And a lot of those consumers do not like change fees.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

Not Every U.S. Airline Is Eliminating Change Fees in the Same Way

Airlines

Spirit Airlines Looks to Its Loyalty Program for Fresh Cash

For low-cost-carriers, loyalty programs often have been an afterthought. That's why Spirit's isn't worth much, compared to legacy carrier schemes.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

Spirit Airlines Looks to Its Loyalty Program for Fresh Cash

Airlines

American and Delta Join United in Ending Domestic Change Fees

Because these are airlines, consumers will want to know: What's the catch. But there probably isn't one. Times are tough in the airline industry, and this is as good a time as any to end unpopular fees.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

American and Delta Join United in Ending Domestic Change Fees

Airlines

United Airlines Unveils New Algorithm to Help It Target Empty Flights

In normal times, giant global network airlines don't cancel many flights for low load factors. They don't want to annoy high-value passengers, and they might need the airplane or crew at the next destination anyways. But United is now watching every penny.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

United Airlines Unveils New Algorithm to Help It Target Empty Flights

Airlines

The Safety Pitch From This Dallas Charter Airline Includes Open Air Terminals

JSX might be an option for people who want to fly but don't feel comfortable flying through a big airport terminal.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

The Safety Pitch From This Dallas Charter Airline Includes Open Air Terminals

Airlines

American’s Pandemic Job Losses Could Top 40,000 Without More Relief, Airline Warns

Airlines are using all the leverage they have to persuade Congress to extend their bailout. Congress will probably bite. But is that the right move?

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

American’s Pandemic Job Losses Could Top 40,000 Without More Relief, Airline Warns

Airlines

Why Being Grounded for Months Was the Best Pandemic Outcome for This Airline

U.S. airlines are flying all they can and selling cheap fares to fill planes. Copa was required by its government to do the opposite. It effectively stopped flying for months. It lost a lot of money in the second quarter, but perhaps not as much as you might think.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

Why Being Grounded for Months Was the Best Pandemic Outcome for This Airline

Airlines

Private Jet Operators Are Stealing Passengers from U.S. Airlines

Private jet operators did not do well in the Great Recession. When March hit, they figured they were stuck in another disaster. But things have turned out better than expected.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

Private Jet Operators Are Stealing Passengers from U.S. Airlines

Airlines

U.S. Airlines Could Regret Taking Billions More In Government Bailouts

The easy move is for U.S. airlines to take billions of dollars in new subsidies, if offered by the government. But there could be future repercussions.

Brian Sumers, Skift | 4 years ago

U.S. Airlines Could Regret Taking Billions More In Government Bailouts