American Airlines News

As a Dataminr executive told us, "There is no such thing as a secret now." If it happens on an airplane and someone puts it on social media, it is bound to become news. That's just how it goes now, for better or worse.

It's anyone's guess whether travel distribution giants Amadeus and Sabre might have run afoul of the European Union's rules. But a look at the history of those companies' airline contracts provides clues as to what might be top of mind with investigators.

For many, it may no longer be worth it to earn top-tier elite status on American, United, or Delta next year. Between recent changes to credit card earning structures and airlines constantly moving the goal posts for status qualification, it's just too hard for many to keep up.

Will Gogo make it as a stand-alone company? It still does not look promising. It's odd because customers want in-flight Wi-Fi. But so far Gogo hasn't figured out how to do it and make a profit.

In a move that will surprise few, American Airlines followed United this week by increasing the cost of entry into the top tier of its loyalty program. Next year, earning Executive Platinum status on American Airlines will require 25 percent more spend on the airline.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently told investors they're making big revenue from premium-seat upsells. Not surprisingly, American wants a piece of that action. But it has some IT work to do first.

Use it or lose it. That is apparently the reason American Airlines is making it more difficult now for some card holders to earn elite status as perks are removed.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker may be posturing about leaving Oneworld, but he is indeed making alternative plans nonetheless.

Deep down, American Airlines President Robert Isom is an operations guy. We've rarely seen someone get so excited while talking about what it takes to make sure an airplane departs on time.

All U.S. airlines are performing well. Demand is robust, and while fuel prices are up, they're not that high compared to historical levels. Delta is using that state-of-play to go on the offensive to win more share from its competitors.