14 Comments
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Joanna Kaze's avatar

I’ve been witnessing US status and mileage for a few years now first hand and I can genuinely tell you that I would probably go insane if I had to navigate that system. I think it’s one of those “the European mind cannot comprehend” things because the hoops your guys are made to jump through to get a somewhat decent transatlantic flight experience is a lot to process

The Upgrade | Anne Marie's avatar

It’s wild. That’s why there are so many people making money off of teaching how to navigate points

Joanna Kaze's avatar

oh God yes I forgot about that line of work!

Culture of Hospitality's avatar

Great insights from Katherine. I was very surprised to see so many guests from overseas in Austria this summer! Mentioning this in my next article actually… but given how tough the heat wave has been this year I think this trend is here to stay.

Katherine Malinosky's avatar

We loved Austria - and we will be back! 🫶🏼

The Upgrade | Anne Marie's avatar

Austria is on my list! We went to the Dolomites this year and I absolutely loved it. I'm dying to take my kids on a Sound of Music ish trip.

Katherine Malinosky's avatar

I also love that it’s open earlier than some Swiss summer destinations!

Culture of Hospitality's avatar

Make sure to also visit Bavaria if you haven’t been yet!

Eva Ducruezet's avatar

I had no idea downgrades were a thing! I will now be on edge every time I fly on US airlines 🙈

The Upgrade | Anne Marie's avatar

It did not used to be a thing until recently

Katherine Malinosky's avatar

This will be me now too! 🙈

Leah Nanpei's avatar

Something similar happened where we were in premium economy with our then 18 month old. They split up our seats seemingly so the flight attendants could nap? We had to ask an elderly woman and her son to swap so we could sit together. I mean it was a long haul flight from Japan and we specifically bought seats together.

The Upgrade | Anne Marie's avatar

Oh no that’s terrible! I thought the flight attendants had a little secret cabin place for naps on those long haul flights. I feel like we are losing flight rights all over the place!

Leah Nanpei's avatar

They do! Usually! So I don’t know what was up but they put coats over their heads and napped. It was odd.