How do you lose a Boeing 737? Ask Air India, which literally forgot it owned an aircraft for 13 years. Today we're covering that bizarre story, plus Seattle's pre-Thanksgiving fuel crisis, Emirates' massive A380 commitment, air traffic control drama, premium card strategies that actually work, and Marriott's quiet new benefit for top-tier members.

Air India just sold a 43-year-old Boeing 737-200 that sat abandoned at Kolkata airport for over a decade. The twist? The airline had completely forgotten it owned the aircraft until the airport demanded its removal. This isn't just a case of poor record-keeping—it's a window into how badly the former state-run carrier's operations had deteriorated before privatization.

The aircraft only resurfaced when airport officials asked Air India to move it, revealing organizational chaos that went far beyond typical airline inefficiencies. It's a stark reminder that the airline industry's transformation under new ownership often uncovers surprising skeletons in the hangar. For anyone tracking Air India's evolution as it joins Star Alliance, this story shows just how far the carrier had to climb.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is facing a fuel supply crisis at the worst possible time—just days before Thanksgiving. The Olympic Pipeline, which supplies fuel to SeaTac, has been experiencing issues that are now starting to impact passenger operations. Airlines are already preparing contingency plans.

If you're flying through Seattle this week, expect potential delays or even extra fuel stops on longer routes. Some carriers may need to tanker fuel from other airports or adjust routing. This is the kind of operational disruption that won't make headlines until it causes cascading delays. Check your flight status obsessively if SeaTac is on your itinerary. For more on airport operations and travel disruptions, we've got comprehensive coverage.

The government is handing out $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who showed up every day during the recent government shutdown. Sounds generous, right? Controllers themselves say the policy is tearing their workforce apart and creating real safety concerns.

The problem isn't the money—it's the incentive structure. Controllers argue the policy rewards presenteeism and pressures sick staff to work rather than taking necessary time off. In an already chronically understaffed system, this creates additional stress on teams that are already stretched thin. When the people managing our skies say a policy undermines safety, we should probably listen. This is another reminder of how fragile our aviation infrastructure remains. For those tracking government policy impacts on travel, this story connects to broader systemic issues.

AvGeeks can breathe easy: Emirates just pushed its Airbus A380 retirement plans well into the 2040s. For the Dubai-based carrier, the superjumbo isn't just another aircraft—it's the plane that enabled Emirates to transform Dubai into the global transit hub it is today. The A380 and Emirates are almost synonymous at this point.

This commitment means continued excellent first and business class availability on Emirates for at least another two decades. With 140 A380s in the fleet, Emirates operates more of these aircraft than any other carrier. For points enthusiasts, this translates to long-term award seat opportunities on arguably the world's most iconic passenger aircraft. If you've been putting off that Emirates first-class redemption, you've got time—but don't wait forever. Check out our Emirates coverage for booking strategies and sweet spots.

Four credit cards with annual fees of $600 or more sounds insane—until you see the math. A detailed breakdown shows exactly how stacked credits, lounge access, and strategic reward earning turn these fees into annual profits. The key is actually using the benefits rather than letting them expire unused.

The strategy revolves around maximizing statement credits that reset annually or quarterly. Travel credits, dining credits, streaming credits—they add up fast when you're intentional. Throw in Priority Pass lounge access saving you $30-50 per visit, and premium cards become profit centers rather than expenses. The detailed analysis shows specific cards and exact calculations, making it easy to replicate the strategy. For comprehensive card comparisons, our credit card strategy guides break down which combinations work best for different spending patterns.

Marriott Bonvoy quietly added a new perk for Ambassador members who spend $40,000 or more annually—and after testing it in 2024, they've now made it permanent. The "Plus One" benefit lets top-tier members gift status to another person, effectively doubling the value of your Ambassador qualification for couples or travel partners.

The terms have been updated with no expiration date, confirming this is here to stay. If you're already hitting Ambassador status through credit card spend or business travel, this transforms the benefit structure. Your partner gets suite upgrades, lounge access, and elite treatment without needing to qualify independently. It's a relatively quiet addition that significantly enhances the value proposition for Marriott's highest tier. For those tracking hotel elite status strategies, this changes the calculation for couples who travel together frequently.

Today's stories show aviation's full spectrum—from operational chaos (lost planes and fuel shortages) to long-term strategic commitments (Emirates' A380 extension). The credit card analysis reminds us that premium fees can generate returns when used strategically, while Marriott's status-gifting benefit shows loyalty programs still innovating at the top tier. Check Seattle flight status obsessively this week, and if you've been eyeing Emirates first class, you've got decades of A380 operations ahead.

Safe travels,

The Miles & Points Daily Team

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some timely opportunities I've been tracking (courtesy of our friends at AwardTravelFinder). These deals won't last long, so let's dive in.

Active transfer bonuses worth considering:

Airline programs: