Today, a DFW-LHR flight was met by Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and received permission for a priority approach at Heathrow. Was there some VIP aboard the flight? Nope. From the Telegraph:

The Typhoons, from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, went to assist an American Airlines Boeing 767 heading for London from Dallas/Forth Worth in Texas following reports of a woman passenger trying to get on to the flight deck. 
The Typhoons returned to base when it was realised ...

Two bits of news regarding American Airlines today, probably unrelated, but who knows?

First, AA is looking at a huge fine for MD-80 safety violations.

American Airlines could face a fine in the ballpark of $10 million for safety violations involving wiring in its large MD-80 fleet, according to a government official familiar with the nearly completed federal investigation.

While the Federal Aviation Administration hasn't decided what fine to propose in the probe ...

American Airlines will begin charging $8 for a pillow/blanket package on domestic flights more than two hours as well as flights to Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America starting in May. First Class passengers will still get the germ-ridden freebies.

Let's hope they're better than what US Airways offers.

I'll give United a month to announce a similar "enhancement."

This past week, Hilton sent letters (with both Hilton HHonors and American AAdvantage logos in the letterhead) to certain AA frequent flyers. The letters say, in part,

Congratulations. As a valued member of the American Airlines AAdvantage program, you’ve been selected to receive two great offers from Hilton HHonors.

Enjoy Gold VIP status. You’ll be treated to an elite level of perks reserved for our favorite guests. These benefits may include HHonors bonus ...

Take this info with a grain of salt, but the answer is yes, according this thread on Flyertalk. 

According to a 1K agent (the ultimate authority...), United will begin to test one-way bookings online starting 01 February. If these awards are going to be bookable online, it may be they are for United metal only, at least for now.

As we have discussed in prior podcasts, there are advantages and disadvantages to one-way awards. My concern is that switching to a one-way ...

I'm sitting in the (very lovely) IAD Admirals Club right now as I await my flight to LAX. Unless something crazy happens, I'll be sitting in economy for the first time in six months or so.

Here's the math, according the AAngel at the front desk:

AA only flies 757s on the IAD-LAX route, which has "only" 22 seats in first. There are only three flights a day to LAX. And its not like there's many other options out of IAD. You can fly IAD-MIA-LAX, or ...