NEW ORLEANS, LA – In her first major policy move, Mayor Helena Moreno signed an executive order Monday authorizing the immediate liquidation of frequent flier miles accumulated by former Mayor LaToya Cantrell, using the proceeds to erase the city’s entire outstanding debt.
City finance officials said the discovery was made during a routine audit that unexpectedly crashed three airline loyalty portals and prompted a fraud alert somewhere near Atlanta. The miles, which included elite status perks, international upgrade credits, and what accountants described as “an unsettling number of lounge guest passes,” were quickly sold through a bulk rewards broker at what the city called a “government efficiency discount.”
“We explored traditional options like budget reform and long-term planning,” Moreno said. “Then we realized the solution was sitting in an airline app under ‘Trips.’”
According to preliminary estimates, the miles covered infrastructure backlogs, pension shortfalls, and several ceremonial ribbon cuttings already scheduled for potholes that no longer exist. One analyst noted the liquidation process took less time than approving a single city contract.
Former administration officials initially objected, arguing the miles were non-transferable, until attorneys clarified that so was most of the city’s money at the time it was spent.
Moreno confirmed the city will next review hotel points, rental car credits, and any remaining “mayoral business travel rewards,” adding, “We’re optimistic there’s still enough left to fund drainage.”
