Hilton may add a Diamond Reserve tier with big spend rules. Here is how it stacks up to Marriott Ambassador and what it means for Aspire cardholders. Hilton’s Next Move At The Top Hilton Honors is reportedly cooking up...
Hyatt Hotels: Relying On Chase Deal as Growth Levels Off
Hyatt posts a small RevPAR gain, plans big asset sales, and leans on a richer Chase partnership while demand signals look flatter across the industry. Setting The Table Hyatt’s third quarter (2025) reads like a mix of steady progress...
California Candidate Says Ground Billionaire Jets
Katie Porter says cut private jets, not commercial. With a 10% flight reduction looming from the shutdown, is she right about where to trim? FAA Reduction: Why Airlines Are Being Told To Fly Less Because of the ongoing government...
Southwest Business Class, Lounges, Europe Flights Inevitable
Southwest Airlines has openly explored the possibility of adding business class, airport lounges, flights to Europe, and new aircraft – but it’s not if, it’s a matter of when. Southwest Will Move Into Premium Expansion, Here’s Why Management at...
Thanksgiving Travel Faces A Shutdown-Sized Stress Test
Record holiday demand meets a federal shutdown. Here is why Thanksgiving week could be a mess, and what changes if Washington flips the switch in time. A Perfect Storm For America’s Busiest Travel Week Thanksgiving is not a normal...
American Airlines: Whole Trip Upgrades Often Cheaper
On a recent domestic trip, I was offered upgrades on American Airlines. However, when re-pricing the trip, I found it was cheaper than upgrading the segments. Upgrade Offered I recently had a short trip for which I redeemed a...
Second Guest Dies at Disney World’s Contemporary Hotel
A guest death at Disney’s Contemporary Resort casts a shadow over the magic of Walt Disney World. The Scene Behind the Headlines Last week at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort at the edge of its Magic Kingdom park the...
Younger Pros Turn Work Trips Into Lifestyle Upgrades
Hotels.com finds Gen Z and Millennials use business travel to upgrade hotels, meals, and rewards, and they post it all while stretching trips for fun. Background Business travel is not just a commute with a carry-on anymore. According to...
Isom, American Airlines, May Never Escape Crushing Debt
American Airlines’ ever higher pile of debt may never be paid off, meanwhile investors continue to support Isom, and give management a pass. Why? American Airlines Q3 2025 Earnings Call Lowlights American Airlines reported in its third quarter 2025...
AI And Apathy? American Airlines Service Suffers
A personal experience highlights the many service challenges that American Airlines continues to face – both technical and by staff. Tech Glitch Plays Musical Chairs It was a dark, and stormy night – a Thursday night consultants’ special –...
Biometric Border Entry Begins Across Europe
Europe just switched on biometric border checks. Here is what the new Entry/Exit System means for your next trip and how to get through quickly. Europe Flips The Switch On EES The European Union has begun rolling out its...
Airbus A220 Engine Woes Ground 22% of Fleet
New data pegs A220 groundings at roughly 22% while fresh reports suggest far more inspections are looming. Here’s what that means for flyers and airlines. A Shiny New Jet With Defective Engines Bombardier’s clean-sheet narrowbody, rebadged as the Airbus...
Tragic, Mysterious Suicide at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A 31-year-old Disney fan died by suicide at the Contemporary Resort. Here is what authorities and local reports confirm, and what remains unverified. Tragedy At The Most “Magical” Address There are stories I wish I never came across, and...
American Airlines Worse Than Frontier, Ryanair in Satisfaction
An analysis of reviews, Skytrax scores, complaint searches, and incidents ranks the most frustrating airlines. American tops the list, though the context matters. Dissatisfaction Scores Paint Bleak Picture Air travel can be brutal no matter where you are in...
Helicopter Crash Injures Five on Huntington Beach Oceanfront
A helicopter went down near the Hyatt pedestrian bridge in Huntington Beach, sending five people to the hospital as federal investigators respond. Background The city of Huntington Beach is no stranger to attention from the air. Air shows, banner...
PAN AM HOTEL Takes Off: The Airport Stay Reimagined
JP Hospitality brings back the golden age of air travel with the launch of PAN AM HOTEL with a mid-century design, futuristic flair, and 24/7 service. Reviving the Spirit of Jet Age Glamour Airport hotels are rarely the highlight...
Thai Airways Introduces Lie Flat Premium Economy Plus
On Facebook, Thai Airways launched its new Premium Economy Plus class and it’s comparable to business class, but details are scant, and questions abound. Thai Airways Premium Economy Plus In an announcement on Facebook, Thai Airways launched a new...
California Insurance Chief’s Luxury Travel Sparks Probe
California’s insurance chief allegedly billed taxpayers for luxury trips, business class, and security. Here’s what’s been discovered. Background: How A Travel Story Turned Political A viral post alleges that California’s Insurance Commissioner has been globe-trotting on the public dime....
777X Delay: First Deliveries Now Penciled In for Early 2027
Bloomberg says Boeing’s 777X timeline slides again, with airlines and investors bracing for the ripple effects. Boeing’s Response To The Airbus A350 Delays Again Boeing’s 777X has been the big widebody bet for long-haul fleets looking for more range...
Fed Up: Downgrading High Annual Fee American Express Cards
After the latest hike in exchange for more coupons I don’t care about, I am fed up with American Express and its useless coupon card. Fees Increase, Again As covered here, and virtually everywhere, American Express is again increasing...
