Last week I wrote that replacing American Airlines CEO Doug Parker would not be enough to change the course of the airline. Many American flight attendants reached out and they are furious. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
Airport Measles Threat Is Mostly Paranoia
Over the last few weeks, many reports have suggested that there are measles outbreaks occurring at airports throughout the US. While outbreaks can be alarming, these have been mostly paranoia rather than fact. If you are considering booking travel or signing up...
Negative Iberia Avios Account Didn’t Affect My Trip
Last year I participated in Iberia’s excellent Avios promotion which awarded me 90,000 Avios for purchasing 10 one-way tickets. Iberia’s technology failed and issued me a negative balance. I wondered at the time how that might affect my redemption...
Priority Pass Model Could Enhance WeWork, American Express Platinum
American Express recently added a WeWork membership to their Platinum card benefits. But the coworking program could be improved if they followed the Priority Pass model. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
Replacing Doug Parker Wouldn’t Solve American Airlines Woes
Armchair CEOs are everywhere, but perhaps not more so than in the frequent flyer community regarding airline leadership. But replacing American Airlines CEO, Doug Parker, wouldn’t necessarily solve their problems. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Review: Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok Suite Upgrade
The brand new Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok has opened and it’s incredible. Our suite upgrade and status gave us an experience that we can’t wait to repeat. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Avianca Award Changes Model Pricing Variability
Avianca announced positive changes to their award chart for domestic United States awards with some variability, It is a perfect model for how US airlines, like American, can avoid throwing out award charts but still adding value to both...
Scammed: Citi American Airlines Credit Card
A reader recounted their story of how their Citi American Airlines Credit card fell victim to a fraud scam due to convenience features of Citi’s payment system. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Restaurant Review: Lhong Tou Bangkok Thailand
Though we have been to Bangkok, Thailand more times than we can count, my family continues to search out new places to eat and are rarely disappointed. On this occasion, we found Lhong Tou and enjoyed their dim sum menu. ...
FTU Chicago Discount and Hotel Expertise
Frequent Traveler University offers guests the opportunity to hear from and interact with some of the most experienced voices in the travel and loyalty game. At FTU Chicago, frequent hotel guests will learn about all of the major programs....
United Is Pretending This First Class Meal Isn’t A Snack Box?
United Airlines’ first-class food on some flights is a “cheese plate” on where a full meal service was previously available. But it’s rather obvious that this is essentially the same as the snack box sold in economy for less...
Does Airport Commute Affect Your Home Buying?
My wife and I were recently considering moving. As frequent flyers, the distance from the airport factors into our decision-making. How much does your airport commute affect your home buying decisions? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a...
American Airlines Will Probably Switch to Dynamic Awards But Shouldn’t
With US flag carriers, it’s monkey see, monkey do as they tend to match dramatic moves to align with each other. While American Airlines has not yet announced a switch to a dynamic award chart it’s all but certain...
United, Delta Dynamic Awards Hurt Loyal But Infrequent Flyers Most
This week, United joined the ranks of Delta in removing their award chart and switching to dynamically (variably) priced award redemptions. While in some cases consumers may benefit from the change, infrequent but loyal flyers are hurt the most....
United Can’t Get The Upsell Right
United Airlines offers several upsell options when they sell airline tickets to passengers. Despite logging in with total access to my customer profile, they continue to fail at the upsell. Why? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a...
Affordable Trans-Atlantic Fares Will Remain Despite WOW Air Failure
This week Icelandic discount carrier, WOW Air, folded. Passengers, aircraft, and employees were left stranded across destinations when the airline ceased operations. While WOW Air was part of the cheap Trans-Atlantic flight revolution, it won’t go away simply because they did. If...
Iberia Bungled My Avios Balance, Risk It or Leave It?
As part of Iberia’s excellent Avios promotion, I earned 90,000 Avios for less than $400. However, despite following the promotion, I have a negative balance and a booked trip. I can’t decide if I should leave it negative or...
The Power of Points Is Freedom, Not Just Savings
The true power of miles and points is not in saving travelers money, but in offering them freedom. On a recent trip, we made a change in plans and decided on a whim to visit the Cayman Islands for...
Review: Sofitel Luang Prabang – Garden Suite
This is a year of renewed discovery for our family and we had yet to visit Laos after countless trips to Southeast Asia. We selected the Sofitel Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage protected site – it was stunning....
I’m Not Flying Southwest to Hawaii Even With Companion Pass
Southwest Airlines has started flights to Hawaii, initially offering limited availability as cheap as $99 round-trip. But even with the Companion Pass, I won’t take Southwest to the islands. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
