As a lifelong American Airlines customer and frequent Cathay Pacific flyer, United had a long way to go to impress me with their Polaris business class product. They did. Here is another leg in my status run to Hong...
Review: United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco

This year I split my loyalty somewhat between United and American Airlines along with a handful of discount carriers for direct flights. As a result, I needed to make a status run and chose Hong Kong as my destination....
Mileage Runs May Be Dead, Status Runs Still Alive

Mileage runs were the hallmark of travel enthusiasts who found more to gain from unnecessary trips than not taking them. Elite status runs have the same principle but different result, taking unnecessary trips to retain or “level up” your...
What’s Wrong With Japanese Airline Credit Cards?

The US affinity credit card market is excellent for brands and for banks. Several offer excellent bonuses, yet the Japanese carriers are woefully inadequate and offer more points indirectly than directly. What’s wrong with them? If you are considering...
Hotel Standards Still Lag, Updates Needed

I spend a lot of time on the road and nights away from home for work and our own personal trips. More and more, I have found that hotels have failed to update their basic standards and that needs...
Horizon Airplane Stolen – Imagining The Investigation

On Friday night a Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines commuter subsidiary) was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. While details remain incomplete, I imagined the investigation that would follow such an event, here are my thoughts of what has taken place....
Review: Philadelphia International Airport Marriott Hotel

As part of a long journey, I briefly stayed at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott and ended my stay both pleased and disappointed. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com....
Shanghai-Pittsburgh Successful – More To Come?

Pittsburgh landed a charter service from Shanghai and it was objectively a resounding success. Will this lead to more charters or even regular service? Should it? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
Venezuela’s Maduro Attacked, US Involvement Alleged

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela was the subject of a reported assassination attempt yesterday. He alleged US involvement indirectly but details remain incomplete. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Editorial: Satisfying China’s Request is Impractical

China has asked US airlines to designate Taiwan as part of China on their websites and systems. Regardless of where you fall on the China/Taiwan debate, there are impracticalities that arise when treating the two places as one country and it...
Hypocrisy: Why I’m Doubling Down on Hyatt

Despite my bitterness toward Hyatt, reviewing my actual results for the year I decided to return to the brand full force and double down. Oh, the hypocrisy. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card...
Mid-Year Status Update – Surprising Results

For the first time since I became a serious frequent flyer, I am carefully tracking all of my traveling metrics for elite status. Every flight and hotel stay is logged and I am sharing my results – my expectations didn’t...
Away Travel Replaces Smart Luggage Batteries

Away Travel is offering a trade-out program for their previous generation bags in a move that is smart and helpful. Customers who previously purchased a piece of luggage from Away Travel can swap out their now out-of-compliance styles for...
Luggage Review: Wool & Oak Duffle Bag

For several years I have been traveling a mix of short road trips and some longer journeys domestically and abroad. For shorter trips, I prefer to simplify my packing and bring as little as possible. The Wool & Oak...
Amazon Prime Day: Kyle’s Traveler Picks

Amazon holds their Prime Day once per year which offers Black Friday-level discounts on participating products. I wanted to share my picks for travelers from the offerings. This year Amazon Prime Day has been extended, starting at 3PM Eastern...
CLEAR Should Follow Priority Pass’ Lead

CLEAR is a membership service that vets members to provide expedited security lines at airports and event centers. They have had limited growth, but if they followed the lead of lounge membership company, Priority Pass, perhaps they could scale...
Review: Tru Hotel Pigeon Forge – Patronizing Millennials

Tru is a new hotel brand by Hilton focused on a younger generation. The select service property (this location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) trades design elements for cramped conditions. Does it work or is it patronizing (hint: patronizing)? If...
Review: DoubleTree Colorado Springs – Presidential Suite

The DoubleTree Colorado Springs is a massive hotel with conference center. I was pleasantly upgraded to the Presidential Suite due to my status with Hilton and couldn’t be happier with the product I received. If you are considering booking...
Hyatt Knows They Went Too Far With Globalist Requirements

Hyatt changed their loyalty program, Gold Passport to World of Hyatt, increasing their requirements for Globalists (top-tier elites) as much as 140%. They went too far and now their actions demonstrate that they know it. But is it a case...
Must-Have Tools For Any Road Warrior

Like many of our readers, I am a full-time road warrior at this point in my career. Readers, friends, and co-workers often ask me what tools I use to make life easier. Here are my must-have tools for any...