My father recently passed at the ripe age of 85 and I want to take a few moments to reflect on his life and how grateful I am for him. Reflections On My Dear Father My dad, Ronald, was...
Review: The West Hollywood EDITION
Heidi and I recently had a “date night” and decided to spend the night at The West Hollywood EDITION, an upscale Marriott property and my first time staying with that brand. Our stay was largely positive, though I found...
United Airlines Upgrades Catering On Premium Transcontinental Routes (Full Menus)
At long last, United Airlines is bringing its business class catering on premium transcontinental flights back up to pre-pandemic levels with the return of appetizers and an enhanced pre-arrival service. I’ve updated this post to include full menus. United...
United Airlines CEO Congratulates President-Elect Trump, Pledges Assistance
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby extended an olive branch to President-Elect Trump, congratulating him on his “historic victory” and wishing him success. Kirby also pledged support for the Administration in helping to use the federal government to promote economic...
Seatmate Rats On Exit Row Seat Poacher On United Airlines, Then Claims She Was Trying to Help…
One of the hallmarks of American culture is passive aggressiveness and it was on full display in a rather comical way involving a “stolen” exit row seat on a recent United Airlines flight. Seatmate Rats Out Exit Row Poacher...
Challenge Accepted: I’m Going For TWO MILLION Miles With SAS Million Mile Challenge
Last month, I mused about whether I would go for the Million Mile Challenge via SAS EuroBonus. Some personal and professional matters needed to fall into place for me to do this and they now have, meaning the challenge...
Passengers Neutralize Knife-Wielding Man Who Took Flight Attendant Hostage And Tried To Open Emergency Exit Door
Passengers rose to the occasion and neutralized a grim threat from a crazed man who not only tried to open the emergency exit door mid-flight, but also took a flight attendant hostage with a knife he had saved from...
Traveling with an Infant in International First Class
Few travel issues evoke more controversy than the matter of children in premium cabins, especially in international first class. I’m not here to debate that, directly. Instead, I want to help guide parents who are considering whether to bring...
Ben Baldanza, Former CEO Of Spirit Airlines, Dies At 62
The witty and approachable Ben Baldanza, the charismatic former CEO of Spirit Airlines, has lost his battle with ALS and died at age 62. RIP Ben Baldanza, Former Spirit Airlines Chief Executive And Ultimate AvGeek Baldanza was not just...
American Airlines Restricts Power Of Employees To Remove Passengers From Flights
American Airlines has limited the discretionary ability of employees to remove passengers from flights to all but the most egregious circumstances invovling safety or security. American Airlines Limits Employee Discretion In Removing Passengers From Flights Earlier this year, I...
Review: United Airlines 777-200 Premium Economy
After a long layover in Newark spent in the Polaris Lounge, I flew from Newark to San Francisco on a United Airlines 777-200 in Premium Plus, United’s premium economy product. United Airlines 777-200 Premium Economy Review I purchased a...
Danke: Condor Challenges Lufthansa On Key European Routes
Condor, once a strictly leisure carrier, is now a growing threat to Lufthansa’s dominance over the wider German market. With the addition of domestic and regional flights, Condor is laying the foundation to more robustly challenge Lufthansa. Condor Adds...
What Trump’s Victory Means For Airlines
Donald Trump’s victory last night took many by surprise. The return of President Trump to the White House will directly impact airline regulations and mergers. Here are my predictions. What Donald Trump’s Victory Means For Airlines And Passengers The...
On Election Day, I Offer A Travel Promise
I think it’s often interesting to look back on our musings to see what we have learned or what has changed. Below is an essay I wrote on the day of the 2020 election. One of the candidates is...
RIP: Bouncy Moving Walkways At SFO
While San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has gone from good to even better with its ongoing terminal connector project, I’m sorry to report a casualty: the bouncy moving walkways connecting Terminal 3 to the F Gates. Strange as this...
How My SSSS Boarding Pass Was (Mis)Handled In Dubai
Flying out of Dubai on United Airlines was an interesting experience–apparently, secondary screening is just a suggestion? Look, I’m not complaining, but my “SSSS” treatment at Dubai Airport was beautifully non-existent. SSSS In Dubai Airport – Nothing Secondary About...
Russia Accused Of Planning Terrorism Using US-Bound Jetliners
Intelligence officials from several Western nations have accused Russia of plotting to take down jetliners bound for the United States via incendiary devices according to an explosive report in The Wall Street Journal. Report: Russia Planned To Sabotage US-Bound...
Review: United Airlines 777-200ER Polaris Business Class Dubai – Newark
I enjoyed a smooth longhaul journey on United Airlines onboard the 777-200ER in Polaris business class from Dubai to Newark, a flight I’d argue is a better option than Emirates’ older business class cabin on the same route. United...
Vintage American Airlines Ticket Shows How Astronomically Expensive Airfare Used To Be
A vintage American Airlines ticket from New York to St. Louis shows just how expensive airfare used to be…and how great we have it today in an era of cheap airfare. Vintage American Airlines Ticket Shows How Good We...
My Five Favorite United Clubs
I recently had a chance to revisit the United Club at Washington National Airport. It’s a beautiful club and in terms of architecture, my absolute favorite of all United Clubs. I thought it might be fun to compile a...