UPDATE: Middle East Airlines has (wisely) scrapped this policy. How’s this for irony? Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines is 99% government owned, but announced yesterday that it will no longer accept payment in local currency, the Lebanese Lira. Lebanon is...
Fascinating: How Mary, Mother Of Jesus, Is Perceived Around The World
One of the fascinating things about traveling around the world is how much religious perceptions vary by nation. While the people of many nations are connected by common faith and even common theology of that faith, their pictures of...
SFO Airport Was Made For Jennifer Garner
San Francisco International Airport was made for Jennifer Garner. Well, at least she made herself at home during a recent visit. I haven’t seen it at other airports, but SFO Terminal 3 has this amazing moving walkway that is...
The Odd Reason Why Delta CEO NEVER Reclines His Seat
Delta CEO Ed Bastian was asked for his opinion on the great seat recline debate. His answer was a bit inconsistent, especially when explaining why he chooses not to recline when he flies. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Bastian...
Another European Airline Collapses, Maybe?
Turkish airline AtlasGlobal has weathered several storms over the preceding months. Once again, it appears the airline has ceased operations. Will it be for good this time? I say “maybe” and “appears” because there has been no formal announcement...
Very Friendly Waiters In Tel Aviv…
My wife and son had gone to bed, but I was still hungry, so I headed to Don Camillo, one of the restaurants at The Jaffa hotel in Tel Aviv. I brought my laptop along and had planned to work...
KLM “Apologizes” To Korean People For Flight Attendants, But…
In case you’ve missed it, KLM has been in the limelight this week for a handwritten note on a napkin that designated a lavatory for use only by the crew. But here’s the twist: this happened on a flight...
The Turkish Airlines Lounge In Istanbul Is Simply Outstanding
After arriving from Frankfurt aboard the A321neo, I had an extended layover in Istanbul before my connection to Atlanta. I decided to spend the night in the lounge instead of leaving the airport, a decision I did not regret....
Bernie Sanders Flies First Class
I left out the “guilty” or “sheepish” or “nervous” to avoid charges of clickbait, but a fellow passenger “caught” Bernie Sanders in first class on an American Airlines flight and the look on his face is just priceless. Bernie...
Reclining American Airlines Passenger Claims “Assault” After Exasperated Man Punched Her Seat
Ah yes, the great seat recline debate rears its ugly head once again. Is It “Assault” When You Punch The Seat Of The Passenger In Front Of You? Legally, assault is intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension of...
Alaska Joins Oneworld? Don’t Get Too Excited…
Alaska Airlines will from a strategic alliance with American Airlines to compete with Delta in Seattle and also join the Oneworld alliance. Let’s be careful before we start celebrating this news. There’s a lot to be happy about in...
United Airlines Will Replace Biscoff Cookies With Oreo Thins
United Airlines is ditching my favorite onboard snack for Oreo cookies. I feel like crying. United Introduces Oreo Thins Effective March 1st United will introduce Oreo Thin cookies on all mainline and United Express flights. These new cookies will...
Former United CFO Plans A “Boring” New Airline
“The best way to compete in the airline industry is to not compete.” – Andrew Levy Former United CFO Plans New Airline Former United Chief Financial Officer Andrew Levy plans a new airline of his own, one that won’t...
A Non-Sabbath Sabbath In Israel
I was under the false impression that all of Israel shut down from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Not so in Nazareth. We spent Friday at the Sea of Galilee, taking in three historic Christian sites during the day....
Success! I Now Have Two U.S. Passports
Well, that was smoother than I thought. I went from having one passport with no space left for stamps to two empty passports…in a number of hours. Los Angeles Passport Agency: Easy I was able to make an appointment...
Delta Should Think Twice Before Dancing On Air Italy’s Grave
You can bet that there was euphoria in the C-Suites of Delta Air Lines over the news of Air Italy’s collapse. But the untimely demise of Air Italy does not excuse Delta of hypocrisy nor validate its longstanding protest...
Air New Zealand Is Asking The Right Questions
Air New Zealand wants to deliver its a more “uniquely Kiwi” experience and is asking its most frequent flyers for feedback. To its credit, it is asking the right questions. Airpoints Gold and Elite members received an email from...
My Beloved Air Italy Bites The Dust
In an unexpected move, Air Italy decided to cut its loses and shut down…effective immediately. This is a very sad day for a very special carrier. Investors accelerated an emergency meeting, originally scheduled for February 18th, to today. There,...
My Passport Dilemma
“A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” My former commanding officer in the U.S. Air Force had that quote boldly emblazoned on a plaque on his desk. Today that is quite...
Southwest Airlines Swaps Humor For Solemnity
Southwest Airlines has updated its pre-flight announcements to urge passengers to report any unwelcome behavior observed onboard. Effective systemwide, you’ll now hearing the following as part of the pre-flight briefing before your next Southwest flight: “We are here for...
