The other day we were out walking and passed a lady…and her giant tortoise. This required a conversation. Should an emotional support turtle be allowed on airplanes so this dear lady can fly? An Encounter With An Emotional Support...
Why ANA + JAL Should Not Merge
A key advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister has suggested that All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) should merge. Make no mistake: this would be horrible for Japanese consumers and indeed consumers around the world. Influential Government...
United Airlines Raises Baggage Fees (Temporarily), A Step Toward Dynamic Pricing
United Airlines has introduced a holiday surcharge for checked baggage to five destinations in Latin America. While only temporary in nature, the move marks a step toward dynamically-priced baggage fees, a two-edged sword for consumers. United Airlines Raises Checked...
My Thanksgiving Travel Plans Are Up In The Air…
If you’re a regular reader, you know that for several years I’ve spent Thanksgiving weekend at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property in Carmel. It has become a cherished family tradition. This year, however, we may just stay home....
Ordered Chaos At Shanghai Pudong Airport
What happened when two new COVID-19 cases were traced back to airport cargo employees at Shanghai Pudong International Airport? Over 17,000 workers were forced to test…immediately. There were also reports and video of passenger revolt. The ordered chaos that...
United Airlines Expands COVID-19 Testing To Houston (IAH)
United Airlines will expand its pre-flight COVID-19 testing program to flights out of Houston bound for destinations in the Caribbean and Latin American. New United Airlines COVID-19 Testing Partnership For Houston Flights Beginning December 7, United will help facilitate...
Review: Andaz West Hollywood (Suite)
My wife and I enjoyed a staycation last month at the Andaz in West Hollywood. It’s a great Hyatt property in the heart of LA that I look forward to returning to. Andaz West Hollywood Review We live less...
First Impressions: JetBlue’s Stunning New Mint Product
This week, JetBlue unveiled a new soft product for its premium Mint class, including new menus, Yesterday, I flew JetBlue Mint from Los Angeles to West Palm Beach to check it out…and was once again reminded that JetBlue is...
Airlines Can’t Be Christian…
Perhaps this is more a theological discussion than a travel one, but it is in the context of Judah 1, the new carrier many are calling the first “Christian” airline. Judah 1: A “Christian” Airline? In 2018, Everett Aaron,...
Lufthansa’s Double-Talk About Being A Premium Airline
Lufthansa is in the midst of a fight for survival, so this criticism will be more tempered than it would in boom years. Nevertheless, the whole Dr. Jeckyl – Mr. Hyde approach to being a “premium” airline is simply...
Review: United Club San Francisco (SFO – F Gates)
The United Club at San Francisco International Airport near Gate F11 is near and dear to my heart and remains on the of the last “vintage” United lounges. This review not only showcases the lounge, but will give you...
Want A Truly Flexible Ticket? Book A Boeing 737 MAX
Now that the Boeing 737 MAX has been “ungrounded” in the United States, airlines have the tall task of getting people to fly on it. All three U.S. operators have assured customers they have flexible options if they do...
United Airlines Warns Of Uptick In Cancellations And Decrease In New Bookings
United Airlines warned investors yesterday that it has observed both an uptick in cancellations and a decrease in new bookings, which it blames on a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Even as United tries to downplay the bad news,...
American Airlines Eliminates International Change Fees, United Airlines Plans To Match
American Airlines is eliminating change fees on most international tickets originating in the Americas. Will Delta and United now try outdo American? American Airlines Eliminates Change Fees On Longhaul International Tickets Effective immediately, American Airlines will no longer charge...
My Global Entry Enrollment On Arrival Interview
My Global Entry was up for renewal this year. Rather than schedule an interview appointment and make an extra trip to the airport, I took advantage of the “Enrollment on Arrival” program to knock out my interview at San...
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Polaris Business Class – International Pandemic Edition
Tremendous service and a comfortable seat made up for a reduced serving offering, but I have to admit my flight from Frankfurt to San Francisco greatly exceeded my expectations. This United Airlines Polaris business class review will give you...
Fly 35,000 Miles Per Year? You’re In the Top 1%….Of Global Aviation Polluters
Frequent flyers representing only 1% of the world’s population contribute 50% of annual global aviation carbon emissions. But any realistic long-term solution will not punish them. 1% Of People Account For 50% Of Aviation Emissions The figure sounds pretty...
Who Will Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine First?
For travelers hoping a COVID-19 vaccine will be available as early as next month, you’ll need to patient. The initial 40 million doses are already largely spoken for and travelers did not make the cut. COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Will Have...
California Scandal? Hawaiian Travel + Michelin Star Restaurant For State Leaders Preaching Lockdown
I’m wading into political waters, but it is certainly related to travel and merits our discussion. There’s a big brouhaha in California over Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to push social distancing guidelines by dining maskless and ostensibly indoors at...
I’m Ready To Fly On The 737 MAX. Are You?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has just “ungrounded” the Boeing 737 MAX, clearing the path for the troubled airliner to take to the skies once again in the USA. I’m ready to fly this aircraft. Are you? FAA Ungrounds...
