Delta CEO Ed Bastian swiftly and succinctly dismantled a poorly-researched tweet by U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders (D – VT). I routinely cover airline CEO correspondence on Live and Let’s Fly and I do not think I have...
Will Delta, Qatar and United Operate Domestically In Brazil?
Brazil moved one step closer to allowing foreign-controlled airlines to operate domestically in Brazil. The loosening of rules may be a boon to both airlines and consumers. Current law places a 20% limit on foreign ownership of a Brazilian...
The Best Fried Chicken In Southern California
Southern California is such a wonderful Mecca of food choices, including some amazing fried chicken. I recently returned to a childhood favorite, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Knott’s Berry Farm started as a berry farm and roadside chicken dinner...
First Impressions: Emirates A380 Business Class
Greetings from Dubai. After a 16-hour flight on Emirates from Los Angeles to Dubai, it is good to be on the ground again. My expectations were guarded for this flight and I think they were just about perfect for...
How Uber And Lyft Drivers Game The System
Uber and Lyft drivers are creating artificial surge pricing in Washington, DC to drive up fares. They insist this is necessary to “flight back” against years of declining pay. Here’s how the trick goes down. The lot outside Reagan...
An Observation On Air Italy Award Space
Air Italy award space is generally quite good, even in premium cabins…but be sure to book in advance. I tend to be a last-minute type of flyer. I rarely book tickets more than 1-2 days before travel and consequently...
Delta Proud Not To Pay Corporate Taxes Despite Massive Profits
Delta earned over $5 billion in pre-tax profit in 2018 and did not pay a dime in federal income tax. And that’s exactly how the program is supposed to work according to Delta’s CEO. One last snippet from the...
Why I’ll Stick To Taxis And Avoid Uber In Germany
Uber is back across Germany…but be careful, as the drivers are not exactly well-experienced. I was recently in Germany with my business partner. We landed in Frankfurt and needed to get to Mainz. When I travel alone, I take...
How Televangelists Defend Private Jets In 2019
Televangelist Jesse Duplantis is in the market for a new private jet, but has no desire to discuss it outside the friendly confines of his echo chamber church. Inside Edition, a tabloid American TV program, recently caught up with...
Saudia Wants To Become A “Big Four” Gulf Carrier
First there was Emirates. Then there was Qatar Airways. Then there was Etihad. Collectively, these carriers are known as the “ME3” or the three big Persian Gulf carriers that command dominance in the region. But knocking on the door...
Booked: Emirates A380 + 777 Business Class
I took one for the team and am going to fly business class on Emirates this week, with a chance to experience both an A380 and 777-300. I say “take one for the team” because first class award space...
Is First Class Worth The Premium Over Business Class?
In an age in which business class seating is becoming better and better, is first class worth the premium over business class? Of course the answer to this question is highly subjective and depends upon the specific product, but...
TSA Agents Sent To Southern Border To Serve Meals…
Not only does the TSA screen flight attendants, now it will serve meals as well…at the U.S. Southern Border. As the busy summer travel season heats up, President Trump is sending TSA agents to the Southern Border, including Federal...
Is New Istanbul Airport Already In Danger Of Failing?
Will Istanbul’s beautiful new airport fail on account of clouds and fog? Some experts fear the answer is yes. Last week, flights to Istanbul from the following cities were diverted to Çorlu, an airport 60 miles west of the...
A Tasty Vegetarian Choice In United Polaris
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. I recently...
How To Fly Emirates Business Class For A Small Fraction Of Retail Price
You don’t have to pay sticker price to fly business class on Emirates. Instead, you just need to buy miles strategically. Say you want to travel between Los Angeles and Dubai nonstop on Emirates in business class. You’re looking...
Delta CEO Dismisses United CEO’s “Pissed Off” Passenger Assessment
Delta CEO Ed Basitan does not agree with United CEO Oscar Munoz’s assessment of how passengers feel by the time they step onto a plane. Last month, Munoz told ABC News that by the time passengers stepped onto any...
Ethiopian Airlines Blasts FAA For Protecting Boeing, May Never Fly 737 Again
Ethiopian Airlines is disputing statements from a Federal Aviation Administration official this week, alleging that the FAA is trying to divert blame from Boeing. Ethiopian’s CEO also suggested that his airline is in no rush to resume flying the...
The Top 10 “Undertouristed” Countries
France. Italy. Spain. We certainly know which countries are affected by overtourism. But what about “undertouristed” countries? Where can you go if you want to escape the crowds? Or is that premise totally wrong? Seeeking to answer that question,...
New Machu Picchu Airport Sparks Outrage
A new airport under construction in Peru has drawn international outrage, with charges that it will lead to the destruction of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cusco has outgrown Astete International Airport (CUZ). Its single runway cannot...
