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...
Pictures: Winter Storm Brings Chaos To Munich Airport
With Storm Sabine flooding streets and knocking down trees and power lines, all flights were suspended from Munich Airport. That created a de facto refugee camp in the terminal halls of Germany’s second largest airport. Storm Sabine (called Storm...
The Best Kanafeh In Israel
I’ve written about kanafeh before…my favorite dessert in the world. I had the great pleasure of introducing my wife and son to kanafeh during our recent trip to Israel. Here are two places I strongly recommend for really tasty kanafeh....
First Impressions: Turkish Airlines A321neo Business Class
It was so enjoyable to fly on Turkish Airlines again, reminding me of what intra-Europe service could be like on other carriers. I must admit, the A321neo was not planned. Rather, it was a fortunate last-minute aircraft swap from...
United Airlines Tries To Make Kosher Food Tasty
United Airlines is improving its kosher menus with new choices of food and drink on Tel Aviv flights. A Kosher Meal Problem I have many clients at Award Expert who keep Kosher, meaning I frequently order Kosher meals on...
Wow! British Airways 747 Sets Transatlantic Speed Record
British Airways has reclaimed the crown for fastest transatlantic subsonic flight, with a record-breaking journey from New York to London. In 2015, British Airways set a transatlantic speed record for subsonic travel by crossing the Pond (JFK-LHR) in 5 hours,...
Why I Wasn’t Moved By Holy Sites In The Holy Land
For better or for worse, I was simply not moved by the holy sites in the Holy Land. And yet something happened that I will never forget. This post gets a little personal, but it was a central part...
World’s “Nicest” Airline? Here’s What It Looks Like
This week, airline pioneer David Neeleman introduced Breeze Airways, a new airline that will begin flying in the United States later this year. He dubbed it “world’s nicest airline” but offered few details how it would achieve that title....
The “Lufthansa Diet” Looks Promising
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. This Meal...
New American Airlines Business Class Seats Are Only Half The Battle
News leaked yesterday of two new business class seats under consideration by American Airlines. While either seat looks promising, both must come with a corresponding investment in the soft product. We know that American Airlines is testing new business...
Negotiating For Lunch In Bethlehem
The most stressful part of my entire week in the Holy Land was negotiating for lunch in Bethlehem. Oh how I hate it when restaurants don’t have posted prices! We were right in tourist central, near the Church of...
Ryanair Ads Banned For Misleading Consumers
Irish budget carrier Ryanair has been told by the United Kingdom that its latest ad campaign must end and causes consumer confusion. Ryanair claims to be “Europe’s low CO2 emissions airline”. Its TV and radio ads cite the carrier’s...
United Flight Diverts After Passenger Threatens To Kill Flight Attendant
A Tokyo-bound United flight diverted to Anchorage earlier this week after a passenger told a flight attendant, “I will kill you” and slapped his face after he denied him more alcohol. Seksan Kumtong began banging on lavatory doors shortly...
How Breeze Airways Will Distinguish Itself From The Competition
David Neeleman, the founder of JetBlue Airways, has unveiled Breeze Airways, a new airline which will hit U.S. skies as early as this year. How will Breeze Airways distinguish itself from others? Dual Fleet Breeze Airways will operate two aircraft...
Coffee And Politics At The Walled Off Hotel In Bethlehem
If you’re ever in Bethlehem, don’t miss the Walled Off Hotel, even if just for a cup of coffee. It was the most memorable visit of the entire week. Bankrolled by the artist Banksy, this is not only one of...
Qatar Airways Accelerates Investment In Africa
Qatar Airways sees tremendous growth opportunity in Africa and has responded by picking a strategic hub: Kigali, Rwanda. Now Qatar Airways wants to invest in Rwanda’s national airline. Bugesera International Airport in Kigali is set to open in 2022,...
Lufthansa Has Really Hit Rock Bottom In Economy Class
Hey, it’s time for another Lufthansa Economy Class trip report from Los Angeles to Frankfurt. It just gets worse and worse… I flew from LAX-FRA aboard the A380 last Friday and did economy class again because…well, we’re tightening our...
