Spring is nearing, but it remains icy cold throughout much of the USA and around the Northern Hemisphere. That means you may experience a de-icing before your aircraft departs. But have you ever wondered what exactly that is? United Airlines...
The Boeing 737 MAX And Iraq War Redux
The evidence was irrefutable. Every credible intelligence agency agreed. Only idiots didn’t understand. Statesmen from both sides of the aisle and the enlightened countries of the world all saw the imminent threat. Billions of dollars were spent. Lives...
Spirit Airlines Announces New Service To Burbank, CA
No-frills budget carrier Spirit Airlines is coming to Burbank, California. Today, the carrier announced it will offer three daily flights between Burbank and Las Vegas starting in June 2019. Burbank becomes our second airport destination in the Los Angeles Basin,...
A Loyalty-Free Weekend on Alaska and American
I spent the weekend in Seattle, flying up on Friday and back on Sunday. Oddly, for me at least, the weekend included no flights on United. It was strangely liberating to fly from Burbank to Seattle on Alaska on...
President Trump Weighs In On Boeing 737 MAX Crash
U.S. President Donald Trump has just weighed in on the Boeing 737 MAX crash…via Twitter. Let’s first look at what the president said in a series of two tweets just after 10:00AM ET this morning: Airplanes are becoming far...
Exclusive: U.S. Commercial Pilot Addresses Boeing 737 MAX Safety
121pilot, a frequent commenter on this blog, is a U.S. commercial airline pilot. I asked him to address the safety of the Boeing 737 MAX and he graciously agreed. His thoughts are below. There has been a great deal...
Philippine Airlines Hints At SkyTeam Preference
Philippine Airlines (PAL) may join the SkyTeam alliance…but it is in no rush. PAL Vice President of Sales Ryan Uy was asked about alliances at a conference in Cebu this week. He proceeded to give a rather detailed answer:...
Man Finds Maggot in Delta First Class Meal, Delta Gives Him $50
What’s worse, finding a maggot in your first class salad on Delta or only being offered $50 for the inconvenience? Delta brought a whole new meaning to the word “organic” for one Washington, DC-based Delta flyer on a flight...
Free Beer On United Airlines Tomorrow
Tomorrow is 312 Day (not to be confused with 420 Day). In celebration, United is offering free beer to select 21+ passengers flying from Chicago O’Hare. Indeed, this is a totally made-up holiday. But Chicago beermaker Goose Island Brewing Co. wants...
Boeing, Now It’s Your Turn To Calm The Public
Boeing does not owe the public, including its shareholders, an immediate explanation for what happened to an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX 8 that crashed after takeoff yesterday, killing everyone onboard. But it would be wise to address the issue...
As China Grounds 737 MAX, Safety Questions Abound
Tragically, an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX traveling from Addis Ababa to Nairobi crashed shortly after takeoff yesterday. 159 perished and there were no survivors. The second crash of this aircraft variant in a matter of months has left...
Review: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach (Family Ocean Suite)
Yesterday I reviewed the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Today, I want to separately review the family ocean suite, perfect for a family traveling together. For all I rave about the Kahala, if you are on a budget...
Help! I’m An Airline Packrat…
A packrat is a person who saves unnecessary objects or hoards things. When it comes to airline-related paraphernalia, I am guilty as charged. I know I’m not the only one, so let me address this more generally to all...
Opinion: United Should Invest In Polaris, Not Livery
Yesterday, I wrote about United’s plans to introduce a new livery next month. Today, I argue that there are far more pressing priorities than fuselage paint jobs. The new livery will likely incorporate the new purple and blue hues...
Book Delta Awards With Virgin Atlantic, Not Delta
It merits mentioning just what an incredible deal your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles are when redeeming on nonstop Delta flights, particularly in business class. We are in an odd era in which an airline charges significantly more miles...
Review: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach
The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach has been a family favorite for many years. The refreshed rooms and central location make this a location worth considering and my favorite Hyatt property in Honolulu. During my trip to Hawaii last month...
My Dull Sense Of Remorse Over Missed Marriott Redemption
If you have not been living under a rock, you know that Marriott Bonvoy introduced a new Category 8 for hotel redemptions on March 5th. Overnight, many awards dramatically rose in price. We knew this was coming for several months,...
The Secret Pacific Island Where Vintage Aircraft Still Fly
Did you know there is an island off the coast of New Zealand with an airline that still uses aircraft built in the 1950s on commercial flights? I’m talking about Chatham Island. My love of geography goes back two decades...
United Will Introduce New Livery Next Month
When United Airlines and Continental merged, the United name may have survived, but the Continental livery did. Now comes the chance for true reconciliation. I say that facetiously, of course, since the paint on aircraft is like the old...
Dear United FAs, Please Stick To The Script!
Flight attendants on United Airlines will soon have more leeway and flexibility in making onboard safety and service announcements. In fact, United is even inviting FAs to show “personality”. Does that mean we are doomed to Southwest-style tomfoolery? Let’s hope...
