A new policy is now in effect at Emirates that restricts first class award redemptions to Skywards elite members, a move that is aimed at driving more business to Emirates and its portfolio of co-branded credit cards. Just ahead...
My Accidental Footwear Fail At LAX
A little self-deprecating humor this morning, courtesy of your author. I showed up to LAX in my slippers…and it was not deliberate. Then I did it again. Oops: I Forgot To Take My Slippers Off Before Arriving At LAX...
Introduction: A Long-Awaited Journey On Korean Air To Hong Kong
Welcome to my next trip report, which will detail my recent round-the-world journey to Hong Kong on Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, and (unexpectedly) American Airlines. This was a “bucket list” trip in that I finally got to fly...
Trump’s Air Traffic Control Plan Needs Refinement, But It’s Progress
Cleared For Takeoff: Why America’s Air Traffic Control Overhaul Can’t Wait America’s air traffic control (ATC) system, once a marvel of aviation innovation, is now struggling under the weight of outdated technology and chronic underinvestment. Aging radar systems, some...
Scott Kirby’s Fox News Op-Ed On Newark Airport
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has written an op-ed for Fox News calling for the return of slot controls at Newark Liberty International Airport. Let’s take a look at Kirby’s argument and whether it is reasonable or purely self-serving...
Emirates Restricts First Class Awards To Skywards Elites (But There Are Two Workarounds)
After reporting record profits earlier this week, Emirates will restrict first class awards to its own elite frequent flyers. There may be at least two workarounds, but this is a monumental development in the evolution of Emirates’ first class...
Last Time To Fly In Lufthansa First Class?
We are less than a month away from the Miles & More loyalty program tying redemption prices to revenue prices. Will this practically mark the end of using miles for Lufthansa First Class award space? My Fear That We...
$19K Business Class…On Your Dime: Denver Airport Execs Take Luxury Jaunt To Spain
CBS Colorado reports not one, not two, but nine executives from Denver Airport flew to Madrid, Spain for a conference, all buying business class tickets with United Airlines at a cost of up to $19,000 per ticket. Is this...
Pre-Departure Beverage…In Economy Class?!
I flew from Los Angeles to Chicago and back on United Airlines last week in economy class–domestic upgrades seem to be a thing of the past, even for 1Ks–and was quite impressed by a small but meaningful service gesture...
My First Time Flying Breeze Airways: Friendly, Fashionable, But Filthy…
After flying American Airlines out to Pittsburgh, I flew Breeze Airways back to Los Angeles in “Ascent” Class, its premium cabin, on an Airbus A220. While the experience was mostly positive, the aircraft was filthy…I don’t think I’ve ever...
“We Are Delivering The Mail And Milk!” Richard Quest Flies The United Airlines Island Hopper
CNN host Richard Quest recently flew United’s “Island Hopper” route, a rite of passage for every AvGeek. Let’s review what the Island Hopper is and why it is one of United’s most consequential flights. Rite Of Passage: Richard Quest...
Hyatt’s New Award Gifting Rule Just Made My Life Harder…
World of Hyatt is limiting the gifting of awards, a move that will adversely impact me, but does make sense considering the ease in which these awards are transferable. World Of Hyatt Restricts Unlimited Gifting Of Awards Hyatt is...
Marriott Hotel Accuses Woman Of Being A Man, Demands ID In Restroom Incident
Security guards at a Boston Marriott Hotel have been accused of entering a female restroom and accusing a woman of being a man, then demanding to see her ID to verify she was actually a woman. Security Guard Demands...
Emirates Declares Itself World’s Most Profitable Airline
Emirates has just reported its 2024-2025 financial results, with figures suggesting that it is now the world’s most profitable airline. Emirates Reports Huge Profits, Rewards Employees The Emirates Group includes Emirates (the airline) and dnata (its ground servicing division,...
The World They Died To Build: VE Day 80 Years Later
80 Years Since VE Day: May We Remember The Cost Of War As We Enjoy The Fruits Of Peace 80 years ago this day, on May 8, 1945, the guns of war fell silent across Europe. Victory in Europe...
American Airlines First Class Sliders Were Too Popular For Their Own Good
The Real Reason American Airlines Is Pulling Popular “Sliders & Fries” In First Class A new first class menu item AA called “Sliders & Fries” debuted on flights out of Chicago O’Hare (ORD) in February for pre-orders. American Airlines...
American Airlines Rolls Out Flagship Business Suites On 787-9: Here’s Where To Find Them
American Airlines 787-9 With Flagship Business Suites: Routes + Award Space American Airlines is finally ready to roll out its new Flagship Business Suites aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, its first major business class hard product update in decade....
United Airlines CEO Says Newark Airport Is Safe—But There’s Just One Problem
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has sent a memo to employees seeking to assuage safety fears over Newark Liberty International Airport that have been swirling in the news over the last several days, as the busy New Jersey airport...
The Vain Reason I Don’t Have REAL ID…
At long last (after nearly 20 years of delays), the federal REAL ID Act requirements take effect today. You’ll need to have a state licence that meets minimum federal security standards to avoid delays when traveling through a US...
A Black-And-White Check-In Clash At Frontier Airlines
A Frontier Airlines agent seemed to take great joy in refusing to check in a man for boarding, managing to display both unprofessionalism and understandable annoyance at a late passenger demanding special accommodation but unwilling to pay for it....
