Stop by office in Southern California and you might think you just stepped into a Park Hyatt hotel or onto an Etihad flight. My business partner John and I enjoy listening to music during the day. There are some...
Review: Thai Airways 747-400 Business Class Tokyo to Bangkok

Not only does Thai Airways have a very uncompetitive business class product aboard its 747-400, it also has one of the oddest seating configurations. My flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) was not one of my...
Frequent Traveler University in New York City This Weekend! Still Not Too Late To Attend.

One last reminder that Frequent Traveler University will be held in New York City this weekend. It is still not too late to register. Ever wanted to learn more about manufactured spending? The best miles and points program? Which...
Review: ANA 777-300ER First Class Chicago to Tokyo

My ANA first class expectations were quite high going in, so I was ecstatic when they were exceeded. The seat and service were exactly as expected, but the meals onboard were not just great, but tremendous. This review is...
$500 Fine Dropped Against Delta Passenger Who Carried Apple Into USA

A $500 fine has been dropped against a traveler who attempted to bring in an apple to the USA she was given as part of a Delta pre-arrival snack. As I wrote about in April, Crystal Tadlock was on a Delta...
The Airline of Mystery: Cubana de Aviación

Cuba is 90-miles off the coast of Florida. It’s a nation that is now served by most U.S. airlines. But aviation in Cuba is enshrouded in mystery. We literally have no idea what is going on. Numerous reports indicate...
Introduction: An Asian First Class Adventure to Europe

Next up, a classic trip report that has been in the queue for too long. In 2016, I had the chance for a cool trip around the world. The purpose was to sample new premium cabin products and hotels...
Qatar Airways CEO “Apologizes” for Sexist “Joke” (Again…)

The irony is rich. Just 10 minutes after promising not to make any controversial statements during his new tenure as International Air Transport Association (IATA) Chair, Akbar Al-Baker, also known as His Excellently, said the following when asked about...
Is Hyatt Trolling Us?

Let’s be real. Is hotel management really going to police the breakfast room at Hyatt Place? I’ve analyzed the changes coming to Hyatt Place properties in the USA. In addition to early check-in for elites and refreshed rooms, the...
New Livery for Sun Country Airlines

Voting just concluded for a brand new Sun Country Airlines livery. With the airline on the verge of major change, it is no surprise its paint scheme would also be updated. Employees were asked to vote on one of...
United Mobile App Tells You Exactly Why Your Flight Is Delayed

United Airlines is rolling out technology on its mobile app that will tell you exactly why your flight is delayed. Usually when a delay occurs, we will see messages like these: That’s better than just saying delayed, but still...
Pros and Cons of the Illogical New Flying Blue Program

A new pricing scheme kicked in for Air France/KLM Flying Blue award redemptions on June 1st. Figuring it out has been like trying to figure out the writing of Faulkner. But I’ve been able to make a few general...
Analyzing Three Recent Changes at Hyatt

Hyatt recently announced three policy changes that implicate breakfast, upgrades, and early check-in. What is Hyatt trying to achieve with this mid-year tinkering? 1. Breakfast only for World of Hyatt members who book directly with Hyatt Hyatt trialed removing...
Which Hyatt in Germany is Best?

There are seven Hyatt hotels in Germany. Which one is best? The seven properties include: Hyatt Regency Cologne Grand Hyatt Berlin Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf Hyatt Regency Mainz Park Hyatt Hamburg Hyatt Place Frankfurt Hyatt House Dusseldorf For purposes of...
Last Chance to Register for FTU New York (+ $20 Discount Code)

Frequent Traveler University is coming to Manhattan this weekend. There’s still time for you to attend. I always enjoy FTU events and look forward to this one for two reasons. First, it will be in the heart of New...
British Airways Class Action Settlement: Why I’m Taking Cash Not Avios

British Airways has agreed to pay up for its obscene fuel surcharges levied on transatlantic travel. I’m taking cash over Avios. In a nutshell, this lawsuit contends that British Airways’ fuel surcharges were disproportionate to the price of fuel...
Why Airlines DON’T Want Doctors Onboard

When a medical emergency occurs onboard a flight, what do airlines do if there is no doctor onboard? As it turns out, often the same thing they do when there is a doctor onboard: consult with professionals on the...
Review: Hyatt Regency Mainz

There is no Hyatt I stay at more than this hotel. Over the years, I have come to consider this hotel a second home and the staff part of my extended German family. It’s not the best Hyatt, but...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 03, 2018

I’m convalescing in LA this evening after catching a nasty virus from one-year-old Augustine earlier this week. For those of you who sent me email that has gone unanswered, please be patient. This week we learned more about Delta’s...
Hamburg Airport Evacuated, Shut Down

Hamburg Airport remains closed this evening after losing power this morning. Thus far, engineers have been unable to restore even partial power. Around 1oam this morning (CET), an electrical short-circuit lurched Hamburg (HAM) into darkness. Both passenger terminals were evacuated....