Obscene is a strong and harsh word. It means offensive to moral principles; repugnant. I don’t use the word casually. Yet I do use it to describe the ridiculous APD departure tax from the United Kingdom…that will soon grow...
Review: Dublin Airport Executive Lounge
The Dublin Airport Executive Lounge offers scorching-fast wi-fi and barista-made coffee. It’s well worth a visit before your flight from Terminal 1. After checking in for my Ethiopian Airlines flight from Dublin to Los Angeles, I proceeded through security....
A Turkey Dinner from 37,000 Feet Over Iraq
I realized something while searching through my massive archive of airline meal photos today. I’ve had steak, chicken, lamb, pork, fish, lobster, crab, octopus, and even reindeer as a main course on an airplane. But never have I had...
Introduction: Adventures on Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways
Two so-called mistake fares. One mega trip. It was a hard-fought battle, but eventually I prevailed and successfully reinstated my discounted business class ticket on Ethiopian Airlines. Soon thereafter, Qatar Airways published an amazing business class fare between Ho...
A Thanksgiving Resolution
Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to fly around the world using his miles and points. Around the globe he flew, visiting the far corners of the world; meeting new people and surveying new lands....
Thanksgiving Letter from United CEO
United CEO Oscar Munoz penned a beautiful to note to employees concerning the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Dear United family, Thanksgiving is a time when we take stock of what we’ve accomplished over the past year and give thanks to...
Review: SWISS 777-300ER Business Class Los Angeles to Zurich
The SWISS 777-300ER has a lot going for it. A great hard product in business class, good IFE, wi-fi, and generally professional service. But there were some rough edges. Food was poor and one particular FA was quite rude....
How to Survive 14 Hours in Economy Class
Last week I found myself in the rear coach cabin for a 14-hour journey from Hong Kong to Chicago. Here are seven tips for how to survive long flights in economy class. 1. Drink Gallons of Water Staying hydrated...
Air China Cancels Service to North Korea
Air China has suspended its service to Pyongyang (FNJ), North Korea, effective immediately. Air China cites a lack of demand as the reason behind the route cancellation, but I question that. Earlier this week U.S. President Donald Trump added...
Masturbation or Self-Gratification? Penetrating the Air France Controversy
Speculation continues over what really happened onboard Air France 228, from Paris to Buenos Aires, on October 29th. Live and Let’s Fly will never be a willing purveyor of “fake news” so let’s dig a bit deeper. A passenger...
Horrifying Vegetarian Meal or Impressive Domestic Meal Service?
Context is always key. Outrage is often feigned. Ignorance is strength. A tweet of an airline meal has gone viral. It is purportedly an economy class “vegetarian” meal on Avianca, the Colombian flag carrier and member of Star Alliance....
Taste Test: United’s New Smoked Gouda Cheeseburger
On Sunday I flew home from Chicago to LA on United…behind the curtain. It gave me a chance to try out United’s new smoked gouda cheeseburger, the subject of this week’s Meal of the Week. I’ve written before about...
Would You Upgrade Chicago to LA for $159?
After my final FTU speech yesterday, I flew home from Chicago to Los Angeles, a 4hr flight. Being one of the busiest travel days of the year, my flight was about $200 one-way…more than I usually pay for Chicago...
Yes Gary, I Would Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet
Gary Leff asks, “Would You Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet?” My answer is…depends on the jet. But in answer to the specific jet referred to in his question, the answer is YES. United is adding several new...
United Polaris Shop: If You Can’t Steal It, Buy It…
United Airlines’ Saks Fifth Avenue bedding in business class is so popular United has had trouble keeping it onboard. Now you can buy it online, just in time for the holidays. United has had a tremendous problem with the theft...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: November 19, 2017
I really enjoyed FTU this weekend. Not only was it fun to meet many readers, but it was a great crowd–I hope all who attended enjoyed it. I’m happy to report that I have no more (planned) airline trips...
Review: Hyatt Place Bangkok
In my teaser post on the Hyatt Place Bangkok, I lauded this hotel’s comfort and amenities. Here’s a full review of the hotel. Located on Sukhumvit 24, the Hyatt Place is the newest property in Hyatt’s Bangkok portfolio. A mid-tier...
One Brilliant Star Alliance Award to Book Before Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Devaluation
Singapore Airlines is devaluing its Star Alliance redemption chart on December 07, 2017. The award chart was never very attractive in the first place, but every program has its sweet spots. The good news is that Star Alliance redemptions...
Comedian Savages Spirit Airlines
Comedian Brent Pella has a beef with Spirit Airlines. The stand-up comedian shares of his recent Spirit experience in the form of a video entitled, Why You Shouldn’t Fly on Spirit Airlines. I would not have bothered with a post...
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Business Class Singapore to Los Angeles
This will be a briefer review than my Los Angeles to Singapore outbound flight, but I do want to highlight United’s catering and service out of Singapore for its longest flight on the route map. After resting up at...
