I alluded to it offhandedly in a recent post on United catering out of Tel Aviv, but based upon the comments it drew I want to revisit the topic directly. I recently had an incredibly invasive security experience in Tel...
Exploring Pyramiden with Two Armed Female Bodyguards
There was one thing I did not mention in my earlier piece on Pyramiden: there are polar bears roaming around. America is not the only home of gunslingers: in Svalbard and particularly on Pyramiden, you don’t go outside without a...
I Love the New British Airways’ Safety Video!
I suppose I’m just signing to the choir at this point, but I cannot help but to personally highlight British Airway’s hilarious new safety video. I find it utterly hilarious. It’s long, but I broke out laughing during several points. Nowhere...
I’m Suspicious of the Big AMEX Transfer Bonus to British Airways
In the last few days we’ve seen a huge change in balance between American Express Membership Reward points and British Airways Avios. First, transfers went from 1.25 AMEX to 1 BA Avios to 1:1. Now AMEX is offering a...
United FAs Now Empowered to Issue Onboard Compensation
One of the biggest problems of the failed Smisek era at United Airlines was that FAs and gate agents lost much of their flexibility. Rules were strictly enforced with consequences for bending them, but anti-customer policies were also implemented....
Why Pyramiden is a Must-See (Photo Tour)
Let’s play a game of imagination. Imagine a thriving village bustling with hard working men and women who have left the comforts of home to serve the motherland in a far corner of the world. Imagine a formal dining...
Should I Travel Home via Greenland or Ireland?
I’ve got a decision to make: how to get home from Europe. I am wavering between two choices, but there are actually at least four. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts, preferences, and suggestions. Option One – via Greenland...
Ethiopian Airlines Accepts My Compromise…Sort Of
For those who followed along my denied boarding saga on Ethiopian Airlines, you’ll recall that the issue has never been resolved. While Ethiopian Airlines did agree to honor the ticket, their initial offer — come back to BKK and fly...
Fascinating Soviet Hotel Experience on a Russian Island in Norway
While most people just spend a few hours touring around the mostly-abandoned Russian mining settlement of Pyramiden, you’re invited to stay the night. That’s what I did. After the mine closed in 1998, the island’s population sank from over 1,000...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 17, 2017
I’m hardly in full relaxation mode, but after another week in beautiful Germany I’ve acclimated back nicely to a life of paying in cash and not being able to buy groceries on Sunday! As we start thinking about the...
The Five Best British Airways Avios Redemptions
With news that American Express points once again transfer at a 1:1 ratio to British Airways, I want to highlight my five favorite redemption options. Hint: It’s all about shorthaul. For years, I talked up the amazing rate between Boston and Dublin...
Why is British Airways Back to 1:1 with American Express?
Without notice or explanation, American Express Membership Rewards points once again transfer on a 1:1 basis to British Airways Avios. American Express confirmed (via TPG) that this is not a temporary change akin to a transfer bonus. Today, two...
Surprisingly Delicious Meals out of Tel Aviv on United
Don’t ask why, don’t ask how, but I recently found myself in economy class (at least in Economy Plus with an open middle) on a 15hr flight from Tel Aviv to San Francisco on United Airlines. For my weekly Meal of...
The Oldest Aircraft Still Flying Around the World
Some things make my heart skip a beat. The beautiful laugh of my wife, thoughts of Concorde being brought back into service, and now something new — a DC-3 that is still flying around the world. Swiss watchmaker Breitling maintains...
United Airlines Trims Three European Routes
United Airlines is cutting back service to two cities in the United Kingdom and one in Ireland. Service to Birmingham, England will end on October 5th and the station will close: Last outbound flight departs Newark – EWR on...
A Boat Trip to an Abandoned Russian Mining Island
The highlight of my trip to Svlabard was an overnight trip from Longyearbyen to Pyramiden, a near-abandoned Russian mining settlement reached via boat. I booked with Arctic Explorer because it offered the better schedule, though other companies offer full...
Why I Chose Airbnb in Longyearbyen, Norway
For months I had a room reserved at the Radisson Blu Longyearbyen Hotel for about $270/night after taxes. But in the end, I cancelled it and went with an Airbnb rental. One, Lucky decided to book his trip to Longyearbyen...
First Impression of SWISS 777-300ER Business Class: Mixed
I opted to fly non-stop in SWISS business class to Zurich last week rather than connect in Frankfurt and fly first class. I’m not sure if that was a mistake or not, since first class was only 15,000 more...
Review: Oslo to Longyearbyen in SAS Plus (“Business”)
At 2hr,55min, Oslo to Longyearbyen is the longest domestic flights on the SAS route map. How does service look on a flight that long in SAS Plus? After spending half the afternoon and entire evening the SAS Gold Lounge,...
Qatar CEO’s “Apology” for Derogatory Comments
I’m absolutely shocked that Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has released an apology…or at least a non-apology mea culpa…for his controversial comments about the age of U.S. flight attendants. Here’s the statement, not from Akbar himself but from...
