The more I reflect on this flight, the more I realize how much I take mediocre service for granted on U.S. airlines. Put simply, this late-night flight in JetBlue Mint was one of the best domestic flights I have...
Incredible Mexican Food in Tashkent
Let me tell you about the wonderful Mexican restaurant Ben and I enjoyed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the sole Mexican restaurant in the city, I was pleased to see that Mexico City Restaurant had over 10,040 likes on Facebook....
It’s a Miracle! Aeroplan Hold Times Plummet
Aeroplan is finally wising up to something: providing poor customer service is no way to run a premier loyalty problem. While it may be too late, I’m pleased to report I have not encountered a hold for more than...
My “Souvenir” from Uzbekistan: 1.2MN Worthless Soms
I left Uzbekistan today with about 1,200,000 more Soms than I intended. Two problems: hotels in Uzbekistan do not accept local currency for room payment and Soms cannot easily be exchanged outside Uzbekistan. One of my fondest memories of...
Air Berlin Bailed Out by German Government
Air Berlin filed for bankruptcy protection today after Etihad Airways pulled the plug on future funding. The German government quickly stepped in to provide a bridge loan so that Air Berlin can continue operations as it searches for a...
United’s Chief Digital Officer: Overbooking Will Continue
Linda Jojo is the Chief Digital Officer for United Airlines as well as the Executive Vice President of Technology. In a recent wide-ranging interview with the Wall Street Journal, she explained why United will continue to overbook flights. Overbooking...
Review: Airspace Lounge New York JFK (Terminal 5)
While it’s great to have a lounge, about the only good thing I can say about the Airspace Lounge in JFK’s T5 is that the shower is nice. Well, maybe that’s not fair. The tap water is free. I...
So Much for Flying the Ilyushin Il-114…
Well, we gave it a good try, but it seems flying on the Ilyushin Il-114 simply wasn’t meant to be… As our time in Uzbekistan draws to a close, Ben and I have wasted hours trying to find a way...
United Returns to Historic Airport it Abandoned Decades Ago
78 years ago United Airlines launched commercial service from Paine Field (PAE) just north of Seattle. After decades without commercial flights, a new terminal is opening and United will resume commercial service to two hubs. Paine Field was a...
Which Countries Are Covered by T-Mobile International Plan?
Kyle wrote a great piece yesterday on why he is sticking to T-Mobile despite its flaws. I share in his assment, even as I spend this week in two countries that are excluded from T-Mobile’s international “Simple Choice” plan....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 13, 2017
Hello from Tashkent, where I am spending several days checking out Uzbekistan. The country has defied expectations…in good way. I don’t recommend the national airline, though. On Monday I will finish my current trip report with a review of...
Defiant: United Will NOT Suspend Flights to Guam Despite North Korea Threat
North Korea has warned that if provoked, it will strike Guam with a nuclear missile. Despite a bellicose exchange of threats between North Korea and United States, United Airlines is conducting business as usual from its Pacific island hub. United Airlines...
Friendly or Fiendish? An Uzbeki Man Invites Us Home
In my travels to 128 countries over the last 13 years, I have been swindled, extorted, and battered, but never truly harmed. I’d like to think I’ve become a more discerning traveler, but I’m still trying to make sense...
Review: Pakistan Airlines 777 Business Class Manchester To New York
Never has a business class flight been as simultaneously annoying and charming as this one. While there was undeniable appeal to the warm service and authentic food onboard, the Pakistan Airlines 777-200 is simply not a competitive business class...
First Impressions of Uzbekistan Airways 787 Business Class
Earlier this week I flew with Ben from New York to Tashkent non-stop on a brand new Uzbekistan Airways 787-8 in business class. I’m thankful to have flown it for you…so you don’t have to. Let’s start with the...
Why I Rate Qatar Airways Best for Onboard Dining
Sometimes you find amazing meals on unexpected airlines. Rarer is a carrier that delivers a consistently superior menu: an airline where you know you will always receive a great meal. At least for me, that airline is Qatar Airways....
Review: Saudia 787 Business Class Jeddah to Manchester
After a long layover in Jeddah, I was happy to board our late-night flight to Manchester. After the atrocious last flight I was not expecting great service, but figured at least I would be able to sleep. Five hours...
Here’s Why “Carrier Imposed Fees” are a Scam
With oil prices at a sustained low, you might wonder why do my award tickets incur so many fees? Carriers got wise to the fact that they could no longer tack on exorbitant “fuel surcharges” and avoid the scrutiny...
Review: Saudia Lounge Jeddah (JED)
While expectations were low, especially after the poor service on the Colombo to Jeddah flight, the Saudia Lounge at Jeddah was objectively not bad. In fact, I’d even call it a good lounge. 1.) Plenty of seating We arrived...
Review: Saudia 777 Business Class Colombo To Jeddah (it was horrible)
Once in a while you have a flight that is so weird you have to pinch yourself and ask whether this could possibly be real. This was one of those flights. It all started so promising. Ben and I...
