In my initial thoughts on Garuda Indonesia’s First Class Lounge in Jakarta, I focused on a few shortcomings. This review will help balance out what Garuda can improve upon with what it does well. I opted for a 3pm...
Why American Express Platinum Card Is Still Worthwhile
American Express has retooled its Platinum card. Let’s walk through the changes and then I will explain why I am keeping it. Here’s what changes, effective 30 March 2017– Two complimentary lounge guests when using Priority Pass benefit $15/month Uber...
United Polaris Menu for Spring 2017
When United Airlines rolled out its Polaris soft product in December 2016, it promised rotating menus so you would never get bored with the meal choices. While not the daily menu that KLM prints for its World Business Class, United...
Overrated Avios: Why I WON’T Take Advantage of British Airways Promo
On the surface, the deal sounds great — 150 Avios per dollar spent to join a dating website. By maximizing the deal you can earn 82,285 miles for $548.57. No brainer, right? So why have I decided not to...
Review: Grand Hyatt Jakarta
Although I spent only a night at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta, I enjoyed every moment of my stay there. Well, almost every moment. I arrived late and an agent quickly checked me in, encouraging me to hurry up to the...
I Was Involved in an Uber Accident…
A traffic accident is always scary, no matter the circumstances. First, I’m okay. Second, it happened with Uber in Jakarta, not in the USA. But, I was involved in a minor Uber accident while driving from the airport to the Grand...
Soup Hits the Spot: LAX-IAD First Class on AA74
For this week’s Meal of the Week, I want to share something that I hope airlines will take seriously: soup is the way to a passenger’s heart. I could do a post on the dozens of soups I have enjoyed...
It’s A Small World (of Hyatt) After All
My wife and I took little Augustine to Disneyland last week. His first ride, appropriately I think, was It’s A Small World. The ride, a Disneyland staple since 1966, takes you on a journey around the world with the following...
Three Observations on Singapore KrisFlyer Devaluation
Singapore Airlines is devaluing its KrisFlyer program on March 23, 2017. While the changes could have been far worse, there is no way to spin this as good news. Singapore KrisFlyer Devaluation Details Singapore Airlines awards are going up moderately, anywhere from...
Cute Video from Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines is celebrating its 15th birthday and launching an Extra Smile campaign (get it?) to make help make some worthy soul’s dream come true. Start with the video– Overlook the “Going the extra smile for you since (sic) 15 years” title and...
United’s Clever Trick to Keep Crews Out of Dangerous Venezuela
The situation in Venezuela is not getting any better. With violence increasing as the economy further descends into chaos, United Airlines now fears for the safety of its crews. Rather than suspend service completely, it has taken a novel to...
Review: China Airlines A350 Business Class Amsterdam to Taipei
China Airlines’ A350-900 in business class was every bit as impressive as I hoped it would be. Great service, great food, and a great seat made for a great flight. I had started in Los Angeles the previous morning, with a...
Review: KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam
KLM’s flagship Crown Lounge in Amsterdam is the biggest business class lounge I have ever seen. The entrance does not look all that imposing, but walk in and the seating areas stretch as far as the eye can see...
Why Egypt Postponed Tourism Suicide
After another game of Russian roulette, Egypt has wisely decided that its bright idea to raise the price of tourist visas by more than 140% should be shelved. At least until July… Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail announced that plans...
Review: San Francisco to Amsterdam in KLM 787-9 World Business Class
Flying KLM for the first time was already a treat, but flying on KLM’s 787-9 in business class turned me into the child eagerly waiting for Christmas morning. KLM World Business Class Flight Preview Email After checking in online,...
First Look at Air France 787-9 Dreamliner
Air France is now in possession of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Taking delivery last month, the carrier is currently utilizing the aircraft on its Cairo route but plans to “showcase” it on the busy Paris – London line this spring before...
Introduction: Adventures on SkyTeam
I’ve flown most Star Alliance and oneworld carriers, but very few on SkyTeam. When Garuda Indonesia offered 90%-off first class award redemptions, I sensed an opportunity not only to try SkyTeam’s premier first class product, but also sample additional...
United Beefs Up Domestic Network with New Routes
In December, I mentioned that United Airlines is refocusing on domestic flying. The plan is win back the road warriors and leisure travelers alienated during the Smisek era by focusing on operational reliability. United CEO Oscar Munoz recently told employees that United suffered...
New United Service from San Francisco to Munich
United Airlines will add daily summer service between San Francisco and Munich, running from late May through early September. Adding to flights to London, Frankfurt, and Paris, the new service to Munich will utilize a Boeing 787-8 and run...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 26, 2017
Greetings from cold and rainy Seattle. I am speaking at FTU this weekend and it has been a lot of fun. If you have not yet been to FTU, consider the upcoming Minneapolis FTU in June. This weekend I...
