Welcome to the 21st Century, United! Many airlines now offer a call-back option so you do not have to sit on hold, sometimes for hours, with a stale sound track that eventually drives you mad. United’s digitized version of Rhaposdy...
Airbus Considers New “A380-Plus”
The A380 program has not been a resounding success for Airbus. On the contrary, sales have stalled and the wisdom of creating such a large aircraft is often questioned. But Airbus is digging in. In an attempt to save...
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Yesterday I began a short trip report on my Kentucky Derby experience from last year. It involved flying to Dallas, then driving to Kentucky via Arkansas and Tennessee. My goal is to visit every U.S. Presidential Library and document it here....
Why I Buy My Clothes in Europe Now
With a weak Euro, clothing is suddenly much more affordable on the Continent. In fact, it is often cheaper than the USA. If you know me, you know that I love to wear suits. Working for myself out of...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: March 12, 2017
My weeks are never quiet with a five-month old, but this was about as quiet a week I could have hoped for. No travel and I did not stray (too) far from home. Next week, a change of venue...
Road Trip to the Kentucky Derby
It started with a phone call. “Hey Matthew! You ever been to the Kentucky Derby?” When I responded negatively, the answer was quick: “Well, you’re going to this one!” This post introduces a mini trip-report I will publish over the next...
Drunk United Pilot Jailed for 10 Months
A United pilot has been sentenced to 10 months in jail for showing up to work drunk. Carlos Roberto Licona, a United Airlines 757-200 first officer, showed up to Glasgow Airport reeking of alcohol last August. The stench was so...
5 Ways LAX is Becoming America’s Best Airport
As an Angeleno, I will concede my local bias upfront, but LAX is transforming itself into a world class airport. Here are five ways LAX is arguably becoming America’s best major airport. 1. Tom Bradley International Terminal + Expansion...
United Airlines Will Protest Emirates on Sunday with Members of Congress
United Airlines employees and a handful of Members of Congress plan a protest on Sunday at Newark’s Liberty International Airport against Emirates. The Dubai-based airline is commencing non-stop service between Newark and Athens later this month. The protest will...
Stroopwafels: United vs. KLM
Both United Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines serve stroopwafels onboard their flights. The all-important question of the day: which airline has better waffles? A stroopwafel is a “waffle made from two thin layers of baked dough with a...
United Airlines Returns to San Jose, CA
United Airlines is adding mainline service to San Jose, CA, years after abandoning Silicon Valley from two hubs. Twice daily service from Chicago began yesterday and once daily service from Newark begins today. Silicon Valley and the entire Bay...
My Hotel Dilemma in Santorini and Mykonos
I’ve set foot in 125 countries, but there are still many places I have yet to visit. In Greece, I’ve been to Athens and Thessaloniki, but not to any of the Greek Islands. Soon I’ll be departing for Germany for...
A Warning to American Express
Dear American Express, I’ve been a cardholder for 12 years and a Platinum cardholder for six. I am a strong advocate for American Express and have helped dozens of friends and family members also sign up. Last week you announced...
TAP A330 New Business Class Transformation
Portuguese airline and Star Alliance member TAP is in the midst of refreshing its A330 longhaul fleet. The retrofit project means new seats in both business and economy class. The angled seats in business class are out and lie-flat beds are in....
United Airlines CEO Defends 747 Retirement
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz defended his company’s decision to move up the retirement of the 747-400 by a full year. The last United 747 flight will be in October. In answering a...
The Best Airplane Steak I’ve Ever Had
I’ve had many good airline meal over the years, but few good steaks. One reason is because I like my steak cooked medium rare. The other reason is because reheating a steak at 40,000 feet is no easy task....
Review: Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport (It’s Not What You Think)
I mentioned it earlier and I’ll mention it again — jettison all thoughts of what a Hyatt Place is. Very different than than the U.S. brand, the Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport feels much more like a nice Hyatt Regency...
How to Use Your Miles for Qatar’s New QSuite Business Class
Qatar Airways unveiled its next generation business class product today, dubbed QSuite. It is set to premiere on 777-300ER flights between Doha and London this June, but will expand to all 777s and A350s. Here’s your guide to using...
3 Reasons I Love Qatar Airways’ New QSuite Business Class
Qatar Airways revealed its new business class product today in Berlin it brands “QSuite, First in Business”. Here’s why I love it. Tour of QSuite Business Class on Qatar Airways First, watch this video describing the new business class...
Great Mexican Food in Amsterdam
No matter what city I am in the world, I will seek out Mexican food. It is my comfort food that I could eat 365 days year. Just ask my wife. So when I was in Amsterdam over a recent...
