Internal documents reveal that the TSA’s behavior detection program aimed at rooting out terrorists is inherently flawed according to an ACLU report. The TSA’s behavior detection program utilizes specially-trained agents — some uniformed, some in plain clothes — to scope out signs...
Air France Adds Maldives Service
Air France is starting year-around service to the Male this fall, providing another option to use points to reach the Maldives. Per Routes Online, the outbound flight from Paris will operate on Wednesday and Saturday, returning on Thursday and Sunday...
Avoid the Veal: TP359 LHR-LIS in TAP Business
For this edition of Matthew’s Meal of the Week I look back on a meal on TAP Portugal from London to Portugal in December 2009. This was my first flight on TAP and seven years later I have yet...
Surprise Meal on United Proves Why Meals Don’t Matter
Not to beat a dead horse, but my United flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt yesterday demonstrates why economy class meal service likely has little effect on loyalty and negatively impacts revenue. I generally do not upgrade when flights are so...
Remorse & Resolve: Final Thoughts on a Month in Africa
My unexpected month in Africa will always be a two-edged sword: a treasured memory on the one hand and a painful and expensive exercise in futility on the other hand. Remember the purpose of this trip was to secure...
United Ground Delay Due to Computer Glitch
Another day, another IT glitch. United Airlines this time. Allegedly at 11:30p last night a faulty software update was loaded to a system that supplies flight planning data to pilots. Reports of delays throughout the country are filtering in on Flyertalk....
Pictures: Sexy New South African Airways A330-300 Business Class
Beleaguered South African Airways is taking delivery of five new A330-300 aircraft which will feature a refreshed business class cabin and new lie-flat seat. Check out the impressive pictures below. The A330-300 will feature Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats, similar...
My Rebuttal to View from the Wing: How Free Meals in Coach CUT Airline Profit
Earlier today I speculated on whether United and American would copy Delta in introducing free economy class meals on premium transcon routes. Gary had a different take on the issue. Now I get to respond! First, I hope it goes without saying that...
Review: Virgin Atlantic A340 Upper Class
There is mystique surrounding Virgin Atlantic, which I attribute to its superb advertising and marketing – including sexy tv spots, red uniforms, branding business class “Upper Class” and decking out its premium cabins with sparkling gold and classy walk-up...
Top 10 American Airlines Award Redemptions
After a substantial devaluation last March, American Airlines AAdvantage miles are not worth what they once were. Nevertheless, there are still sweet spots on the award chart (mostly premium cabin) that are worth taking advantage of. Here are my...
Will American and United Match Delta’s Free Meals in Domestic Economy?
Delta Air Lines is bringing back complimentary meals — not just snacks, meals — to its premium transcon routes between JFK and LAX/SFO. Will this force American Airlines and United Airlines to match? Delta’s New Meal Plan Delta is...
Review: Bidvest Premier Lounge in Cape Town Airport
The Bidvest Lounge is one of three lounges in Cape Town’s international terminal, the other two being British Airways and Emirates. Open to business class passengers on non-BA/EK flights and to Priority Pass cardholders, the lounge is nothing remarkable...
How to Complain Effectively in Three Easy Steps
It’s easy enough to complain to an airline or hotel over bad service. It’s quite another matter to do so in an effective manner to obtain the results you are seeking. Here’s my how-to guide on complaining. A Case Study...
Turkish Airlines Super Bowl Ad with Morgan Freeman
Turkish Airlines is in trouble: there is no question about it. In the last year, Turkey has been rocked by multiple terrorist attacks and a failed coup attempt. Many don’t feel safe even connecting in Istanbul. I’ve still made the case...
A Photo Finish in Cape Town
In my final post in this series I will discuss the process of how we ultimately obtained the Police Clearance Certificate for Heidi, but it was now 5pm with our flight back to Europe scheduled to depart in four...
Virgin Atlantic Flight Diverts Over Spitting Passenger
A Virgin Atlantic flight from London Gatwick bound for St. Lucia diverted to the Azores after a passenger became belligerent, shouting and spitting at cabin crew, and threatening to open the aircraft door midair. This is just conjecture, but it...
Royal Jordanian Again Pokes Fun at Trump
King Abdullah of Jordan and the lovely Queen Raina were in Washington, DC last week to meet with President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Royal Jordanian, the state-owned flag carrier of the Hashemite Kingdom rolled out a new ad implicitly attacking the U.S....
The Robben Island Experience
No trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Robben Island, a political prison turned national monument that housed Neslon Mandella for more than 30 years. Buy Your Robben Island Tickets in Advance Online Same-day tickets are...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 4, 2017
This week was the clam before the storm. I spent most of it caring my sick wife and sick son (flu, cold). Then I got sick, though thankfully it was just a 48-hour sore throat and I’m back to...
United CEO Vents About Small Planes, Washington Dulles
United CEO Oscar Munoz has a message about Washington Dulles: we screwed up. Fly between Newark and Washington Dulles — United’s two east coast hubs — and you’ll find yourself on a 37-seat turboprop (Bombardier Q200). Admitting that United’s share of traffic...
