When I saw the news yesterday that United Airlines would retire its 747 with a special Hawaiian-themed celebration to recreate its first flight, I resolved to be part of the flight…no matter the cost. I braced myself for the...
Hit and Run: My Car Was Damaged in Hotel Parking Lot
I spent a few nights at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands last week and came home with an unexpected souvenir…a damaged front bumper. What do you do when your car gets damaged at a hotel? Of course the immediate answer...
Final United Boeing 747 Flight Will be SFO-HNL on November 07, 2017
After 47 years, United Airlines is retiring the Boeing 747 from its fleet. The final international flight will be on October 29, 2017 from Seoul to San Francisco. Today, United announced the final domestic flight: San Francisco to Honolulu...
Review: Saudia Business Class Lounge Riyadh (RUH)
Earlier today I reviewed the Saudia First Class Lounge in Riyadh (RUH). During my long layover, I also had time to check out the business class side of the Alfurshan lounge. The lounge is subdivided into the following sections: Surprisingly, the business...
Useful Trick: Iceland + Miles = Cheap Trip to Europe
On Saturday I outlined how to take advantage of stopovers in Europe using United Airlines miles. Today, I will outline a way for you to reach fairly remote cities in Europe cheaply using Iceland as your launchpad. This trick...
Review: Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh (RUH)
The first class section of the Saudia Alfurshan Lounge in Riyadh (RUH) proved to be a very comfortable place to spend a 7.5hour layover between flights. To reach the lounge, simply follow the signs for “Alfurshan Lounge”. You will...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 06, 2017
A pleasant Sunday evening to you. It has been a quiet week for me that included a nice trip with my family to Carmel, CA. I’ll have a full report on the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in the weeks ahead....
How to Stopover in Iceland Using United Miles
Earlier this week, United announced it would begin service to Iceland starting next May. The new route creates a great opportunity for an Iceland stopover on your way to Europe or back if using United miles. Last year, United...
Review: Saudia 777-300ER First Class Dubai to Riyadh
The quick two-hour flight from Dubai to Riyadh was merely long enough to whet my appetite for the 19hr Riyadh to Los Angeles longhaul to come on the same aircraft. We checked in a few hours before the flight...
Richard Quest Explores United Polaris
United Airlines and CNN’s Richard Quest have been working for three years on the latest edition of Business Traveler. The program tracks United’s Polaris Business Class from its birth to takeoff. I think this three-part video is 24 minutes...
Whew! Qsuites Booked from New York to Doha
When I took advantage of the incredible $672 Qatar Airways business class fare in July, I had a strategic choice to make. My outbound is next month and my return is in January. For review purposes, I like daytime...
I’m Feeling Stupid for Messing up a Suite Upgrade
Sometimes my carelessness is nothing short of amazing, and not in a good way… I’m spending a few days in beautiful Carmel, CA at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt Residence Club property. I booked the trip months ago and...
Beware of the Basic Economy “Gate Service Fee”
Delta Basic Economy fares permit a larger carry-on bag, so the focus of this story is on American Airlines and United. If you think you can slip by undetected with you rollerboard, be prepared to pay up and lose...
United DID NOT Bump 77-Year-Old Woman, Strand Her Overnight
With a leadoff like this, I don’t blame you for jumping to a conclusion that United is simply hopeless… A 77-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair was left alone and stranded at a gate at Newark airport for 12 hours...
Caution: You May Soon Need Your Passport for Domestic Travel
I’ve noticed the warnings when going through security, but never really paid close attention to them. But be aware: residents in a handful of states may need a U.S. passport to travel domestically starting next January. To put it...
Review: SkyTeam Lounge Dubai (DXB)
We spent about 90 minutes in the SkyTeam lounge in Dubai prior to our Saudia First Class flight to Riyadh. The lounge was comfortable, wi-fi fast, and food decent. It’s also the best Priority Pass Lounge in Dubai (DXB)....
Would You Switch to a Suite for One Night?
Earlier today I published a review of my recent stay at the Park Hyatt Dubai. Only standard rooms were available the first night, but I was offered a suite my second (and final) night. Would you move rooms just...
Review: Park Hyatt Dubai (Suite)
The Park Hyatt Dubai has not changed at all since my last visit in 2011. While the hotel is well-maintained with an extremely convenient location near the airport, I will be trying a different Hyatt property next time I...
My Final Flight on Air Berlin
Last week I flew Air Berlin from Zurich to Dusseldorf. I suspect it will be my last time ever flying the carrier… Air Berlin has been vexed with poor management, high operating costs, and a competitive environment in Germany...
Woman Sues Delta, Claims In-Flight Meal Led to $10K Dental Bill
Who would ever guess that biting into a mid-flight snack on Delta would change your life forever? Two years ago a California woman was on a Delta flight from Istanbul to New York. Midway through the flight she was...
