Such a proud day for Aeroflot yesterday with news that it had been named World’s Most Powerful Airline Brand. But today, allegations have emerged from a disgruntled group of FAs that the Russian carrier is banning flight attendants deemed...
An Economy Meal Far Better than Business Class
Talk about a step down. After my Garuda First Class flight my next flight was a 10hr flight to Houston in United Economy on UA21. I decided not to upgrade because economy was only about ¼ full and if...
The Amenity Kit I Cannot Throw Away
I think we all tend to hold on to certain things, sometimes irrationally. Back in 2005, I picked up a free “United MileagePlus Visa” amenity kit at the ticket counter in Washington Dulles. For the last 12 years, it...
Garuda First Class Team Contacts Me by Email
Setting the tone for what hopefully will be a tremendous overall experience, Garuda Indonesia reached out to me several days before my flight. Talk about customer service! Dear Our Valued Customer Mr. Matthew Jonathan Klint , Warmest greetings from Garuda Indonesia First...
The World’s Most Powerful Airline Brand
In what is nothing short of miraculous, one of the world’s most loathed airlines has been named the world’s most powerful airline brand. Brand Finance, a well-respected “branded business valuation and strategy consultancy” has named Aeroflot Russian Airlines the...
When a Seatmate Vomits On You…
Just in time for the West Coast lunch hour, the topic of what to do when a seatmate vomits on you. I noticed an absolutely disgusting story on Flyertalk about a sick woman who vomited on her seatmate. With...
Upscale China Airlines Lounge in Taipei
During my SkyTeam trip I have been to many lounges, most of which simply met expectations. The KLM Lounge in Amsterdam, for example, was a bit bigger than I pictured, but the amenities, food, and service were exactly what...
TSA Scandal: Passengers Bypass Screenings at JFK
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” The TSA has been tasked with a simple yet fundamental mission: keep American...
I Need Another Star Alliance Status Match
I’m in need of my Star Alliance Gold fix. Anyone know a good dealer? I have lifetime Premier Gold status with United Airlines, which also gives me lifetime Star Alliance Gold status. But that does not help me gain...
Why Flight Attendants Make You Raise the Window Shade
Have you ever wondered why flight attendants force you to raise your window shade prior to takeoff or landing? I always knew it had to do with safety, but never thought through why. The answer, per Condé Nast Traveler, makes...
Twice As Nice: China Airlines A330 Business Class
My Jakarta award via Flying Blue included CI679 from Taipei to Jakarta. When booking, there was no indication the flight was not non-stop. I later found the flight made a ground stop in Hong Kong. That meant even an even longer...
Turkish and Air Namibia Join Forces
Turkish Airlines and Air Namibia have announced a codeshare agreement (effective 01 March 2017) on a limited number of routes with hopes of further collaboration. Air Namibia has only one longhaul international route — to its former colonial overlord in...
Wow! Great Flight on China Airlines A350 Business Class
Hello from Taipei. Fresh off a 12.5hr flight from AMS-TPE in China Airlines’ new A350-900 Business Class, I am pleased to report another great in-flight experience. China Airlines’ A350 is beautiful on the inside and out– The business class...
First Look at New Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach in Honolulu
Hyatt recently opened its third Waikiki property in Honolulu, a Hyatt Centric. The new hotel looks promising. Although I was in Honolulu last week and would normally go out of my way to try a new Hyatt property, I just...
United Airlines Issues Statement On In-Flight Calls
While in-flight calls using cellular networks remain off-limits, carriers may set their own policy concerning Wi-Fi enabled calls through mediums like Skype or FaceTime. The DOT is considering whether airlines must disclose at time of purchase whether or not these types of calls are allowed, similar...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 18, 2017
Goedemiddag uit Amsterdam! As I continue my SkyTeam journey on KLM, China Airlines, and Garuda Indonesia I am passing through an unusual European hub for me: AMS. This has been a quiet week in terms of major airline or loyalty...
I Scored Three Little Houses on KLM!
It’s funny how little things like Rimowa amenity kits or teddy bears on Gulf Air can be so exciting. Perhaps a bit pathetic. But my current kick (much to my wife’s chagrin, I’m sure, in our small house) is miniature Delft...
KLM 787 Dreamliner World Business Impresses
I just stepped off my first ever KLM flight and found it to be a great overall experience. The full SFO-AMS flight review will be published next week, but for now some initial impressions: KLM’s 787-9 Dreamliner features comfortable...
False Alarm in World of Hyatt E-Mail
An e-mail arrived from Hyatt last night detailing my Globalist (formally Diamond) perks in the new World of Hyatt program that begins on March 01st. The revamped loyalty program will replace the current Gold Passport program. One sentence in...
Why Delta is Expanding Complimentary Meal Service on Domestic Flights
Delta announced plans yesterday to offer complimentary meals in economy class on many of its transcon flights. Curiously, competition is limited on some of these flight. So what is Delta really thinking in adding this perk? Free Meals in...
