If you recall, the whole point of our trip to South Africa was to secure one document, a South African Police Report, so that my wife could immigrate to the USA. While this can be requested via mail, the...
Enroute to Washington, DC for Trump Inauguration
Let’s start with a disclaimer: this is a non-partisan blog and attending the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, should not be interpreted as an endorsement of him or his policy positions. I...
Setting Up Shop in Pretoria
Heidi made arrangements for us to stay at an Airbnb in Pretoria for our first few nights in South Africa. This would allow us time to request the police clearance certificate in person and become acclimated to the new...
Minneapolis to be Launch Market for United Basic Economy
In a call with investors yesterday, United Airlines President Scott Kirby announced that United will begin selling Basic Economy tickets next quarter and Minneapolis (MSP) will be the launch market. Kirby stated MSP will be the launch city because it...
Review: Lagos to Johannesburg in South African Airways Economy Class
The question of getting to South Africa from North America using Star Alliance is a challenge if you want to use your miles and fly in business class. United Airlines does not serve South Africa, and South African rarely...
The Cheeseburger is Recommended: EWR-IAH UA663 in United First
Earlier this month I wrote that cheeseburgers are back on the United economy class BOB menu in January. I mentioned how much I enjoy them and for this installment of Matthew’s Meal of the Week I will explain why....
Review: Gabfol Lounge Lagos (LOS)
I escaped the Oasis Lounge due to poor internet connectivity, hoping the Gabfol Lounge would be better. It was. Approaching the entrance, I first thought this was a South Africa Lounge. In fact, I presented my economy class boarding pass...
Must JetBlue Honor the $150 Off Deal?
A few days have passed since many (myself included) took advantage of the JetBlue deal in which you could save $150 off a domestic hotel + flight package. There were no restrictions, originally at least, meaning that if your...
Review: Oasis Lounge Lagos (LOS)
Lago’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport has nine Priorty Pass lounges! I had the chance to visit two of them. The Oasis Lounge was located right next to the NIS office where I spent my entire afternoon and early evening,...
Transit in Lagos: Bribing My Way Out
As we pulled up into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) my heart was beating…not so much because I was apprehensive, but because I always get excited when touching down in a new land – this time in a region I...
The Real Reason We Cannot Find MH370
I went to bed last night with a flurry of news alerts on my phone that the search for MH370 had been suspended, a polite way of saying cancelled. While this understandable after three years, it represents a colossal failure that I...
Review: Houston to Lagos in United Airlines 787 Business
I flew United’s 787-8 for the first time from Houston to Los Angeles just weeks after it was introduced in 2012, but almost two years passed before I had the chance to fly it again, this time from Houston to...
Lufthansa and Etihad Merger Won’t Happen. Here’s Why.
Reuters broke news this morning that Etihad is considering up to a 40% stake in Lufthansa with mutual plans for merger under consideration. Stranger things have happened, but I find the merger scenario very unlikely. Why a Lufthansa – Etihad...
United CEO Oscar Munoz Reflects on Dr. King
While I did not intend to write two posts on Martin Luther King Jr. today, a friend just passed on a letter United CEO Oscar Munoz sent to employees concerning Dr. King. I cannot help but to share and comment...
Déjà Vu: Free Vacation to Las Vegas!
I chuckled last night as I confirmed my second free mini-vacation to Las Vegas. Didn’t we do this six years ago? Six years ago Gary Leff wrote about a deal on Expedia’s Canadian site that offered C$300 off a vacation package....
Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Hamburg
In Aesop’s Fables’ “The Tortoise and the Hare,” we learn that slow and steady wins the race. Sometimes I wonder if that will be Lufthansa. Here’s what I mean — while other carriers raced to provide fully lie-flat beds in business...
The Best Part of the Tanzania Trip
We’ve now worked our way though a 24-part trip report and I have neglected to share what truly made the trip a great one. It was the company. I have taken so many amazing solo trips around the world, but...
Review: Park Hyatt Hamburg (Update)
It has been over three years since I last reviewed the Park Hyatt Hamburg but after a couple recent great stays there, I can keep this limited. My original review is still valid: the property has maintained it superior quality. Park...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: January 14, 2017
Another week has flown by, but as I sit at my desk on this beautiful Saturday evening, I am thankful that the last several days have been very productive. While managing Award Expert and this blog are critical, an even more important...
Review: Istanbul to Hamburg in Turkish Airlines A320 Business Class
This is the final flight installment of the Tanzania trip report and it will be brief. The story of Turkish is this: a consistently high-quality experience and a superior airline within Europe. After a hearty breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Ataköy and...
