Vienna is a stately city rich with majestic architecture, an erudite culture, and a regal sense of style. In the center of the old city, replete with cobblestone walkways, horse drawn carriages, and glistening statues of historical luminaries, a...
Passengers Steal Baby Strollers at London Gatwick
One of the things I love about Frankfurt Airport is that Lufthansa has coffee stations set up around many of its gates — areas which offer complimentary self-serve coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Not to denigrate other cultures, but...
U.S. Secretary of State Rescued by United Airlines
It is not just us hoi polloi that run into mechanical delays that foul up our schedules and cause us to shift travel plans…it even happens to the Secretary of State of the USA. Sec. John Kerry has been...
A New Problem for Malaysia Airlines
In light of two deadly crashes and the questionable handling of each incident, beleaguered Malaysia Airlines faces an uncertain road ahead. The state-run carrier is 70% government owned and the privately-held 30% will soon be acquired by the government....
The US Airways Dividend Miles Tax Game
While charging fraudulent “government” taxes on Dividend Miles transfers appears to be a nefarious policy choice by US Airways, another equally distressing issue is just as concerning — agent incompetence may mean you pay a lot more taxes on your...
Air India: Rats on a Plane
Despite my love of German autos, I do not own one and instead use public transportation daily in Frankfurt. While the system is great for getting just about anywhere in town (and indeed, in the country), the underground stations...
United Loosens Award Routing Rules Between North America and Africa
Fearing that United Airlines had further tightened up award routing rules to Asia based on a new and restrictive revision of the fine print, I warned in May that if enforced, United’s draconian new routing rules would mark a stealth...
A Comprehensive Worldwide Guide to Tipping
In celebration of my recent birthday, Heidi and I spent the weekend in Vienna, Austria. More on that in future posts including a great stay at the brand new Park Hyatt Vienna, but I once again encountered a problem...
Onboard Photos: The Hidden Hypocrisy in United’s New Safety Video
Another passenger was thrown off a United Airlines flight yesterday for taking pictures. Full details here, but here’s my summary: Passenger is on a flight from Austin to Denver. He has top-tier status with United and is a million-miler...
Air France/KLM FlyingBlue Promo Awards for October & November 2014
I have highlighted the value of Air France/KLM Flying Blue Promo Awards on many occasions, though the latest promotion illustrates the deal is not what it once was. With no discounted business class redemption this time around, the value proposition...
U.S. House Shamefully Passes Transparent Airfares Act of 2014
In a bipartisan vote yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Transparent Airfares Act of 2014 which would roll back 2012 legislation requiring that the full fare be displayed at all steps of the airline ticket booking processing. We’ve...
Free In-Flight Movies, TV, Music on Delta Air Lines Starting Friday, August 1, 2014
Delta Air Lines will offer free streaming movies, television programming, music and video games on all U.S. flights of 90 minutes or more, starting Friday, August 1, 2014. Dubbed “Delta Studio”, entertainment will be offered through seat-back systems and...
New (Humorous) United Airlines Safety Video!
United Airlines has introduced a new safety video that for the first time incorporates some levity into what has been a serious, humorless public service announcement for at least the last two decades. The video is not over the top like...
Always Check: First Class for the Price of Economy Class
A client in Los Angeles called me this morning saying he had an emergency meeting in Miami on Monday morning and needed a ticket to Miami tomorrow afternoon or evening, returning Monday night. I noted immediately that AA or DL...
Airplane Feet Etiquette
I could never become a medical doctor because blood makes me squeamish. That’s about it, though – most things do not bother me. Except bare feet. I don’t know how those people with permanently dirt-stained, calloused feet can stand it:...
Scam Artists Claim I am in a German Prison to Extort My Grandma
Imagine you are 88 years old and your grandson and his new wife live in Germany. You have not seen him in a couple months and know that he is a good boy, but his idea of fun is...
Winner of the Rimowa Amenity Kit Contest
It has been a very busy day with a totally unexpected (and frankly grotesque) surprise. All I will say now is check back tomorrow – wait till you read what happened today. And on that happy note, I am...
Last Day to Enter! Rimowa Amenity Kit Contest
Just a reminder that today is your last day to enter to win a free Rimowa Amenity Kit from EVA. The contest ends about 24 hours from now, at 23:59 CET on 21 July 2014. I’m a huge fan...
Reflections on World War and Crashed Airliners
100 years ago, Serbian rebels dreaming of changed political boundaries assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo. The initial response was muted, but three weeks later, Austria-Hungary responded forcefully by issuing an ultimatum to Serbia...
Breaking: Malaysia Airlines 777 Shot Down Over Ukraine
A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 enroute from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur has been shot down by a ground-to-air missile over eastern Ukraine. All 298 passengers/crew onboard are believed to be dead. As Malaysian continues its struggle over the still-unsolved mystery...
