Many are tense now with recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut still a vivid memory as is the downing of a Russian jet in Egypt. With that heightened fear, I can only imagine what passengers onboard a British...
American Airlines Finally Guts Award Chart
I’ve been predicting it for months…years actually…and the time has finally come: AA announced a huge devaluation of its AAdvantage award chart today. The only question has been how bad it would be and for those who like premium...
Chase Will Restrict Ultimate Rewards Transfers Starting November 15, 2015
Chase is changing the way you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points starting tomorrow, 15 November 2015. Currently, rules restrict the transfer of points to only your own accounts or the account of a spouse. Starting tomorrow, you can transfer...
Another Terrorist Attack in Paris
I had a light-hearted post scheduled for publication this evening, but with tragedy in Paris still unfolding — more than 100 dead in multiple terrorist attacks around the French capital — the post would have simply been out of...
New Coffee Coming to United Airlines
While I love a good cappuccino, I rarely drink plain coffee — why drink an addictive beverage that stains your teeth and keeps you up at night? I realize I am in the minority here, particularly among the traveling...
Helmut Schmidt and Lufthansa 181
November 11, 1918 was no happy day for Germany. The Armistice had been signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the “war to end all wars” was over — Germany had lost. As...
Air Berlin Business Class Award Space on New Routes to Boston, Dallas, San Francisco
Air Berlin has announced three new longhaul routes to North America from its Dusseldorf hub; Dallas, San Francisco, and Boston. The new longhaul routes will commence next spring and feature fully lie-flat seats in business class. Schedules have been...
Etihad Airways Nanny Service
Ever since I watched Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much many years ago, I have been mortified at the thought of babysitters. In the film, the hotel-arranged babysitter ends up kidnapping the child while...
U.S. Justice Department Blocks Newark Slot Deal Between United and Delta
United has already abandoned New York Kennedy in a deal in which United traded its Kennedy slots for 24 of Delta’s Newark slots. Today, the U.S. Department of Justice said not so fast, suing to block the deal on anti-competition...
American Express Won’t Confirm New Centurion Lounge at LAX…Yet
Is a new American Express Centurion Lounge coming to Los Angeles International Airport? Brian Summers points to a recent LAX employee newsletter claiming that one is coming between Terminals 6 and 7. It does seem odd that American Express...
Should He Be Banned from Flying United?
Here’s the story — a man is involved in a near-death plane accident on a private jet and suffers from PTSD. He also happens to be a frequent United flyer, a 2-million-miler Global Services member. Going forward, whenever he...
Guam Demands United Airlines Improve Service
Attorneys General from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have sent a letter to United Interim CEO Brett Hart demanding onboard service improvements including the return of free inflgiht meals and a second free checked bag...
United CEO Oscar Munoz Will Return Next Year
Hobbled United CEO Oscar Munoz is on the mend. After replacing disgraced CEO Jeff Smisek, Munoz promised big changes to United but quickly suffered a heart attack, forcing United to name Brett Hart as Interim CEO. For weeks we have...
5 Ways to Beat the Upcoming Lufthansa Strike
Lufthansa cabin crews are preparing to strike from November 6-13, 2015 over proposed cuts to pension and retirement benefits. The planned walkout could result in significant flight cancellations to both European and intercontinental destinations. Strikes are never a walk in...
The Elegant Simplicity of Cathay Pacific’s New Livery
Airlines update their livery from time to time, often when the brand is in need of a similar refresh. For Cathay Pacific, flag carrier of Hong Kong, the brand is respected, financial are stable, and there has been no...
Rumor: United Will Charge to Gate Check Excess Carry-on Bags
Checked baggage fees are here to stay and checking a bag remains an unattractive option — who wants to stand around a baggage carousel or risk losing your valuables when you can keep your bags with you onboard? That...
American Airlines Passenger Goes on 9/11 Rant, Claims to Have Gun
Nothing like a crazy passenger to disturb an otherwise mundane transcon flight. An American Airlines flight from LA to Philadelphia was forced to divert to Phoenix after a man who had probably been listening to Alex Jones too much...
What American Giveth, United Taketh Away
American Airlines recently made “to go” coffee cups available throughout most of its lounge network, adding value by helping members save time and avoid the cost and hassle of waiting in crowded coffee lines in airport concourses. Delta and...
British Airways Stabs USA Travelers in the Back in Latest Cutback
British Airways should be ashamed of itself — truly ashamed. Every carrier has sweet spots on its award chart and we all knew that one of the great bright spots of the Executive Club award chart was 4,5000 miles...
Why I Am Opposed to Hyatt – Starwood Merger
Let’s be clear — when was the last time a merger was actually beneficial to customers on the loyalty front? Northwest and Delta merged, and we lost a great Northwest loyalty program and website. The new carrier took the...
