United left New York JFK in 2015, a decision it now regrets. I covered United’s departure from JFK extensively– United Airlines Leaves JFK, Moves p.s. to Newark United JFK Employees Say Goodbye to Home, Hello to Uncertainty Onboard Video...
Review: Austrian Airlines 767 Business Class from Beijing to Vienna
Austrian Airlines is known for high-quality in-flight meals and a special coffee menu, but what about the rest of the product? Is it worth it? In the interest of transparency, I state at the outset that this review has never been...
50% Off Southwest Bookings With American Express Platinum
This is not clickbait–I learned something new yesterday that may help Southwest flyers save some change. The American Express Business Platinum card offers 50% points back when you use your points to book through the AMEX travel portal. Thus,...
Arrogant U.S. Carriers Rejoice in Mocking Emirates
Somewhere in the white pyramid that houses Airlines for America a new banner has been unveiled. “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” If you’re a consumer who cares about a good airline product at a fair...
Austrian Business Class: A Hot Meal on Every Flight
Austrian Airlines is known for its food. One thing in particular that I appreciate is a hot meal on every flight in business class. For this week’s Meal of the Week I focus on Austrian shorthaul catering. The flight...
Photo Guide: How Turkish Airlines Protects Your Banned Electronics
Ever wonder how the in-flight electronics ban works in practice? Last week I flew from Istanbul to Los Angeles on Turkish Airlines, in part to experience the new in-flight electronics ban. How did Turkish deliver? See my step-by-step guide below....
Around the World in a 737? My Next Adventure!
Is it possible to travel around the entire globe exclusively on 737s? YES! And I am already working on my next big adventure. Here’s how it will look– Los Angeles to Honolulu – United 737 Honolulu to Guam on...
Man Falsely Accused of Child Trafficking on United Flight, Humiliated
Imagine being accused of child trafficking because your children have lighter skin than you do. That’s what happened on a United Airlines flight. Disclaimer: just like I don’t trust Breitbart News, I don’t generally trust the Huffington Post. However, the...
Review: Air China A330 Business Class from Taipei to Beijing
Here’s a brief review of a 3h20m flight from Taipei to Beijing I took (as part of my ongoing 2013 trip report). As I mentioned yesterday, I feel like Air China often receives an unfair bad wrap. A 3hr25min flight...
Despite Bad Reputation, Air China is Pretty Darn Good
Air China’s reputation is not in the league of Singapore or Cathay Pacific. Nor should it be. But mention Air China to many and you’ll be met with shaking heads or third-hand horror stories. My opinion of Air China: not bad...
United CEO Writes Me a Letter
United Airlines is still suffering fallout from its disastrous handling of the UA3411 incident. In a letter to United’s “most valued” customers, CEO Oscar Munoz apologizes and vows to reform the customer service experience. Here’s the letter, sent to me...
Bumped from United? Free Private Jet Flights
If the thought of being dragged off a United flight bruised and bloodied is not exciting enough, you may be able to get a free flight on a private jet too! JetSmarter, the “Uber for private jets” is inviting...
For Your Protection, No Ice Cream Sundaes on United Airlines
A signature element of United Airlines’ business class service on transcon and longhaul flights is ice cream sundaes. But if you have flown United this week you may have noticed sherbet served in a paper container rather than the usual sundae. As part of...
Delta Closes SkyMiles Loophole
10 days ago Delta devalued its SkyMiles loyalty program further by raising the price of partner awards without notice. But it left an odd loophole that could be used to book awards at the old price. That loophole is now...
United FAs Refuse to Help Disabled 94-Year-Old Butter Bread, Walk to Lavatory
Cruel and heartless customer service or merely protecting the integrity of the business class cabin and stopping a scammer from trying to upgrade? That’s one question surrounding another United Airlines story that will leave you feeling sad. But the greater...
Honeymooners Thrown Off United Flight
In light of the disastrous UA3411 incident, it seems that people are a sensing an opportunity to take advantage of United Airlines. Or maybe United is still just tone deaf. A married couple embarking on their honeymoon to Costa Rica was thrown off...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 16, 2017
Happy Easter from sunny Los Angeles. While I don’t take any days off, I am trying to limit my work today. It has been so busy lately and a day of rest is greatly needed. After travel for so many...
I Used My Cell Phone on Turkish Airlines. No One Cared.
Turkish Airlines permits the use of mobile phones in-flight. Using T-Mobile Wi-Fi, I was able to call my wife during my ~14hr flight on Thursday. The connection was clear and we had a nice conversation…it helped to pass time...
Air Force One Costs HOW Much to Operate?
How much does it cost to operate Air Force One? Even having worked in the White House a decade ago, I was shocked to see the numbers. With the President making weekly trips to Florida, NPR has a story...
AA Learns the Concept of Diminishing Returns
A foolish man once said, “We will cut our way to growth.” American Airlines is finding out that its massive devaluation to its AAdvantage loyalty program last March is taking a toll on its profit. There is some disagreement...
