You would think that flight attendants would be happy about their employer spending more to take care of customers. After all, a happy customer is easier to work with and there is a certain sense of pride that comes...
Man Chokes on Airline Meal, Dies during Jetstar Flight to Auckland
“One minute we were sitting next to each other kissing, holding hands and the next minute he was choking,” said 27 year-old Vanessa Preechakul of her now deceased boyfriend Robert Rippingale. The two were on a Jetstar flight from...
Germany Rejects Airport Full Body Scanners
When you are evaluating the acquisition of new technology how do you determine whether it will be a good fit? Do you just buy it without testing it, as the U.S. did in the case of airport full body...
Austrian Airlines Award Availability Now on Continental.com
The Continental Airlines award search tool is very handy. Quickly and easily, you can search for Star Alliance award space and at least get a general sense of what is available using your Star Alliance frequent flyer miles. The...
Time to Burn Your British Airways Miles?
Changes are coming to the British Airways’ Executive Club mileage program–and they do not sound good for North American travelers. At this point, we can only speculate, which I do not see much value in, but here is what...
PJs, Duvets, and Slippers Coming to American Airlines First Class
I really do think many travelers suffer from the “grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome when comparing U.S. airlines to those carriers outside the U.S. Sure, the Southeast Asian carriers like Singapore and Cathay Pacific offer...
Review: Hyatt Regency Kiev, Ukraine
When you think about service in the former Soviet Union, what usually comes to mind? A woman like the one featured in Wendy’s “Having No Choice” commercial taking issue with even the simplest request? I mention that because I...
My Long Journey to Mendoza, Argentina
My vacation has officially started. I checked into the Park Hyatt Mendoza earlier today and am going to take it easy for the next few days. Although I left Frankfurt last Wednesday night, the last five days have been...
In the Heart of Bolivia…
Sorry it has been a couple days…I´m sitting at a little internet cafe in Uyuni getting ready to travel to Argentina and the connection is worse than dial-up speed–I am going to keep it brief. The last few days...
Off to Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile on TAM Linhas Aéreas!
I am on my way down to South America for a week of travel including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. I will provide updates when possible, but my posts may be a bit sporadic...
My Border Saga Continues… Detained in Belarus!
Marched off a train? Interrogated by ten armed men? Denied exit from an authoritarian country? Yes, I had another border “incident” over the weekend. As if Iran was not enough for one year, I ran into some problems at...
A Closer Look at United Airlines’ $550MN in Onboard Product Improvements
Fozz already nicely summarized the $550MN enhancements coming to United Airlines’ onboard product, but here’s a closer look from Scott O’Leary, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at United with my commentary below: Improved long-haul comfort with more flat-bed seats....
Virgin Atlantic Introduces "Emotional Health Warnings" for In-Flight Movies
Next time you find yourself on a Virgin Atlantic flight, don’t be surprised to see a new rating system onboard warning of the emotional health risks that might result from watching a particular movie. Toy Story 3, Adam Sandler...
Sleeping Vending Machines Coming to Airports
Would you pay for a few hours of sleep on a bed inside an airport? What if your flight was delayed and you could remain on the secure side of the terminal and escape the noise and hassle of...
You just won 25,000 United Mileage Plus miles!
Last night I received the following text message from my brother: Dad and mom went to United Mileage Plus promotion at the Americana. Mother won two RCC passes. Dad won 25000 mp miles. While I don’t believe in luck,...
CityJet Leaks Info, Eliminates Doubt on French Actor’s Poor Behavior
Caution: Another story about a drunk Frenchman Gérard Depardieu does not like to be kept waiting. The Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee also apparently enjoys alcohol. Throw in a flight delay and the combination becomes lethal. It...
US Airways: We Love Fees, Charlotte, and Mergers (but not Pilots)
Ely Portillo of the Charlotte Observer covered the US Airways monthly employee meeting in Charlotte on Tuesday attended by CEO Doug Parker. Here’s a quick rundown: On Fees: Parker said he understands that fliers hate the new fees, but...
€20 Off Your Next Lufthansa Flight with Free Voucher
Take €20 off your next flight on Lufthansa by requesting a free voucher here. You must first specify your departure country, and the €20 voucher (or equivalent amount in local currency) can be applied only for flights originating from...
Visiting “the last true remaining dictatorship in the heart of Europe”
As the unseasonably cool summer draws to a close here in Frankfurt, I love living here more and more each day–I am still working on my German, but it is slowly improving. In some ways, the last month and...
Thinking Critically About Rumored Changes to United Mileage Plus Program
News about the rumored changes to the United Mileage Plus program came as quite a shock to me. Although the final details will likely not be released until after Labor Day, it will still be advantageous to analyze each...
