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...
Turkish Airlines Elitism at IST
Flying Turkish Airlines business class out of Istanbul has many advantages, but one benefit stands out even more so than the acclaimed lounge. Airlines understandably treat their own passengers and elite members better than others. That goes without saying. Some airlines...
Review: Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy
I checked in thinking this would be a convenient hotel near the airport for our early flight the following morning, but checked out having enjoyed one of the best Hyatt Regency I have ever stayed at. Located about ten minutes from...
The Transatlantic Low-Cost Carrier Invasion
Sir Freddie Laker tried, but failed. Now a new crop of low-cost startups is trying to make a permanent mark on transatlantic air travel. Look for the invasion to continue. A day does not go by without at least a handful of headlines...
Everything You Need To Know About Basic Economy on United
United Airlines will soon roll out “Basic Economy” fares in select markets that carry important restrictions. Here’s everything you need to know about these new United fares. What is the Difference Between United Economy and United Basic Economy? Let’s focus on the restrictions...
Street Food Horror Stories?
In my travels around the world — 125 countries and counting — I have eaten a lot of street food. Reader Rusty asked me in a recent comment if I ever got sick. Off the top of my head, I’ve...
The Death of the English Breakfast on British Airways’ Domestic Flights
Despite decades of cutbacks on British Airways, one thing remained untouchable: a proper English breakfast on UK domestic flights. If it seems odd that a full breakfast would be served to economy class passengers on a one hour flight between...
Review: Turkish Airlines Arrivals Lounge Istanbul
Everyone raves about the wonderful Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge in Istanbul, but that is not the only lounge in Istanbul worth visiting. For arriving international business class passengers on Turkish Airlines, an Arrivals Lounge offers a mini-version of the acclaimed...
Turkish Airlines 737 Dar Es Salaam to Istanbul Business Class
Turkish Airlines check-in opens three hours before the flight, which was about 12:30a. If you are connecting from another flight, be sure to read this Transit in Dar Es Salaam post first. Check-in desks on the far left side...
A Perfect Greek Snack: Olympic Airlines OA322 IST-ATH
For this week’s installment of Matthew’s Meal of the Week I recall a soothing Greek lunch on Olympic Airlines after an expensive flight mishap. It was 2008 and I was on a backpacking trip around the world. I purchased a...
United Airlines on Display at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC
United Airlines has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to provide bedding in its new Polaris business class. This week, the partnership is on full display in the windows of the department store’s flagship Manhattan store. Walk by Saks and you’ll be...
Tasty: Here’s the United Polaris Lounge Menu
United Airlines’ opened its first Polaris Lounge in Chicago O’Hare last month to complement its new Polaris onboard premium product. Today, United introduced full service sit-down dining menus in the ORD Polaris Lounge. For the last month, food has been served...
