Qatar Airways is acquiring a 3.5% stake in American Airlines with plans to acquire up to 10% of the company. Why would Qatar Airways want to invest in a company that is quick to vilify it? Note this is not a...
Review: Iberia A330-200 Business Class from Madrid to Los Angeles
Iberia, Iberia. I have separated this report into two parts: the flight itself, and what happened after the flight. You’ll read why I walked off the plane disenchanted, but the flight itself was honestly very pleasant and exceeded expectations....
Nine Passengers in Hospital After Severe Turbulence on United Flight
I’ve been on some very rough flights over the years, but never the sort of horror story flights where passengers end up hospitalized. Nine passengers and one crew member were not so fortunate after severe turbulence on a flight to...
A Disappointing Relief: Tipping Officially Comes to Uber
If you live in Seattle, Minneapolis or Houston, you can now tip directly in the Uber app. By the end of July, tipping will be rolled out across the USA. That’s a disappointing relief. My views on Uber tipping...
How I Saved $150 By Booking Connecting Flight Separately
Sometimes booking two flights separately ends up saving you a lot of money out of pocket. This week I am flying from London to New York via Belgrade on Air Serbia. I used Etihad Guest points (transferred from American...
Review: Iberia’s Impressive Velázquez Lounge in Madrid
The Iberia Velázquez Business Class lounge in Madrid offers something for everyone. While not quite of first class caliber, it provides many amenities that go above and beyond your typical European business class lounge. The 24/7 lounge is located...
How Aeroplan’s Latest Website Upgrade Could Save you Hours on Hold
It’s just a small change on the Aeroplan website, but a huge one. You can now check partner record locators online. Here’s why this may save you hours on the phone. Reaching Aeroplan sometimes feels like trying to find...
Air Serbia Removing Business Class Seats on Shorthaul Fleet
Air Serbia is ripping out the business class seats on its A319 and A320 aircraft used for flights within Europe. I learned the hard way. One of the reasons I was so excited to fly Air Serbia and paid...
Would You Travel to a Conflict Zone?
For those of you have not read me for years, I love traveling to conflict zones. I’ve been to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia purely for the sake of going. > Read More: Introduction: A Journey to Saudi Arabia...
Review: Park Hyatt Hangzhou
Confession: when flying to Bangkok last month I chose to connect in Hangzhou just to spend a night in this new Park Hyatt property. It did not disappoint. Admittedly, I hate splurging for a nice hotel when I arrive into a...
My Terrorist Scare in London Last Night
What would you do if you suddenly heard gunshots outside of your window? Last night I returned to London after a wonderful weekend in southern England. I stayed with family members in central London near London Bridge, where just two...
Next Stop: Belgrade on Air Serbia
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Air Serbia: now it’s time to give the Serbian flag carrier a try. I have been in England this weekend for a wedding and in looking at return options I wanted...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 18, 2017
Greetings from Alton, England where I woke up this morning to this beautiful backyard view: I’m in England for a family wedding this weekend and staying with my new extended family to celebrate. How’s that for a backyard? I faced a...
Father’s Day Note from United CEO Oscar Munoz
A friend forwarded me a Father’s Day greeting sent from United CEO Oscar Munoz to all employees today– Dear United family, Our parents are our first and most important teachers we ever have in life. The example they set...
Review: Iberia A340-600 Business Class from London to Madrid
For years I’ve had my eyes on an evening Iberia A340-600 flight that operates from London Heathrow to Madrid. Last month, I finally had the chance to fly it. With a same-day flight necessary from London to Madrid and prices sky...
Iberia Impresses Me With Follow-Up on Photo Policy
Last month a pair of Iberia FAs prohibited me from taking pictures onboard my flight from Madrid to Los Angeles. I reached out to Iberia via Twitter and asked for photo policy clarification. Yesterday, I received a final follow-up note. I...
Review: Lao Airlines ATR 72 from Bangkok to Vientiane
Flying a new airline for the first time is always fun, even in economy class. With the choice of flying Air Asia or Lao Airlines for the short flight from Bangkok to Vientiane, I did not hesitate to choose Lao Airlines....
How Heathrow Locals Ruined the Sofitel Lounge for Everyone
After arriving in London Heathrow this afternoon I thought I would check out Club Millesime at the Sofitel London Heathrow, which joined the Priority Pass network last year. Unfortunately, I was turned away: since 09 June 2017 the lounge is no longer affiliated...
Trump Rolls Back Obama’s Cuba Policy: Will Travel Still Be Legal?
Although not a complete rollback, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a different direction for U.S. policy toward Cuba today. Let’s review the details, particularly how it will affect travel. Nothing will change immediately. The President’s Executive Order tasks the...
Chinese Airline Kills Dog, Offers $7/Lb “Luggage” Compensation
From the airline that prides itself in looking the other direction at onboard smoking comes a tone-deaf response to a dead pet. China Eastern has offered to pay the owner of a dog killed in transport compensation based upon the dog’s...
