While I technically provide a *research and consultation service* to help people effectively use their miles and points, I do offer to book tickets as an incidental complimentary service in correlation with the research and most take me up...
Farewell Philadelphia!
Sometimes your life can change in ways you least expect it. Mine changed nearly four years ago, while sitting with my uncle and brother in a guesthouse near the Galilee in northern Israel. I had taken the LSAT (Law...
10 Days in Europe
The last few days have been hectic—travel from coast to coast, the Freddies, final exams, and a term paper. Thankfully, that is all behind me now and I will be taking a breather for the next week and a...
The 2013 Freddie Awards: Winners and Reflections
Some look forward to the Oscars. Others the Emmies. But I look forward to the Freddies. Named for the late Sir Freddie Laker, the pioneer of low-cost air travel across the Atlantic in the 1970s, the 25th annual Freddie Awards ceremony...
Mores Miles, Reduced Fuel Surcharge on Air France KLM Flying Blue Award Flights
Air France/KLM Flying Blue offers a loyalty program with pluses and minus, which I’ve discussed extensively in several posts. True to form, Flying Blue is rolling out changes to its flight award redemptions that will make some customers swoon...
San Diego – Atlanta Mileage Run on United – 6798 miles for $180
For the seasoned mileage runner or leisure traveler, United has had some killer deals out of San Diego this year and today’s Atlanta – San Diego r/t for $169+ takes the cake. Heck, even business travelers may wish to...
Award Space: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
My award booking service is all about helping clients effectively use their points to realize their family vacations, romantic getaways, business trips, or anything in between. The goal is always to find a combination that best blends schedule, points required,...
United Airlines Raises Change Fees – Will Others Follow?
Without warning, United Airlines raised change fees on tickets yesterday by $50, pushing fees on a restricted domestic ticket from $150 to $200 and from $250 to $300 on an international ticket. After many expressed indignation on Flyertalk, UA...
Amtrak ClubAcela Lounge Access for United Club Members + Premium Passengers
I live just a flew blocks from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station when I am in Philadelphia and conveniently for me, United Airlines has codeshare service with Amtrak out of ZVF to Newark Airport, allowing me to easily make my...
50,000 Point Sign Up Offer for American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
UPDATE: Offer has expired. The American Express 50,000 point sign-up bonus with no annual fee during the first year has returned from hiatus. Earn three points per dollar on airfare and double points on gas purchases (in the USA)....
Tip: Avoid San Francisco International Airport on Weekends
My trip to Philadelphia last night was not as smooth as I had hoped it would be: San Francisco International is a great airport and I enjoy connecting through it, but when the fog and wind roll in, expect...
How to Book Travel to Cuba from the USA
Even before Jay-Z and Beyonce made headlines for their recent trip to Cuba, an On the Spot column by Los Angeles Times travel writer Catharine Hamm caught my attention – Question: What are the travel requirements for going to Cuba?...
Pay-to-Play VIP Treatment on Delta and American, but not United
Scott Mayerowitz has a piece out today on how three of the legacies are offering extra special VIP treatment for select guests, namely “true” VIPs and those willing to slap down some cash. American Airlines built a private check-in lobby in Los Angeles...
US Airways Agent: "Since we acquired American, we are sticking with Star Alliance" (humor)
I have a confession to make. If I am ever feeling down or just need a good laugh, I call US Airways to book an award trip. I’ve shared about two recent experiences with the call center and had...
Los Angeles/San Francisco – New York (Newark) for $198 r/t on Virgin or United
Virgin America recently launched non-stop service between Los Angeles/San Francisco and Newark and is offering some very attractive promotional fares, with round-trip travel starting at $198. Travel from 3 September – 30 October on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday at this low...
Flying Blue Makes Africa Redemptions Easier?
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, and Kenya Airways, is an oft-overlooked American Express transfer partner, but one that I have been particularly critical of on this blog. Customer service is poor and booking awards can...
Tales from the SFO Intra-Terminal Shuttle Bus
With a delay in opening the remodeled E-Concourse at SFO, United Airlines is stuck using several gates in Terminal 1 in addition to its main operation in Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. That means a free airport tour...
The Solution to United Airlines’ Woes
United Airlines has taken a beating lately, and rightfully so. From me being thrown off a flight for snapping a picture of my seat to a flight diverting after parents questioned the appropriateness of an in-flight movie for children,...
Will U.S. Airlines Ever Charge Passengers Based on Weight?
Air Samoa made headlines this week with its new policy of charging passengers based upon their weight (personal + baggage). Many are wondering if such a policy could ever hit airlines in the United States. The answer is not...
Loud Crew = No Sleep
First, the good news. I’ve earned over 965,000 lifetime flight miles on United Airlines and what happened on my redeye flight last night has never happened before. For that, I consider myself fortunate. Now onto the story. Last night...
