I took advantage of a $188 r/t Washington Dulles – Los Angeles fare over the weekend on American Airlines, which meant I had to find my own way up to Philadelphia this morning after my overnight redeye flight from...
Swiss Int’l Air Lines Cancels RGN Tickets
Last week, inexpensive business and first class fares originating out of Yangon, Burma popped up again to many Canadian destinations and were bookable for about 6 days (from 21-26 September 2012). Many were able to take advantage of the...
Is a Trip to Venezuela on the Horizon?
The United States is not the only country having presidential elections this autumn. Tomorrow, Venezuelans go to the polls in a critical election that will either keep Hugo Chavez in power for six more years or elect challenger and...
Free International Flights from JetBlue
With the U.S. Presidential Election approaching and the race still too close to call, there is going to be heartbreak on the losing side. If it is any consolation, JetBlue has you covered with their new “Live Free or Fly!”...
Upgrading a Held Reservation on American Airlines
I finally bit the bullet and booked my first flight on American Airlines–it was either standby on United or a remarkably great $187 r/t ticket on American for my trip from Washington to Los Angeles this weekend. But it...
Adding an Infant Ticket to a Virgin Australia Delta SkyMiles Award
Now that I have lost most of you with such a boring title, let me tell you a little about my day. Days actually. It has taken two weeks to get an infant ticket issued for a client and...
Double Elite Mile Promotion Coming to American Airlines?
This is purely speculation, but as each day goes on and the number of disruptions and delays at American Airlines increases, I have to think another double elite qualifying miles promotion is just around the corner. AA has already...
United.com Restores "Expert" Mode
After intense pressure from frequent flyers, United Airlines backed down and agreed to restore the ability to view upgrade availability online last week. Today, that functionality is back. Similar to the way it was for the pre-merger united.com, however,...
United Improves Upgrade Transparency…Kind Of
United Airlines has taken a step in the right direction in introducing a new upgrade display that at least allows you to see that you are on the complimentary upgrade list for a flight. No, I’d prefer to call…...
Vindictive United Supervisor vs. Professional United Supervisor
Sometimes people can just be downright vindictive. I admittedly have a tendency to crave revenge, though I pray I will never turn out like the United Airlines reservations supervisor I dealt with earlier this week. One of my best...
A Thoughtful Conversation with the TSA in Honolulu
I have passed from the “rage” stage to the “education” stage when it comes to dealing with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at U.S. airports. I used to get so worked up over their rudeness, their lack of common...
Flying Non-Rev Standby on United Airlines
Traveling just got much cheaper. And much more stressful… A friend of mine offered me a large quantity of United buddy passes, so my travel for the foreseeable future–if I so choose–will be cheap and likely in premium cabins...
Maximizing Air France/KLM Flying Blue Award Miles
With three days left to take advantage of the 35% Air France/KLM Flying Blue transfer bonus offer from American Express, there is still time to benefit from this bonus. I used to think the Air France/KLM Flying Blue program...
35% Transfer Bonus from American Express Membership Rewards to Air France Flying Blue – Four Days Left!
UPDATE: This offer has expired. I realize I am a bit late to the game for this promotion, but I want to bring it to your attention just the same, as the Air France/KLM Flying Blue loyalty program has...
Remembering United 93, 11 Years Later
It becomes almost trite to look back on the attacks of September 11, 2001 each year, but I cannot help but to think about that fateful day upon each anniversary. It was a transformative event in U.S. history and...
The Real Reason United Removed Online Upgrade Inventory
Yesterday, I posited three theories seeking to explain why United removed the display of upgrade inventory from united.com. I have a fourth one–and my experience today demonstrates why it is most likely the correct one. The reason is not...
United’s Foolish Attempt to Shield Online Upgrade Inventory
Count me as one of the angered ones over United Airlines’ recent decision to no longer display upgrade fare buckets online. The move was shortsighted and will quickly prove itself counterproductive. Shannon Kelly, UA Insider on Flyertalk and MilePoint,...
How to Deal with the Lufthansa Strike
For those of you set to fly Lufthansa today or in the coming days, I feel your pain. A strike is in the air and both sides are doubling down on their positions. This gridlock will lead to more...
Did Qatar Screw Up or United Screw Up?
Just moments before heading out to the gym this evening, I received a frantic message from one of my clients, stating– Lot of problems in Houston, Qatar says there is no reservation for [name removed] both ways. PLEASE HELP! With...
Long Delay but a Humorous Captain
My quick hop up to Philadelphia today turned into a grueling three-hour journey thanks to bad weather. But it could have been much worse. At least there were pretzels. Stale pretzels. We pulled out of the A Concourse at...
