My readers know that I am up for an adventure. I’ve been to some messy parts of the world and am bolder than most in choosing a travel destination. But there are some places that even I will not...
In the Heart of the Balkans
I am writing this in a very Soviet-style hotel room in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Yes, I am deep into the Balkans now. The last several days have been quite picturesque–Dubrovnik and Budva were spectacular. Belgrade and Sarajevo...
US Airways is Growing on Me
I may rave about a good flight on US Airways here and there, but most of my dealings with US Airways come over the phone. So many of my European clients have discovered the tremendous benefits of purchasing discounted...
An Op-Up, Yet a 500EUR Cash Voucher Eludes Me on Lufthansa
There are few things worse for flexible frequent travelers than finding out when it is too late that you missed out on a bump, the opportunity to give up your seat in exchange for compensation. I’m now in Belgrade,...
Turkish Airlines: Not All Star Alliance Golds Are Created Equal
I really do love Turkish Airlines. Their catering is tops, longhaul aircraft new, and their world-class lounge in Istanbul is quite likely the best Star Alliance Gold Lounge on the Earth. Yet getting to that lounge at Istanbul’s Attaturk...
Standing Up to Cab Drivers in Istanbul
For the few readers who have wondered about my absence the last several days, I just returned from a wonderful trip to Istanbul. Istanbul is a fascinating city–where east meets west like no other place in the world. This...
When It Hurts to Miss the Bus
Iceland was great, though by no means a destination for the budget-conscious traveler. The hard-hit Icelandic Krónur has rebounded nicely, and your Dollar or Euro doesn’t go all that far, when compared to purchasing power in other parts of...
An Escape to Iceland
The last week has been quite stressful, so I wanted a change of pace this week. I’ve been in Frankfurt this month, which is great, working 16 hours a day, which is not so great. An opening in my...
United Waited Too Long to Cancel the 4-Mile Hong Kong Award Tickets
A few days ago, I wrote about the uneasy tension I was experiencing over United Airlines’ 4-mile round-trip deal to China. After taking advantage of nearly every major “mistake” fare over the last several years, I suddenly found myself...
My Upgrade to "Business Class" on Singapore Airlines
I know many of you recently took advantage of the temporary glut of Singapore Airlines business and first class award space available to destinations around the world. From the dining room of my B&B in Dingle, Ireland I did...
United Airlines’ 4-Mile First Class Fares: The Spirit Versus the Letter of the Law
A flurry of commentary has poured forth today over the 4-mile United Airlines First Class award redemptions to China available briefly yesterday on united.com. As a frequent traveler who has cashed in on many “mistake” fares in the past...
Qatar Airways – United Airlines Partnership Ending Early?
Yesterday I was working on a client award redemption to Hyderabad, India and found a really nice business class itinerary on Qatar Airways using United miles. I placed the reservation on hold for final approval from the clients, who...
British Airways 100,000 Avios Sign-Up Offer from Chase Ends Next Week
I cannot tell how you how often I cringe when prospective clients contact me for help using their points, fully expecting to go to Europe in first class with their 150,000 Capital One (or similar) points that in reality...
Beautiful Pictures from Ireland
As you know, I spent the weekend in southwestern Ireland and had a great time–here’s a few pictures from my trip:
Playing the Standby Game on Lufthansa
The airline employee standby game is fun, but it can be frustrating too. Unlike standing by as a revenue passenger with top tier elite status on United, where you can generally count on being accommodated on whatever flight you...
A Weekend on the Emerald Isle
With an overwhelming response from the New York Times’ coverage of my Award Expert service and a busy week in Frankfurt, I have been “dark” for the last four days–a first for this blog. With little sleep and an ever-growing...
Independence from the British…and the Germans?
For the second year in a row, I am spending 04 July–the American Independence Day–in Frankfurt, Germany. Today while thinking about the American Revolutionary War that followed the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I recalled that Frankfurt played...
Lost Luggage Benefits from Chase Sapphire Preferred
Rarely do I check bags and my trip to Germany last week demonstrated once again why. Whether the blame falls on United, US Airways, or Lufthansa I know not, but I do know that my bag was lost for...
Epic Fail: Pakistan International Airlines 1979 NYC Ad Campaign
Do you ever look at an old advertisement and shake your head, knowing that while harmless at the time the ad has taken on a new meaning in light of changing events? Pakistan International Airlines must have had one...
An Excellent Flight in US Airways Envoy Class
In some ways, I am happy my United Airlines oversell fiasco did not work out at LAX earlier this week because it gave me a chance to fly US Airways transatlantic Envoy (business) class for the first time. The...
