Can a dishonest cab driver ruin a hotel stay? No—but it did detract greatly from what was otherwise a very comfortable stay at Santiago’s plushest resort property. Grand Hyatt hotels are, true to their name, done on a grand...
The Downside to Flying Standby as a Non-Rev
I had a nice quiet weekend in Frankfurt: plenty of sleep, leisurely meals, and even some time for free reading. But it was not the weekend I wanted–Moldova and the breakaway region of Transnistria were calling and I was...
Woman Tracks Down Laptop Stolen on Southwest Airlines Flight Using Craigslist
Sometimes, to catch a criminal you have to think like one. That is exactly what Ambre Boroughs did after finding her laptop stolen from her checked bag on a Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago to Charleston, South Carolina–and it...
United Airlines to Launch Washington Dulles – Dublin Service
Just a quick note highlighting the announcement that United Airlines will begin flying from Washington Dulles to Dublin next May. The carrier will utilize a two-cabin 757 aircraft from the Continental fleet with lie-flat seats in business class. Dublin...
Amtrak Guest Rewards – United Airlines MileagePlus Partnership Changes
Not surprisingly, the Amtrak-Continental Airlines partnership will soon be scaled back. From 01 January 2012, you will no longer be able to transfer points between the two programs. Thankfully, it appears the train codeshares will remain and even after...
Recognizing Pilot Bravery: Iran Air vs. LOT Polish Airlines
We have rightfully heard a lot of praise for the LOT Polish Airlines pilots who landed a Boeing 767 on its belly in Warsaw yesterday after the landing gear failed to deploy. Hailed as a hero, Captain Tadeusz Wrona...
A Closer Look at the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
26 counties, including the United States, lodged a formal protest today against a European Union law to tax all airlines travelling to and from Europe for their carbon emissions. Might this be the start of a trade war? Here...
Singapore Airlines Introduces "Scoot" Budget Carrier
Singapore Airlines revealed some more details about its planned low-cost subsidiary today. Here is a brief summary: The airline will be called “Scoot” Operations will begin in June 2012 Four Boeing 777-200 jets will be used initially The carrier...
TSA Spots Concealed Knife in Carry-On Bag at Newark Airport!
Stop the presses! Stop the presses! The Wall Street Journal brings us this groundbeaking accomplishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): NEWARK, N.J. — A Transportation Security Administration screener at a New Jersey airport spotted a knife concealed in...
New FA Wings Coming to United Airlines
United Airlines has asked its flight attendants to choose new flight attendant wings as part of a uniform refresh coming next year. On the UA internal site, FAs were given the following information: “Now we invite you to vote...
An Amazing Day in Petra, Jordan
After a fascinating weekend in Erbil, Iraq and Riga, Latvia last weekend, I did not think this weekend could top it–but so far it has, by leaps and bounds. I am in Jordan for the weekend with a colleague...
Masterful British Airways Ad Campaign – To Fly. To Serve.
Just what makes an airline advertisement great? That has been a topic of debate recently here on Live and Let’s Fly and also on Frequently Flying. I reject the notion that the most effective ads highlight a carrier’s product,...
My Advice to United Airlines on Inflight Wi-Fi
It appears that United is finally going to add wi-fi internet access across its domestic fleet and possibly its entire fleet. This announcement, made almost off-handedly by CEO Jeff Smisek earlier today during United’s quarterly conference call, is long...
Pictures from the New Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Frankfurt
In July, Lufthansa opened their largest Senator Lounge yet in Terminal B at Frankfurt International Airport. I have had the pleasure of using it a number of times now and want to take you on a brief tour. Tucked...
What do you do when you see award seats but cannot book them?
From time to time, award space will appear available, but when I attempt to book it I receive an error message or am told that seats are no longer available. But then when I search again, the space still...
Review: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Mendoza made me fall deeper into love with Argentina. While Mendoza is really in a desert, a system of artificial irrigation and cultivation over the last five centuries has turned this eastern Argentine town into a remarkable blend of...
Another Foolish Mistake, Another Lesson Learned
I was supposed to be on my way to Vilnius now in order to catch an early flight to Frankfurt tomorrow. I had booked a “Lux Express” bus for the four-hour trip that featured wi-fi onboard and complimentary beverages....
Destination: Riga, Latvia
Another weekend, another trip. I really do need a weekend to sleep and catch up on my hotel reviews, but I continue to take full advantage of my time in Europe to see other cities and countries at a...
Air India Passengers Wait 9 Hours to Travel from London Gatwick to Heathrow
I offer my condolences to the 300+ passengers on Air India flight 131 from Mumbai to London earlier this week, who were trapped on a 777 for nine hours in a comedy of errors that further diminishes the image...
United Club Passes on Sale for $19
United Airlines has discounted single-entry lounge passes at U.S. airports, offering the $50 passes for only $19. For those without lounge access, this offer is quite appealing. Sure, United Clubs are no comparison to clubs like a Lufthansa Senator...
