1948 ET UPDATE: I reported on this earlier today just as the story was breaking. Apparently it was not just a firecracker. See Hunter’s link below. More details and analysis as the story develops. Well, I can’t blame this...
Kicking Myself for Rookie Mistake—Live from 40K Feet
I am currently 40K feet above the ground en route from JFK to SFO, just finished Inglorious Basterds (didn’t like it), and I thought I’d try out United’s GoGo internet service. I’m impressed. My 1100 flight was oversold and...
What the new DOT Tarmac Delay Guidelines Mean for You
While a Passenger Bill of Rights in the United States remains gridlocked in Congress, the AP reports the Obama Administration has announced new rules that: Prohibit tarmac delays beyond three hours Require airlines to provide "adequate" food and drinking water for...
AA 737-800 Skids off Runway During Rainstorm in Jamaica
photo credit: Associated Press An American Airlines 737-800 skid off the runway in Kingston, Jamaica last night during a rainstorm, seriously injuring two passengers (as well as the pilot) and sending an unspecified number to the hospital. Thankfully,...
Robbed of a $450 Bump on US Airways Due to Broken Crew Seat
After landing in Baltimore at 0115 this morning, I curled up in a quiet spot in the airport for a few hours before my 0600 departure to PHL on the obscenely expensive 90-mile BWI-PHL flight. As I walked over...
Recap: Two Bumps, SilverKris Lounge, and the SFO Red Roof Inn
I reported yesterday that I scored a bump on my Sunday SFO-PHL flight and was rebooked in First Class on a non-stop flight this morning. The flight was oversold again and I happily gave up my seat for another...
Another $600 Bump
And my SFO-PHL flight is oversold again today. More details later.
Picture of the Week #6: Can you Identify the Border City?
Can you identify the location this picture was taken at? Hint: It is within walking distance of a border.
Wish I was Traveling on UA Today
For all you folks traveling to IAD today: I am jealous. Talk about the holy grail of VDB opportunities… It appears United is handling the situation well. I applaud the employees who are volunteering to put in some extra...
When Standby Doesn’t Pay Off on United
I’m in a bit of a bind this weekend thanks to the winter storms that will be hitting the East Coast tomorrow. I booked a Sunday morning return from Burbank to Philadelphia via SFO because it was half the...
Another Reason Not to Check Bags on United
As if the $25 fee wasn’t enough… First off, I decided to go with the quickest option, a one-stop through Chicago, and everything went smoothly. The upgrades cleared, the service was good, and the flights were on time. I...
Travel Dilemma for Tomorrow on United
I am confirmed in First Class on the evening non-stop from Philadelphia to Los Angeles tomorrow on United but need to come home in the morning due to a family emergency that has arisen. No bumps tomorrow… There are...
UPDATE: Man Violates Federal Law by Asking for Orange Juice on American Airlines Flight?
Last week I blogged about an alleged altercation between an AA FA and and a First Class passenger on a flight from Sacramento to Dallas in which the FA accused the passenger of "threatening, intimidating, and interfering with a...
British Airways Cabin Crew to Strike December 22-January 2
To commemorate the season of giving, BA cabin crews have decided to give their passengers a very special gift: the middle finger. I am not one who is completely unsympathetic to union concerns, but see if this makes sense...
Fly from Alabama to Philadelphia via Denver? Sure. First Class? Sure. Thanks UA!
Sunday afternoon I arrived at Hunstville, AL for my flight back to Philadelphia (via IAD and ORD) only to find the ExpressJet plane that was scheduled to take me back to Washington was broken. A replacement jet was dispatched...
I Survived My Trip on Mesa Air!
Despite an unresolved mechanical delay that cost me 40 minutes at Washington Dulles today, I was pleased with my travel experience on Mesa. Last time I flew Mesa, I witnessed a FA cuss out a passenger because his bag would not...
A Day of Flying on United Express
I am traveling to Alabama today and am taking two United Express flights to get there, one on Trans States and one on Mesa (aka Messy Air). Hopefully I’ll make it! Actually, I agree with Gray’s assessment of travel...
Man Violates Federal Law by Asking for Orange Juice on American Airlines Flight?
I often lament the lackluster service of UA Flight Attendants, but apparently the grass may not be greener on the other side: Something went very wrong on American Airlines flight 614 from Sacramento to Dallas this Sunday, December 6th....
TSA Gives Away Its Secrets in Massive Security Breach
The story is not as bad as it sounds, but the TSA has embarrassed itself again: In a massive security breach, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inadvertently posted online its airport screening procedures manual, including some of the most closely guarded secrets regarding special rules...
United Orders 25 A350s and 25 787s
United announced today it will split its wide-body order evenly between Airbus and Boeing and has placed a firm order for 25 A350s and 25 787s. Justifying the split order, United stated: The breadth in size and capabilities of...
