With the new year here and many changes negatively affecting airline loyalty programs now in effect or shortly taking effect, there are still a number of superb deals available. Here are my top ten award travel bright spots for...
Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Awards: 50% Off Business Class through August
I’ve griped about the inept call center and arcane policies of Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM, but I’ve been booking a lot of clients on Air France and KLM flights this month and want to make...
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...
More Sleaze by Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Sleazy ˈslē-zē also ˈslā- (adjective): carelessly made of inferior materials; marked by low character or quality. I do not use the term “sleazy” lightly, but I can think of no adjective more apt for the Air France-KLM Flying Blue loyalty program. I’ve bemoaned the...
Great Fares to Istanbul on Turkish, Delta and United Airlines (under $400!)
Quite frankly, I have no idea how Turkish Airlines makes any money. The carrier constantly runs fares sales to destinations around the world, including to a number of U.S. cities, at price levels that bely rationality and prevailing market...
Air France/KLM Flying Blue Lives in the Stone Age
Somewhere between the Stone Age and the Twilight Zone sits the Air France Flying Blue North American call center. Ontario, Canada? Please…It pains me to even recall this story, but it will be instructive. Here’s the quick summary—don’t ever...
Avoiding Fuel Surcharges to Europe on Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Last time Air France/KLM offered a promotion for purchased miles in their Flying Blue loyalty program, I outlined some strategies for avoiding costly fuel surcharges when redeeming your points. Nothing has changed, but I just want to point out again that Flying...
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...
Air France Captain "Diverted" on Flight 447?
Facts are still emerging about what exactly happened in the final moments leading up to the crash of Air France flight 447 in 2009, but one new piece of information has recently emerged–it seems the Captain was not traveling...
Fascinating Details Behind Air France 447 Crash
Mike sent me a fascinating story on Air France 447, a flight that crashed over the Atlantic Ocean nearly two years ago during a turbulent storm. After 18 months of searching, the black boxes were found and closely scrutizined....
CityJet Leaks Info, Eliminates Doubt on French Actor’s Poor Behavior
Caution: Another story about a drunk Frenchman Gérard Depardieu does not like to be kept waiting. The Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee also apparently enjoys alcohol. Throw in a flight delay and the combination becomes lethal. It...
Lufthansa Miles & More will Match Your Air France/KLM Flying Blue Elite Status
Through the end of March, Air France/KLM offered a generous status match with no challenge or flight requirements mandated. United, Continental, and US Airways elites were eligible to participate and the offer brought instant SkyTeam elite status. For those...
The Verdict is Out: Continental Airlines to Blame for 2000 Air France Concorde Crash
I can’t say that I am surprised by the decision: PONTOISE, France – Continental Airlines and one of its mechanics were convicted of manslaughter Monday by a French court, which ruled that debris from a Continental plane caused the...
A Closer Look at Lufthansa’s A380
Airbus delivered Lufthansa’s first A380 superjumbo last Wednesday–only three years late. With Lufthansa’s decision to place only eight First Class seats on the plane, the aircraft will hold a whopping 526 passengers. FIRST – 8 seats BUSINESS – 98 seats...
In dealing with Eyjafjallajokull, who should go first? Stranded or confirmed passengers?
When it comes to irr/ops, should stranded passengers displace confirmed passengers? I watched a news story this evening about how airlines are dealing with stranded passengers, some who have been waiting for more than a week to cross the...
