I was recently in Chicagoland and Heidi and I stayed at the Hyatt House in Schaumburg, where we found a police forensic unit photographing a side entrance to the hotel. I asked about it at the front desk and...
Instructive: St. Regis Chicago Shamed Into Offering Elite Breakfast Benefit
It seems that if enough people complain, even a mighty hotel chain that has a history of showing disdain toward elite members will back down. In the case of the new St. Regis in Chicago, top-tier elites will now...
Duped Into “Italian” Deep Dish Pizza In Chicago…
Just a public service announcement to readers who may be duped into thinking a pizza company ending in a vowel with four nice-looking Italian men on the box must offer decent pizza. Just avoid Rosati’s… Rosati’s Chicago Deep Dish...
Review: Thompson Hotel Chicago Loft Suite
A stunning location, cool design, and now part of the Hyatt family, the Thompson Hotel Chicago and its Loft Suite had us singing its praises, especially during Lollapalooza weekend. What a great value for a Category 4 property. If...
Photos: Flying Over Frozen Lake Michigan
Earlier this week I had to travel via Chicago and saw something I’ve never seen before: a partially-frozen Lake Michigan. While that may be an annual event for Chicagoans and other Great Lakes residents, it was a new experience...
Chicago, New York Hurt COVID-19 Tourism Recovery With New Fees, Attitudes
Chicago and New York City have added COVID-19 fees and closely monitored guests, but are the new measures helping or hurting tourism? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you...
US Carriers, Asia Flights From Chicago Don’t Work
United has suspended Hong Kong flights from Chicago which follows a number of American Airlines discontinued flights from the windy city. Why can’t US carriers make Asia work from Chicago? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Review: Park Hyatt Chicago (Executive Suite)
My stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago was much more about the company than the property itself, but I very much appreciated the spacious suite with an excellent view of the Chicago Water Tower. This was a special trip...
Leaked Video of Train Derailment at Chicago O’Hare Airport
CCTV footage has leaked out that captures the train wreck on Chicago’s CTA Blue Line Monday at Chicago O’Hare Airport— The train operator has admitted that she “dozed off” before the accident and has done so before. National Transportation...
Train Derails at Chicago O’Hare – Dozens Injured
Not being a car guy, I have often availed myself to Chicago’s CTA Blue Line to get from O’Hare Airport into the city and back. This morning, though, I am glad I was far away as a train derailed...
Thanksgiving Travel on United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare
Chicago’s local ABC affiliate did a fluff piece on traveling with United Airlines over the Thanksgiving holiday, but it still merits watching. Note the gate lice at 1:58! I like that the news clip actually paints an accurate picture...
"I Can’t Give Away this First Class Seat!"
Once in awhile on United I see a domestic flight go out with open seats in first class despite a long waitlist of elites waiting for a complimentary upgrade. This is usually attributable to a lazy or rushed gate...
Non-Rev Adventures on United Airlines, Part II
Check out Part I here. Decisions, decisions. New York via Chicago or a non-stop flight to Washington and skip New York? I had a room booked for two nights at the Millenium Hilton that could not be cancelled, but...
Would You Have Spoken Up? Biting My Tounge in the Chicago Red Carpet Club
I find that it is generally a good idea to mind my own business. Sometimes, however, it is quite difficult. Yesterday I entered the United Red Carpet Club in Terminal C at Chicago O’Hare where a Lufthansa Senator flying...
Flying to Barcelona? Consider Pakistan International Airlines via Chicago
I have always been intrigued by Fifth Freedom routes, especially by exotic carriers. Only a handful of these flights, however, are available in North America. Here is the current list (and please let me know if I have left...
Route through Chicago if you want a bump this summer?
Continuing on the theme of bumps, Chicago O’Hare (ORD) might be a wise airport to connect in this summer if you are looking for a bump. It also might be the airport you want to avoid if you are...
United got me home from Chicago…but it took some arm twisting!
Hello from Honolulu. Turns out I made it home last night. It took some wrangling, but I got rebooked in First Class from Chicago to LAX and made it home about two hours later than planned. This was after...
