Not that it’s a big deal, but since this is my long-term travel blog I think it’s somewhat interesting to gauge how my travel patterns have changed over the years. I need to meet with a key partner in...
Sobering: “My” Helicopter Crashed into East River in NYC
A sobering reminder of the fragility of human life: the helicopter that crashed in the East River in New York City yesterday was one that I flew on last year. I heard about the crash on Saturday via several...
In Eliminating NRA Discount, United and Delta are Taking a Stand
United Airlines and Delta joined rental car companies in eliminating discounts for National Rifle Association (NRA) members over the weekend. This, folks, is taking a stand. It is not a neutral position. Whether you want to celebrate this move...
I’m Disgusted by First Class Travel for Government Officials
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, Alt Right or Communist, ask yourself this: do you really want your government leaders traveling lavishly on the taxpayer’s dime? U.S. President Donald Trump made “draining the swamp” a central...
Charlatan Kenneth Copeland Flaunts His New Private Jet
Charlatan televangelist Kenneth Copeland has purchased a new private jet with the financial gifts of desperate and confused dupes. How’s that for an unbiased opener? Why not live and let live? Why not just let this go? If people...
Was SWISS First Class Worth It?
It has been nearly two weeks since my trip from Zürich to Los Angeles in first class. Many have asked me, now that I’ve had time to reflect, was it worth it? Let’s put aside the lawsuit for a...
The Tranquility of Snow and Resolutions for 2018
Running though the woods is a gentle reminder of how fast time flies by. My wife and I have a favorite activity whenever in Germany: running in the forest. There are beautiful trails near her parent’s house and the...
Reflections on a Christmas Eve Hug
A very Happy Christmas to you from Germany. Sometimes we find life in the least expected places. Last night I attended a late-night candlelight church service, a cherished tradition. But what struck me was not the familiar lessons and...
How Valuable is Your Time? Airline Bump Economics
Earlier today, I wrote about my oversold United redeye flight, where passengers were offered $2000 to take a flight the following morning. I’m still not understanding why there were not more takers. First, I do acknowledge we are talking about...
Introspection: I’m Now a Real Road Warrior
With the new start-up I’ve co-founded now spreading its wings, I’m being re-acquainted with more traditional business trips. Let me tell you about my trip to New York this week. First, some background. For the past several years I’ve...
Disgusting: FAs Indifferent to Sexual Harassment on Alaska Airlines
The recent wave of sexual harassment allegations is transforming the U.S. landscape and emboldening more every day to come forward with their stories. But such treatment, generally against women, persists…and some practices die hard. Like on Alaska Airlines… I...
A Thanksgiving Resolution
Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to fly around the world using his miles and points. Around the globe he flew, visiting the far corners of the world; meeting new people and surveying new lands....
Armistice Day 2017 Reflections
99 years ago, World War I ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. We live in a world far removed from the Great War, the war that was to end all wars, but...
My Amenity Kit Seatmate Did Something Deplorable
Yesterday I wrote about an amenity kit incident onboard my Alitalia flight from Rome to Los Angeles. Something happened later in the flight that I am struggling to process. First, let me preface this story by saying that it...
Lenin Statues and Historical Remembrance
I spent the last week in two former Soviet Socialist Republics, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. As the Soviet Union collapsed, both declared independence in 1991. At one point, nearly every city under the sphere of Soviet influence erected a towering...
How I Scored an Incredible $600 R/T Business Class Fare to Australia
When a good deal surfaces, you cannot wait to book it. Even a few minutes. Earlier today I saw a post from View from the Wing highlighting an incredible deal from Vancouver to Sydney, Australia on All Nippon Airways...
Qatar Airways CEO Speaks Truth
Qatar Airways Chairman and CEO Akbar Al Baker has waded into a contentious controversy: the age-old FA age debate. You can listen to his remarks in context below, but he stated– Wide seats, plenty of legroom, as well as award...
Would You Ever Kill A Fellow Airline Passenger?
Earlier today I shared the lurid details of a passenger meltdown on a Delta flight from Seattle to Beijing. The question on my mind: would lethal force have been appropriate? First, let’s be thankful that lethal force was not used–that passengers...
Would You Travel to a Conflict Zone?
For those of you have not read me for years, I love traveling to conflict zones. I’ve been to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia purely for the sake of going. > Read More: Introduction: A Journey to Saudi Arabia...
Memorial Day Message from United CEO
United CEO Oscar Munoz is quite the prolific scribe. My go-to FA (who also said a new international route from LAX will be announced later this week) sent me the following note Munoz sent to employees earlier today to...
