Let me put it bluntly: if your flight is canceled and an airline doesn’t issue a prompt refund, you should dispute the charge with your credit card company. In 1994, charismatic attorney for O.J Simpson Johnnie Cochran told the...
Five Ways I Protect Myself Against Coronavirus As I Travel The World
As the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus continues to spread, raising more alarms, my international travel has not slowed. Here are five things I am doing to minimize my chances of getting sick while traveling. First, let me say what...
Considering A One-Way Delta SkyMiles Award? Check Round-Trip Pricing First
While I understand the economics of airline pricing to the extent that distance and price rarely correlate, the idea of charging more for A alone than A + B still requires the suspension of logic. Today, I’m not talking...
Checking Baggage Before Your Flight? Arrive Early. Get Aggressive, If Necessary.
What happens when you attempt to check-in late for your flight with baggage? The answer is, you get stuck. And may even forfeit the value of your ticket. This is the busiest travel week of the year and many...
How To Save Big On Uber And Lyft At LAX
As Matthew recently wrote, LAX shared ride pickups have been a mess since the switch to a central pick-up zone. But you can save money and perhaps even time on your next Uber or Lyft ride with a little...
Should You Always Include Middle Name(s) On Airline Ticket?
Is it always necessary to include your middle name(s) in an airline reservation? In short, no…but it’s still foolish not to. The Guardian shares the story of a passenger who booked with Blue Panorama, an Italian airline operating from...
An Intriguing Upside To United’s Radical MileagePlus Changes
For those willing to invest the time, the changes to United MileagePlus actually may make it cheaper to qualify for top-tier status on United than it is now. But it will take some serious and creative mileage running… United...
A New Drink To Fight Jet Lag?
Over 39 million annual flights are forecast to occur by the end of 2019. That’s an all-time high. That also likely means an all-time high in jet lag. But one Danish company claims to have found a breakthrough solution....
Matthew In The Middle: Should I Have Been More Assertive In Claiming Armrests?
We know that middle seat passengers have a claim to both armrests, but would you actually fight for them? Earlier this week I booked a very last-minute ticket to fly from Los Angeles to Houston. I ended up with...
How I Called Back An Airline Reservation Agent And Reached Her Instantly
Recently, I found myself speaking to one of the loveliest United reservations agents I had ever encountered. She was so cheerful and competent. I needed some help with an award ticket, and that can get very tricky when working...
Please Don’t Exploit The California Wildfires To Save Big On Airfare
I write about this topic with a heavy heart for two reasons. First, wildfires have wrought destruction across California. The consequences are real. The damage is breathtaking. 42 people have died. Second, what I am about to cover is...
The Best Award Redemptions Are Often The Most Boring
The best award redemptions are often the most boring. I truly do make every effort to use my miles for aspirational business and first class redemptions that I would never otherwise be willing to pay for out-of-pocket. But lately,...
