As we pulled up into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) my heart was beating…not so much because I was apprehensive, but because I always get excited when touching down in a new land – this time in a region I...
Everything You Need To Know About Basic Economy on United
United Airlines will soon roll out “Basic Economy” fares in select markets that carry important restrictions. Here’s everything you need to know about these new United fares. What is the Difference Between United Economy and United Basic Economy? Let’s focus on the restrictions...
Transit in Dar Es Salaam (DAR)
A word of warning: it is best to avoid a long layover in Dar Es Salaam if connecting between two airlines. We ended up sitting on a hard bench for several hours waiting for our transit boarding pass. We arrived...
How Would You Handle a Harassing Seatmate?
There is a story trending about a woman who was traumatized on a British Airways flight by a man behind who “refused” to let her recline. After physical and verbal assault, she finally spoke to the crew and was...
This is Why I Always Fasten Seat Belt When Seated on Airplane
Turbulence can hit unexpectedly and when it does, it can be injurious or even deadly. A recent Avianca flight from Lima to Bueons Aires encountered unexpected but severe turbulence at 41,000 feet, throwing passengers and crew across the cabin and...
10 Tips for Visiting Cuba
Cuba remains an incredible place to visit, even in this time of great change. Here are 10 tips for an even better trip to Cuba: #1 Home-Stays in Cuba Are Cheap and Memorable I booked a room on hostelword.com...
Here’s How to Smartly Use Your Lufthansa Miles
So, here’s the story of how I saved my family trip and even scored a business class seat using my Lufthansa Miles & More points. If you don’t want to read the background, skip down to the Use Lufthansa...
How to Make the Most of an Airline Schedule Change
Airline schedule changes are inevitable, and the earlier you book your trip, the more likely you are to encounter one. Schedule changes can be devastating when your perfect non-stop flight is canceled, but schedule changes can also be a...
Are Held Award Tickets Really Guaranteed?
For a full-timer award booker, the most valuable tool any airline loyalty program can offer is the ability to hold a ticket prior to booking. Few things are for more frustrating than finding ideal award space, alerting the client,...
Last Call for 40% American Express Transfer Bonus to British Airways
We’re just a few hours away from the end of the most lucrative American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonus we’ve seen in more than a year. Last call to take advantage of the 40% British Airways Executive Club transfer...
Three Key Tips if Your United Elite Status is Dropping Tomorrow
Many will be dropping in status tomorrow on United Airlines — myself included — but it is not too late to take advantage of at least three important perks, two of which will be going away even if you...
No Compensation from American Express for $200 United Airlines Gift Certificate Purchase
Just a small data point here — One of the many benefits of the American Express Platinum Card is $200 in annual airline credit on the major airline of your choice. This benefit is for “incidental fees, such as...
Two Tricks on the Last Day to Book Hyatt Awards at 2014 Rates
Today is the final day to book Hyatt Gold Passport awards under the 2014 rate chart – effective at midnight CT the 2015 chart kicks in, which will see several properties going up one category. If you are booked...
The US Airways Dividend Miles Tax Game
While charging fraudulent “government” taxes on Dividend Miles transfers appears to be a nefarious policy choice by US Airways, another equally distressing issue is just as concerning — agent incompetence may mean you pay a lot more taxes on your...
Forcing Lufthansa into Submission Over Cancelled Flight
I hope that most of my friends, family, and clients would attest that I am a nice guy. I’m very mild-mannered, slow to anger, and try to be pleasant to all people. Sure, I could be a bit more...
The ANA Award Search Tool is Great, but not Perfect
Even if it can be a bit cumbersome to use, I have found ANA’s award search tool to be the single most accurate source of Star Alliance award availability for several years. Singapore Airlines space has been problematic–ANA automatically...
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Top 10 Airline Award Redemptions for January 2014
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the American Airlines – US Airways Merger
American Airlines and US Airways have officially merged, but for practical purposes, the airlines remain separate entities and will maintain separate operations for several months. Business will continue as usual, with separate check-in, gates, loyalty programs, and policies: like...
How to Expedite US Airways Mileage Transfers with Points.com
Many of you are taking advantage of US Airways’ 100% bonus on Shared Dividend Miles this week and I have encouraged many of my clients to do the same. Transfers from account to account are typically instant, but can...
Changing Travel Plans During Bad Weather
With a fresh Nor’easter headed for New York and New England this weekend, airlines have loosened up rules on restricted tickets in order to help travelers avoid being stranded. For this storm and every other act of nature affecting...
