Have you noticed something the pandemic has only highlighted more clearly? Countries have and countries will continue to protect their large airlines. We saw a number of airlines fail in 2019 including: Adria Aigle Azur Avianca Brasil Flybmi Germania...
A Reader’s Ill-Advised Trip to COVID-19 Ravaged Europe
We love our readers and one of them, despite reaching out in advance of his trip and being advised not to proceed, chose to fly anyway. Here was his experience with COVID-19 ravaged Europe. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Hertz Fails – I’m Neither Surprised Nor Sympathetic
Hertz, the rental car giant, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection last week. I’m neither surprised nor sympathetic hearing the news. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t...
10 Great U.S. Destinations To Visit During The Summer Of Lockdown
More and more it is looking like international travel will be limited longer than domestic travel will. For U.S. residents, that presents several interesting opportunities for a summer of domestic travel. Many states are still in lockdown, but most...
Would You Pay 50% More For An Open Middle Seat?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warns that face masks are critical, but requiring airlines to block middle seats would be disastrous. Would you pay 50% more for that sense of security? Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and...
United Closes LAX 787 Base: Is This The End Of Longhaul Flights, Hub Status?
United Airlines will close its 757, 767 ,and 787 pilot base at Los Angeles International Airport. Will United longhaul flights ever return to LAX? Will LAX lose its hub status? Earlier today I covered job cuts and pilot base...
Airline Passenger Counts Rebound…To 1956 Levels
Yesterday was the busiest day at U.S. airports in more than a month, in terms of how many people passed thru TSA airport security. Yes, things are looking up…like it’s 1956. It’s a chilling figure, isn’t it? After the...
Woman Uses Overhead Vent To Dry Her Panties During Flight…
A reader recently sent me a video of a woman using the overhead vent on her flight to dry her underwear. I thought it was a joke, but turns out this really happened…allegedly for over 20 minutes! I’ve never...
Is It Proper For Adults To Order Off The Kid’s Menu?
This discussion came up in the context of my review of the Park Hyatt Aviara yesterday and I think it is an interesting question. Should Adults Be Able To Order Off The Kid’s Menu? I’m asking this generally, though...
Cool: Turn Your Airline Window Seat Into A Stained Glass Chapel
Ok, I just love this innovative idea and cannot wait to try it out. Transforming Your Airline Window From Dreary To Dazzling Once we start flying again you can bring on your own portable “stained glass window” to give...
When Will You Feel Safe Enough to Fly Again?
Some areas of the world are coming to the other side of the coronavirus crisis and while the coast is not yet clear in most parts of the world, when will you feel safe enough to fly again? If...
Will You Reward Or Punish Airlines & Hotels For Status Extensions?
Airlines and hotels have been generous with status extensions for 2021. Will you reward them with more business or use the chance to be a free agent while still maintaining your status? With a dwindling number of holdouts, airlines...
Virgin Australia’s New Humanitarian Mission: Toilet Paper
With a worldwide shortage of toilet paper caused by mass hoarding in many nations, Virgin Australia has embarked upon a new humanitarian mission. Instead of its usual April Fool’s Day jokes, Virgin Australia is donating toilet tissue to vulnerable...
Democrats Demand Airline Ticket Refunds For Everyone Who Wants One
A group of nine U.S. Senators from the Democratic Party have signed a letter urging airlines to promptly refund tickets that consumers cancelled due to COVID-19. While I’m sympathetic to such pleas, I think that ship has passed… To...
I’m Dreaming About Future Travel, But Not Planning…
What will next year look like? How about next month? Or next week? Will we contain COVID-19? How much will it destroy the world economy? Short and honest answer: we don’t know. Are You Panning Travel Or Just Dreaming...
Would You Support Airline Bailouts If Executives Chipped In Themselves?
I’m curious, would you be more likely to support a bailout for the airline industry if executives returned the bulk of their compensation or chipped in from their own pockets? Richard Branson, for example, is worth over $4BN, but...
Social Distancing Is Hard Work For This Restless Traveller…
It’s only day three of my self-imposed social distancing campaign and this is proving to be very difficult. This traveler is just not a homebody. Monday was supposed to be the start, but I went into the office…I’m just...
My Surprisingly Smooth Day Of Travel Through Istanbul, London, And Washington
My trip from Cotonou, Benin all the way back to Los Angeles yesterday was surprisingly smooth. I flew from Cotonou to Istanbul via Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Turkish, connected to London on Turkish, then flew from London to Los Angeles...
Reaction: Flying to Asia This Week
During my ill-advised mileage run to Kuala Lumpur, I had a chance to see the effect of the Coronavirus on airlines and here are my observations. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
What European Routes Will American, Delta, And United Cut?
With a ban on foreign nationals entering the United States who have visited the Schengen Area over the last 14 days set to go into effect at midnight tonight, U.S. airlines are re-adjusting schedules to Europe in anticipation of...
