What is United’s new Premium Plus product like on domestic transcontinental flights? I’ve reviewed United’s new premium economy “Premium Plus” product on an international flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt, but United recently introduced Premium Plus on select premium...
Counterpoint: United Changes Better For Flyers
United Airlines announced some unpopular changes to their frequent flyer program, Mileage Plus. While most met the changes with criticism and contempt, it may actually be better for flyers. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
My Five Favorite Airline Snacks
Airline snacks are great on so many levels. Not only do they help to pass the time and make the flight a little more bearable, but they can be really tasty too. Here’s a look at my five favorite...
The Diamond-Studded Emirates A380 Lounge
Emirates has unveiled a diamond-studded lounge onboard its A380…but don’t worry, it is only a rendering. You might recall that Emirates shared a crystal-encrusted 777 last year on its social media channels: The aircraft was aptly named “Bling 777”...
True Love? Man Spends Six-Hour Flight Standing So Wife Can Sleep
One little tweet has sent the internet into a tizzy. Was a man’s decision to spend the flight standing in the aisle so his wife could sleep a noble and valiant act of love or crass and selfish move?...
In Search Of Great Coffee In Small Town America
I made my annual pilgrimage to Green Lake, Wisconsin over the weekend and had a remarkable time. This time, I even found great coffee. For seven consecutive years I have flown into Chicago every September to spend a weekend...
Tough Decisions In The Path of Hurricane Dorian
My family was spending time in South Florida during the development of Hurricane Dorian which lead to some new decision forks about what to do in the path of potential natural doom. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
Renewing Global Entry: Adding APEC Card
It’s hard to believe it has been five years since I joined Global Entry. As I near renewal, I found an add-on that I couldn’t resist, the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation card. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
An Open Letter To Flight Attendants Concerning Standby Travel
Flight attendants, your job comes with a tremendous benefit. Please don’t abuse it. In the airline industry, employees “take care of their own.” While that is hardly unique to airlines, the brotherhood and sisterhood inherent in wearing the same...
The Man Behind The Middle Seat Column…
For 15 years I have faithfully read Scott McCartney’s The Middle Seat column in the Wall Street Journal. Now I have even greater appreciation for the man behind the column…thanks to a lovely guest columnist, Mrs. Middle Seat. McCartney has...
Two Very Different Flight Options From Singapore – Your Thoughts?
I’ve wrapped up my time in Singapore and have narrowed my return flights to two choices. The decision has been surprisingly difficult. Often, time and value work against each other. While I am thankful to have the freedom to...
First Impressions: KLM 777 Business Class
I made it to Singapore and want to provide my first impressions of KLM’s 777-300ER business class product, which I enjoyed on a short Fifth Freedom flight from Bali. Last time I was on a KLM longhaul product, it...
Yes, You Should Drink Airline Coffee…
A cute article in Forbes pokes fun at the hysteria over airline coffee. I concur in full. Is airline coffee better than it has ever been? Will McGough says YES and makes a good case for it: To me,...
Some Southwest Airlines Customers Blind To Shortcomings
This should be a fun comments section… Any time I write about Southwest, I am inundated with customers who defend their brand. But many are factually incorrect. Is it that they are misinformed or simply unaware of how Southwest...
Is Buying United PQMs for Status Crazy?
When I logged into my United account this week, I found a familiar pitch – buying premier qualifying miles for status re-qualification. Are these purchases a good idea or crazy? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
My (mis)Adventures Aboard Ryanair
Hello from Milan. With 12 legs down and only two legs to go on my trip around the world, I thought I’d give you an update on my adventures on Ryanair from Amman to Milan via Bucharest. I last...
Uh Oh! My China Southern Trip Is Already Heading South…
I have not even taken off yet and I’m already regretting my choice to fly China Southern first class. Let’s hope things don’t get worse. Reserving a seat assignment on China Southern is worse than pulling teeth or booking...
A Short, Sweet, Satisfying ANA A380 First Class Flight
Greetings from Tokyo! I’m now enroute on my trip around the world and want to provide my initial thoughts on my ANA A380 “Flying Honu” flight from Honolulu to Tokyo Narita in first class. First, service on ANA is...
Booked: An Epic Trip On ANA, Thai, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, SriLankan, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, Air Italy, and United
Yesterday I wrote about the rare appearance of first class award space on ANA’s new A380 service between Honolulu and Tokyo. I decided to book a whole trip around it! It has been about a year since I last...
Alitalia In Hot Water For “Racist” Obama Ad
In celebration of its new service to Washington Dulles, Alitalia commissioned an ad campaign featuring actors portraying famous U.S. politicians. But the Italian flag carrier made a critical faux pax. The series of Italian ads appeared only on social...
