Next time you fly through Las Vegas, take a look around for an unmarked white 737-600 with a red cheatline down the center. That’s “Janet” Airlines, a top-secret U.S. Air Force contractor that shuttles workers to sensitive government installations. Area-51, officially known as...
Another Note from Ethiopian Airlines Arrives
Ethiopian Headquarters has contaced me via e-mail concerning the $763 Bangkok fare. As I evaluate how to proceed with Ethiopian, I do wish to be transparent and post all correspondence. Having led you through this saga, it is only...
Five Reasons to Attend FTU in Minneapolis
If you’ve never been to a Frequent Traveler University, consider attending the upcoming FTU in Minneapolis June 9th-11th. I have been speaking at FTU events for several years now and would not do so if I did not believe...
Help Me Get Home: Three Choices!
Greetings once again from SE Asia. I’m working late in Vientiane, Laos this evening. The Novotel at BKK was over $200 so I thought, what the heck, let’s turn lemons into lemonade. I’ve never been to Laos before and the...
Lufthansa First Class for 40K Points: Still the Best Deal in Town
Lufthansa First Class remains my favorite way to fly. Not only is it an aspirational experience, but also an easily reachable one and cheap with Asiana Club. Earlier this year I enjoyed an incredible flight in Garuda Indonesia First Class which...
Fight Nearly Breaks Out on My Lufthansa Flight Over Seat Recline
Yesterday I wrote about my Lufthansa Premium Economy experience. I’ll post a more detailed flight review next week, but want to dredge up the old seat recline debate this morning. About 30 minutes after takeoff, just as meal service...
Fair? Allergic Woman Removed from United Flight, Cat Stays
I am going to resist the urge to sensationalize this story and instead put the following up for discussion–should asthmatic airline customers be able to veto whether you bring your pet onboard? How about where you sit if you travel...
Not a Traveler? You Will Be After This Disney Ride
I recently spent a day at Disneyland and California Adventure have a new favorite ride. Pirates of the Caribbean was my favorite Disney ride for many years. While that remains my favorite Disneyland ride, I visited California Adventure for the first...
Despite Bad Reputation, Air China is Pretty Darn Good
Air China’s reputation is not in the league of Singapore or Cathay Pacific. Nor should it be. But mention Air China to many and you’ll be met with shaking heads or third-hand horror stories. My opinion of Air China: not bad...
I Used My Cell Phone on Turkish Airlines. No One Cared.
Turkish Airlines permits the use of mobile phones in-flight. Using T-Mobile Wi-Fi, I was able to call my wife during my ~14hr flight on Thursday. The connection was clear and we had a nice conversation…it helped to pass time...
Air Force One Costs HOW Much to Operate?
How much does it cost to operate Air Force One? Even having worked in the White House a decade ago, I was shocked to see the numbers. With the President making weekly trips to Florida, NPR has a story...
A Dependable, Free Babysitter Anywhere in the World
I hope this post does not get me reported to child protective services… My wife and I have started employing a cheap, dependable babysitter when we need to get out for a few minutes. Her name? FaceTime, courtesy of Apple Computer....
Doctor Dragged Off Oversold United Flight
A doctor was literally and forcibly dragged off a United Express flight yesterday for refusing to give up his seat on an oversold flight. United 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was oversold and in need of four volunteers. United offered...
Should Free Tap Water When Flying Be A Right?
The human body needs water to sustain itself. Our brain is 70% water, lungs 90% water and our body is 60% water overall. It is the fuel that propels us forward. So is charging separately for water on an airplane...
Loud Copulation in Hotel Room
We are in Mykonos at a lovely little beachside hotel. It is still early in the season with most hotels not open yet. Each room has an ocean view and although very much a budget property, the hotel has...
5 Planes I Wish I Had Flown
My interest in aviation bloomed in 2004, though it did not truly take off until 2008. Planes come and go over the years but some are more special than others. Here are five planes I either never had the...
Disgusting: TSA Molests 13-Year-Old at DFW
If the leggings incident taught me anything, it is not to jump to conclusions. So I won’t. But video of a TSA agent invasively screening a 13-year old boy does make me sick. Before we get to the video,...
Leggingsgate: What Happens to Employee Whose Passes were Being Used?
When a pass rider abuses the privilege of flying NRSA (non-revenue, space available), what are the consequences? Amazingly, the story of #leggingsgate has dominated the news over the last 24 hours. Check out One Mile at a Time on NBC’s...
Stupid! $400 for a Slice of Airline Pizza
I think I speak for all of us when I say there are certain moments in life that we look back on with on regret. My regret this morning: giving up a bump voucher because of an airline meal. This...
Will Finnair Leave the oneworld Alliance?
Might Finnair soon leave the oneworld alliance? Finnair’s chief Pekka Vauramo is angry. The major gaps in oneworld’s worldwide flight network as the precise gaps that Finnair deems essential for growth. With no alliance partners in China or India,...
