United Airlines celebrates its 90th birthday today and has been my airline of choice for more than a decade. I’ve flown over a million miles in “the Friendly Skies” and have no plans to shift that loyalty. While contemporary...
It’s Official! Alaska and Virgin America Announce Merger (FAQs)
Alaska Airlines and Virgin America have formally announced a merger agreement in which Alaska will acquire Virgin America for $2.6BN. No, April Fools was four days ago. I’ll try to sum it up through a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs):...
FTU Signature Event in Las Vegas April 29 – May 01, 2016
Frequent Traveler University (FTU) is coming to Las Vegas later this month and there is still time attend this event if you have not already signed up. From April 29 through May 01, 2016 you can hang out in...
Airside Tunnel Between Tom Bradley International Terminal and T4 Now Open at LAX and Why it Matters
The plan to link all terminals airside at Los Angeles International Airport took a giant leap forward today as the connection between Terminal 4 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) opened. This is huge news for savvy frequent...
Amal Clooney Cautions Against Visiting Maldives
Human Rights lawyer Amal Clooney was on Meet the Press on Sunday to discuss the Maldives…not a usual topic for the Sunday morning talk shows. I found the segment fascinating and encourage you to watch it in its entirety–...
In the Maldives, When They Say No Alcohol, They Mean No Alcohol
The Maldives is not the only nation that take a hard-line stance against alcohol, but it certainly is one of the more paradoxical examples. While the nation maintains a strict Islamic façade, it looks the other way as dozens...
A Premature Evaluation of 2015
It is the last day of 2015 but I think it is still too premature to evaluate the year. Award Expert and this blog continue to grow, I appeared on TV three times, was quoted in several publications, spoke at...
2015 Airline Christmas Videos
Merry Christmas from Germany! I am spending my first ever Christmas away from Los Angeles with my wife’s family. There is something magical about being in Germany for Christmas and I am looking forward to relaxing and recharging for...
Take That Air New Zealand!
Hey Air New Zealand…you’re finally going to have a little competition! (Imagine me sticking out my tongue at them) You see, I have very mixed emotions concerning New Zealand’s flag carrier. Air New Zealand has a great onboard product...
Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounge Dublin Terminal 2
Aer Lingus’ flagship Gold Circle Lounge is located in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. I spent three hours here before my Aer Lingus business class flight to Boston last Friday and give it high marks. Location: Terminal 2, Dublin Airport...
Transit and U.S. Preclearance in Dublin Airport
Some countries (cough, cough USA) make it more difficult than others to transit between international flights. Additionally, a handful of countries now have U.S. border preclearance facilities (Aruba, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, UAE [Abu Dhabi]). I recently connected through Dublin Airport, which offers...
Video: Typhoon Lifts 747-400 Into Air
Have you ever been in a terrible storm while flying? I wrote about my dance with death on Malaysian Airlines but I suspect that storm had nothing on Typhoon Soudelor, which hit Taiwan hard last week. Check out this...
A Cool Twist on Travel Photography
I don’t update my Instagram often, but I just love travel photos–both taking them and looking at them. Opening up my photo app reveals I have 58,593 photos and 438 videos spanning the last decade of travel. I also...
Next FTU Advanced Announced: Newport Beach, CA
I’ve written over and over about Frequent Traveler University, a dynamic weekend of learning and fellowship that is a must for anyone who wants to efficiently master the points and miles game. Back to the West Coast by popular...
Celebrate Your Independence Day at Frequent Traveler University
Happy Fourth to my U.S. readers, as we celebrate Independence Day across this great land. Declaring Independence from Great Britain, colonial leaders resolved to sacrifice their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” in furtherance of “life, liberty, and the pursuit...
Rimowa Roaring 20s Ad Campaign Starring Alessandra Ambrosio
I am one of those people who swear by Rimowa luggage. It’s expensive, but you do get what you pay for and it is absolutely the best luggage I have ever used. And the company is classy too —...
Memorial Day 2015: A Call to Selflessness
For my annual Memorial Day post this year, I want to quote a passage from President Woodrow Wilson’s Memorial Day Address 101 years ago on 30 May 1914: A peculiar privilege came to the men who fought for the...
Germanwings IS a SAFE Airline
Tragic news hit today that a Germanwings flight carrying 144 passengers and six crew traveling from Barcelona to Dusseldorf crashed in the French Alps, killing all onboard. There are a lot of questions surrounding the crash, primarily why the...
See You at LA Travel & Adventure Show This Weekend?
The Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show is taking place this weekend in Long Beach, CA and is billed as the largest travel show in the nation. The object of the show is to offer travelers a one-stop location...
Frequent Traveler University – Dallas Will Be Only FTU in 2015
Frequent Traveler University in Dallas is coming up on 17-19 April 2015 and this event will be the only FTU in 2015. If you are new to the world of miles and want a fun-filled yet educational weekend that...