I just returned from a two-day journey on Amtrak to Glacier National Park in Montana followed by two days of hiking in the park. My trip report has already been written, so stay tuned for that. As tourist season...
A Review of My First and Last United p.s. Flights from JFK
Yesterday I wrote about the new challenges on the horizon for United employees at JFK. In the story, I shared a couple pictures of my first and last p.s. flights on United at JFK. Here’s a brief trip report...
Why You Should Visit Cuba Now
The trope goes something like this – visit Cuba now before it becomes westernized with McDonalds and Subways; before the Americans ruin it and it becomes another Caribbean dump. That’s not entirely untrue, but that’s not the real reason...
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...
Dublin to Boston in Aer Lingus Business Class
Aer Lingus recently refreshed its transatlantic business class product with a new lie-flat bed and a reinvented onboard menu. I had the chance to sample it last week from Dublin to Boston and am pleased to report that I...
A Weekend in Small Town America
I am a city slicker at heart – there is no question about it. I grew up and still live in Los Angeles and have lived in Washington, Philadelphia, and Frankfurt as well. In other words, I have always...
Havana to Los Angeles in TACA Economy Class
Back at the airport, I had a couple hours to kill before my flight to Costa Rica and used the time to have one final walk around the airport. Cubana check-in was flooded with tourists queuing for the afternoon...
Day Two in Cuba: The Juxtaposition of Two Cubans
I walked out of the domestic terminal and down a pot-hole ridden road to the main street. I wanted to take pictures, but figured I was still being watched and that nothing says espionage like taking photos of a...
Day Two in Cuba: Escorted Flying
For those who missed the first part, be sure to read this first. After denying that I worked for the U.S. government, the official began a volley of questions: Cuban Official: Why are you in Nueva Gerona? Me: I...
Day Two in Cuba: Accused of Being An American Spy!
The alarm sounded at 5am and my taxi was already waiting downstairs. Not a vintage American auto, unfortunately, but a comfortable Toyota Corolla to take me to the airport. We had negotiated a cost of $12 for the ride....
Day One in Cuba: An Evening Surprise
Back on the street, my first stop was the American Embassy, currently surrounded by a staging ground for routine protests against the American government. Still the “American interests section” during my visit, it has recently been upgraded to full...
Day One in Cuba: A Tour of Havana
I was only traveling with hand baggage and proceeded out beyond baggage claim to a very balmy haze outside – it was over 90ºF and it felt even warmer. We walked past the terminal to a small parking lot,...
Visa Requirements for Visiting Cuba
When I reached Costa Rica, I had to check in for my flight to Havana because it was on a different reservation than the U.S. flights. A TACA agent asked to see my Cuban visa…I was not even aware...
Los Angeles to Havana in TACA Economy Class
This was not my first time flying TACA…last time the Lead FA thought I was a terrorist (for taking pictures…). No drama this time and that is exactly the way flying in economy class should be. TACA, or Transportes Aereos...
Planning a Trip to Cuba
Cuba is romantically characterized as a land of intrigue and glamour for good reason. Just 90 miles off the coast of Florida sits a nation that served as a Cold War chess piece in the 40-year match against the...
A Day in the Life of a Weary Road Warrior…And Some Humor
Let me tell you about my latest trip. I still wonder sometimes why I do this to myself, but am thankful that I still find fun in flying for the sake of flying. I hope you find this “Dear...
Meal Service on 40min United Airlines Fifth Freedom Kuwait to Bahrain Flight
United Airlines operates a limited number of Fifth Freedom Routes around the world, including: Manila to Koror Koror to Yap Kwajalein to Kosrae Kuwait to Bahrain Tokyo to Seoul Tokyo to Singapore Hong Kong to Singapore Hong Kong to...
I Witnessed a Deadly Car Accident in Bahrain
I spent 3.5 years in the US Air Force Reserves and never saw a day of combat. I’ve never actually witnessed a friend or family member or even a pet die either, knock on wood. Outside of movies, I’ve...
Propositioned by a Taxi Driver or Genuine Bahraini Hospitality?
I am still replaying this occurrence in my mind and wondering exactly what happened, so perhaps it is best to get some feedback from you. I arrived in Bahrain around 10pm and after a lengthy wait to obtain a...
Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker Charms A350 Inaugural Audience
I had this image of Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker in my mind as a feisty yet unapproachable man who would not “lower” himself to interact with passengers, instead choosing to sit alone in his suite the entire flight...
