Hello from Los Angeles. So much for my extended vacation in Germany…
I had to fly home yesterday afternoon for a series of meetings over the next few days on a matter totally unrelated to the blog or Award Expert. Now comes the question of whether I will fly back to Germany this week in order to fly back with my wife and son later in the week…or if they can manage without me slumming it home in Lufthansa First Class.
As much as I love flying, with several trips coming up in the weeks ahead I’m (not so) secretly hoping they can mange to get to LAX without me, where the royal carriage will be waiting with Matthew the chauffer…
Another relatively quiet week in the world of travel. The good news is that the electronics ban is over: you will no longer be separated from your electronic devices when traveling through a handful of Arab nations. The bad news: a new stricter security policy now applies worldwide that has the potential to lead to significant travel disruptions. Yesterday in Frankfurt I had an interesting security experience, which I’ll explain in a post tomorrow or Tuesday.
Here’s a look at the top stories for the week:
TOP STORY: Caution: Bring Plenty of Cash to Thailand or Face Detention & Deportation
Numerous reports of Thailand more closely enforcing its law mandating visitors carry sufficient cash warrant your attention. Don’t risk being deported or even jail time!
> Read More: How Much Cash Do You Bring on Vacation?
My Horrific Security Experience at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
A tale of my extended security check in Israel during a recent transit through TLV.
A Dishonest Smear in the Fight Over Gulf Subsidies
An offensive and failed attempt by U.S. airlines to discredit a popular blogger who dared to call out their hypocrisy.
> Read More: 10 Ways Taxpayers Subsidize U.S. Airlines
Another Near-Miss: Emirates A380 and Air Seychelles A330
Harrowing details of a near-miss between an Air Seychelles A330 and an Emirates Airbus A380.
REPORTS & REVIEWS
Fascinating Soviet Hotel Experience on a Russian Island in Norway
Why Pyramiden is a Must-See (Photo Tour)
Exploring Pyramiden with Two Armed Female Bodyguards
Hot Meal on Intra-Europe Finnair Flight in Business Class
Where to Eat in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen to Stockholm via Tromsø on SAS
Charming Concept: SAS Café Lounge
747-200 Hostel vs. Radisson Blu Stockholm Airport
Review: Hilton Stockholm Slussen (it was disappointing)
Introduction: A Trip Around the World with Lucky
Review: Hilton Hanoi Opera
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Ethiopian Airlines Accepts My Compromise…Sort Of
Should I Travel Home via Greenland or Ireland?
United FAs Now Empowered to Issue Onboard Compensation
I’m Suspicious of the Big AMEX Transfer Bonus to British Airways
I Love the New British Airways’ Safety Video!
My Horrific Security Experience at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
A Dishonest Smear in the Fight Over Gulf Subsidies
Caution: Bring Plenty of Cash to Thailand or Face Detention & Deportation
Another Near-Miss: Emirates A380 and Air Seychelles A330
10 Ways Taxpayers Subsidize U.S. Airlines
My Final Credit Card Churn for Two Years
How Much Cash Do You Bring on Vacation?
Travel Caching: Checked Baggage Hacking
When Automatic Upgrades Split Up Families
Leave a Reply