Hello from beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Heidi and I love Santa Barbara (“Why didn’t we MOVE HERE instead of LA?!” is what I hear every time we come up for a weekend). But at least a great Hyatt is available along the beach. After a frenzied week in Hawaii and Germany, it is nice to relax today.
This week, I concluded my Africa report. If you did not catch my final post, check it out here–the issue of bribery and “tipping” is a difficult moral issue that I grapple with.
Next week I will continue the report from my recent trip with review of EgyptAir and Ukraine International Airlines. I have a lot more reports in the queue after, but the question of which one to publish next is still under consideration.
I try to steer clear of politics on this blog, but travel and politics are often directly related so it is not always possible. Please note when I write posts like Interest in Traveling to the USA is Plummeting the point is not to attack Trump or to praise him, just address a related travel issue that I want to highlight or discuss.
Have a great rest of your evening and look for most posts tomorrow.
TOP STORY: Top 10 American Airlines Award Redemptions
My list of the top 10 AA award redemptions. While most are in premium cabins, not all are.
Will American and United Match Delta’s Free Meals in Domestic Economy?
This seemingly innocuous post led to a good-natured exchange with View from the Wing culminating in a post entitled, My Rebuttal to View from the Wing: How Free Meals in Coach CUT Airline Profit.
Review: Los Angeles to London in Air New Zealand 777-300 Business Premier
My trip photo report from a recent Air New Zealand flight in business class from Los Angeles to London. While Air New Zealand did not exceed expectations, it was a great flight.
Why Starwood Points are Simultaneously the Most Valuable and the Most Worthless Points
I love Starwood points, but be aware: transfers are not instant!
REPORTS & REVIEWS
The Robben Island Experience
A Photo Finish in Cape Town
Review: Bidvest Premier Lounge in Cape Town Airport
Review: Virgin Atlantic A340 Upper Class
Remorse & Resolve: Final Thoughts on a Month in Africa
Surprise Meal on United Proves Why Meals Don’t Matter
Avoid the Veal: TP359 LHR-LIS in TAP Business
Review: Los Angeles to London in Air New Zealand 777-300 Business Premier
Review: Star Alliance Lounge LAX
NEWS & COMMENTARY
Royal Jordanian Again Pokes Fun at Trump
Virgin Atlantic Flight Diverts Over Spitting Passenger
Turkish Airlines Super Bowl Ad with Morgan Freeman
How to Complain Effectively in Three Easy Steps
Will American and United Match Delta’s Free Meals in Domestic Economy?
Top 10 American Airlines Award Redemptions
My Rebuttal to View from the Wing: How Free Meals in Coach CUT Airline Profit
Pictures: Sexy New South African Airways A330-300 Business Class
United Ground Delay Due to Computer Glitch
Surprise Meal on United Proves Why Meals Don’t Matter
Air France Adds Maldives Service
TSA Admits It Likely Cannot Spot Terrorists
Three Easy Steps to Combat Jet Lag
Why Starwood Points are Simultaneously the Most Valuable and the Most Worthless Points
Two Great New Priority Pass Lounges, Including London Restaurant/Bar
United CEO Reflects on Trump Meeting (and My Concerns)
Comical Video: Two Lawyers Fight Over Armrest
I Love the New United Propaganda Campaign!
Interest in Traveling to the USA is Plummeting
Just a heads up:
The link for “Pictures: Sexy New South African Airways A330-300 Business Class” isn’t correct. It’s a link to your wp-admin login.
Thank you Jack! Fixed it.