Timing is everything, but after Algeria finally re-opened to foreign visitors after the pandemic I had little trouble obtaining a visa, though it took an in-person trip to New York City to complete. Guide: How I Obtained A Visa...
The Ups And Downs Of Being A Commercial Pilot
This is the first in a three-part series that talks about flying airliners and some of the challenges this pilot sees for the profession. In Part 1 we’ll discuss ups and downs of being a commercial pilot. In part...
Introduction: A Journey To Exotic Algeria
Welcome to my next trip report, a recount of my recent journey to exotic Algeria. Algeria was one of the most difficult countries I have ever traveled to, but looking back was a superb trip. Exotic Algeria Trip Report...
Black Rapper Blasts White Police Officer Who Stopped Him While Boarding An American Airlines Flight
Rapper Nasir Fard, who goes by Gillie Da King, posted an encounter he had with a Texas cop onboard a jet bridge while boarding his American Airlines flight at Dallas-Fort Worth. I find the encounter surprising…and instructive. Black Rapper...
United Airlines Will Restore Hot Towels To Premium Cabins
United Airlines will bring back hot towels on select premium cabin flights starting next month. It’s a small addition, but an important one and another small step toward the full return of the pre-pandemic soft product. Hot Towels Return...
Thug Is Arrested After Threatening Singapore Airlines Flight Attendant….For Not Giving Him Water
A thug has been arrested in Singapore after cursing out and threatening a flight attendant and making a fool out of himself onboard a Singapore Airlines flight from Bangkok to Singapore. All over a bottle of water? Man Threatens...
My Weekend Blowout, A Blessing In Disguise
My weekend did not go as planned, but I am deeply grateful it turned out the way it did, for it could have turned out much worse. Ruined Weekend Plans Turn Into A Delightful Weekend Anyway… Last Friday, my...
United Airlines Makes Elite Status More Exclusive, But Will It Make It More Valuable?
With its 2023 program changes, United MileagePlus will be the most difficult of the big three U.S. legacy airlines to earn elite status on. Will status become more valuable or will the value be limited to the attrition of existing...
Flights From Israel To Qatar Will Be Forced To Make “Diplomatic Layover” In Cyprus
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 approaches in Doha, fans from around the world are flocking in. But with no diplomatic relations between the two nations, Qatar is not making it easy for Israeli fans to attend by requiring...
Flying Home To Vote…
Many of our Award Expert clients are U.S. expats living abroad and as the USA votes today in the 2022 midterm elections, I was mildly surprised at how many are flying home simply to vote. Flying Home To Vote In 2022 U.S....
United Airlines Updates MileagePlus Elite Status Requirements, Will Count Award Travel
Next year, United Airlines will revert to its pre-pandemic qualification requirements to achieve elite status but will also count more credit card spending toward meeting your elite qualification goal. For the first time, United will also count award travel...
Delta Air Lines Struggles To Hit Carbon Emission Goals
Delta Air Lines proudly proclaims it is “carbon neutral since March 2020,” but that was only possible in 2021 through the dubious purchase of carbon emission offsets. As Delta has discovered, ambitious climate change goals are proving vexing for...
“Rebellious” Woman Attacks Emirates Airport Staff In Mexico City
A “rebellious” passenger attempting to travel on an expired passport threw a temper tantrum then attacked an Emirates employee at Mexico City after she was denied boarding. In A Fit Of Rage, “Rebellious” Passenger Attacks Emirates Staff After She...
An Icy Diversion On United Airlines
A United Airlines 787-9 traveling from London to San Francisco diverted to the icy Canadian hinterland of Iqaluit after unexplained vibrating forced the unplanned detour. United Airlines Flight Diverted To Iqaluit After 787-9 Mechanical Issue Let’s review what happened...
Dear Fellow United Flyers, Let’s Not Ruin The New Lounge Concept
To my dear fellow flyers on United Airlines, let’s not mess up the great innovation United has introduced in Denver via its Club Fly Lounge. Moderation is key. New United Lounge Concept In Denver Requires Our Cooperation United Airlines...
American Who Made Bomb Threat Onboard Singapore Airlines A350-900 Is Released From Jail
UPDATE: La Andy Hien Duc has been released from prison, despite confessing to consuming a marijuana-laden chocolate bar prior to his flight. During a Singapore Airlines flight from San Francisco to Singapore, Hein Duc insisted there was bomb onboard, prompting...
It’s Time For A Premium World of Hyatt Credit Card
Almost every major travel brand has a premium credit card, but not Hyatt. Here’s my proposal for a premium World of Hyatt Credit Card. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
For Travelers, Brands Leaving Elon Musk’s Twitter A Mistake
Some Twitter users and advertisers have stated that they are leaving Elon Musk’s Twitter, but for both brands and consumers, that’s a customer service mistake. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Are We At Peak Cruise?
The cruise industry has come a long way over the last few years. With ships adding more and more features, and ships selling out it begs the question: are we at peak cruise? If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Concerning Elon Musk And The Future Of Twitter
I’m not very savvy when it comes to social media, but I do quite enjoy Twitter and as a big Tesla and Space X fan, I respect much of what Elon Musk has professionally accomplished. Here are my thoughts...
