Last week I penned a review of the Hyatt Regency Delhi from a trip our family took to India almost three years ago. During our stay we took the journey out to Agra to view the Taj Mahal. We made arrangements for transportation through the concierge and the level of service we received exceeded our […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 29, 2018
After a whirlwind trip to New York and Miami, I’m back in Los Angeles for the day, then off to Las Vegas tomorrow. Over the last week, we’ve seen a new photo policy at United Airlines, Chinese anger at U.S. airlines, and a bed bug invasion on Air India. Please find a review of the week’s top stories as well […]
Editorial: Satisfying China’s Request is Impractical
China has asked US airlines to designate Taiwan as part of China on their websites and systems. Regardless of where you fall on the China/Taiwan debate, there are impracticalities that arise when treating the two places as one country and it has nothing to do with patriotism. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new […]
T-Mobile Becomes Even More Valuable
T-Mobile is adding 55 countries to its international data plan while slightly raising the cost of international calls. Yesterday afternoon I received a text message from T-Mobile: Important msg from T-Mobile: We noticed you make calls while abroad. We’re updating our Simple Global calling rates and including more countries beginning on 8/1/18. Visit t-mo.co/2LdhBB3 to […]
Review: Pura Indah Lounge Jakarta (CGK)
The Pura Indah Business Class Lounge in Jakarta (CGK) was crowded and warm, with unusable wi-fi internet and food that looked like it had been sitting out for too long. This is a Priority Pass lounge to avoid. Seating is plentiful on the business class side, but plugs are few and far between. While the […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 24, 2018
I’m back in LA after a week in Italy and Germany. It’s good to be home, though every time I am in Europe I miss living there. We’ll keep it simple this week. Here’s a review of the week’s top stories and a link to all posts that have appeared on Live and Let’s Fly […]
Iberia’s Website Is Down – No Surprise
If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. UPDATE: It Appears the website is working again for some. Please feel free to post success or failure in the comments. Iberia announced a generous […]
How A Captain Flushed Out A Plane Full of Passengers Who Refused To Disembark
What happens when passengers react to a long flight delay by refusing to leave rather demanding to deplane? One Air Asia captain had to resort to fairly unorthodox tactics…at least that’s what passengers are claiming. An Air Asia flight operating Kolkata to Bagdogra (277 miles) was over four hours late due to heavy rains outside. The […]
The Impending Doom of the Jet Engine Crisis
The Southwest 1380 engine incident brought to the surface a festering problem that has plagued aircraft in service and deliveries. On the current pace, however, it only seems clear that the industry is heading for a crisis. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If […]
Civil War in Trump Administration Over Gulf Carriers
What happens when two factions within the White House hold differing views on the same agreement? A war of words, to say the least… A fascinating AP story by Josh Lederman outlines the conflict. In one corner, President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro. In the other corner, the U.S. Department of State. The controversy: what the airline […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: May 20, 2018
Good evening from LA. For the first time in weeks, it appears I will not set foot on a plane this week. I’m looking forward to it. Honestly. Last week, the Gulf Carriers “kissed and made up” with their American legacy counterparts in an agreement that changes nothing and allows both to save face. We […]
Review: Andaz Singapore
Two nights at the Andaz Singapore was not enough…what a great new hotel in Singapore. The hotel is located on 5 Fraser Street, about 20 minutes from the airport. It’s a new building that looks old, adjacent to a brand new Art-deco style building that looks even older. The ground levels features seating and a […]
These Dogs And Cats Are Banned From United PetSafe
When United Airlines begins accepting new reservations for its PetSafe program this summer, many dog breeds and a handful of cat breeds will no longer be welcomed. United’s PetSafe program is currently under review. Working in collaboration with American Humane, United has established a stricter set of guidelines in order to minimize the risk of […]
Review: Hyatt Regency (Kota) Kinabalu – Suite
During our Christmas/New Year’s trip to Borneo, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. We were able to use a suite upgrade and it was one of the best we have had. The waterfront location, excellent service, and suite were all excellent – but those were just the start. Location Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota […]
The 10 Least Expensive Cities in the World
Yesterday I shared the 10 most expensive cities in the world. Today, we’ll explore the 10 least expensive cities in the world. Each year The Economist publishes a list of the most and least expensive cities in the world. Figures are derived from the metrics I outline below. Here are the 10 cheapest cities in […]
Review: Park Hyatt Beijing
The Park Hyatt Beijing is showing some signs of wear, but remains an excellent choice for a luxury hotel in the heart of China’s capital city. After arriving from Helsinki on Finnair, we proceeded to the hotel via taxi from Beijing Capital (PEK). Uber/Didi Chuxing is difficult to use in China so we just stuck […]
How Shall I Get Back to LA from Ho Chi Minh City?
My Qatar Airways 777-3ooER Qsuite flight is right around the corner. But I have nothing booked home… This is a review trip and I’m not planning on spending any time in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a lovely city that I have visited in the past, but this time my objective is to come straight […]
Best City for a Night Out is…Hamburg?
I’m not much of a nightlife person, preferring to be in bed by 9pm, but in my travels to over 125 nations I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of nightlife. Which world city is best for a night out? A recent survey polled over 4,000 people from around the world on which city offered the […]
Making $1500 Flying A Mistake Fare
We booked a mistake fare back to England to see friends and visit the Christmas Markets. Mistake fares always present outsized value for the product sold, but on this occasion we got all of our money back and profited to the tune of $1500+. Here’s why we were rooting for a longer delay. If you […]
Insider Knowledge: Secret Perks in United Polaris Business Class
Much like the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger, there is a secret menu in United Polaris Business Class that requires a bit of inside knowledge or careful reading to take advantage of. As you board, you’ll find a plush pillow, light blanket, and rolled up heavier blanket already on your seat. That already constitutes one […]