I flew from Los Angeles to Chicago for the Freddies last week on United Airlines, and of course, my upgrade did not clear (I was #15 even as a Premier 1K), but that gave me the chance to try...
Missing: Premium American Airlines Aadvantage Awards To Asia
Despite more partners to Asia, falling demand, and fewer business travelers, premium award space using American Airlines Aadvantage miles is mostly missing. So Many Partners, So Few Seats Within oneworld, American Airlines has partnerships with a number of Asian...
Mixed Financial Results Paint Murky Travel Picture In 2025
As airlines, hotel chains, and travel providers report earnings and adjust financial forecasts, 2025 is full of mixed results and conflicting signals. Financial Winners, Bright Points Focusing on the bright spots, the first quarter of 2025 produced some winners...
Boutique Hotels Are Eating Business Travel’s Lunch
Something’s happening on the hotel scene, and if you’ve blinked, you might have missed it. Boutique hotels, once niche and novelty, are now quietly becoming the go-to for business travelers—and that should have traditional business hotel brands very worried....
Trump Official Slams Military After Army Helicopter Nearly Collides With Delta Jets At DCA
Just months after a fatal runway collision at Washington National Airport (DCA), another close call has raised serious concerns about airspace safety. In an alarming Army helicopter near miss at DCA, a US Army Black Hawk entered restricted airspace...
United Airlines Slashes Newark Flights, Presses Trump Administration To Reinstate Slot Controls
Never let a good crisis go to waste. Facing congestion and air traffic controller shortages, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is calling on the Trump Administration to reintroduce slot controls at Newark Liberty International Airport. It’s a move that...
The Real Reason JetBlue Pilots Are Angry (It’s Not Over United Airlines Partnership)
On the surface, it appears that JetBlue pilots are angry that a potential partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue could end up costing pilot jobs. But that’s not the root of the problem, nor is it simply posturing for...
Disability Access Services (DAS) At Disney And Universal: A Guide For Families With Special Needs
How Disability Access Services Work At Disney And Universal For Kids With Autism Planning Theme Park Trips With a Child on the Autism Spectrum For Spring Break this year, my wife and I decided to take our kids to...
Senator Fetterman Clashes With Pilot Over Seatbelt On American Airlines Flight
US Senator John Fetterman (D – PA) was captured on film arguing with an American Airlines regional pilot over wearing his seatbelt. Talk about petty… Senator Fetterman Argues With American Airlines Pilot Over Seatbelt Visibility Kyle sent me over...
Woman Sues American Airlines After Grotesque Sexual Assault By Repeat Offender On Redeye Flight
A woman is suing American Airlines after she was groped by her seatmate on an overnight flight. She alleges AA knew her assailant had a “known history of predatory sexual misconduct” and that the airline tried to “victim-blame” her...
Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K Bonus Offer Ending Soon
Link: Apply now for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card If you’re new to the world of miles and points, let me introduce you to a credit card that is essential for your wallet. You may have heard about the...
Delta Adds Meal Pre-Selection Perk for Comfort+ Passengers
Flying in Comfort+ on Delta Air Lines not only gets you extra legroom: it now offers you the option of pre-reserving your meals on many longhaul flights. Delta Air Lines Now Allows Meal Pre-Selections In Comfort+ Class Clint Henderson...
SAS Drops “Go” And “Plus” In Favor Of Traditional Cabin Names
For years, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has had unique names for its fare classes and onboard cabins, but with the return of business class on intra-European flights this autumn, SAS is reverting to more standard terms for its three classes...
2025 Freddie Awards – A Chicago Landmark Event
Last night I attended the 33rd Freddie Awards, which always offers a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow bloggers and industry insiders. While the winners were somewhat surprising and sometimes bemusing, the fellowship was sweet. 2025 Freddie Awards At...
Review: United Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD)
United Airlines has refurbished and expanded its original Polaris Lounge in Chicago O’Hare (ORD), adding more seating, a larger dining area, and a second bar. Here’s a first-hand review. United Polaris Lounge Chicago Review (ORD) I stopped by the...
Trump Moves To Bypass Boeing With New Air Force One Plan
With the next-generation Air Force One chronically delayed and still a decade away from delivery, US President Donald Trump has lost patience with Boeing and is now attempting to procure an “interim” Air Force One from a smaller defense...
United Flight Attendants Stuck In Holding Pattern Over Raises
As flight attendants at Delta Air Lines enjoy another annual raise and the most generous profit sharing in the airline industry, flight attendants at United Airlines find themselves in a holding pattern, working without a raise since 2019. But...
What Would United Airlines Do With 20 JFK Slots? Scott Kirby Already Told Us
Each day, there’s a bit more information that leaks about the rumored imminent partnership between JetBlue Airways and United Airlines. Rather than fixate on the partnership itself, I want to focus on how United Airlines would serve New York...
United Airlines Bans Flight Attendants From Wearing Flag Pins, Except For US Flag
Starting next month, flight attendants and other customer-facing employees at United Airlines will only be able to wear a US flag pin: all other country flag pins will be banned. The move comes after several controversial incidents concerning Palestinian...
American Airlines Reduces AAdvantage Award Ticket Holds From 5 Days To 24 Hours
American Airlines has reduced the hold time on AAdvantage award tickets from five days to 24 hours, a move that is disappointing and yet very reasonable. American Airlines Reduces AAdvantage Award Ticket Hold Time By 80% Just yesterday, I...
