I had a chance to visit the Finnair Platinum Wing in Helsinki and quickly ascertained that this is one of the nicest airport lounges in the world. It was truly a pleasure to spend several hours here. Access is...
Split Decision: Mother Found Guilty Of Beating SWISS Pilot While Grandma Walks…
Earlier this week I shared about the mother-daughter duo who were arrested for assaulting a SWISS Air captain over a hand baggage disagreement. A London court just adjudicated the case. Henrietta Mitaiare, 23, and Mary Roberts, 53, were traveling from Zurich...
Want To Hang Out With Me In Washington, DC This Weekend? (FTU)
Frequent Traveler University is returning to Washington, DC this weekend. FTU is a full day of expert-led sessions on trending travel topics and manufactured spending. It’s not only a venue to learn, but one to network with like-minded folks...
MI6? CIA? Mossad? I Leave My Seatmate Guessing
I had fun with my seatmate on a recent Turkish Airlines flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul, who thought I was a spy. As I shared in my first impressions post, the aircraft swapped from an A321 to an A321neo...
Leaked Memo: United Airlines Responds To Coronavirus
United Airlines will tackle weakened travel demand by reducing or suspending more routes, offering unpaid leave, freezing all non-essential hiring, and postponing raises for non-union employees. In a lengthy memo to United employees, outgoing CEO Oscar Munoz and incoming...
Why Delta CEO Skipped White House Meeting…Again
Delta CEO Ed Bastian ruffled feathers by missing a White House meeting with President Donald Trump last July. Yesterday, airline CEOs again convened at the White House. Yesterday, Bastian was again missing. This time, though, no one is questioning...
SWISS Pilot Attacked By Mother-Daughter Duo…Over Baby Stroller
A SWISS pilot has alleged a mother-daughter duo from London attacked him over a baby stroller. Henrietta Mitaiare, 23, and Mary Roberts, 53, were traveling from Zurich (ZRH) to London (LHR) last May with Mitaiare’s child. Upon boarding, Mitaiare was informed...
First Impressions: Finnair A330 Business Class
While not as comfortable as the A350, the Finnair A330 proved a comfortable ride from London to Helsinki. Industrial action in Helsinki (airport ground workers launched an unexpected strike) delayed my inbound flight from London by two hours. Despite...
United Airlines’ Very Shrewd Change Fee Waiver
United Airlines has issued a blanket waiver on change fees for all new bookings through the end of the month. The shrewd policy is meant to stimulate demand for new bookings and allay the coronavirus fears of nervous passengers....
Ryanair CEO Condemns “Hysteria” Over Coronavirus
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary is not happy over coronavirus coverage, savaging what he calls the “lunacy” and “hysteria” of social media pandemonium. O’Leary has never been one to hold back words and was very blunt in an interview with Sky...
I Have A New Favorite Priority Pass Restaurant!
I was recently flying through Houston and noticed that Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar was on the Priority Pass restaurant list. I now have a new favorite Priority Pass restaurant! I’m a sucker for good Mexican food (or Tex...
“Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better…” (Delta’s Response To American In Seattle)
American Airlines announces a build-up in Seattle. Delta Air Lines announces a build-up in Seattle. American announces new service from Seattle to London. Delta announces new service from Seattle to London. It reminds me of a song… Delta Responds...
Review: TAP A330neo Business Class
TAP Air Portugal offers incredibly-priced business class fares, often on a one-way basis. But is the onboard product worth even that cost? My one-way ticket from Frankfurt to Boston via Lisbon was $880.51 in business class. Prices drop even...
White House Will Meet With Airline CEOs
Airline executives are heading to the White House this week to discuss coronavirus. Will bailout be on the agenda? Last week, President Donald Trump designated Vice President Mike Pence to oversee White House efforts to deal with COVID-19, the...
Italy Faces European Union Scrutiny For Alitalia Loan (Again…)
Italy is under scrutiny again from the European Union over its latest bailout to Alitalia. The Chamber of Deputies, Italy’s lower house, approved a 400 million Euro bailout in late January after the Senate approved the measure in December....
Should Delta Compensate For Broken Laptop Due To Reclining Seatmate?
Fresh off the last salvo in the perpetual seat recline debate comes a new twist. Should an airline compensate when your seatmate breaks your laptop? First, the facts. Pat Cassidy was flying Delta in economy class and working on...
If I Had To Pick An Airport Terminal To Live In…
A six hour layover (which eventually turned into an eight hour layover) might sound horrible, but not with oneworld emerald status in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow. On the contrary, the layover flew by. I’m on my next trip...
Star Alliance Gold Status Match For $87 With TAP Air Portugal
If you have silver or gold status with a oneworld or SkyTeam airline, Star Alliance carrier TAP Air Portugal is offering a status match for as little as $87. TAP Air Portugal is aiming to increase U.S. membership in...
As EL AL Warns Of Collapse, Israel Promises Support
The spread of COVID-19 has not been kind to EL AL, which is laying off workers and warning off an imminent collapse. But the Israeli government has publicly pledged to step in with support, if required. EL AL Warns...
How Long Before Employees Refuse to Work Coronavirus Flights?
Coronavirus is spreading and those who travel the most (flight attendants and pilots) have reason for concern. But how long before employees refuse to work coronavirus flights? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card...