Foreign carriers can now operate domestic flights in Brazil thanks to a new law signed by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. But don’t count on free checked baggage. I wrote about the proposed law last month, noting that it would...
Thai Airways Blames Declining Revenue On US – Chinese Trade Tensions
Thai Airways is blaming lower-than-expected revenue on a drop in Chinese tourism, further exacerbated by Chinese trade tensions with the United States. The argument goes like this: In the first quarter, the number of Chinese tourists in Thailand has...
My Wife Is A Celebrity In India
Hyderabad, India is a great city for many reasons. Beautiful architecture. Great food. Warm hospitality. Oh yeah, and my wife is apparently a celebrity there. Heidi and I were exploring the city and stopped at the Charminar, a beautiful...
Chaos On Turkish Airlines Flight, As Man Begins “Smashing Things”
A Turkish Airlines flight was forced to return to Istanbul after a man became agitated onboard and began wreaking havoc on the cabin. TK680, a 737-900 headed from Khartoum, Sudan had just taken off from Istanbul on Friday when...
Lufthansa Affirms Commitment To First Class, Hints At Private Suite
Lufthansa will maintain first class on a subset of its incoming fleet, though the design and density of the next-generation first class seat is still under consideration. At the recent IATA conference in Seoul, Harry Hohmeister, Lufthansa Group’s Chief...
Union Warns Members Not To Fly “Unsafe” American Airlines
The battle between American Airlines and its mechanics union just turned even uglier. Now an affiliated union is warning its members not to fly “unsafe” American Airlines. American Airlines recently sued the TWU-IAM, the union representing their mechanics. AA...
Premium Economy Best Way to Qualify For Status
Last week I wrote about the need for a status run on United to maintain my 1K status. It’s clear that Premium Economy is the best way to re-qualify on seemingly any US airline. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Mechanics Slowdown Makes American Airlines Safer, Not Enjoyable
Mechanics at American Airlines have been negotiating their contract (and have been out of contract) for years. Work slowdowns for maintenance concerns, however, make the carrier safer, even if inconvenient. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Cool: United Pilot Steps Up To Help Stranded Passenger
When a young student found herself stranded in Seattle, one United pilot took the initiative to provide a lending hand. It is Fathers Day in the USA and I’m trying to stay positive today. Each day is filled with...
A Heartwarming Father’s Day Story From United CEO
A friend forwarded me a Father’s Day greeting sent from United CEO Oscar Munoz to all employees today– “Please, you need to do this! This guy is about to have a baby and needs to get back home.” With...
Breaking: United 757 Skids Off Runway, Newark Closed
UPDATE (20:15): United issued the following statement, noting the 757 experienced “multiple flat tires” upon landing in Newark. United issued the following statement: United flight 627 from Denver to Newark, New Jersey experienced multiple flat tires upon landing in...
Two Meal Service Updates On United Airlines
United has suspended its “mandatory” express dining service on some late-night flights to Europe and is still testing out free meals in economy class on select Hawaiian flights. In April, United began testing obligatory express dining service on select...
Review: Etihad A320 Business Class Abu Dhabi To Hyderabad
Here’s a quick review of my overnight flight from Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad on an Etihad A320 in business class. As a reminder, I’m in the midst of a “vintage” trip report to India/Maldives. But even though this flight...
Southwest Airlines Passenger Is “Cyberflashed” Onboard
A Southwest Airlines passenger was “cyberflashed” onboard using Apple’s AirDrop technology. But flight attendants handled the issue well. AirDrop is the name given by Apple to technology that allows for the quick transfer of files via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi....
737 MAX Ferry Flight Blocked From German Airspace
A 737 MAX 8 ferry flight was denied the right to fly over Germany, forcing an unplanned landing in France for refueling. As mandatory worldwide groundings continue for the troubled 737 MAX 8, Norwegian is attempting to consolidate its...
LAX The Worst Airport In The World? Um, No…
As an Angeleno who calls both LAX and BUR home, I may be a little biased, but I was shocked to see my two airports as ranked best in the nation and worst in the world… In a bid...
Will Dr. Dao Be Invited To United’s Drag Brunch?
Ok, I just could not resist that title. Forgive me for this whole post. As airlines across the nation seek to virtue signal their support for LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month, United Airlines is teaming up with OTG, the...
Review: Park Hyatt Hyderabad
I enjoyed a lovely three-night stay at the Park Hyatt Hyderabad, one of the best-value Category 2 Hyatt properties in the system. As a reminder, I’m in the midst of a “vintage” trip report to India/Maldives. My wife and...
SAS Cuts Hot Towels In Business Class “For The Environment”
As cultural norms change and flying falls increasingly out of vogue in Scandinavia, SAS is trying to recast the narrative and declare itself as a trendsetter on environmental stewardship. Hot towels have become a casualty of this most valiant...
New Air Force One Livery Looks Extremely Familiar…
In an interview with ABC News, President Donald Trump unveiled the proposed livery for the next generation of Air Force One. The iconic blue is out and a new red, white, and blue livery is in. And not just...
