The Etihad Lounge in London Heathrow T4, now called “The House”, is not what it once was…but still an above-average lounge at LHR. A disclaimer is appropriate here. I’m in the midst of my final “vintage” trip report…you can...
United ConnectionSaver Tool Has Serious Potential
United Airlines is rolling out “ConnectionSaver” technology across the board after successful trials in Denver and Chicago. The new tool has great potential. Gate agents often will not hold a flight because of the unknown ripple effects of doing...
Suicidal Man Held Without Bail After Chasing Estranged Wife Through Airport With Fake Bomb
A knife-wielding suicidal man chased his estranged wife through an airport terminal in Brisbane, Australia with a fake bomb as part of an ongoing bitter custody battle over their children. Gamal Elsaied Elboushi is in a heap of trouble....
T-Mobile Is Calling Me Home
T-Mobile’s new international plans are so appealing I’m considering a switch back from Verizon…provided the international data service actually works… Last year, I switched from T-Mobile to Verizon after experiencing 1.) poor data coverage in “free” countries, 2.) dropped...
Why United Does Not Fear Southwest Airlines In Hawaii
United believes that Southwest cannot match the quality of United’s service to Hawaii. But that’s not really the point. United CEO Oscar Munoz just returned from a multi-stop Asia Pacific trip that included Seoul, Tokyo, and Hawaii (including Honolulu...
Woman Sues Emirates, Claims She Was Denied Water On Longhaul Flight
A woman who claimed to collapse after being denied water on Emirates flights to Dubai is finally having her day in court. Before the Victoria Supreme Court in Melbourne, Australia, Lina Di Falco’s attorney argued that she was denied...
My Favorite Priority Pass Lounge Re-Opens In Bangkok
The Oman Air Lounge in Bangkok is open once again after a one-month “refurbishment” closure. For better or for worse, it remains virtually unchanged. I’ve written positively about the Oman Air Lounge before. You can read my full review...
Hilton CEO Demonstrates Dilemma Of Tipping Housekeeping
Last week Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta said he does not tip housekeeping staff. Now Nassetta said he gladly tips. The flip-flop offers a poignant reminder of how controversial tipping remains. Asked about tipping at the NYU International Hospitality Industry...
Italian Law Allows For Clever Airline Ticket Manipulation
What if you could take advantage of Italian law to beat airlines at their own game? The possibilities are fascinating. In theory, you can book a multi-city airline ticket “in” Italy on any airline, then skip whatever segments you...
Dubai Is Manipulating Weather To Create More Rain
Dubai and other emirates in the United Arab Emirates are creating rain through cloud seeding technology, hoping to bring year-around precipitation to the sun-baked land. I’ve been to Dubai several times over the years during the summer months. The...
United Airlines Reaches Secret Compromise Over Los Angeles Landmark
More than two years later, United Airlines and the University of Southern California have reached a compromise on naming rights for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The agreement is shrouded in secrecy. In May 2017, USC and United announced...
American Airlines Executives Throw Away Cash, Buy More AAL Stock
This week American Airlines senior executives loaded their personal coffers with even more American Airlines stock (AAL). Was it a sign of hubris or idiocy? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Hyatt Globalist My Concierge Details Exposed, Reinforcements Coming
Hyatt Hotels reward Globalists with a perk called My Hyatt Concierge. Few details about the program have been revealed, but new information suggests solutions to the program’s woes are in store. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a...
Once Again, I Must Status Run on United
Depending on my personal and business trips during the course of a year, I sometimes must fly unnecessary flights simply to retain my status. Again, this year I must status run for United 1K. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Dinner In SAS Plus Enroute To Arctic Circle
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. This week’s...
A Supremely Comfortable Business Class Seat, Even At Eight-Across
I got the rare treat of widebody aircraft on the short flight from Chicago to Los Angeles last Saturday evening. Even though the seat is “woefully” outdated, I still consider it the most comfortable business class seat in the...
United Polaris On Display At Saks Fifth Avenue
United Airlines is front and center at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship New York City store this weekend. Through Monday, Saks Fifth Avenue is highlighting United’s new summer destinations from Newark and its Polaris business class product in the ground...
British Airways Abandons Special 747 Flights
British Airways has scrapped plans to operate a trio of Boeing 747s on domestic routes in commemoration of its 100th birthday. As I wrote about on Monday, 747s suddenly popped into the schedule for the following six flights on...
United Airlines Operates “Flight For The Planet”
United Airlines claims it operated “the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation” from Chicago to Los Angeles on Wednesday. Combining biofuel with carbon credits and compostable service ware with “gentle” taxiing, United achieved (virtually)...
Review: Emirates 777-300ER NEW First Class Dubai To Brussels
The day finally arrived. The perfect opportunity had arisen. It was time to check out Emirates’ new first class on the 777-300ER. But with expectations so high, would Emirates deliver? In a word, YES. I booked my ticket from...
