I stepped onto my Cathay Pacific flight from London to Hong Kong with extremely high expectations. After all, this carrier has offered one of the most consistent and well-regarded first class products for years. I’m happy to report my expectations were exceeded. Just to note, this review is from October 2014. I publish older reviews because […]
Review: Etihad Lounge LAX
Etihad opened a new lounge in Los Angeles earlier this week and I was able to get a sneak the morning after it opened. Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the lounge is small but luxurious as far as lounges go and even one-ups the nearby Emirates lounge with an a la carte menu […]
Los Angeles to Paris in Air Tahiti Nui Business Class
My brother Andrew recently flew from Los Angeles to Paris on Air Tahiti Nui in “Poerava” business class using 57.5K American Airlines miles. I asked him to write a trip report sharing about his flight. Gosh, I love exotic carriers flying “normal” routes. It is the chance to try a new carrier and not be […]
Access Policy for Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa Abu Dhabi
25 JUNE 2016 UPDATE: Etihad is now allowing passengers into the first class lounge who arrive in first class but are connecting in business class. Here is the bottom line– Access to the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa in Abu Dhabi is reserved for the following guests: Passengers departing Abu Dhabi on a first […]
Review: Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa Abu Dhabi
Earlier this week Etihad Airways opened its long-awaited first class lounge in Terminal 3 in Abu Dhabi. Details are still emerging about the lounge but let not your heart be troubled — you can find everything you need below. I spent several hours in the lounge yesterday and can answer any questions you have about […]
Review: Park Hyatt Jeddah
Transiting through Jeddah on my way to Afghanistan, I had about 23 hours in Saudi Arabia between Saudia flights. A transit visa had been granted by the Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC and without even looking at other properties, I reserved a room at the Park Hyatt Jeddah. This isn’t the proper venue to delve […]
12 Hours In Singapore Airlines A380 Suites
The first leg from New York to Frankfurt was great, but the long 12-hour leg from Frankfurt to Singapore onboard the Singapore Airlines A380 in Suites Class was simply sublime. Singapore Suites A380: 12 Hours Of Bliss After a 90-minute layover in Frankfurt (no first class lounge access, which is reserved for Lufthansa Group only, […]
A Beautiful 77-Mile Flight On United Express
I enjoyed a beautiful flight from Monterey to San Francisco on a United Express CRJ-200, just a short 77-mile journey over one of the most beautiful parts of California. 77-Miles Of Beauty On United Express: Review Of MRY-SFO On CRJ-200 This was my first flight out of Monterey Airport and I loved it: so convenient […]
Why I Love My Capital One Venture X Card
As travel picks up, I find myself using my Capital One Venture X credit card more and more. If you have not added this card to your wallet, do not delay in doing so. The latest addition of Plaza Premium lounge access makes the card even better. Capital One Venture X – Still A Great […]
Introduction: Mint Suites And Mint Tea In London
Welcome to my next trip report, a whirlwind trip to London to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. I’ve already shared about the jubilee events; now it’s time to focus on the travel-related portion of the trip. Introduction – A Mint Trip To London To Celebrate Platinum Jubilee Of EIIR It’s not every […]
My Thoughts On The Capital One Venture X
This post is not presented by Capital One. There’s been a lot of talk this week about the Capital One Venture X credit card and rightfully so, as it represents the biggest credit card launch since the Chase Sapphire Reserve. For all the hype, the bottom line is this: it is an amazing card that competes […]
Aeroplan Extends Penalty-Free Cancellation Policy, Adds Exotic New Airline Partner
Aeroplan will extend by one month its ongoing policy of allowing penalty-free changes and cancellations as COVID-19 concerns persist. Aeroplan also unveiled a new partnership with Gulf Air, an exotic Middle Eastern carrier with a fabulous new business class product. Aeroplan Extends Fee Waiver For Cancellations + Changes On Awards Through September 30, 2021 you […]
My Strong Desire To Fly The Air France A380…
Call me crazy, but I have a strong desire to fly on the Air France A380 while still in service. Yesterday I wrote about the decision by Air France to retire its entire A380 fleet by 2022. This move makes total sense considering the high costs of retrofitting and CEO Ben Smith’s vision for a […]
Busted: How A New Jersey Woman Smuggled Airline Parts Into Iran
A New Jersey woman faces up to five years in prison for her role in a scheme to smuggle airline parts illegally into Iran. Joyce Eliabachu pleaded guilty on Tuesday to playing a pivotal role in smuggling over $2,000,000 in airline parts to desperate Iranian airlines. As tensions between the USA and Iran have soured […]
Editorial: Cut The Complaints About “Inferior” U.S. Airlines
There’s a cliche amongst frequent travelers. It goes something like this: U.S. airlines are woefully behind European and Asian airlines, especially in terms of service. While just my opinion, I’m tired of that trite argument and reject it. Don’t think I am going to defend the lackluster and sometimes hostile service that FAs on U.S. […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: August 05, 2018
After a lot of domestic travel last week, it has been nice to spend the last two days at home. Another trip, however, is on the horizon. More details on that in the days ahead. Here’s a review of the week’s top stories as well as a look back at every story that appeared on […]
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 […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 23, 2018
Greetings from sunny Los Angeles. I’m in a holding pattern this week. I thought I was going to have to leave for Europe tomorrow, but that trip has been postponed. I’m both relieved and disappointed. I never like leaving my family but there’s a heatwave coming to Los Angeles that I wanted to escape. In […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 03, 2018
I’m convalescing in LA this evening after catching a nasty virus from one-year-old Augustine earlier this week. For those of you who sent me email that has gone unanswered, please be patient. This week we learned more about Delta’s massive investment at LAX, United’s desire to return to JFK, and American Express limited lounge access […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: May 13, 2018
Greetings from Tokyo Narita. I’ve been overseas the last several days and will provide further details on my trip tomorow. Over the last week, United has announced network updates including changes in Mexico service and a re-tooling of its Newark and Washington hubs. We also learned of new service fees coming to Alaska Airlines and […]
