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...
Review: Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment London To Abu Dhabi
My flight from London to Abu Dhabi in Etihad’s first class “Apartments” could not have been more perfect. As a reminder, I’m in the midst of a “vintage” trip report to India/Maldives. But even though this flight review is...
International Protests Mount Over New Machu Picchu Airport
Last month, I wrote about a proposed new airport near Machu Picchu in Peru. Many readers expressed outrage over its construction. As construction progresses, international protests have increased. Even though the new airport has been planned for decades, it was...
Oman Air: A Beautiful State Of Confusion
Oman Air is out with a new brand video. While the visuals are downright stunning, I’m trying to figure out the words…and that has left me somewhat confused. The new ad includes some amazing images of the country of...
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...
AA Should Ban Profane Rapper, Not Rebook Him…
I know. It happens to the best of us. Tempers can flare when connections are missed. But responding in a fit of rage is never constructive. And responding with a profanity-laced tirade filled with threats and slurs should merit...
Review: Etihad Lounge London (LHR)
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...
