First there was Emirates. Then there was Qatar Airways. Then there was Etihad. Collectively, these carriers are known as the “ME3” or the three big Persian Gulf carriers that command dominance in the region. But knocking on the door...
Booked: Emirates A380 + 777 Business Class
I took one for the team and am going to fly business class on Emirates this week, with a chance to experience both an A380 and 777-300. I say “take one for the team” because first class award space...
Is First Class Worth The Premium Over Business Class?
In an age in which business class seating is becoming better and better, is first class worth the premium over business class? Of course the answer to this question is highly subjective and depends upon the specific product, but...
TSA Agents Sent To Southern Border To Serve Meals…
Not only does the TSA screen flight attendants, now it will serve meals as well…at the U.S. Southern Border. As the busy summer travel season heats up, President Trump is sending TSA agents to the Southern Border, including Federal...
Is New Istanbul Airport Already In Danger Of Failing?
Will Istanbul’s beautiful new airport fail on account of clouds and fog? Some experts fear the answer is yes. Last week, flights to Istanbul from the following cities were diverted to Çorlu, an airport 60 miles west of the...
Drake Bought a Plane But It Wasn’t $220 Million
The Canadian rapper, Drake, showcased his new private jet – a Boeing 767-3oo freighter converted to opulence. However, the media outlets weren’t even close when suggesting the costs. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
My Mother Loves Seattle’s Second Airport
My mother visited her sister who lives in Everett, WA. Instead of flying into SEATAC she tried out Seattle’s second airport north of Seattle in Everett, WA (Paine Field). She loved it as does nearly everyone. If you are...
Bangkok Hotel Comparison: Park Hyatt vs. Waldorf-Astoria
After staying in both the amazing Park Hyatt Bangkok, a favorite, and the new Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok, a comparison is in order. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t...
A Tasty Vegetarian Choice In United Polaris
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. I recently...
How To Fly Emirates Business Class For A Small Fraction Of Retail Price
You don’t have to pay sticker price to fly business class on Emirates. Instead, you just need to buy miles strategically. Say you want to travel between Los Angeles and Dubai nonstop on Emirates in business class. You’re looking...
Delta CEO Dismisses United CEO’s “Pissed Off” Passenger Assessment
Delta CEO Ed Basitan does not agree with United CEO Oscar Munoz’s assessment of how passengers feel by the time they step onto a plane. Last month, Munoz told ABC News that by the time passengers stepped onto any...
Ethiopian Airlines Blasts FAA For Protecting Boeing, May Never Fly 737 Again
Ethiopian Airlines is disputing statements from a Federal Aviation Administration official this week, alleging that the FAA is trying to divert blame from Boeing. Ethiopian’s CEO also suggested that his airline is in no rush to resume flying the...
The Top 10 “Undertouristed” Countries
France. Italy. Spain. We certainly know which countries are affected by overtourism. But what about “undertouristed” countries? Where can you go if you want to escape the crowds? Or is that premise totally wrong? Seeeking to answer that question,...
New Machu Picchu Airport Sparks Outrage
A new airport under construction in Peru has drawn international outrage, with charges that it will lead to the destruction of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cusco has outgrown Astete International Airport (CUZ). Its single runway cannot...
Why I Question The Logic Of DOT Tokyo Haneda Slot Awards
I’m eating a little humble pie today…or at least humble mochi. My aviation predictions tend to be accurate, but not on the recent slot awards for Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Still, I question the logic of the DOT. Late...
As Air Service To Venezuela Halts, Syria Sees New Flights
Venezuela and Syria are a juxtaposition of two troubled lands. One is descending into civil war while the other is emerging from it. That’s demonstrated in commercial air service schedules. Earlier this week, the Trump Administration suspended all flights...
Doug Parker Explains Why AA Hates Air Italy
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker sat down with Business Insider to discuss why Air Italy is viewed as such a threat. First, let me say that I am so tired of rehashing this issue over and over. But as...
Emirates Warns Flight Attendants: Don’t Ignore Call Button!
Flight attendants on Emirates have been ordered to stop ignoring passengers when they engage the call button. Unlike its U.S. counterparts, Emirates welcomes the uses of the flight attendant call button for both service requests and emergencies. When you...
British Airways Sells “Afternoon Tea” But Doesn’t Include Tea!
Irony of ironies, British Airways’ “afternoon tea” available for purchase in economy class does not include tea! British Airways has a new summer buy-on-board menu. Included in that menu is “afternoon tea” with the following description: AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy...
Delta CEO “Encourages” Boeing CEO
In a wide-ranging interview with Marketplace, Ed Bastian talked about Delta’s future relationship with Boeing. First, let me give a plug for the full interview. When I turned on my car yesterday, I heard Ed Bastian’s voice…he was being...
