Southwest Airlines has sued its mechanics’ union, alleging that the union is engaging in an illegal work slowdown. For the last few weeks, mechanics have taken far more aircraft out of service than usual, citing maintenance concerns. Southwest has...
Thai Airways Fails To Innovate, Loses Big Again
It is no surprise that after promising profits for 2018, Thai Airways ended up losing far more than expected. This is Thai Airways after all, where there remains eternal optimism in king and insanity. While Thailand is still mourning...
Restaurant Review: Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
Winner of two Michelin stars and winner of the best restaurant in Asia, Gaggan is a progressive Indian restaurant in Bangkok’s Embassy district. Despite an outcry from the public, the restaurant will close forever in August of 2020. Here...
When The Hotel Concierge Comes Through
On a recent visit to Bangkok Thailand, we stayed in a number of hotels at a variety of price points. It was a pair of concierges at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit that made all the difference for our...
Review: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Suite
After decades of just a single property in Bangkok, Hyatt has added three in the last two years, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit the most recent addition. We frequent the Big Mango and have stayed at more than a...
Salad Is The Safe Choice In Domestic First Class
When it comes to meals in domestic first class in the USA, life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get. That’s why salad, whatever the form, is usually the safest choice. Order...
Review: The Willard Suite At The Willard InterContinental Hotel Washington, DC
Last week I wrote about why the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC is my favorite hotel in the District. This review focuses on an incredible suite upgrade I received during my last visit. Please read my reflections on this...
Paid Upgrade To First Class on SWISS Award Ticket
Here’s an interesting data point for an airline that very closely guards its first class cabin. When available, SWISS offers reasonably-priced paid upgrades to first class. You just have to ask… I recently booked an Aeroplan (Air Canada-issued) award...
Now I Am Convinced JetBlue Is Starting Service To London…
Just a follow-up on my post yesterday about an “important” JetBlue announcement coming on April 10th. Now I’m even more convinced JetBlue will announce service to London. Recall, the email stated: Save the Date JETBLUE ALL HANDS Join us for...
Review: Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge Honolulu (HNL)
I had a chance to visit the Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu before my flight back to Los Angeles. This Priority Pass lounge isn’t much, but worth a stop if you have the time. For whatever reason, I...
Review: Hawaiian Airlines A330-200 First Class Los Angeles To Honolulu
Hawaiian Airlines offers a friendly, comfortable product onboard its A330-200 in first class. My flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu certainly put me in the Hawaiian mood. I used points to book my ticket. The ticket was $500, which...
Yes, Passengers Are To Blame For Poor Airline Service
Are passengers’ insatiable urge for cheap fares to blame for poor airline service? Bill McGee, a former Consumer Reports Travel Editor and FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher, thinks the answer is NO. In a column for USA Today, he argues that consumers...
Will JetBlue Announce Service To Europe On April 10th?
JetBlue has hinted about service to Europe for years. Will the big announcement finally come this spring? Yesterday, JetBlue employees received the following “Save the Date” e-mail: Save the Date JETBLUE ALL HANDS Join us for a chat about...
I Simply Don’t Understand Alaska Airlines…
Alaska Airlines has debuted its new first class seat to replace the spacious seats on the ex-Virgin America Airbus fleet. Frankly, the seat is disappointing and Alaska’s strategy is perplexing. Alaska will refresh the interiors of the Airbus fleet in...
United Restores TAP And Thai Award Space But Leaves Out Singapore Airlines
United Airlines has restored online award availability for TAP Air Portugal and Thai Airways. Singapore Airlines, however, is still missing. It was a welcome relief to see Thai Airways and TAP Air Portugal award flights on united.com last night....
Flight Attendant Drops Baby, Breaking Her Nose
A flight attendant offered to help a mother carry her baby off a flight but instead dropped her, causing a broken nose and concussion. It’s truly a sad story with enough blame to go around. Aeroflot operates a low-cost...
LOT Polish Using Air Belgium A340 On Warsaw – New York JFK Route
As its 787 Dreamliners undergo maintenance, LOT Polish is using Air Belgium to operate one of its flagship routes. Starting today and running through at least March 11, 2019, Air Belgium will be operating LOT’s flights between Warsaw and...
Fascinating New York Times Interview With Delta CEO Ed Bastian
David Gelles of the New York Times recently sat down Delta CEO Ed Bastian. The Q&A offers a fascinating look into Bastian’s history from childhood to present. We learn about Bastian’s childhood, his first summer jobs, his time as...
Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands [2019]
I spent the weekend in Carmel, CA with my family at the Highlands Inn, our favorite Hyatt property in the Golden State. My previous reviews remain relevant, but I do want to draw your attention to a few positive...
Keep Clam: I’m Now Using Grammarly + Other Blog Updates
Dear readers, I know I have a problem. And I’m addressing it today. At least I’m starting to. Yes, I have a proofreading problem. And yes, I know it is annoying to many of you. Believe it or not,...
