Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott asks, “Frequent flyer programs have become increasingly elitist. Is it time to end them?” No. It is not… I could just say “THE END” and be done, but let’s flesh out his argument and why...
Last Row. Middle Seat. My 11-Hours In Lufthansa Economy Class…

I may be a glutton for punishment, but would never voluntarily choose a middle seat in the middle section in the last row of an aircraft, especially on an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles to Munich. But that’s exactly...
JetBlue’s Innovative New A321neo Cabin Interior

JetBlue has debuted its new Airbus A321neo, featuring several cabin innovations that make for an objectively better passenger experience. JetBlue’s focus is on “seamless living” onboard the new aircraft. To that end, the new aircraft features: New Welcome Area:...
Adria Airways Is Dead, Long Live Adria Airways 2.0?

Adria Airways filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations yesterday. Slovenia, which refused to give Adria a lifeline, is now floating the idea of a new national airline to take its place. The trouble really began three years ago when...
Last Call: British Airways 40% Transfer Bonus From American Express

We’re just a few hours away from the end of the most lucrative American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonus we’ve seen this year. This is your last call to take advantage of the 40% British Airways transfer bonus from...
United’s Perplexing Rollout Of Premium Plus On Transcontinental Routes (New Details)

As far as I am concerned, United botched the official rollout of its premium economy product on premium transcontinental routes. It’s all about communication… Over the weekend, United began selling Premium Plus seats on select flights between Newark and...
Oktoberfest In Lufthansa First Class Munich Lounge

I connected through Munich last week, giving me a chance to check out the special Oktoberfest-themed menu in the Lufthansa First Class Lounge. As you walk into the lounge, you’ll notice a special stall with gingerbread hearts hanging from...
Why Thomas Cook Won’t Happen In the US

Thomas Cook, a popular tourism provider based in the UK, has recently gone out of business and stranded some 600,000 passengers across the globe; that wouldn’t happen if it were a US company. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
United’s Plus Points Makes MileagePlus Best In the US?

United Airlines has changed their Regional Premier and Global Premier upgrade system, replacing them with Plus Points instead. And now it’s not just 1K flyers that benefit. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Why Isn’t Cathay Pacific Leveraging US Credit Card Markets to Shore Up Losses?

Cathay Pacific has struggled financially prior to the disruptions in Hong Kong. Why doesn’t the airline turn to the US credit card market for liquidity? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
Sapid California Cuisine On Air New Zealand

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. What I...
Undressing A “Celebrity” Claim American Airlines Forced Her To Undress In Front Of Cabin

A “celebrity” has accused American Airlines of forcing her to undress in front of other passengers. I’m very skeptical. Aubrey O’Day shared her story via Twitter, claiming a male flight attendant forced O’Day to undress in front of the...
Review: KLM 777-300ER Business Class

Despite a flight time of under three hours, I received the full KLM World Business class experience on my Fifth Freedom flight from Bali to Singapore. After booking a cheap economy class ticket for $154, I approached the ticket...
Why UK Pilots Are Livid Over Germany’s Condor Bailout

Pilots in the United Kingdom have expressed outrage over the German government’s bailout of Condor. Is this a case of jealously or do the pilots have a point? The British Airlines Pilots Association (BALPA) is the umbrella union representing...
Review: Studios At Alila Seminyak

During my one-night “layover” in Bali, I decided to try the Studios at Alila Seminyak. That turned out to be an excellent choice. From Denpasar Airport, the ride to the hotel took about 30 minutes with late-afternoon traffic. This...
Will Delta Joint Venture With LATAM Be Denied By Regulators?

Can Delta’s proposed investment and joint venture partnership with LATAM clear regulatory hurdles? American Airlines’ failed bid to link up with LATAM offers a starting point for discussion. News that Delta will invest in LATAM and form a joint...
Delta’s Investment In LATAM Is Pure Genius

Delta’s surprise announcement that it will spend $1.9 billion to acquire a 20% stake in LATAM is a shrewd move that will simultaneously strengthen Delta while hurting the competition. Yesterday, Delta announced it would form a significant relationship with...
Motive? Why Would Cathay Pacific Flight Attendants Sabotage Oxygen Tanks?

Cathay Pacific has sacked two flight attendants for allegedly tampering with oxygen tanks onboard and more are under investigation. My skepticism centers on motive. Why would a FA do this? Seven times in the last month, Cathay Pacific has...
United 737-800 Diverts After Passenger Gets Stuck…In Lavatory

A United flight was forced to divert after a passenger became stuck in a lavatory. Ready for a laugh? Let’s cut right to United’s statement on the incident: Flight 1554 from Washington D.C. to San Francisco diverted to Denver...
United CEO Flies Economy Class, Experiences Flight Diversion

Once in a while even the CEO of an airline has a miserable flight experience. United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz shared of a recent flight diversion with CNBC. He did not disclose where his flight departed from, but shared...