Tensions are rising over the use of one gate at Dallas Love Field. Southwest claims Delta is illegally “squatting” while Delta claims it must protect Dallas from Southwest. Dallas Love (DAL) has 20 gates. Technically, 18 belong to Southwest...
“Outgoing” Qantas CEO Will Stay Three More Years
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce’s plans for retirement have been placed on hold…for at least another three years. Today, Qantas announced the veteran CEO would remain at the helm of the Australian airlines until at least 2022. Yesterday, I wrote...
A Model Flight Attendant For Lufthansa
In all honesty, I’ve never encountered a bad flight in Lufthansa First Class. Service is routinely spectacular. But flight attendant Marcel Olschweski took service to a whole new level on my recent flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles. Earlier...
United President Scott Kirby Addresses Customer Service
Scott Kirby, United’s President and second in command, understands how essential providing good customer service is. But can his leadership empower employees to deliver it? Speaking to employees in Houston this week in a recording obtained by Live and Let’s...
Even When Delta Wins, It Loses
Delta is doing so well in so many ways. Exciting new service to India is coming. So why does Delta continue to levy petty attacks against Gulf carriers? I just don’t get it. It has been a great run for...
Emirates Hints At New U.S. Fifth Freedom Routes, Life After A380
As Emirates reevaluates its long-term growth goals, it is examining new Fifth Freedom routes to the USA and life without the A380 superjumbo jet. Speaking at the 2019 Arabian Travel Market, Emirates’ President Sir Tim Clark said his carrier...
Qantas Prepares For Sydney To London Nonstop
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced that an undisclosed aircraft has “met the challenge” and Qantas will be prepared to fly nonstop between Sydney and London and other ultra-longhaul destinations by the end of the year. Joyce’s prediction came at the...
Catching Up With An Old Friend In The SFO United Club
One advantage of long-term loyalty to one airline is that you get to know some of the staff. I had a wonderful reunion with an old friend in SFO last week, who happens to be a United Airlines employee....
The World’s Best Plaza Premium Lounge Is In Rome…
Plaza Premium offers a network of lounges around the world. And while I’ve visited many of them, I’ve never been to one I enjoyed as much as Rome. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is not my favorite airport in the world. But...
United Airlines Further Disables A Disabled Camera
You need not worry about flight attendants or airline executives surreptitiously recording you while you eat dinner or sleep in your seat…well, at least using IFE cameras. There has been a surprising outpour of fear and anger over the...
Final Hours For Lucrative Flying Blue Transfer Bonus
You only have until the end of the day to take advantage of a 25% transfer bonus to Air France/KLM Flying Blue from American Express Membership Rewards. This is a transfer bonus I have personally taken advantage of, hence...
Review: United Airlines 777-200 Premium Plus San Francisco To Frankfurt
My 11-hour flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt aboard United’s new premium economy (“Premium Plus”) product was quite comfortable, though no replacement for business class. MileagePlus members can upgrade to either (or both) Premium Plus or Polaris Business Class...
How American Airlines Helped Save A Baby’s Life
Janay Flowers is expressing gratitude to American Airlines and the passengers and crew on her flight for saving the life of her daughter Nevaeh. The two were traveling from Tampa to Dallas last Thursday when 11-month-old Nevaeh became ill....
United CEO Believes New Livery Represents Culmination Of United’s Journey
United CEO Oscar Munoz penned a letter to staff reflecting on the recently unveiled new livery. Two sentences stood out in particular. A flight attendant forwarded me the note below. I am including it in its entirety and then...
Priority Pass Model Could Enhance WeWork, American Express Platinum
American Express recently added a WeWork membership to their Platinum card benefits. But the coworking program could be improved if they followed the Priority Pass model. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both...
Replacing Doug Parker Wouldn’t Solve American Airlines Woes
Armchair CEOs are everywhere, but perhaps not more so than in the frequent flyer community regarding airline leadership. But replacing American Airlines CEO, Doug Parker, wouldn’t necessarily solve their problems. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new...
Review: Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok Suite Upgrade
The brand new Waldorf-Astoria Bangkok has opened and it’s incredible. Our suite upgrade and status gave us an experience that we can’t wait to repeat. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support...
United Battles Barefoot Lounge Bandit And Onboard Shaving Stupidity
We are quick to complain about airlines, but tonight I pity United Airlines for having to deal with a dynamic duo of dimwittedness on the ground and in the air. Let’s start on the ground. United offers beautiful Polaris...
The Simplicity Of An Airline Sandwich
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. Sandwich (noun):...
It’s Still Not Too Late for American Airlines To Save AAdvantage
Dear American Airlines, It’s not too late to save your loyalty program. You need not go down the path of Delta and United. On the redemption side, both Delta and United have moved toward a more dynamic pricing model....
