By at least one measure, United has surpassed Delta as world’s second largest airline. Under Scott Kirby’s leadership, United has been in expansion mode for the last year. Denver is expanding. Houston is expanding. Chicago is expanding. In fact,...
Lufthansa Overtakes Air France To Become Europe’s Largest Airline
For the first time in 14 years, Lufthansa has reclaimed the crown of largest airline in Europe. Since Air France and KLM merged in 2004, the Franco Dutch airline has held the honor. But in 2018, Lufthansa boosted passengers...
British Airways Faces “Slots” of Criticism For Gambling Ad
This time, the spelling error in the title is deliberate. A pun. But few are laughing at British Airways’ latest ad, which critics argue glamorizes gambling. The British Airways Holidays ad features a happy couple returning to their hotel...
TSA PreCheck Arrives At Tom Bradley International Terminal At LAX
Great news for those who have endured the torture that used to be known as security at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. PreCheck has officially arrived. You might be aware of the secret checkpoint downstairs, which has saved me...
Family Accuses Spirit Airlines FA Of Calling Them “Retarded Jews”
A Jewish couple has accused a Spirit Airlines flight attendant of anti-Semitic behavior onboard a flight from New York to Florida. Spirit says the couple did not follow the rules. Chana and Yisroel Beck were flying from Newark to...
The Real Reason Air France Is Eliminating Joon
It’s not about the market confusion, though it confused customers. It’s not about fleet consistency, though that was problematic. Rather, it’s about a strategic labor gamble by Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith. That’s my take on why Air France...
Pictures: Beautiful New United Polaris Lounge At LAX
United Airlines has unveiled its beautiful new Polaris Lounge in Los Angeles. The pictures suggest it was worth the wait! Before we get to the pictures, here’s some key facts about the new lounge: More than 12,000 square feet...
Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – London (LHR)
I may have just found my new favorite business class lounge. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a superb business class lounge and even with high expectations I walked away impressed. The lounge is located in Terminal 3 right above...
After Flight Diverts From Greece To Romania, Ryanair Suggests Bus For Last 750KM…
Leave it Ryanair to suggest passengers take a bus from Romania to Greece after a flight diversion. What? It’s only about 500 miles. A perfect weekend in sunny Thessaloniki, one of my favorite cities in Greece. What could wrong?...
Watch An A380 Gracefully Land In Severe Crosswinds
The Airbus A380 is a remarkable aircraft, not only in appearance but in versatility. In a fierce winds, there is no aircraft I’d rather be on. Check out this video entitled “Trial by turbulence – A380 thrown around but...
Pilot Drinks Before Flight, Asks Co-Pilot To Lie When Caught
More pilot drinking trouble in Japan, as an ANA pilot was caught drinking then asked his co-pilot to cover for him and lie about it. The two pilots were out drinking the night before their flight. Both were scheduled...
Review: British Airways A380 Economy Class Los Angeles To London
My first flight in British Airways longhaul economy class was not as bad as I expected. In fact, BA even impressed me in one sense. Here’s what you can expect. I missed my earlier United flight due to a...
Hong Kong Airlines Threatens To Sue You For Spreading False “Rumors”
Be careful what you say about Hong Kong Airlines. The carrier has warned that it will sue those who spread false information about its financial health. You might ask how Hong Kong Airlines is doing? Is the carrier making...
The Best Coffee In Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam is an excellent coffee city, but Schiphol Airport leaves much to be desired. However, I did find some good coffee there earlier this week. The coffee machine is ubiquitous at AMS. Nearly every restaurant, lounge, or bar, big and...
Uh Oh: London Heathrow Halts Departures Due To Drones
UPDATE: 18:34 GMT – The departure ban has been lifted and flights are beginning to depart once again. Thousands remain delayed. Departures from London Heathrow Airpot are currently suspended while authorities investigate a drone sighting in the area. A...
My First Three Flights In 2019: All KLM
2019 has begun in an odd way for me…three consecutive flights on KLM. No, I’m not making the switch to SkyTeam. I’m a big KLM fan, though these trips have been work necessities rather than leisure trips or for...
Photos: Beautiful New LATAM Business Class Cabin
LATAM has unveiled pictures of its business and economy class cabins. The design is simply superb. Over the next two years, LATAM will update the economy and business class cabins of its fleet of over 200 aircraft. Business class...
Why I’m More Fearful Of Flying to Thailand Than Saudi Arabia…
By now you’ve probably heard about the story of Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, the Saudi teenager who fled from her family and is seeking refugee status in Australia. While transiting in Bangkok, she was interdicted by a Saudi diplomat, who snatched...
Trip Report Roadmap for 2019
As we enter 2019, I want to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of trip reports this year on Live and Let’s Fly. The good news, or bad news, depending upon your perspective, is that...
Securing Saver Awards From Europe During Peak Travel Periods
The best way to secure saver award space during busy travel periods is to be patient and wait. I spent New Year’s in Germany with my family. We planned to return to Los Angeles sometime during the first week...
