Visit Montreal this summer and you just might think you are at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. This summer, you’re going to see a lot of Qatar Airways aircraft parked at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal. In fact, on any morning you might see four at once. That’s not because Qatar Airways […]
First Impressions: Virgin Australia 777-300ER Business Class
Hello from Brisbane! After 14 hours onboard Virgin Australia I am relaxed and ready for the day ahead. Brisbane is merely a transit point on this trip–my end goal is Singapore–but I could not pass up the opportunity to finally give Virgin Australia a try, part of my “bucket list” for 2019. For details on […]
Turkey Threatens To Cancel Boeing Orders
Beleaguered Boeing could find itself as collateral damage in an escalating war of words between the United States and Turkey. Turkish Airlines, the 49% state-owned flag carrier of Turkey, has orders for 100 Boeing aircraft on the book. That includes 25 787-9 jets and 75 737 MAX jets. Both are scheduled for full delivery by […]
Is Buying United PQMs for Status Crazy?
When I logged into my United account this week, I found a familiar pitch – buying premier qualifying miles for status re-qualification. Are these purchases a good idea or crazy? 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 followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Status Re-qualification […]
Why Fiji Airways Missed The Mark With “Mandatory” Lounge Dining
Fiji Airways’ new lounge dining options sound exceptional, but make no mistake: it does its customers a disservice by not offering a full meal onboard. Citing waste and its concern for the environment, Fiji Airways will introduce a pre-flight dining program for passengers departing from Nadi, Fiji to destinations in Australia and the United States. […]
Southwest Hands United Airlines A Free Gift
As the 737 MAX saga continues, Southwest is really feeling the squeeze. Its latest response is to close its Newark station. Talk about a free gift for United… Southwest has been forced to cancel an escalating number of flights due to the ongoing grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. The troubled aircraft, which has been […]
KLM Offers Advice On Choosing The Best Seat To Survive A Crash
We can all be tone deaf…I certainly fall prey to that from time to time. But someone at KLM really needs a lesson in common sense. KLM maintains regional Twitter accounts, including one in India under @KLMIndia. Yesterday morning, the account tweeted a post and image about choosing the safest seat on an airplane: The […]
Why Did United Airlines Cancel India Flights Until October 26th?
United Airlines will not resume flights to both New Delhi and Mumbai until at least October 26, 2019. This may have more to do with the 737 MAX than the closure of Pakistani airspace. Yesterday afternoon, United announced it would extend the suspension of its India flights until late October. Just hours later, Pakistan re-opened […]
Fiji Becomes More Isolated
Two longstanding airline routes linking Fiji to the outside world are on the chopping block. Korean Air announced it would cease service between Seoul Incheon and Nadi, Fiji effective October 01st. On the same day, Fiji Airways announced it would suspend service to Adelaide, Australia. The loss of Korean Air is particularly disappointing. First, Korean […]
Boeing Falsified Records For 787 Sold To Air Canada
As Boeing struggles to regain its credibility in light of ongoing 737 MAX issues, it now faces a new a brand new credibility crisis. After an Air Canada 787 developed a fuel leak, Boeing admitted that it falsified manufacturing records. First reported by the CBC, Air Canada discovered a fuel leak on a 787 about 10 […]
Banks May Force United, Others To Change Loyalty Programs
Airlines are dependent on banks to buy award miles with exclusive credit card deals but at least one relationship (Chase and United Airlines) is struggling. Could this be the moment that airlines reverse course? 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 followed us on Facebook or Instagram, […]
In Hong Kong, United Giveth And Taketh Away
United will add a second daily service between San Francisco and Hong Kong starting this autumn. But the new service comes at the expense of United’s Hong Kong – Guam service. Second Daily Service From San Francisco to Hong Kong Effective October 26, 2019 Currently, United’s Hong Kong flight leaves SFO around lunchtime and arrives […]
American Airlines Executives Throw Away Cash, Buy More AAL Stock
This week American Airlines senior executives loaded their personal coffers with even more American Airlines stock (AAL). Was it a sign of hubris or idiocy? 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 followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Executives Buy More AAL Stock Six […]
My Spectacular New Camera For Travel Blogging Is A Phone
For years I carried around a bulky Canon SLR camera with me during my travels. Last year, I downsized to one mobile phone. Now I’ve got two… Go back to my older trip reports and you’ll notice fairly nice photos (not to pat myself on the back). When you have a decent camera and nice […]
Eco-Terrorists Vow To Shut Down London Heathrow
Climate change protestors have warned that they will shut down London Heathrow for one day in June and 10 days in July using drones unless the airport abandons plans for a runway expansion. Extinction Rebellion is a “socio-political movement” around the world that protests government response (or lack of response) to climate change. The group, […]
Can American Airlines CEO Doug Parker Survive The Summer?
American Airlines has had difficulty with employee groups lately and morale is low. But with the stock price at an all-time low and the potential for employee action, can CEO Doug Parker possibly survive the summer? 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 followed […]
Air New Zealand Eyes New York Nonstop With Latest 787-10 Order
Air New Zealand will stick with Boeing to replace its 777-200 fleet. In choosing the 787-10, Air New Zealand hinted it can offer nonstop service between Auckland and New York for the first time. But how? Air New Zealand will order eight 787-10 aircraft with an option for up to 12 more. Deliveries will commence […]
Why The Hyatt Credit Card Free Night Always Pays Off
Each year I never know when or where I’ll use it, but I always end up extracting maximum value from it. I’m talking about the free anniversary night benefit on the World of Hyatt co-branded credit card from Chase. The card carries a $95 annual fee but comes with a free night each year deposited […]
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 737 MAX and may never do so again. Acting FAA administrator Daniel K. Elwell appeared before […]
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 interviewed by Kai Ryssdal, host of Marketplace. You can watch a portion of the interview here: […]
