United Airlines reported disappointing operational performance for November, leading U.S. legacy carriers in terms of flight cancellations and delayed arrivals. Can the weather explain this away or is something else at work? United has performed significantly better on the...
Review: Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class Hong Kong To Bangkok
The short flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok was just enough time to appreciate the Hong Kong Airlines A330 business class product. After three days of excellent meetings in Hong Kong, it was time to go home. But instead...
Why Passengers Loved United’s Boeing 737 MAX 9
We hear a lot of bad things about the Boeing 737 MAX 9, so I was surprised at what a positive reception the aircraft received by passengers around me on a recent flight. Earlier this week, I flew from...
Southwest Airlines 737 Skids Off Runway, But Could Have Been Far Worse
A Southwest Airlines 737 overran the runway at Burbank-Hollywood Airport yesterday, skidding to a halt. But a technological system prevented a far worse disaster. Flight 278 from Oakland to Burbank had 112 passengers and five crew members onboard. No...
How United Airlines Honored George H.W. Bush
In my final post on the life of George H.W. Bush, I want to highlight how United Airlines honored the late president at the airport he’s named after. For the last two days, gate C41 at Bush Intercontinental Airport...
I Flew to Houston For 30 Seconds With George H.W. Bush…
Last night I flew from Los Angeles to Houston and early this morning I flew back, all for one man: George H. W. Bush. We all have traditions of some kind. If you’re a frequent reader of my blog,...
When George H.W. Bush Flew United Airlines First Class
As the world remembers the life of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, I was made aware of a story that took place in 2010 aboard a United Airlines flight to Beijing. Reader Ken sent me the following e-mail,...
As Air Italy Looks To California, Congress Looks To Block
A posse of U.S. Senators has Air Italy in its crosshairs, dampening news that the Italian carrier plans to add service to two California cities next yaer. Air Italy Announces Service to LAX and SFO Yesterday, Air Italy announced...
Review: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
My suite in the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong proved to be the ideal venue to host meetings during a busy week at the adjoining convention center. Rates were outrageous during this busy week, but thankfully I was able to...
A New Most Powerful Passport In The World
Each year I write about the world’s most powerful passport, a designation that has fluctuated over the last few years. First, what makes a passport “most powerful” is the ability to travel to other countries without a visa or...
What Does A Lying Imbecile Teach Us About Airline Compensation And Truth Itself?
In a post-truth world where “fake news” abounds, I became ever-more jaded yesterday after a startling revelation concerning an American Airlines incident in Chicago. On Monday, I wrote a story entitled After AA Cancels Her Flight, Woman Left In Wheelchair...
Air New Zealand Christmas Video Stars “Donald Trump”
Air New Zealand is out with its 2018 Christmas video and features an unlikely star…a miniature version of the U.S. President. Here’s the premise of this year’s video: Santa accidentally emails out his “naughty” list of children to the...
I Just Flew American Airlines Business Class And Loved It
It’s not often that I deviate from United, but had a chance to do so a few days ago on a trip from New York to Los Angeles on American. I enjoyed it. One thing I appreciate about premium...
Former NBA Player Sues United Airlines For $10MN, Claiming Racism
A former NBA player is suing United Airlines for discrimination after an exit row incident onboard a flight to Newark. Eric Murdock was a on a United flight from Las Vegas to Newark with his son. He was seated...
SWISS Will Offer Cheese Fondue, Other Gourmet Treats In Economy Class
SWISS has switched to a buy-on-board concept for short and mid-haul economy class flights out of Geneva (with the exception of Zurich). And while the loss of free sandwiches is to be mourned, the a la carte menu is...
Review: Hong Kong Airlines A350 Business Class Los Angeles To Hong Kong
My first flight on Hong Kong Airlines was a great one. Hong Kong Airlines offered excellent service and comfort onboard its A350-900 in business class. Hong Kong Airlines does offer online check-in on some flights, but I was unable...
After AA Cancels Her Flight, Woman Left In Wheelchair Overnight At O’Hare Airport
Olimpia Warsaw found herself all alone at Chicago O’Hare International Airport late at night. But she wasn’t waiting for a redeye. The wheelchair-bound 67-year-old who suffers from diabetes and Parkinson’s disease was left to fend for herself after...
The Great Oneworld Mystery
Wednesday will be a big day for the oneworld alliance, as it announces a new member in New York. But which carrier(s) will oneworld welcome into the club? Royal Air Maroc? The safest assumption is that Royal Air Maroc...
Kimpton Makes IHG a Better Brand
I heap loads of criticism on IHG for their poor treatment of elites respective to their peers, but IHG’s purchase of Kimpton and their subsequent investment in the brand is one of the best decisions the brand has made....
Can We Speak Honestly About Older Flight Attendants?
Long-haul flights at US airlines are typically serviced by the most senior flight attendants who tend to be older. Without devolving the conversation into ageism, can we just speak honestly and openly about older flight attendants? If you are...
