After a decade with my passport it was time to file for a replacement. Reflecting on what has transpired since my very first stamp to the point in which I find myself now has been therapeutic and nostalgic. My...
Shrimp Salad: British Airways vs. United Airlines
For this week’s Meal of the Week, I compare shrimp salads on United Airlines and British Airways. 1. British Airways – London to Frankfurt – Club Europe (1hr30min) British Airways offers light meals on shorthaul business class flights within...
Want a Free Upgrade? Dressing Nice Won’t Cut It…
The AP is out with the perennial “if you want a free upgrade, dress nice” story. These stories always evoke an eye roll from me, yet their persistence over the years suggest that hope springs eternal. George Hobica of...
My Favorite First Class Omelet is Now for Sale in Economy Class
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and one of my favorite breakfast dishes happens to be an airline meal. Now it is available even in economy class. United Airlines has offered a Southwestern omelets for a over...
I’m Assembling the Trip of a Lifetime
Although there will be plenty of business travel, with the exception of my upcoming final 747 and Qatar QSuite trips, I am voluntarily suspending new “review” trips until next August. That doesn’t mean I will not be traveling on...
What I Hate Most About the Boeing 787
I do love the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, generally. It is a great aircraft with a noticeable improvement in cabin air quality. But there is one thing about it that I simply cannot stand… That’s the automatic flushers on the...
United CEO Comments on World Series
What side do you root for when you’re an airline CEO and both teams in the World Series are from hub cities? United CEO Oscar Munoz had to walk a fine line during the Series. He’s an LA-native but...
Three Cool Awards I Booked Before United Devaluation
The dust has settled and new pricing is in effect at United MileagePlus. I dragged my feet in booking and ended up with three award reservations at the last minute. I won’t keep them all, but I’d rather pay...
American Airlines CEO Suggests Hubs Matter More Than Management
During an earnings call last week, American Airlines’ CEO Doug Parker intimated that bad hubs rather than poor management are to blame for widening profit gaps between industry-leader Delta and American or United. When asked about the widening profit...
My Favorite New United MileagePlus Redemption
Among the many higher prices rolled out today on the United Airlines MileagePlus award chart comes one superb reprieve. Direct flights 800 miles or less outside North America now cost 8,000 miles in economy class. In many cases, that’s...
Leaked: Beautiful New Suites Class on Singapore Airlines
Tomorrow, Singapore Airlines will formally unveil its re-designed A380-800, complete with a total cabin refresh in all four classes of services. While I’m sure the new business, premium economy, and economy class seats will be industry-leading, all eyes are...
Bid for a 2018 Winter Olympics Package on United Airlines
The 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are just around the corner, now just 100 days away. Next year’s games will be in PyeongChang, South Korea (not to be confused with Pyongyang in the North). United Airlines has been the official...
Lightning Fast Internet Coming to Etihad
By late next year on Etihad, you may be able to stream YouTube videos and Netflix from the comfort of your seat. The Gulf carrier hints high speed internet is coming with speeds up to 50 Mbps. Dubbed Wi-Fly,...
Will China Southern Leave SkyTeam for oneworld?
Back in March, China Southern and American Airlines announced a close partnership, with AA acquiring a stake in the Chinese carrier. Now as the relationship continues to develop, China Southern is putting out feelers for leaving SkyTeam. If you...
Hours Left to Earn $50 Statement Credit on your Hyatt Card
Here’s an easy way to earn a $50 statement credit on your Chase Hyatt Visa card. But you need to register NOW. This deal will be gone in a few hours (it has been available all month). It’s a...
Free Espresso at LAX Today
If you’re at LAX today, stop by Klatch Coffee in Terminal 7 for a free shot of espresso. Klatch Coffee is one of my favorite Southern California coffee brewers. Sadly, the closest location to my house is at LAX,...
Watching the World Series from 40,000 Feet
Yesterday I flew back from Singapore to Los Angeles on United. 15 hours…right in the midst of Game 5 of the World Series. But even with no satellite TV onboard, I still managed to keep up with the game....
Last Call: These Five United Awards Will Be More Expensive Tomorrow
In June United announced an award devaluation effective November 01, 2017. While a relatively modest devaluation as far as devaluations go, there are still five awards you should book today if you have no already done so. > Read...
Brazil Wisely Adds E-Visas for US Citizens
I commend Brazil today for its decision to soon no longer cut off its nose to spite its face. While Brazilians will still be subjected to onerous visa requirements to visit the United States, U.S. Citizens can soon much more easily...
Lufthansa First Class: A380 vs. 747-8
I recently published two first class reviews from Los Angeles to Frankfurt on Lufthansa, one on an A380 and the other on a 747-8. Which aircraft is better if traveling in Lufthansa First Class? This post will will compare...