What happens when you place one man who smells like he has not bathed for weeks in the middle of a full Boeing 737? Answer: an emergency landing. A Transavia flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Gran Canaria (LPA) diverted to Faro,...
Review: Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is a perfect city for a long weekend trip. The three days spent in this charming capital of North Rhine-Westphalia were marvelous. They were also comfortable, thanks to the Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf, now one of my favorite Hyatts in...
Pictures from New United Polaris Lounge in Newark
United Airlines unveiled its new Polaris Lounge in Newark today. The 27K square foot lounge will seat 455 passengers and represents a significant upgrade for premium longhaul Star Alliance passengers departing from Newark. I was unable to be present...
My Park Hyatt St. Kitts Dilemma…
The Park Hyatt St. Kitts is offering an incredible deal right now. It is also a resort I’ve talked about visiting for more than a year. Yet I’m struggling over whether to book it. At around $255 night with...
Award Space Availability on World’s Longest Flight
Singapore Airlines announced it would resume nonstop service between Newark and Singapore this October. The 9,534 miles, 19-hour, polar route will be operated by an A350 with only business class and premium economy onboard. The Airbus A350-900ULR will have 161...
Review: Hyatt Regency Cologne
The Hyatt Regency in Cologne (Köln) Germany was one of the most disappointing Hyatts I have ever stayed in. Oh, it wasn’t without many redeeming qualities, but the hotel (or my room at least) is in desperate need of...
An Upgrade To Business Class On Emirates…Just For Asking
Bucking conventional wisdom, sometimes you CAN get a free upgrade to business class just for asking. At least that’s what happened to me on Emirates. The meal served onboard will be the subject of this week’s Meal of the...
American Express Makes a Foolish Mistake in Limiting Centurion Lounge Access
American Express has a real problem on its hands: lounge crowding. The network of Centurion Lounges in the USA are routinely so full that it is difficult to find a seat. But new access restrictions American Express is testing...
Official: Emirates Will Add Premium Economy in 2020
Emirates’ Chairman Sir Tim Clark has confirmed the 36 A380s the airline ordered earlier this year will be delivered with premium economy seating onboard. This marks a departure from Emirates’ strategy of resisting premium economy class over the last several...
Five Business Class Products I Should Have Tried By Now
A primary mission on my blog is to sample as many business and first class products as possible. Only by actually experiencing competing products will I be able to authoritatively compare and contrast in my flight reviews. I’ve tired...
British Airways Officially Acknowledges AA Award Booking Issue
For several weeks, it has been difficult (though not impossible) to book award flights on American Airlines using the British Airways Executive Club website. While the problem is not fixed, at least British Airways has acknowledged it. Lately, AA...
Flying Blue Drops Fuel Surcharges on Valuable SkyTeam Partner
Big news if you like using your miles to travel to Europe in business class and don’t like paying high surcharges: Flying Blue is currently not collecting fuel surcharges on Air Europa flights. Airline award space, particularly in premium...
FBI: Five Tips to Avoid Sexual Harassment Aboard Your Next Flight
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a guideline with five tips you can use to prevent against sexual harassment aboard airplanes. The FBI reports it is receiving more reports of in-flight sexual harassment than ever before...
2018 Memorial Day Message from United CEO Oscar Munoz
Today is Memorial Day in the USA, a day to honor members of the armed forces who died in service to nation. There are so many stories, so many nuances, and so many opportunities to reflect upon war, sacrifice,...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: May 27, 2018
Los Angeles has been experiencing “May Gray” all week and I love it! Every year around this time I am reminded of how I should be living in London or Seattle…but I digress (while hoping for “June Gloom”). This...
The Impending Doom of the Jet Engine Crisis
The Southwest 1380 engine incident brought to the surface a festering problem that has plagued aircraft in service and deliveries. On the current pace, however, it only seems clear that the industry is heading for a crisis. If you...
Price Protection: Chase Misstep, Citi Steps Up
Chase recently rescinded their Price Protection benefit for their most popular cards, Citi made changes to their Price Rewind program as well. But where Chase removed the benefit entirely, Citi adjusted it but kept it in place. Chase’s misstep...
Review: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel (Marriott)
On a business trip, I had a chance to stay in the very contemporary and dare I say, ‘sassy’ Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. This hotel had everything, except for an upgrade for a (then) gold member. If you are...
Review: Park Hyatt Tokyo (Park King Suite)
During my last stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, I received an upgrade to a Park King Suite. This review focuses exclusively on the suite. Yesterday, I provided a full review of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, its service, restaurant,...
Beautiful Act of Kindness by United Flight Attendant
Can you imagine leaving something valuable behind on an airplane, only to have a flight attendant hand-deliver it to your door? That’s what happened to a New Jersey woman, who was startled when a United flight attendant showed up...
