Yesterday I was rather blunt in saying that I had lost my trust in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. But after partially rolling back its latest no-notice devaluation, I’m happy to shower Alaska Airlines with praise. First, Alaska...
Latest Alaska Devaluation Was Bizarre Overreaction
Have you ever heard the old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater?” That’s what Alaska Airlines just did in its latest Mileage Plan devaluation. Alaska Airlines now blocks partner redemptions on Cathay Pacific and JAL within...
“Demonic” Child on Lufthansa Flight
A passenger video onboard a Lufthansa flight to Newark captures the worst-behaved child I’ve ever seen on a plane. Although the video was posted last summer, the Daily Mail brought it to my attention today. This video was allegedly...
The Hidden AA Lounge Within a Lounge at JFK
Yesterday I reviewed the beautiful AA Flagship Lounge at New York JFK. But I left out a hidden alcove that offers a tranquil environment and à la carte dining. When the main Flagship Lounge got crowded, I headed over to...
A Cigarette Shuts Downs Auckland Airport
Things are a little more laid back in New Zealand. One might even think that airport security is on the honor system. A woman was flying out of Auckland Airport. She had cleared security early for her flight, but...
Frequent Traveler University Coming to New York City, Returning to DC
Frequent Traveler University is returning to Washington, DC and coming to Midtown Manhattan in New York City this summer. FTU is a two days of expert-led sessions on salient travel topics and manufactured spending. It’s not only a venue...
Review: AA Flagship Lounge New York (JFK)
Arriving from a redeye, I had the whole day ahead of me in New York prior to my Qatar Airways QSuite flight to Doha. It was a perfect day for productivity inside AA’s Flagship Lounge at JFK. A note...
“Poop and Run” by Fake Service Animal at Newark Airport
As airlines seek to crack down on the rampant exploitation of emotional support animals to skirt pet cargo fees, one passenger shows there are other ways to cheat the system. Flyertalk member UK Stages details what he observed at Newark...
I’m Disgusted by First Class Travel for Government Officials
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, Alt Right or Communist, ask yourself this: do you really want your government leaders traveling lavishly on the taxpayer’s dime? U.S. President Donald Trump made “draining the swamp” a central...
Cathay Pacific Chairman: No Budget Airline (Thanks to Disgraced United CEO)
While legacy carriers across Asia have introduced their own budget carriers, Cathay Pacific steadfastly refused. Ironically, credit may go to the disgraced former CEO of United Airlines. In a university speech last week, Cathay Pacific Chairman John Slosar told students...
Lufthansa Livery Update Will Take…7 Years!
Lufthansa has unveiled its new livery, but don’t expect to see it across the fleet anytime soon. In fact, you’ll need to wait seven years for the final aircraft to be repainted. In a spectacular light show (see video...
A Tale of Two Hyatt Agents
Two phone calls to the Globalist desk, two Hyatt agents, and two very different experiences. I had an upcoming Hyatt stay I wished to apply a suite upgrade to. Small problem: the suite was only available for the second...
Emergency Exit Door Falls Off Plane During Landing
The only thing more concerning than an emergency exit door falling off a plane during landing is when the airline blames passengers for it. Dana Air is a regional airline in Nigeria. Despite having a motto of “The Smartest...
Wi-Fi Internet on Lufthansa Shorthaul Flights
After years of anticipation, Lufthansa is quickly rolling out onboard wi-fi onboard its short and medium-haul flight. Unlike the “one-size-fits all” approach its longhaul system, the new system for shorter flights include three speed options. During a recent flight...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 11, 2018
A pleasant Sunday evening to you from Los Angeles. It was a quiet week on the blog, but a busy week in life. I’m looking forward to the week ahead, but especially looking forward to a special family trip...
What Makes A “Real Traveler?”
Last week a reader suggested that I wasn’t a real traveler but without qualifying why that was the case. While everyone is entitled to their opinion without justification or explanation, it got me thinking – what constitutes a “real...
The Bahamas’ Zone Taxis Hurt Bahamians
I wrote a few weeks ago about the airport Taxi touts in Panama but this is not that story. In the Bahamas, taxi zones are in place and are especially expensive for short distances. While you might think this will...
Where Are My Rollover Nights, IHG?
As a road warrior, hotel status is very important to my travel experience and day-to-day business operations. Some programs like Intercontinental Hotels Group Rewards Club (IHG) allow guests who have over-qualified for their status to rollover excess nights to...
Exquisite Rack of Lamb in Singapore Suites
Rack of lamb is not just one of my favorite foods, but is my favorite dish. Singapore Suites (even the “old” product) is one of my favorite ways to fly. With the Singapore Airlines Book the Cook program, you can...
Review: Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach (Suite)
The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach in Honolulu offers a great compromise between the full-service Hyatt Regency and limited service Hyatt Place, all within walking distance. But it’s not a beach hotel and would not be my first choice if visiting...
