Context is always key. Outrage is often feigned. Ignorance is strength. A tweet of an airline meal has gone viral. It is purportedly an economy class “vegetarian” meal on Avianca, the Colombian flag carrier and member of Star Alliance....
Taste Test: United’s New Smoked Gouda Cheeseburger
On Sunday I flew home from Chicago to LA on United…behind the curtain. It gave me a chance to try out United’s new smoked gouda cheeseburger, the subject of this week’s Meal of the Week. I’ve written before about...
Would You Upgrade Chicago to LA for $159?
After my final FTU speech yesterday, I flew home from Chicago to Los Angeles, a 4hr flight. Being one of the busiest travel days of the year, my flight was about $200 one-way…more than I usually pay for Chicago...
Yes Gary, I Would Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet
Gary Leff asks, “Would You Fly 1700 Miles in a Regional Jet?” My answer is…depends on the jet. But in answer to the specific jet referred to in his question, the answer is YES. United is adding several new...
United Polaris Shop: If You Can’t Steal It, Buy It…
United Airlines’ Saks Fifth Avenue bedding in business class is so popular United has had trouble keeping it onboard. Now you can buy it online, just in time for the holidays. United has had a tremendous problem with the theft...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: November 19, 2017
I really enjoyed FTU this weekend. Not only was it fun to meet many readers, but it was a great crowd–I hope all who attended enjoyed it. I’m happy to report that I have no more (planned) airline trips...
Review: OneJet Airways Milwaukee to Omaha
This summer I had the chance to try out OneJet from Pittsburgh to Louisville. I loved the service but had a lot of questions about the business and reached out to the CEO. I noticed that they had just...
Sometimes It All Goes Horribly Wrong
This year I have become a true road warrior and travel changed from pleasure to work. One would think that this would make me an even more competent traveler and in some ways it has, but every once in...
Going Back to Manchester, England
As most Americans are preparing to stuff a turkey and then stuff themselves, we are preparing for a trip back to one of our favorite cities, Manchester, England. We booked a great sale out of Toronto on Air Transat...
Review: Hyatt Place Bangkok
In my teaser post on the Hyatt Place Bangkok, I lauded this hotel’s comfort and amenities. Here’s a full review of the hotel. Located on Sukhumvit 24, the Hyatt Place is the newest property in Hyatt’s Bangkok portfolio. A mid-tier...
One Brilliant Star Alliance Award to Book Before Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Devaluation
Singapore Airlines is devaluing its Star Alliance redemption chart on December 07, 2017. The award chart was never very attractive in the first place, but every program has its sweet spots. The good news is that Star Alliance redemptions...
Comedian Savages Spirit Airlines
Comedian Brent Pella has a beef with Spirit Airlines. The stand-up comedian shares of his recent Spirit experience in the form of a video entitled, Why You Shouldn’t Fly on Spirit Airlines. I would not have bothered with a post...
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Business Class Singapore to Los Angeles
This will be a briefer review than my Los Angeles to Singapore outbound flight, but I do want to highlight United’s catering and service out of Singapore for its longest flight on the route map. After resting up at...
Mayday: My 14-Hour Flight in Economy Class
If you think I only fly business or first class, think again. I’m currently on a 14-hour fight in economy class from Hong Kong to Chicago on United. In fact, I’m wedged into the back of the plane. In all...
German Court Rules Kuwait Airways Can Deny Boarding to Israelis
A German court has ruled that Kuwait Airways can refuse to transport Israeli citizens without running afoul of German anti-discrimination law. The case involved a man who had purchased a ticket from Frankfurt to Bangkok via Kuwait City on...
United Airlines Promises Improved Wi-Fi Experience
If you’ve ever used wi-fi internet onboard a United flight, you know that it often is frustratingly slow. Thankfully, United has noticed as well and promised swift improvements in the months to come. In a letter to employees, Chief...
Insider Knowledge: Secret Perks in United Polaris Business Class
Much like the secret menu at In-N-Out Burger, there is a secret menu in United Polaris Business Class that requires a bit of inside knowledge or careful reading to take advantage of. As you board, you’ll find a plush...
Aeroplan Change Fee: Unethical or Fair?
Aeroplan charged me a change fee that I believe was unconscionable. I am heading to Germany for Christmas this year with my family. We booked tickets via Aeroplan on Turkish Airlines months before the diplomatic spat that has effectively...
Attend Frequent Traveler University in Chicago this Weekend for FREE!
If you have not made weekend plans, it is still not too late to take part in Frequent Traveler University Expo and Signature events in Chicago this weekend. Read below for how you can score a free ticket to...
Air France, Argentina, and a Steakhouse in Hong Kong
Air France and Argentina are in the news this week after an Air France crew was allegedly detained for failing to upgrade an Argentinian politician’s daughter. Yes, that’s right…you can read the details here. The issue fascinates me. I cannot...
