It was a simple lounge–warm natural light from the morning sun, plenty of seating, and lack of clutter. But most importantly: an Italian breakfast. And it did not even require passing thru a metal detector to reach. I’m talking...
UPDATE: Turkish Airlines Offers Refunds, Assures Transit Passengers
Right in the middle of the diplomatic row between Turkey and the United States is Turkish Airlines. The carrier serves nine U.S. cities and is the clear loser in the mutual decision to suspend visa issuance, essentially halting tourism...
My Trip to a Charming Italian Village
I had the chance recently to spend a couple days in a small town called Atina nestled in the mountains of central Italy. A long-time friend who emigrated to the USA from Italy over 40 years ago has encouraged...
Emotional United Airlines Video on Puerto Rico Relief Flight
Last week a United 777-300ER filled with more than 300 first responders and skilled workers headed from Newark to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight was packed with medical supplies, food, and water. More importantly, the 300 passengers onboard...
Retaliation: Turkey Eliminates U.S. Tourist Visas, Barring Entry for Most U.S. Citizens
Apparently the old adage, “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face” is not taught in Turkey. Today, Turkey suspended the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens, effectively killing all U.S. tourism. I love Turkey, but the nation...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: October 08, 2017
I’m back in Los Angeles after a week in France/Switzerland/Germany. My trip was exhausting so it will be great to stay in LA this week. The big news of for the week, at least in my mind, was the...
Important Note on Marriott’s Unpublished Platinum Status Challenge
I wrote a few weeks ago regarding Marriott’s unpublished Platinum elite status challenge. I referred a contact to the process and he didn’t have the same luck. I assumed it was a case of a misinformed phone rep (as...
Unsubstantiated Gossip: Southwest Wants Denver-Kona
I have avoided writing this post for just shy of a year because there wasn’t yet corroborating evidence or reason to believe it’s true – now there may be. Based on potentially reliable information, Southwest may focus on Denver...
Ethical Implications of Upside.com Business Trips
Incentivized purchases are nothing new though no one has really cracked the travel space. Upside has been very aggressive in its quest for users and offered big incentives to consumers for their purchases but focused on business travelers. What...
Review: Alitalia A320 Business Class Madrid to Rome
This will be just a brief review, but I want to point out what service is like on shorthaul Alitalia flights in business class. I arrived quite early into Madrid and found the Alitalia check-in counter was closed. Unfortunately,...
Incredibly Cheap Singapore Airlines Business Class Award on United.com
United Airlines brought back Singapore Airlines award space online last week after a four year absence. That makes it easier than ever to take advantage of one particularly great redemption before United’s next devaluation. > Read More: Singapore Airlines Accuses...
Behind the Scenes of the New United Safety Video
Airline safety videos have become highly-anticipated events and complicated productions. Some even have trailers now prior to release. United Airlines has released a “Behind the Scenes” look at its latest safety video. > Read More: I Love the New United...
Review: Puerta del Sol Lounge Madrid (MAD)
Despite Madrid being a hub, Air Europa does not have its own lounge. During my layover in MAD I used the Puerta del Sol Lounge instead. Access is granted via Priority Pass but since I was traveling business class on...
Emirates CEO: We Need More A380s!
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark told a Dutch newspaper that his carrier needs more A380s, even in the face of fierce competition. “The potential market remains huge. We need even more A380s,” said Clark. But is that really viable, let...
United Airlines Cuts Flights from Guam Hub
United Airlines is slashing flights from Guam and in the Oceania regional demand weakens. While the “Island Hopper” will now operate four times weekly instead of three, several routes will be either suspended, reduced, or downguaged. Here are the...
Review: Air Europa 787 Business Class Buenos Aires to Madrid
You don’t read much about Air Europa, but the private Spanish airline serves two U.S. cities and has taken delivery of several new 787-8 aircraft with lie-flat beds in business class. My 11hr flight to Madrid greatly exceeded expectations....
Fish + Pasta = Delicious in SWISS First Class
Now an elusive award redemption available only to upper-tier elite members of the Miles & More program, SWISS first class used to be a relatively easy award booking to score. For this week’s Meal of the Week I review...
United CEO Reflects on Las Vegas Tragedy
When tragedy strikes, strong and steady leadership can help to assuage fear and begin the healing process. But sometimes a small heartfelt gesture, like a well-penned letter, accomplishes the same thing. United CEO Oscar Munoz is reflecting upon the...
ANA Refuses to Refund My Cheap Australia Business Class Ticket
My upcoming trip to Australia in business class on ANA has suffered an unfortunate setback…a significant equipment downgrade. Thus far, ANA refuses to re-accomodate or refund (without fee). Should they? First, I give ANA tremendous credit for honoring this...
Premium Meals in SWISS Economy Class
Last year, SWISS announced an economy class buy-on-board program on longhaul flights. Food and drink would remain complimentary, but could be upgraded to business class-style food and alcohol for a fee. My colleague traveled from Los Angeles to Zurich earlier...
