Last week I wrote about the Trump Administration’s proposed FY2018 budget that proposes raising airline taxes used to fund airport security, passport control, and customs. Not surprisingly, airlines have expressed strong opposition. Airlines for America, the lobbying arm of...
United FA Compels Passenger to Change Seats: Ridiculous or Justified?
My brother Andrew commutes weekly between Southern California and the Bay Area. Since United Airlines brought mainline service back to Burbank, he has switched his business from Southwest to United. He shared this story with me from his flight yesterday. As...
Why Latest United Airlines Promo May Not Make Sense for You
United Airlines is running an attractive promotion on award redemptions to four incredible destinations. But before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure you practice due diligence. Now through March 2, 2018 you can save 20% on economy class...
Questionable Upgrade Advice on Virgin Atlantic
While I’m not totally dismissing it, I’m certainly quite skeptical about the Virgin Atlantic upgrade advice offered by Bloomberg. Bloomberg is in the midst of a “high-end travel hacks” series featuring “notable” names in food, wine, fashion, cars, real estate. This story...
Air Italy: Qatar’s Plan to Destroy Alitalia
Air Italy wants to be the flag carrier of Italy, taking over beleaguered Alitalia’s long-held dominant position. Air Italy is actually already Italy’s #2 carrier, still flying under the Meridiana name. Last year Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake...
Sisters Sue Airline for “Guilt by Association” Fart Removal
Two sisters are suing a Dutch budget airline after their removal from a recent flight. That flight diverted after a passenger proved unable or unwilling to control his flatulence. The sisters claim they never farted and did not know the...
Sun Country Slashes Workforce in Minneapolis
Sun County Airlines will outsource 20% of its workforce, announcing it will layoff 350 ground workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). These positions include “below-wing” ground workers, ticket counter agents, sky caps and those who assist passengers with wheelchairs. Here’s the...
Review: Vietnam Airlines A350 Business Class Ho Chi Minh City to Frankfurt
Vietnam Airlines offers impressive onboard service and a great business class seat onbroad its new A350s. Even so, the soft product was disappointing. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City from Doha, I proceeded to the transit counter and...
First 10 United 737 MAX 9 Routes Announced
United Airlines will soon take delivery of its first 10 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and has revealed what routes these new aircraft will fly on. What’s a MAX 9? It’s the latest version of the 737 from Boeing,...
Star Alliance Rolling Out Extremely Useful New Services
Now a mature alliance, Star Alliance is no longer in a growing phase, but instead focusing on delivering an improved portfolio of services to its customers. There is much to look forward to. Simple tasks like assigning seats on...
Looks Like Opening of New Malaysia Airlines Lounge is Delayed
Earlier today I published a review of the old Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge in anticipation of the new lounge opening tomorrow. It now appears we will have to wait a bit longer to see the new lounge. Earlier...
Review: Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Tomorrow, Malaysia Airlines will open a newly refurbished first and business class lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). I look forward to visiting the new lounge soon. I never published a review of the “old” first class lounge...
Did This Lady Deserve To Be Kicked Off A Flight? Oh Yes.
Lucky asks, “Did this lady deserve to be kicked off a flight?” My answer is yes, though not for the reason she was. I know a thing or two about getting kicked off a flight without just cause. Indeed,...
Guide: Transit Without a Visa in Vietnam
Transiting through Vietnam is tricky if you don’t have a visa. But it’s possible. Here’s how to do it. Obtaining a visa in advance is not necessary if you arriving into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 18, 2018
Good evening from Carmel, CA…I’m spending the holiday weekend at my favorite California Hyatt and have been enjoying the fresh air and beautiful weather with my family. Earlier today we drove down Highway 1 to Big Sur…it is always...
Review: Magnolia Hotel Houston, Tribute Portfolio
Looking for a downtown Houston hotel near the convention center, I stumbled upon an independent brand I didn’t know SPG had acquired, Magnolia. The boutique brand commanded a premium when it was independent with midwestern locations in Omaha and...
Second Crash This Year Claims 65
If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Just six weeks into 2018 and the second commercial...
Upside.com Wooing Businesses With Elaborate Gifts
I have used Upside.com for business trips in the past with mixed results. I was shocked and amazed at what they sent me to remind me of why I should book business travel with them. Can you believe what...
Hyatt Underpaying Remote Reps, Lawsuit Claims
Hyatt employees have been notified about a class-action lawsuit that concerns remote-based employees. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram,...
Surprisingly Delicious United Airlines First Class Salad
United is currently in a period of cutbacks in terms of domestic first class meal service. Thus, I was quite surprised to find an apparent upgrade to meals on a recent transon flight. That’s the subject of this week’s...
