Due to political wrangling and an unprecedented case of brinkmanship, parts of the US government have been shut down for nearly a month. As a result, TSA employees are not being paid currently (they will be) but mainstream media...
Review: The Principal Hotel Manchester (Kimpton)
Returning to Manchester, England after living there for many years has made us picky hotel guests. We couldn’t wait to stay at the newly acquired Principal Manchester, now a Kimpton (IHG) property. The property, the staff, everything was perfect. ...
Domestic Business Class Meals: Lufthansa Vs. Air France
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. Earlier today...
New American Express Lounge Policy Is Absurd
American Express announced fairly draconian new Centurion Lounge access restrictions yesterday. I view the policy change as a huge mistake. First, I note that American Express has recognized the problem of overcrowding and is attempting to ameliorate it. That...
Review: Air France HOP! Embraer 190 “Business” Class Paris To Basel
Just a short review to highlight that I do not love everything about Air France, including my regional HOP! flight from Paris to Basel-Mulhouse. My wife’s parents live just over the German border from Basel, so flying into Basel...
This Man Has Flown Over 20 Million Miles On United!
Tom Stuker, United’s all-time most frequent flyer, recently crossed over the 20 million lifetime mile mark. It is almost sobering to think how much flying 20,000,000 miles actually is. Over the years, he has clocked in: 803 times around...
Why Alaska Airlines Objected To A Local Fashion Show
Alaska Airlines is happy after a Juneau fashion show changed the theme name of its upcoming event. Each year, the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council stages a fashion show in the Alaska capital of Juneau. Alaska Airlines is a...
It’s Time To Give Verizon A Try…
I read with some amusement a warning Ben (Lucky) from One Mile at A Time received from T-Mobile. My unsolicited recommendation is simple: switch to Verizon. Let me start with this disclaimer. I am not a Verizon cheerleader and...
Review: The Air France First Class Ground Experience
I was impressed by many things on my recent Air France first class trip, but what impressed me most was the ground service. Although I already reviewed the La Premiere lounge in Paris yesterday, the whole ground service experience...
United Orders Additional 737 + 777 Aircraft
Buried in the news of United’s excellent financials was a new Boeing aircraft order. As the airline continues to expand, United has placed a firm order for 24 additional 737 MAX aircraft and four additional 777-3o0ER. The deal was...
President Trump Tells Speaker Pelosi To Fly Commercial
Yes, it’s political, but it’s also a travel topic. I’m not supporting either side. The federal government shutdown continues and a child-like tit-for-tat is going on between the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the Speaker of...
Rio De Janeiro On A Whim? Coming Soon For U.S. Citizens
The new administration in Brazil wants to double tourism by 2022 and has announced plans to roll back visa requirements for U.S. citizens. Finally, a last-minute trip to Rio de Janeiro will soon be possible. In the past, it...
Review: Air France Salon La Première First Class Lounge Paris (CDG)
The Air France First Class Lounge (Salon La Première) in Paris CDG is a remarkable lounge with superb amenities. I deliberately booked a long layover to give me several hours to enjoy the lounge. After arriving from Los Angeles,...
How A United 777 Ended Up In London Stansted
You may have seen a United 777 recently parked at London Stansted Airport. No, United is not starting service to STN. But, as part of its wider partnership with Sony Pictures, United is playing a role in the new...
Oh, United…The New Uniforms
United has unveiled new uniforms for more than 70,000 employees. My reaction as armchair fashion critic is a big sigh. I wrote about the new uniforms back in 2017. That was just after the Dao incident and the title...
Why I’ll Always Choose SFO During The Government Shutdown
As long as the government shutdown continues, the only airport I want to connect in is San Francisco. We’re 25 days into a government shutdown and no resolution is in sight. One result has been long security lines at...
Review: Air France 777-300ER First Class Los Angeles To Paris
After sitting at the top of my bucket list for years, I finally had the chance to try Air France La Premiere First Class from Los Angeles to Paris. Despite dangerously high expectations, the experience did not disappoint. In...
United CEO Praises Employees For Exceptional 2018 Performance
Earlier today I wrote about United’s surprisingly strong 2018 financial performance. United is clearly pleased about the results and CEO Oscar Munoz wants his employees to know. A FA shared the following note with me she received from Munoz...
United Reports Healthy 2018 Earnings, Rosy Outlook For 2019
United reported healthy fourth quarter earnings and an optimistic outlook on 2019, sending shares soaring in after hours trading. Let’s do the numbers first. Feel free to skip over this portion if you want to find out what these...
Dining Menu At United Polaris LAX Lounge
The new United Airlines Polaris Lounge at LAX offers an a la carte menu in addition to an elaborate buffet. Here’s a look at the menu. First, note that all food and drink is complimentary in this lounge. Tipping is...
