When I took advantage of the incredible $672 Qatar Airways business class fare in July, I had a strategic choice to make. My outbound is next month and my return is in January. For review purposes, I like daytime...
I’m Feeling Stupid for Messing up a Suite Upgrade
Sometimes my carelessness is nothing short of amazing, and not in a good way… I’m spending a few days in beautiful Carmel, CA at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt Residence Club property. I booked the trip months ago and...
Beware of the Basic Economy “Gate Service Fee”
Delta Basic Economy fares permit a larger carry-on bag, so the focus of this story is on American Airlines and United. If you think you can slip by undetected with you rollerboard, be prepared to pay up and lose...
United DID NOT Bump 77-Year-Old Woman, Strand Her Overnight
With a leadoff like this, I don’t blame you for jumping to a conclusion that United is simply hopeless… A 77-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair was left alone and stranded at a gate at Newark airport for 12 hours...
Caution: You May Soon Need Your Passport for Domestic Travel
I’ve noticed the warnings when going through security, but never really paid close attention to them. But be aware: residents in a handful of states may need a U.S. passport to travel domestically starting next January. To put it...
Review: SkyTeam Lounge Dubai (DXB)
We spent about 90 minutes in the SkyTeam lounge in Dubai prior to our Saudia First Class flight to Riyadh. The lounge was comfortable, wi-fi fast, and food decent. It’s also the best Priority Pass Lounge in Dubai (DXB)....
Pittsburgh International Airport Announces Renovation Plans
Today Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) announced their renovation plans for the former US Airways hub. This is just one of many new advances for the mid-size city over the last few years. Here’s what they have in store. If...
Would You Switch to a Suite for One Night?
Earlier today I published a review of my recent stay at the Park Hyatt Dubai. Only standard rooms were available the first night, but I was offered a suite my second (and final) night. Would you move rooms just...
Review: Park Hyatt Dubai (Suite)
The Park Hyatt Dubai has not changed at all since my last visit in 2011. While the hotel is well-maintained with an extremely convenient location near the airport, I will be trying a different Hyatt property next time I...
My Final Flight on Air Berlin
Last week I flew Air Berlin from Zurich to Dusseldorf. I suspect it will be my last time ever flying the carrier… Air Berlin has been vexed with poor management, high operating costs, and a competitive environment in Germany...
Woman Sues Delta, Claims In-Flight Meal Led to $10K Dental Bill
Who would ever guess that biting into a mid-flight snack on Delta would change your life forever? Two years ago a California woman was on a Delta flight from Istanbul to New York. Midway through the flight she was...
United Airlines Adds New Service to Iceland, Portugal, Scotland and Switzerland
United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby suggested his airline would re-focus on domestic service, but that has not led to any slowdown in international expansion. Quite the contrary, United is using its fuel-efficient fleet to expand to new destinations around...
Jetlines: Canada’s New Ultra-Low-Cost Airline
Hoping to become Canada’s first truly ultra-low-cost airline, Jetlines boasts an ambitious two-year plan for growth in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Service starts on June 1, 2018. Jetlines plans to build upon the success of ultra-low-cost-carriers (ULCCs)...
What is the Difference Between United Polaris First and Polaris Business?
Although United is gradually phasing out its international first class product, 777-2oos featuring an eight-seat first class section could conceivably be operating for the next three years as United gradually retrofits its fleet. What is the difference between Polaris...
Turkish Airlines Considers 747-8i
Turkish Airlines is reportedly in talks with Boeing to acquire eight 747-8i jets for use on passenger flights. We’ve heard rumors for years about interest from Turkish Airlines in acquiring 747-8s (and A380s) but past 747 rumors centered around...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: September 10, 2017
After three consecutive weeks of travel, it was great to be home this week. I’m traveling a bit in the week ahead, but just with family and just by car. Hurricane Harvey and Irma have dominated news headlines this...
Equifax’s Unacceptable Response To Data Breach
Credit is important to many frequent flyers who rely on travel credit cards to fuel and fund their travel needs. This week Equifax, one of three credit reporting bureaus in the US, announced the discovery of a data breach...
The Big Island: Outside the Resort
My sister and her family are planning a trip to Hawaii next year and as we offer our recommendations and reminisce about our trip to the Big Island last October, I wanted to share this list. Here are a...
Review: St. Regis Shanghai Jingan – Suite
Combining the end of a mattress run for Marriott Platinum status and the only trip of my United 1K status match, I thought I would stray from my old mainstays and get a little wild. The St. Regis Shanghai...
United Status Challenge: My First Flight
I was surprised and delighted to see that contrary to stated status match levels, I was granted a status challenge from American Airlines Executive Platinum status to 1K. After reading comments from our readers, I decided to take the...
