For those who followed along my denied boarding saga on Ethiopian Airlines, you’ll recall that the issue has never been resolved. While Ethiopian Airlines did agree to honor the ticket, their initial offer — come back to BKK and fly...
Fascinating Soviet Hotel Experience on a Russian Island in Norway
While most people just spend a few hours touring around the mostly-abandoned Russian mining settlement of Pyramiden, you’re invited to stay the night. That’s what I did. After the mine closed in 1998, the island’s population sank from over 1,000...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 17, 2017
I’m hardly in full relaxation mode, but after another week in beautiful Germany I’ve acclimated back nicely to a life of paying in cash and not being able to buy groceries on Sunday! As we start thinking about the...
Perhaps Rabbits’: Finding Wonderland in Bangkok
As part of an effort to show not just the structure of travel (hotel reviews, airline seats) but also the color, I submit a review of a café experience worth your time in Bangkok. Perhaps Rabbits’ offers a little bit of...
The Southwest, No, The Spirit Effect
Southwest was not only the perennial discount airline, but their mere presence in a new city could lower flight prices across the departure board from all airlines. It seems, however, that their position has been replaced by Spirit and other...
Review: JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
On my last of several trips to Bangkok recently, I had a long layover in the city and have wanted to try new properties in the city. I have already secured top-tier status with IHG, Hilton, and Hyatt for...
The Five Best British Airways Avios Redemptions
With news that American Express points once again transfer at a 1:1 ratio to British Airways, I want to highlight my five favorite redemption options. Hint: It’s all about shorthaul. For years, I talked up the amazing rate between Boston and Dublin...
Pittsburgh – Vegas Now $20 Each-Way
Earlier in the week, Ed Pizzarello from Pizza in Motion highlighted a deal from Spirit of $62 roundtrips from Pittsburgh (new market) to Las Vegas. While Spirit isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, casual travelers from another site Matthew and I contribute,...
Why is British Airways Back to 1:1 with American Express?
Without notice or explanation, American Express Membership Rewards points once again transfer on a 1:1 basis to British Airways Avios. American Express confirmed (via TPG) that this is not a temporary change akin to a transfer bonus. Today, two...
Surprisingly Delicious Meals out of Tel Aviv on United
Don’t ask why, don’t ask how, but I recently found myself in economy class (at least in Economy Plus with an open middle) on a 15hr flight from Tel Aviv to San Francisco on United Airlines. For my weekly Meal of...
The Oldest Aircraft Still Flying Around the World
Some things make my heart skip a beat. The beautiful laugh of my wife, thoughts of Concorde being brought back into service, and now something new — a DC-3 that is still flying around the world. Swiss watchmaker Breitling maintains...
United Airlines Trims Three European Routes
United Airlines is cutting back service to two cities in the United Kingdom and one in Ireland. Service to Birmingham, England will end on October 5th and the station will close: Last outbound flight departs Newark – EWR on...
A Boat Trip to an Abandoned Russian Mining Island
The highlight of my trip to Svlabard was an overnight trip from Longyearbyen to Pyramiden, a near-abandoned Russian mining settlement reached via boat. I booked with Arctic Explorer because it offered the better schedule, though other companies offer full...
Why I Chose Airbnb in Longyearbyen, Norway
For months I had a room reserved at the Radisson Blu Longyearbyen Hotel for about $270/night after taxes. But in the end, I cancelled it and went with an Airbnb rental. One, Lucky decided to book his trip to Longyearbyen...
First Impression of SWISS 777-300ER Business Class: Mixed
I opted to fly non-stop in SWISS business class to Zurich last week rather than connect in Frankfurt and fly first class. I’m not sure if that was a mistake or not, since first class was only 15,000 more...
Review: Oslo to Longyearbyen in SAS Plus (“Business”)
At 2hr,55min, Oslo to Longyearbyen is the longest domestic flights on the SAS route map. How does service look on a flight that long in SAS Plus? After spending half the afternoon and entire evening the SAS Gold Lounge,...
Qatar CEO’s “Apology” for Derogatory Comments
I’m absolutely shocked that Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has released an apology…or at least a non-apology mea culpa…for his controversial comments about the age of U.S. flight attendants. Here’s the statement, not from Akbar himself but from...
Revealed: United 767 Polaris Cabin Layout
United Airlines is in the process of retrofitting its current 767-300 and 777-200 fleet to install new Polaris Business Class seats. The first 767 is now out of the factory and will enter service this summer on an unspecified...
Why MileagePlus Go Card is Actually Great
Critics have come out against the MileagePlus Go Visa Prepaid Card early and often. But I think many of their criticisms are unfair and don’t accurately reflect the wider market for this product. This card is a great value...
United CEO Blasts Qatar CEO for Sexist Remarks
Yesterday I wrote about blatantly ageist remarks made by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker that ridiculed US-based flight attendants. Now United CEO Oscar Munoz has come out swinging against him. In a note to employees, a YouTube link to Akbar’s...
