Despite another lifeline from the Italian government, Alitalia is still struggling…and Lufthansa wants to take over several Alitalia routes. Speaking at the Lufthansa Group’s 3rd Quarter Earnings Call, CEO Carsten Spohr stated Lufthansa would develop a hub at Rome Fiumicino...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: October 29, 2017
Hello from Singapore…where I’m laying in bed sick. I’ll keep this brief. You’ll find a review of the week’s top stories below. Let me stress: take care of yourself. Don’t overdo it. But at the same time, take every...
Review: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt
We all know about the beautiful Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, but what about the First Class Lounge located within Terminal 1? How does it compare to the First Class Terminal? Arriving first class passengers whose travel terminates in...
When You Get Sick in the Middle of an 18hr Flight…
I’ve been sick over the last 36 hours like I haven’t been sick in over a decade…a virulent stomach flu so bad that I have not even been able to keep water down. The worst part of it? My...
United Chasing The Wrong Incremental Spending
As the year comes to a close, some travelers have already re-qualified for status for the year while others find themselves coming up short. In the past, American, United and Delta have offer incentives to drive business and improve...
Review: Hyatt Centric The Woodlands – Houston
I’ve wanted to try the Hyatt Centric brand for some time. I liked the idea of their approach to premium design hotels and it’s something different for the chain. While limited in scope right now, some of the more...
Spa Review: Park Hyatt Ningbo China
During our visit to the Park Hyatt Ningbo, I was fortunate enough to try out the on site “Yue Hu Spa.” The Park Hyatt Ningbo rests upon the Dong Qian Lake in Ningbo, China. Everything about this resort feels...
Review: OneJet Private Plane Pittsburgh-Louisville
OneJet is a newer scheduled commercial airline service that flies among medium-sized cities offering direct service where there is currently only connections. OneJet utilizes 7-8 seat private jets but flies from commercial terminals and offers time savings for a...
Next Stop: Singapore on United LAX-SIN Inaugural
Well, so much for my weekend at home… Tonight, United will launch its inaugural nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Singapore. It’s an important nonstop destination for LAX and underscores United’s commitment to Los Angeles as a hub. >...
Review: Lufthansa A380 First Class Los Angeles to Frankfurt
Last week, I reviewed the Lufthansa 747-8 in first class from Los Angeles to Frankfurt. I had the rare opportunity to fly the same route just weeks apart on an A380. This review covers that flight. I wrote about...
Can You Cancel Basic Economy Fares Within 24 Hours?
American, Delta, and United all have some form of a 24-hour courtesy cancellation policy. But does this apply to no-frills “Basic Economy” tickets, which are explicitly non-changeable and non-refundable? In short, yes. But there are limits. Let’s review each...
Fuel Prices Rise. Airfare Next?
After an extended period of tranquility stretching several years, fuel prices are on the rise. Will that soon lead to higher airfare? USA Today reports during the first nine months of the year: • American Airlines said Thursday that aircraft...
Buy an Actual Piece of a United 747!
As United Airlines ramps up for the final 747-400 flight on November 07, 2017, it is offering you the chance to take home a piece of 747 history. You can now buy a number of 747 hardware pieces. A livery...
Lasagna: Alitalia vs. United Airlines
I’ve compared afternoon tea on British Airways and United. This week’s Meal of the Week compares lasagna lunches on United and Alitalia. #1: Alitalia (Madrid to Rome / August 2017) You’ll note the lasagna noodles are green. Usually that...
14 Hours Aboard Qatar A350 Business Class…
After a restful flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Doha and a shower and panini in the Al Mourjan Lounge, it was time to board the 14-hour longhaul to New York City. Electronics were carefully searched at the...
The World’s Most Powerful Passport is Now in Asia
Earlier this year I wrote about the most powerful passport in the world, which at the time was Germany. While Germany remains a very powerful passport, it is no longer the world’s most powerful. That honor now belongs to...
Why is Air Berlin Blaming Etihad for its Failure?
Air Berlin is seeking damages from Etihad for “letting” it become insolvent. No folks, this is actually not some sick joke. This is true. Air Berlin is demanding at least 10 million euros, blaming Etihad for “letting” it become insolvent. The...
New 747 Amenity Kits on United Airlines
United Airlines is rolling out commemorative amenity kits in honor of the Boeing 747, which will be retired after a special final flight next month. The attractive tin amenity kits will contain the usual toiletries and skincare products, but...
Who is Luc Bondar, United’s New VP of Loyalty?
Yesterday, Luc Bondar was named Vice President of Loyalty at United. He will start his new job on November 01, 2017. But who is he? Does his background reveal anything about the future of MileagePlus? Bondar is Australian and...
United’s Latest Innovation Highlights Another Innovation Needed
Good news for United Airlines customers–if you’re connecting on a partner carrier you can now use your United app to retrieve those boarding passes. That may not sound like much, but marks a huge step forward for ease in...
