“But the Uber app says 40 minutes.” “No, no. It will only take 30. No problem.” I always chuckle at stories like Lucky’s race through Brussels and now I have an almost identical one of my own. Friday evening...
Why I’ll Keep My Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card
My recent stay at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport validates my decision to retain my Starwood Preferred Guest ® Business Credit Card from American Express. Hyatt is my primary hotel chain and Hilton is my back-up. Once in a while, however, I find myself...
The Worst Aeroplan Redemption I’ve Ever Made
Rule #1 of using miles and points: be pragmatic. Sometimes a redemption appears horrible on paper but still makes great sense. I’m in Vienna, Austria for the weekend and the trip came about at the last possible moment. I was in...
Which Lounge Terrace at LAX is Best?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the midst of a renaissance. Part of that is reflected in several stunning lounges throughout the airport. Two lounges currently have beautiful outdoor terraces. But which one is best? Terrace One: Star Alliance Lounge...
The Secret Place to Smoke Airside at LHR
I am not a smoker and have never even tried a cigarette. Nevertheless, I am empathetic to the plight of smokers, especially as airports increasingly enact anti-smoking policies. London Heathrow has been smoke free for the last decade. LHR...
Seriously Good Coffee at LAX Star Alliance Lounge
The Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has upgraded your coffee experience with a high-quality new supplier. Coffee is now sourced from Intelligentsia, a Chicago-based coffee chain with locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston as well....
Fight Nearly Breaks Out on My Lufthansa Flight Over Seat Recline
Yesterday I wrote about my Lufthansa Premium Economy experience. I’ll post a more detailed flight review next week, but want to dredge up the old seat recline debate this morning. About 30 minutes after takeoff, just as meal service...
I Survived Lufthansa Premium Economy
Well of course I survived, but the concept of Premium Economy is so overrated if you are looking for a good rest on your longhaul flight. True, not all Premium Economy seats are created equal, so we’ll stick to Lufthansa today....
Review: Blade Helicopter from Manhattan to Newark Airport
When a friend invited me on helicopter ride from Manhattan to Newark Airport, I jumped at the chance. Blade wants to be the “Uber for helicopters” and has both scheduled and on-demand service in LA, NYC, and Miami. This is...
The Best Kept Secret at LAX
The refurbished Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is spectacular in every way. Well, every way except one. Security checkpoints in TBIT are terrible. Really bad. Waiting time is routinely so bad that I refuse to bother with it any longer. If...
Delta Apologizes to Family Kicked Off Hawaii Flight
Delta has issued a statement of apology to the family booted off a flight from Maui to Los Angeles. Trying to avert a potential media tempest, Delta has taken (almost) full responsibility, shifting blame away from the family: We are...
I’m Siding With Delta: Family Kicked Off Hawaii Flight
Delta just booted a family off a flight from Maui to LA. I’m not saying there was not legitimate misunderstanding. I’m also not saying Delta handled the situation as it should have. But I am saying that the ultimatum was...
My Letter to Ethiopian Airlines (RE: Cheap Business Class Ticket)
I’ve kept you updated on my “saga” with Ethiopian Airlines concerning a $776 round-trip ticket from Bangkok to Toronto in business class. Now I need your help. With the travel date quickly approaching, I’ve composed the letter below in...
I Forgot My Wallet. Thanks Dad.
It’s amazing what a combination of stress and hurry will do. Yesterday I nearly flew to Germany without my wallet. Sometimes you plan things out so well you just mess them up. I was in a hurry yesterday. Not...
Comparing Scandinavian Lunches in SAS Business Class
It wasn’t that long ago that SAS offered a genuine business class on flights within Europe. Middle seats were blocked and delicious hot meals on real dishes were served. For this week’s Meal of the Week I fondly recall a trip to Iceland on SAS...
Review: Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul (Suite)
Located in the vibrant Levent neighborhood of Istanbul, Hyatt’s newest property in Turkey is worth a visit, though I iid encounter a couple issues during my stay. I arrived from Rome at around 2pm and took the Metro from Ataturk airport to...
New United Airlines Service to Buenos Aires
United will bring back service between Newark and Buenos Aires starting this fall. As the Argentinian economy gradually improves, United sees an economic opportunity in resuming a dormant route. New service is set to begin on 28 October 2017. Here’s...
American Cutting Legroom in Economy Class. Will United Follow?
I wrote earlier today about my disdain for the pageantry of Congressional hearings, but don’t think I am excusing the doublespeak on the another side of the dais. As American Airlines looked members of Congress in the eye with...
Congress Makes Me Sicker Than the Airlines…
Airline executives, including United CEO Oscar Munoz, were hauled to Capitol Hill yesterday to testify before Congress about all the recent customer service mishaps that have grabbed news headlines around the world. I worked on Capitol Hill so I feel...
Why I’m Opting for More Expensive Airport Hotels
On my trip to Europe last month I found myself twice at more pricey on-site airport hotels than properties with a similar star level a few miles away. Why? I’ll explain. Airport hotels always tend to be more expensive than off-site...
