I really do think many travelers suffer from the “grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome when comparing U.S. airlines to those carriers outside the U.S. Sure, the Southeast Asian carriers like Singapore and Cathay Pacific offer...
Review: Hyatt Regency Kiev, Ukraine
When you think about service in the former Soviet Union, what usually comes to mind? A woman like the one featured in Wendy’s “Having No Choice” commercial taking issue with even the simplest request? I mention that because I...
My Long Journey to Mendoza, Argentina
My vacation has officially started. I checked into the Park Hyatt Mendoza earlier today and am going to take it easy for the next few days. Although I left Frankfurt last Wednesday night, the last five days have been...
In the Heart of Bolivia…
Sorry it has been a couple days…I´m sitting at a little internet cafe in Uyuni getting ready to travel to Argentina and the connection is worse than dial-up speed–I am going to keep it brief. The last few days...
Off to Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile on TAM Linhas Aéreas!
I am on my way down to South America for a week of travel including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile. I will provide updates when possible, but my posts may be a bit sporadic...
My Border Saga Continues… Detained in Belarus!
Marched off a train? Interrogated by ten armed men? Denied exit from an authoritarian country? Yes, I had another border “incident” over the weekend. As if Iran was not enough for one year, I ran into some problems at...
A Closer Look at United Airlines’ $550MN in Onboard Product Improvements
Fozz already nicely summarized the $550MN enhancements coming to United Airlines’ onboard product, but here’s a closer look from Scott O’Leary, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at United with my commentary below: Improved long-haul comfort with more flat-bed seats....
Virgin Atlantic Introduces "Emotional Health Warnings" for In-Flight Movies
Next time you find yourself on a Virgin Atlantic flight, don’t be surprised to see a new rating system onboard warning of the emotional health risks that might result from watching a particular movie. Toy Story 3, Adam Sandler...
Sleeping Vending Machines Coming to Airports
Would you pay for a few hours of sleep on a bed inside an airport? What if your flight was delayed and you could remain on the secure side of the terminal and escape the noise and hassle of...
You just won 25,000 United Mileage Plus miles!
Last night I received the following text message from my brother: Dad and mom went to United Mileage Plus promotion at the Americana. Mother won two RCC passes. Dad won 25000 mp miles. While I don’t believe in luck,...
CityJet Leaks Info, Eliminates Doubt on French Actor’s Poor Behavior
Caution: Another story about a drunk Frenchman Gérard Depardieu does not like to be kept waiting. The Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee also apparently enjoys alcohol. Throw in a flight delay and the combination becomes lethal. It...
US Airways: We Love Fees, Charlotte, and Mergers (but not Pilots)
Ely Portillo of the Charlotte Observer covered the US Airways monthly employee meeting in Charlotte on Tuesday attended by CEO Doug Parker. Here’s a quick rundown: On Fees: Parker said he understands that fliers hate the new fees, but...
€20 Off Your Next Lufthansa Flight with Free Voucher
Take €20 off your next flight on Lufthansa by requesting a free voucher here. You must first specify your departure country, and the €20 voucher (or equivalent amount in local currency) can be applied only for flights originating from...
Visiting “the last true remaining dictatorship in the heart of Europe”
As the unseasonably cool summer draws to a close here in Frankfurt, I love living here more and more each day–I am still working on my German, but it is slowly improving. In some ways, the last month and...
Thinking Critically About Rumored Changes to United Mileage Plus Program
News about the rumored changes to the United Mileage Plus program came as quite a shock to me. Although the final details will likely not be released until after Labor Day, it will still be advantageous to analyze each...
United Eliminates Special Meals on Domestic Flights on 10/1/11
Effective 01 October 2011, special meals will no longer be available on most United domestic, Canadian, Central American, and Caribbean flights. Special meals will still be available on transcontinental flights between LAX/SFO-JFK/EWR and Hawaiian flights. Furthermore, the following special...
More on Leaked Changes to United Mileage Plus Program
In all honesty, it is 0305 on Sunday morning, I have driven over 500km today to attend a wedding in Baden-Württemberg, just spent an hour on the phone booking an award with British Airways, and I just do not...
Leak: United to Completely Overhaul Mileage Plus Program?
Ben brings us the following changes under consideration for United Airlines’ Mileage Plus program from what he terms a “reliable” source: Class of service bonuses: Class of service bonuses for full fare tickets and paid premium cabin tickets will...
Free Membership in EL AL Matmid Frequent Flyer Club + 30 Bonus Points
The EL AL Matmid frequent flyer program tends to be one to avoid. With high redemption charts, fuel surcharges on award tickets, and a membership fee to join ($25), you are much better using your American Airlines miles if...
83,871 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles for $4.96?
While it appears this is a fleeting promotional error, AAdvantage Shopping is offering 83,871 miles for a $4.96 Palm® wireless phone charger through Verizon. Simply follow this link, click on “Buy Now”, login to your account or register for...
