Independence Day in America, also known as Thanksgiving Day in Great Britain, brings on a whole new meaning this year in light of Brexit, the UK’s own recent declaration of independence. I do not really care to discuss history...
Review: Hyatt on the Bund (Shanghai)- Suite
Shanghai is home to one of the most famous Hyatt hotels in the world, the Park Hyatt. While that hotel is great, it’s Hyatt on the Bund across the river that flies under the radar and delivers superior value. ...
British Airways Invites You to Capitalize on Brexit
Ask not what you can do for Brexit, ask what can Brexit do for me — that seems to be the rallying cry at British Airways, which has capitalized on the GBP’s lowest level since 1985 to launch a three-day fare...
His Excellency Defends Qatar Atlanta Service in New Interview
Protests have sprung up in the Atlanta area over Qatar Airways new service to Doha including a string of protests, radio/tv attacks, and full-page newspaper ads condemning the Gulf carrier. CEO. Trying to reassert control over the matter, Qatar...
Etihad Clarifies First Class Lounge Policy in a Good Way
Earlier in the month the new Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa opened in Abu Dhabi (full photo tour here). In a separate post, I wrote about the lounge access policy, telling the story of an Australian couple who...
Andaz Xintiandi (Shanghai) – You Don’t Know What You’ve Got, ‘Til It’s Gone
Shanghai has a lot to offer and premium hotels are just one of the luxuries available when traveling to financial capital of China. On this stay, I was looking to expand on my exposure to the Andaz brand from...
A KL Taxi Driver Threatened to Hurt Me for Using Uber
I was in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday night on a long layover between Malaysia Airlines flights. I needed a haircut and wanted a massage, so I hopped on the KLIA Express train to KL Sentral and there picked up an...
Where in the World Am I?
I don’t post the “sorry I’ve been busy” excuses that some travel bloggers post when they go for several days between writing. Blogging is indeed a business, but still not my primary occupation. I consider it “fun” and as...
My Plan for Fixing Aeroplan
I was going to title this post “An Indictment Against Aeroplan” but I don’t think anyone wants to read another list of gripes about Aeroplan’s shortcomings. So Aeroplan, consider this my free consultation for how you can bring yourselves...
Video: Europe in Two Minutes (Time-Lapse with 300K Photos!)
Check out this extremely well-done 4K video that combines 300,000 pictures to capture life in Europe (primarily London and Paris). Paul Richardson collected these photos over two years and allegedly spent over 1,000 hours putting this video together. It...
Aeroplan Closes All Overseas Call Centers
Aeroplan, the spun-off loyalty program for Air Canada, has a Canadian call center with limited operating hours — you can reach Aeroplan between 7am and 12am ET, seven days per week. Beyond those hours, traditionally Aeroplan had offered offshore...
Why I Love International Connections at Washington Dulles
Some airports needlessly receive a bad wrap and Washington Dulles is one of them. IAD is often attacked by United flyers for the unsightly “temporary” terminal that has now been present for more than two decades. It’s true —...
Los Angeles to Paris in Air Tahiti Nui Business Class
My brother Andrew recently flew from Los Angeles to Paris on Air Tahiti Nui in “Poerava” business class using 57.5K American Airlines miles. I asked him to write a trip report sharing about his flight. Gosh, I love exotic...
This is Why I Always Fasten Seat Belt When Seated on Airplane
Turbulence can hit unexpectedly and when it does, it can be injurious or even deadly. A recent Avianca flight from Lima to Bueons Aires encountered unexpected but severe turbulence at 41,000 feet, throwing passengers and crew across the cabin and...
Access Policy for Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa Abu Dhabi
25 JUNE 2016 UPDATE: Etihad is now allowing passengers into the first class lounge who arrive in first class but are connecting in business class. Here is the bottom line– Access to the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa...
A Condensed Photo Tour of the New Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi
With neraly 120 pictures, my recent review of the new Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa in Abu Dhabi may have been overhwhelming for some, so I also want to provide this condensed version of ten photos that capture...
Jeffrey Goh Named Star Alliance CEO
Choosing a company insider to replace retiring Mark Schwab, Star Alliance has named Jeffrey Goh its new CEO, with an appointment effective on Janauary 01, 2017. “This early decision lays the groundwork for a smooth leadership transition at the...
Review: Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa Abu Dhabi
Earlier this week Etihad Airways opened its long-awaited first class lounge in Terminal 3 in Abu Dhabi. Details are still emerging about the lounge but let not your heart be troubled — you can find everything you need below....
Should I Fly the Iran Air 747SP?
I do not have many regrets in life, but three big regrets are never flying the Concorde, Boeing 707, and Lockheed L1011. Had my aviation enthusiasm begun just a couple years earlier I am certain I would have flown...
United Airlines Will Unveil New Business Class Seat Today
In an event that will seemingly mimic an Apple WWDC, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz will hold a “major media event” this evening in New York City’s Gotham Hall. Expect the unveiling of a “totally new premium product experience” including a...
