In an unexpected moment on an already historic last flight, a man proposed to his girlfriend on the upper deck of United’s 747. It was just after lunch and passengers were beginning to stream upstairs to view the upper deck....
Pictures: United’s Final 747 Flight
Hello from Honolulu. I’m resting up after a great journey from San Francisco to Honolulu that marked the final United 747 passenger flight. Later today I’ll have two stories on the final flight, followed by a full trip report...
Personal Reflections on the 747
Later this morning I will be one of the passengers onboard United Airlines’ final 747 flight. What is it about that aircraft that stirs so many emotions? First, it is the aircraft that took me around the world. To...
First Look at the United 747 Shindig at SFO
In just a couple hours, festivities will begin to commemorate United’s final 747 flight. Last night I arrived late into San Francisco and happened to pull up right at Gate 90, just a couple gates away from 86 where...
Boeing 767 Production Will Continue Regardless of United Order
The Wall Street Journal rekindled rumors yesterday that United Airlines may purchase new Boeing 767 aircraft from Boeing. Whether that happens or not, the 767 has found new life and will not shut down. For weeks we’ve heard that...
Review: United Airlines 787-9 Polaris Business Class Los Angeles to Singapore (Inaugural)
After a wonderful opening ceremony at the gate, it was time to board the flight. Although blocked at 17hr,55min the inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Singapore would take only about 16hrs due to reduced headwinds. If you’re just...
How to Redeem Aeroplan Miles on Cathay Pacific
Did you know that you can use your Aeroplan points for redemption on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon? You can even mix and match Cathay Pacific flights with Star Alliance carriers. But don’t think you’ll be redeeming 75K Aeroplan...
What is Qatar Thinking in Latest Cathay Pacific Investment?
Qatar Airways will spend $600MN to secure a 9.6% stake in Cathay Pacific. What is Qatar Airways’ strategy in this latest acquisition? Qatar expects the deal to close today, meaning it has been in the works for quite some...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: November 05, 2017
Hello from Southern California…where I’m recovering from a relapse of sickness. Thankfully not the stomach flu I had last week, but another particularly strong head cold. I really need to lay off the travel… This week marks the final...
Why Did I Choose American Over Qatar?
My wife and daughter spent the summer in Thailand as it is my busy season at work and I am nearly never at home – why shouldn’t they be at the beach instead? As a result, I have been...
Interview With OneJet CEO Matthew Maguire
OneJet is a new commercial airline operating small private jets based in Pittsburgh. I had the chance to fly their product and loved it but as a travel blogger, I was left with more questions than answers. I reached...
Passport Nostalgia: Retiring My First Passport
After a decade with my passport it was time to file for a replacement. Reflecting on what has transpired since my very first stamp to the point in which I find myself now has been therapeutic and nostalgic. My...
Shrimp Salad: British Airways vs. United Airlines
For this week’s Meal of the Week, I compare shrimp salads on United Airlines and British Airways. 1. British Airways – London to Frankfurt – Club Europe (1hr30min) British Airways offers light meals on shorthaul business class flights within...
Want a Free Upgrade? Dressing Nice Won’t Cut It…
The AP is out with the perennial “if you want a free upgrade, dress nice” story. These stories always evoke an eye roll from me, yet their persistence over the years suggest that hope springs eternal. George Hobica of...
My Favorite First Class Omelet is Now for Sale in Economy Class
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and one of my favorite breakfast dishes happens to be an airline meal. Now it is available even in economy class. United Airlines has offered a Southwestern omelets for a over...
I’m Assembling the Trip of a Lifetime
Although there will be plenty of business travel, with the exception of my upcoming final 747 and Qatar QSuite trips, I am voluntarily suspending new “review” trips until next August. That doesn’t mean I will not be traveling on...
What I Hate Most About the Boeing 787
I do love the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, generally. It is a great aircraft with a noticeable improvement in cabin air quality. But there is one thing about it that I simply cannot stand… That’s the automatic flushers on the...
United CEO Comments on World Series
What side do you root for when you’re an airline CEO and both teams in the World Series are from hub cities? United CEO Oscar Munoz had to walk a fine line during the Series. He’s an LA-native but...
Three Cool Awards I Booked Before United Devaluation
The dust has settled and new pricing is in effect at United MileagePlus. I dragged my feet in booking and ended up with three award reservations at the last minute. I won’t keep them all, but I’d rather pay...
American Airlines CEO Suggests Hubs Matter More Than Management
During an earnings call last week, American Airlines’ CEO Doug Parker intimated that bad hubs rather than poor management are to blame for widening profit gaps between industry-leader Delta and American or United. When asked about the widening profit...
