I’ve been “off the grid” for a while and this post is not to apologize for my lack of recent posting. Augustine is fussy like I am and a light-sleeper like my wife is: the combination has been lethal...
How to Beat United’s Draconian New Routing Restrictions
I am going to get into a lot more detail below, but will first offer a summary of the recent changes to the United MileagePlus program that sadly constitute a massive devaluation of your United miles. Award searches must...
And Baby Makes Three
Early in her pregnancy, my wife Heidi and I had many spirited debates over what to name our son. We knew he was a boy and so I (naturally) suggested we name him Matthew Klint Jr, so that we...
Sneak Peek at United Polaris!
Last night United Airlines hosted an event in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco to highlight its new Polaris (Business Class) product that will begin to rollout later this year. On December 01, 2016 a new soft product including...
Modobag Introduces World’s First Motorized, Rideable Carry-on Bag
For those of you too lazy to walk but too prideful to use a wheelchair, a company called Modobag has the perfect solution — world’s first motorized, rideable carry-on bag. Here’s the premise: sometimes we are running late or...
Plenty of Award Space on New Austrian Airlines LAX Route
Austrian Airlines will begin service between Vienna and Los Angeles starting next April, adding another Star Alliance destination in the heart of Europe for LA travelers. The new schedule effective April 10, 2017: OS81 Vienna (VIE) to Los Angeles...
How to Remember 9-11-01 Today
We’ve come a long way in the last fifteen years. So far that a mattress store in Texas felt this was an appropriate ad– and a Florida Walmart set up a Coca-Cola display like this– I think that sort...
American Airlines Adds Service from Dallas to Rome and Amsterdam
American Airlines is adding flights to Rome and Amsterdam from its Dallas-Fort Worth hub, with seasonal service set to begin in May 2017 on both routes. What we know about the new American Airlines DFW to FCO/AMS Flights Boeing...
United Airlines Boasts of Its Great Summer
United Airlines claims it just had its “best summer every in company history” for on-time performance. To demonstrate, it presents this infographic: (click to enlarge) And indeed, the numbers look great. In my own United flying I encountered few...
Can You Use United Miles to Cuba?
On November 29, 2016 United will resume service to Havana, with daily non-stop service from Newark Liberty and weekly service (Saturdays) from Houston. The new flights are already bookable on united.com and prices are very reasonable, with business class...
Photo Tour: Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington Dulles
Turkish Airlines is celebrating the grand opening of its Washington Dulles lounge today. My brother Andrew happened to be flying through IAD today and provided the following feedback: The lounge is great! A bubbling Turkish man warmly welcomed me...
United Gate Agent Caught Stealing $130K Worth of Passenger Jewelry
He’s no Frank Abagnale, Jr. A United Airlines gate agent in Denver has been charged with felony theft for stealing $130K of jewelry from a passenger’s bag, including a pearl encrusted bracelet and diamond earrings. The passenger was traveling from...
My Advice to KLM
Dear KLM, You’ve got a new ad-campaign out called “KLM — It’s An Airline” that seeks to be light-hearted and humorous while introducing your airline to some who think your brand is a tennis shoe or ice cream company. ...
When Will American and Delta Learn?
Two carriers, two unannounced devaluations effective immediately. Using your miles and points may be easier than ever before but it will cost you like never before. The bottom line is this: don’t trust the airlines and always consider your...
Victory Day on Turkish Airlines
August 30th is Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) in Turkey, a national holiday to “commemorate the victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar, one of the final and the most decisive battles in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922.” In light of the...
Buy a United 747 on eBay!
United’s first 747-400 was retired in 2014 and sent to the boneyard in 2015. Now you can own it for $300K. Appearing on eBay, we see a cabin still filled with economy, business, and first class seats as well as...
Let’s Give Scott Kirby a Chance
Scott Kirby made the odd pivot from President of American Airlines to President of United Airlines yesterday. Walking away with a $13MN severance package from AA without a non-compete clause, he has already begun work for United, where he...
Why American’s New Ad Campaign Fails
American Airlines is out with a new ad campaign, asserting that “World’s Greatest Flyers” (the tagline of the campaign) choose to fly AA. The intent behind the new campaign is laudable– American Airlines’ new ad campaign celebrates people from...
The Real Reason LAX is Still a United Hub
A spirited discussion commenced last week on the hub status of United Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport. I argued that LAX remained both a de facto and de jure United hub while Cranky argued that United had abandoned...
Approved for the Chase Sapphire Reserve!
I see now many of the bloggers are on their post-approval victory laps, but I figured I’d throw in my approval story for the Chase Sapphire Reserve as well. Turns out I could have applied online, but I took...
