I am a city slicker at heart – there is no question about it. I grew up and still live in Los Angeles and have lived in Washington, Philadelphia, and Frankfurt as well. In other words, I have always...
Havana to Los Angeles in TACA Economy Class
Back at the airport, I had a couple hours to kill before my flight to Costa Rica and used the time to have one final walk around the airport. Cubana check-in was flooded with tourists queuing for the afternoon...
New United CEO Shares 9/11 Thoughts
A FA friend at United sent me the following letter received by all employees today from new CEO Oscar Munoz concering the 9/11 attacks. Dear fellow employees: This day – Sept. 11 – is a significant and emotional day....
Day Two in Cuba: The Juxtaposition of Two Cubans
I walked out of the domestic terminal and down a pot-hole ridden road to the main street. I wanted to take pictures, but figured I was still being watched and that nothing says espionage like taking photos of a...
New United Airlines Domestic First Class Seats
Yesterday Travel Skills broke news of a new United Airlines domestic first class seat and today United has made it official with more details. Here’s a look at the new seat: The seat will debut on an Airbus A319...
Day Two in Cuba: Escorted Flying
For those who missed the first part, be sure to read this first. After denying that I worked for the U.S. government, the official began a volley of questions: Cuban Official: Why are you in Nueva Gerona? Me: I...
Who is Oscar Munoz?
Oscar Munoz, 56, was named United Airlines’ new CEO yesterday. Though a Board Member of United Continental Holdings since 2010 and involved in the Continental organization since 2004, I had never heard of him prior to yesterday’s news of...
Analysis: A Letter from United’s New CEO Oscar Munoz
United named Oscar Munoz as CEO today, tapping another insider to head the company. In a letter to employees, Munoz laid out the news and his leadership vision. Here’s my analysis of it. Dear fellow employees: No more “co-workers”?...
The Real Reason United Fired Jeff Smisek
In an unexpected move, United Airlines announced today that CEO Jeff Smisek, along with two top lieutenants were “stepping down” (translation: fired). With record profit on the books and relative harmony between labor and management, what happened? Apparently, New...
Day Two in Cuba: Accused of Being An American Spy!
The alarm sounded at 5am and my taxi was already waiting downstairs. Not a vintage American auto, unfortunately, but a comfortable Toyota Corolla to take me to the airport. We had negotiated a cost of $12 for the ride....
Here’s How to Smartly Use Your Lufthansa Miles
So, here’s the story of how I saved my family trip and even scored a business class seat using my Lufthansa Miles & More points. If you don’t want to read the background, skip down to the Use Lufthansa...
Day One in Cuba: An Evening Surprise
Back on the street, my first stop was the American Embassy, currently surrounded by a staging ground for routine protests against the American government. Still the “American interests section” during my visit, it has recently been upgraded to full...
United Airlines Closing Honolulu and Detroit Call Centers
Mention “Honolulu Call Center” to any frequent United Airlines flyer and you will see a smile and hear a story about how Team HNL has worked magic or gone the extra mile to save a trip. For United’s valuable...
Pictures: Budapest Keleti Railway Station
One of my favorite things about traveling is to be in places that later become focal points for international headlines. I was in Tahrir Square in Cairo months before the Egyptian Revolution, drinking coffee in the Argana Cafe in Djemaa...
Day One in Cuba: A Tour of Havana
I was only traveling with hand baggage and proceeded out beyond baggage claim to a very balmy haze outside – it was over 90ºF and it felt even warmer. We walked past the terminal to a small parking lot,...
Flight Attendants and Religious Freedom
As a lawyer who studied free speech extensively in law school, controversies pitting religious liberty and accommodation against employer demands are of particular interest. Two simmering issues surrounding the actions of flight attendants bring this legal tension to our...
Visa Requirements for Visiting Cuba
When I reached Costa Rica, I had to check in for my flight to Havana because it was on a different reservation than the U.S. flights. A TACA agent asked to see my Cuban visa…I was not even aware...
Los Angeles to Havana in TACA Economy Class
This was not my first time flying TACA…last time the Lead FA thought I was a terrorist (for taking pictures…). No drama this time and that is exactly the way flying in economy class should be. TACA, or Transportes Aereos...
Planning a Trip to Cuba
Cuba is romantically characterized as a land of intrigue and glamour for good reason. Just 90 miles off the coast of Florida sits a nation that served as a Cold War chess piece in the 40-year match against the...
5 Tips for Using Uber at LAX
After months of political maneuvering, Uber and Lyft have prevailed in their bid to pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport, with service set to begin in the next few weeks. Here’s five tips for using Uber like...
