Siem Reap is an eclectic town. The French Indochina influence is there, delicious street food abounds, but there is great diversity of cuisines available to cater to tourists from around the world. Take a look at the pictures below. The town is...
A Dependable, Free Babysitter Anywhere in the World

I hope this post does not get me reported to child protective services… My wife and I have started employing a cheap, dependable babysitter when we need to get out for a few minutes. Her name? FaceTime, courtesy of Apple Computer....
Doctor Dragged Off Oversold United Flight

A doctor was literally and forcibly dragged off a United Express flight yesterday for refusing to give up his seat on an oversold flight. United 3411 from Chicago to Louisville was oversold and in need of four volunteers. United offered...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 9, 2017

Greetings from Southern California. I’m home again after nearly four weeks in Europe. My family had a wonderful time visiting friends and family in Germany then spending a few days in Greece to end the trip. While I don’t...
Why One Day in Angkor Wat is Enough

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. There are enough temples there — spread over 402 acres — to keep you busy for days. But I found one day was enough. Just 10 minutes from our Park...
High Speed Wi-Fi Finally Arrives on Qantas

Qantas has finally flipped the Wi-Fi switch, now offering high speed wireless internet on its first aircraft. More to come, the carrier promises. It is difficult for me to get on a flight anymore, particularly longhaul flight, without Wi-Fi. Qantas...
The Black Market for United’s White Stuffed Polaris Bears

Although it is hit or miss, if you have flown United Polaris Business Class lately you may have received this cute stuffed animal– I received one on my flight home from Frankfurt last week. If you notice, the bear...
Why I Love the Upper Deck on United’s 747

From the first time I flew on a United 747-400 in business class in 2004 to now, I always make it a point to sit upstairs. But now I have a whole new reason. I’ve been on four United...
Even After Latest Devaluation, We’re Stuck Using Delta SkyMiles

Delta will act with impunity and there is no way to stop it or even prepare for it. But we are still stuck using Delta SkyMiles. In many cases, there is no smart alternative… Yesterday Delta again devalued partner awards instantly and...
Hotel Levent in Istanbul Now a Hyatt Centric Property

The mysterious Hotel Levent in Istanbul is now a Hyatt Centric Property. The property made headlines earlier this year when it debuted as a Category 7 property yet had room rates of under $100/night. It did not take long for...
Loophole: How to Beat Delta’s Latest Devaluation

True to form, Delta unleashed a massive Skymiles devaluation today without any notice. But you can get around it. For now, at least… Delta describes today’s change as nothing out of the ordinary– This change is part of Delta’s regular...
United Airlines Closing 787 Base in Houston, Moving it to Washington Dulles

United Airlines is closing its 787 base in Houston and moving it to Washington Dulles. Starting with the Winter 2017 schedule (begins on 29 October 2017), United will operate the Dreamliner to: Beijing London Heathrow Paris Charles de Gaulle...
Hot Deal: USA to Singapore for $328 R/T

I will only post flight details, particularly economy class flight deals, if I consider the value to be exceptional. This is one such case. You can fly from the USA to Singapore for as little as $328 r/t on...
Lufthansa Flight Diverts Due to Unruly Business Class Passenger

A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Toronto diverted to Manchester earlier today due to an unruly business class passenger. LH470 left Frankfurt six minutes ahead of schedule this morning. Shortly after takeoff, however, the 747-400 bound for Toronto circled and then diverted...
Driving from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Although we considered flying on Cambodia Angor Air for the 146-mile flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, we opted to travel by taxi. It was about 1/4 the price of flying and we figured it would be an interesting experience....
A More Civil Discussion on Children in Lounges

Yesterday’s discussion on children in lounges spiraled into a territory I was hoping it would not go. Exchanges became nasty and comments incendiary. So let’s try to reset today with a more even-balanced discussion. Here’s what I want to focus on:...
Witnessing Pol Pot’s Inhumanity in Cambodia

We all have certain moments in our lives that are forever ingrained in our memory. One such instance for me was visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I’m publishing a trip report from 2013 and most of...
United Scraps NRT-ICN Flight, Last Intra-Asia Flight from Tokyo Hub

United Airlines is ending its service between Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon this autumn, eliminating its last remaining intra-Asia flight from its Narita “hub”. Currently United operates a 737-800 between NRT and ICN on the following schedule: UA079 / Tokyo...
My Son Was an Angel in AMEX Lounge, Unlike Drunk Losers Nearby

Last month I wrote A Warning to American Express and a very feisty discussion ensued. The issue: should cardholders have to pay $50 per child for Centurion Lounge entry beyond their first child? On one side of the debate: families with children...
Air India’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Win Back Customers

Somewhere in an Air India Executive Board Room in New Delhi, celebration is erupting. The Indian flag carrier claims that bookings to the USA have doubled since the in-flight electronics ban was announced– According to Air India sources, bookings to...