Each year on Memorial Day in the USA I write a post that attempts to grapple with the world outside the bubble of miles and points. We live in an age of an all-volunteer army in which drones are...
United Airlines 2016 Olympics Safety Video
United Airlines has released a new Olympic-themed safety video ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympic games in Rio. Apparently it has been around for a few weeks, but it did not appear on any of my flights until just...
Reflections on Captain Denny Flanagan
Captain Denny Flanagan walks out of O’Hare Airport on May 26, 2016 On Tuesday May 31, Captain Denny Flanagan will pilot his final flight for United Airlines. The four-hour flight from Seattle to Chicago will be filled with family,...
Remembering My Million Miler Flight on United Airlines
In the 757-200 Flight Deck prior to my Million Miler flight with United Airlines for the obligatory staged photo taken by Captain Denny Flanagan Earning Million Miler status with United Airlines just after turning 27 was no easy feat,...
Caution: Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Flying Blue
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France/KLM, has become the latest Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner. This is good news, not only because Flying Blue offers award chart sweet spots and attractive and unique partner redemption options, but...
United Cuts Service to Lagos, Last Link to Africa
Faced with depressed demand thanks to persistently low fuel prices, United is suspending its flight from Houston to Lagos, Nigeria effective June 30, 2016. Having already abandoned Accra, Ghana, United will lose its last link to Africa. United will...
Why I Want to Travel on EgyptAir More Than Ever
EgyptAir is in the news again, and it is never good news with EgyptAir. Lucky and I are planning our trip home from Colombo and had I not been traveling last week we likely would have confirmed our trip...
United Rolling Back International Economy Meal Service Downgrades
With much fanfare, United Airlines announced upgrades to its international economy class meal service last year that included new menu options, better quality entrees and salads, ice cream, and crackers & cheese. In exchange for the enhanced menu, complimentary...
Visiting Glacier National Park in Off-Season
I just returned from a two-day journey on Amtrak to Glacier National Park in Montana followed by two days of hiking in the park. My trip report has already been written, so stay tuned for that. As tourist season...
Letter from United CEO Oscar Munoz Promises More Improvement
An e-mail letter went out to United MileagePlus members today from CEO Oscar Munoz which you can read below followed by my commentary. Dear MileagePlus member, Since the year began, a lot of exciting things have happened, and I...
Southwest Airlines Snacks on Longer Flights
Southwest Airlines is rather cryptic about its inflight food, providing the following info on its website– We offer a variety of inflight snacks and beverages to tempt your taste buds… Peanuts or pretzels are always complimentary as well as...
United Global Premier Upgrades Now Work on ANA
United Airlines and ANA are Star Alliance, codeshare, and joint venture partners. Now United Global Premier Upgrades (GPUs) can be used on ANA flights to upgrade from economy to business or business to first, wtih some caveats… Here’s the...
United Airlines Garage Sale in Houston
If you are in the Houston area today near IAH, head down the street to the Chelsea Catering Company (United’s in-flight kitchen) for a chance to support charity and buy some unique United swag. A “garage sale” will be...
Air France Lets You Finish In-Flight Movie at Home
Do you ever land and find that you are about 15 minutes away from finishing your movie? That happens to me from time to time and my solution is usually to wait for my next flight…which is not always...
Texture – Saving My Marriage Month by Month
If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Texture is a digital magazine service that allows readers to peruse their favorite...
Hotel Review: Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (Soi 12)
Bangkok is a city awash with hotels. From backpacker bunk beds to 5-star suites, there is anything and everything available to travelers visiting the Big Mango. Due to the high inventory, it’s difficult to stand out. But the Sofitel...
This is Why I Avoid Southwest
I was at the Kentucky Derby last weekend and needed to get home early on Sunday. From Louisville, there are typically no nonstop flights to Los Angeles (United had a special one-day-only Kentucky Derby nonstop flight to LA later...
US Bank Lifemiles Visa Shut Down
US Bank previously offered the Lifemiles Visa card but has since shut it down (it’s been re-offered by Banco Popular). For previous customers, they offered a replacement card an attractive bonus to stay with US Bank. If you are considering booking...
Help Lucky and Me Get Home from CMB!
When Lucky posted an incredible deal between Colombo and Casablanca yesterday which included flights on Royal Air Maroc, I knew I had to go. After coordinating dates with Lucky, we booked a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Colombo...
Order Pizza from Chicago United Club
United Airlines is refreshing its airport lounge network and bringing innovation in an area that has long been lacking — dining. You can now order food from Giordano’s from the comfort of your armchair in United’s newly-renovated lounge near B18 in...
