United released the following, fairly cryptic statement this morning from Henry Meyer, non-executive Chairman of the Board– The Company anticipates it will today conclude the corporate governance process necessitated by the hospitalization of President and CEO, Oscar Munoz. The company...
Congratulations to American Airlines, But Now What?
The final transition from US Airways to American Airlines was a total non-event and for that I must offer my congratulations to American Airlines. Thinking back to that fateful March day of Continental – United system integration in 2011,...
Why Are We Seeing So Many Cheap Business Class Tickets?
We’ve seen a steady stream of cheap business class fares of late, and it is not unreasonable to question why this fundamental change is occurring. The bean counters have figured something out – leisure and business travelers at the...
Keep Your Boarding Pass Close!
I wrote an article this week for Inside Flyer showcasing the compromising personal information at your fingertips with nothing more than a discarded boarding pass. An equal-opportunity problem; American, Delta, and United all have a lot of work on...
Breaking: United CEO Oscar Munoz Suffers Heart Attack
Some bad news this morning from United Airlines, where apparently CEO Oscar Munoz suffered a heart attack and is in a Chicago hospital. More info here. Apparently, the United board had no succession plan in place, which speaks volumes about the...
Yes, I Took Advantage of the British Airways Sale and You Should Too
When news hit about British Airways’ stellar business class fare deal yesterday, I had no intention of taking advantage – I already have a healthy supply of points to fund years of premium cabin award travel, am loyal to...
Last Chance for TWA Flight Center Tour at JFK this Sunday
The storied TWA Terminal at JFK is an architectural masterpiece that has sat vacant for more than a decade in the center of New York’s busiest airport. Construction will soon begin to turn the empty terminal into a luxury...
United Airlines Announces Further Meal Service Improvements
Let’s give United Airlines a little credit — the carrier has improved the quality of meal service in domestic premium cabins over the last year and has now announced another series of improvements that represent, if nothing else, a...
This is Why the TSA Federal Air Marshal Service Needs to End
The Federal Air Marshal Service is a sensational program that steals revenue from airlines, first class upgrades from frequent flyers, makes our ticket prices higher, and actually endangers our security. Under the guise of safety, a small number of flights carry...
Further United International Expansion to Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon
On the heels of United Airlines’ announcement last week that it would commence service from its San Francisco hub to Xi’an, Auckland, and Tel Aviv comes news that it will add three summer routes next year, including the resumption...
United Club Food Menu for Autumn 2015
Earlier this year, United Airlines announced some pretty sweet upgrades to the complimentary food menu in its airport lounges. Not that it had a choice, with Delta also enhancing its club food, but to United’s credit the new offerings...
United Announces Non-Stop Service from San Francisco to Auckland and Tel Aviv
The Boeing 787 is revolutionary in that it has made otherwise financially nonviable routes viable. United announced two new routes today, to be operated on its 787-8 and 797-9 aircraft from San Francisco — Tel Aviv and Auckland. San...
Key Point in New Emirates Commercial with Jennifer Aniston
Emirates paid Jennifer Aniston $5mn for its latest ad campaign, including this new 60-second commercial: And for more tender eyes, the non-alcoholic version: Personally, I found the similarly-themed Etihad ad starring Nicole Kidman more professional though I had to laugh...
Should Kuwait Airways Be Banned from Flying to the USA?
Kuwait Airways is in some hot water over its policy not to transport Israeli citizens. After the Kuwaiti flag carrier refused to transport to Eldad Gatt, an Israeli citizen, Glatt complained to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Now in...
Why You Should Visit Cuba Now
The trope goes something like this – visit Cuba now before it becomes westernized with McDonalds and Subways; before the Americans ruin it and it becomes another Caribbean dump. That’s not entirely untrue, but that’s not the real reason...
10 Tips for Visiting Cuba
Cuba remains an incredible place to visit, even in this time of great change. Here are 10 tips for an even better trip to Cuba: #1 Home-Stays in Cuba Are Cheap and Memorable I booked a room on hostelword.com...
United Airlines Launches New Website to Engage Customers
United Airlines launched a new website called United Airtime today that invites both customers and employees to provide feedback and promises a level of engagement in which United will respond honestly and candidly to tough questions. Front and center on the...
Barclays US Airways/American Airlines Companion Pass Deadline EXTENDED!
The now-defunct Barclays US Airways Mastercard extended their deadline to use companion passes issued with the card. This card is no longer and the offer to extend has expired. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
New 2015 United Airlines Safety Video is Out!
United Airlines has released its new 2015 in-flight safety video after a month of teasers. Here it is– I like it — a little corny, but well done and not as cheesy as Delta’s new safety video. The runaway...
The Bright Side of the Aeroplan Devaluation
Aeroplan announced changes to its award chart today, effective 15 December 2015. The bad news is that the amazing prices to Europe in business and first class will go up, a tad. The good news is that this round...
