Note what is not in the title—p.s.—the “premium service” designation given to the Los Angeles/San Francisco-New York Kennedy routes in 2005 by United in an effort to distinguish itself from American Airlines (and later Delta Air Lines and Virgin...
United Airlines Global First Lounge at SFO – Tour + Pictures
When I arrived in SFO, without even thinking it has become so rote, I headed right for the domestic United Club. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks and looked down at my boarding pass. It did say “first class”...
First Class Downgrade = First Class Upgrade on United
When does a first class downgrade equal a first class upgrade? Read on to find out. Sunday, I was scheduled to fly from Burbank to New York JFK via San Francisco. “Premium Service” transcon flights feature three-cabins of service...
The Perfect End to a LAX Mileage Run
I mentioned last week that I had to take a last-minute year-end mileage run from LA to Boston on December 30th in order to secure the 5K miles necessary to push me over the 150K EQM mark. The trip...
Megabus Wins Again
A quick update on my perpetual struggle of choosing between the value of Megabus or the comfort and convenience of Amtrak to get between Philadelphia and Washington. Yesterday, I found I needed to get to Washington as soon as...
Great Fares to Istanbul on Turkish, Delta and United Airlines (under $400!)
Quite frankly, I have no idea how Turkish Airlines makes any money. The carrier constantly runs fares sales to destinations around the world, including to a number of U.S. cities, at price levels that bely rationality and prevailing market...
Air France/KLM Flying Blue Lives in the Stone Age
Somewhere between the Stone Age and the Twilight Zone sits the Air France Flying Blue North American call center. Ontario, Canada? Please…It pains me to even recall this story, but it will be instructive. Here’s the quick summary—don’t ever...
American Express Platinum Card: 100,000 Membership Rewards Sign-Up Bonus
Update: Offer expired. Per Ben, sign up for the American Express Platinum Card and receive 100,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $3,000 in three months. UPDATE: Noon ET — deal is dead. Congrats to all got in on...
Review: Hyatt Regency Resort Thessaloniki
When planning my Balkan adventure over the summer, I saw that Macedonia spilled out into northern Greece and there happened to be a Hyatt Regency near the airport in the city of Thessaloniki, where I could catch a non-stop...
Non-Rev Adventures on United Airlines, Part III
If you missed it, Part I and Part II New York was fine. We did about half of what I wanted to accomplish, but my friend did find a new pair of UGG boots for about 40% less than...
Hong Kong – I Want To Rent This Apartment!
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. We are heading to Hong Kong as part of our trip east, and looking...
Non-Rev Adventures on United Airlines, Part II
Check out Part I here. Decisions, decisions. New York via Chicago or a non-stop flight to Washington and skip New York? I had a room booked for two nights at the Millenium Hilton that could not be cancelled, but...
Non-Rev Adventures on United Airlines, Part I
While it pains me to even tell you this story, I trust you can enjoy a chuckle at my expense (maybe one day I will too…) and avoid a very carless mistake. A couple weeks ago, I had a...
Review: Hyatt Andaz Liverpool Street London
Let’s face it: there are not enough days of the year for me to review every hotel in London. Does that mean, however, that I cannot authoritatively recommend one even while others have yet to be reviewed? Certainly not,...
How (Not) To Deal With a Travel Delay
In my world of frequent airline travel, now ongoing for nearly decade, it becomes easy to forget that most do not travel and many of those who do make only one or two holiday trips per year. Nevertheless, my...
Where Will You Go In 2014? – Yes 2014!
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. Where Will You Go In 2014? A reader recently engaged me in a conversation...
Reflections and Predictions: Looking Forward to 2013
Each year I tell myself that I will be traveling less than the previous year, though inevitably I end up traveling more. So I won’t do that this year, though my travel plans for 2013 are not as ambitious....
Kuala Lumpur Here We Come!
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. Kuala Lumpur Awaits The Sherpa and Sherpstress are down to single digit days before...
Havana, Kabul, and 25 Countries: 2012 Year in Review
2012 has been an incredible year, filled with exotic travel and great adventure, though you’d hardly know it if you’re a regular reader of Live and Let’s Fly. Award Expert really hindered my blogging this year and as I...
Final Chance for Status Match + Points Transfer from bmi to British Airways
Come December 31st, now just two days away, the bmi Diamond Club will shut its doors for most of the world. If you’ve neglected transferring any destination miles from your bmi account to your British Airways Executive Club account,...