Airline executives, including United CEO Oscar Munoz, were hauled to Capitol Hill yesterday to testify before Congress about all the recent customer service mishaps that have grabbed news headlines around the world. I worked on Capitol Hill so I feel...
Why I’m Opting for More Expensive Airport Hotels
On my trip to Europe last month I found myself twice at more pricey on-site airport hotels than properties with a similar star level a few miles away. Why? I’ll explain. Airport hotels always tend to be more expensive than off-site...
Aeroplan “Tech” Issues: Coincidental or Deliberate?
Aeroplan, the spun-off loyalty program of Air Canada, is slowly whittling down the number of Star Alliance carriers you can redeem miles on. I believe it is fair to ask whether there is something nefarious going on. At present,...
Freakish Brawl on ANA Flight to LAX Reminds Me of My Own Near-Miss Fight
In watching a video of two passengers in a fistfight on an ANA flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles, I was reminded of my own near-miss fight many years ago. You can watch the disgusting video here– It appears...
Here’s How to Get a Free Transit Hotel and Visa in Doha
Yesterday I wrote about the new +Qatar program in Doha, offering a complimentary visa and hotel room for transit passengers. Here’s how to take advantage of this free offer. Reminders: Free transit hotel program runs through 30 September 2017 Valid...
Free Visa + Hotel for Qatar Airways Doha Transits
I have flown through Doha many times, but not once have I stepped foot outside the airport. Now I have a compelling reason: instead of forking over $300 it will cost me nothing. Visas for U.S. citizens once cost...
Leaked A350-1000 Configuration on United Airlines
A tweet allegedly reveals how United will configure its new A350 aircraft. Via @A350_Production on Twitter, United’s A350-1000 (on order) will be delivered with the following configuration: 60 United Polaris (Business) [18%] 91 United EconomyPlus [27%] 186 United Economy [55%] —— 337 total...
Fair? Allergic Woman Removed from United Flight, Cat Stays
I am going to resist the urge to sensationalize this story and instead put the following up for discussion–should asthmatic airline customers be able to veto whether you bring your pet onboard? How about where you sit if you travel...
United Will Not Retire 757-200s As Planned
United Airlines will not retire 15 of its 757-200s as planned, as it examines viable replacements for the workhorse jet. The plan was to retire the remaining pre-merger United fleet of 757-200s later this year, all of which are configured with...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 30, 2017
Good evening from Los Angeles. I’m home for a few days between trips, trying desperately to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from my life. I need to do a better job of it… Anyway, I’ve got a great story coming up about...
United Mainline Returns to Fresno, CA
United Airlines is returning to Fresno, California with a curious new route. United will run mainline a 737-800 on the 158-mile journey between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). Starting on August 15, 2017, a late-night...
Review: Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland
I mentioned earlier today how much I enjoyed Soarin’ Around the World at Disney’s California Adventure. One thing I enjoyed just as much was the chance to dine at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. As a kid, I always wanted...
Ethiopian Airlines Contacts Me (RE: “Wrong” Fare)
Ethiopian Airlines has now reached out to me concerning the $776 r/t Bangkok to Toronto fare. It was just two days ago that I wrote my ticket had been cancelled, though had heard nothing from the airline. Now this arrived...
Not a Traveler? You Will Be After This Disney Ride
I recently spent a day at Disneyland and California Adventure have a new favorite ride. Pirates of the Caribbean was my favorite Disney ride for many years. While that remains my favorite Disneyland ride, I visited California Adventure for the first...
Delta Defends Pilot Who Struck Passenger in ATL
Oh Delta, will you never learn from the mistakes of others? TMZ has received video of Delta pilot (could be Delta Connection) striking a passenger as he tries to break up a brawl between two women on a jet...
Disappointment on My United Flight Home from NYC
United CEO Oscar Munoz sent MileagePlus members a letter yesterday promising a “turning point” in customer service. But actions speak louder than words. Last night’s flight home from Newark to Los Angeles reminded me that the carrier has a long way...
No Joke. American Airlines Wins Best Elite Program at Freddies
American Airlines took home the honor of “best elite program” for the Americas last night at the 27th annual Freddie Awards. I’m outraged. I am not an American Airlines flyer, but I certainly follow the AAdvantage program closely, both...
Domestic Greek Flights on Aegean Airlines
What is service like on a short internal flight in Greece on Aegean Airlines? Aegean Airlines is one of my favorite airlines in Europe. The carrier boasts a young fleet, great crews, and a full-service product. After a day...
American Express Platinum Business 50% “Pay with Points” Rebate – Not too Late!
File this in “Marketing Failure 101”. American Express is cutting its popular 50% rebate on “Pay with Points” purchases on its Business Platinum Card. Effective 01 June 2017: Amex Business Platinum Card Pay With Points benefit drops from 50% to...
Update on Ethiopian Airlines $776 R/T Business Class Ticket
Here’s an update on my Ethiopian “discount” business class ticket. If you recall, I took advantage of a great $776 r/t fare in business class on Ethiopian Airlines from Bangkok to Toronto. I have a trip to Bangkok coming soon...
