17 May 2012 My Dear Friends from Continental Airlines, A simple question for you: what is wrong? What is it that is truly bothering you? I have been a steady United Airlines customer since 2004 and I grew to...
American Airlines Here I Come!
I consider myself a savvy traveler and have turned much of the lemons created by United Airlines’ 03 March system integration debacle with Continental Airlines into lemonade. I’ve run into a fair number of problems and a great deal...
Star Alliance Celebrates 15 Years
Happy 15th Anniversary to Star Alliance! What began at a small office near Los Angeles International Airport in 1997 as a union between five airlines hoping to better cooperate has become a global force to be reckoned with; the...
American Airlines Hints at Potential Merger with US Airways
After weeks of repeated denials that it was even considering a merger with US Airways, American Airlines has agreed to “study” the prospects of a marriage between America’s third and fifth largest air carrier by traffic. American Airlines says...
Sacramento Opts Out of TSA Screening
After months of exploration, Sacramento International Airport has decided to replace federally-employed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners with private contractors. This is an opt-out I support. As a compromise to House Republicans over a decade ago, language in...
I Love United Airlines’ Indian Call Center
I doubt that it has ever been said before, but I am happy to say it here: I love United Airlines’ Indian Call Center. Allow me to explain. I was putting together a relatively straight forward award ticket today...
United Airlines Pulls a "Newark" at SFO
Responding to robust demand and added flights to Newark, Cleveland, and Houston, United Airlines has pulled a “Newark” on us at San Francisco International Airport. To understand what it means to “pull a Newark” you must be familiar with...
Israeli President Flies Air Canada over El-Al
If you are flying with oxygen, you might want to stay away from El-Al, the national carrier of Israel. Israel’s national airline has apologized to President Shimon Peres after attempting to charge him nearly $5,000 to bring an oxygen...
The Secret Story of American Airlines’ AAirpass Program
When I am in California, the Los Angeles Times is a critical component of my breakfast each morning. This morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find a fascinating article on American Airlines’ fight against alleged abusers of their AAirpass...
An Update on the Burma Business/First Class Fare Sale
The dust has now settled a bit in the latest airfare pricing extravaganza, but the fun has just begun. For those just joining the party, on Tuesday and Wednesday fares originating in Burma to just about anywhere in the...
Great Fare Sale! Burma to Many U.S. Cities for Under $300 in Business Class
Burma has opened up again and whether this is a currency conversion problem or just a good deal like the old ex-Colombo, Sri Lanka fares, there are some great prices available this afternoon. Think business or even first class...
United.com Club Offers $5 Off Every United Airlines Booking
While poking around united.com today, I came across a united.com Club page, offering MileagePlus members a $5 travel credit every time they book a trip on united.com. Annual membership is $25. The united.com Club (formerly called The Travel Club...
Up to 25,000 Bonus Miles on United Airlines
United Airlines is running a “Map Your Dreams” promotion in which the lucky recipients of the targeted offer can earn up to 25,000 bonus award miles based on future travel on United. Flyertalkers have reported receiving different offers, but...
TSA Agent Arrested for Throwing Hot Coffee on Pilot
This is an old story, but one I have been meaning to highlight for the last two weeks. Should a pilot have spoken up when he heard a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) using filthy language while in costume or...
A Recap of the 2012 Freddie Awards
I had a wonderful time at the Freddie Awards in New York City last night, mingling with a number of bloggers, journalists, industry folk, and even some of my readers! A big thanks to Gary Leff for the invite and...
US Airways Says Merger with American Airlines would Generate $1.2BN per Year
As American Airlines management continues to insist its goal is to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger, leaner stand-alone airline, US Airways is upping the rhetoric on a potential merger: Speaking on a conference call with reporters and analysts...
Purchase Miles from United MileagePlus for 40% Off
Through tomorrow evening, 25 April, at midnight central time, United Airlines is offering a decent (though not a great) deal for the purchase of MileagePlus miles. Through this Facebook link, miles have been discounted 40% off their normal price....
US Airways and American Merger Announcement Imminent?
I am hearing some rumblings tonight that an announcement is coming as early as Monday morning that US Airways and American Airlines may officially tie the knot. With news on Friday that American Airlines’ labor unions have thrown their...
Plentiful Qatar Airways Award Availability on United.com
United Airlines has added Qatar Airways to its online award search, making MileagePlus truly one of the most comprehensive and robust complimentary ways to check for award seats on nearly 30 airlines. Even better, Qatar Airways has made ample...
Transfer British Airways Avios to bmi Diamond Club at 1:1 Ratio
I received an update from British Midland International (bmi) this morning on their acquisition by British Airways and move out of Star Alliance. Most of the news was expected, but I did learn two new things: first, bmi Diamond...
