It started with a phone call. “Hey Matthew! You ever been to the Kentucky Derby?” When I responded negatively, the answer was quick: “Well, you’re going to this one!” This post introduces a mini trip-report I will publish over the next...
Drunk United Pilot Jailed for 10 Months
A United pilot has been sentenced to 10 months in jail for showing up to work drunk. Carlos Roberto Licona, a United Airlines 757-200 first officer, showed up to Glasgow Airport reeking of alcohol last August. The stench was so...
5 Ways LAX is Becoming America’s Best Airport
As an Angeleno, I will concede my local bias upfront, but LAX is transforming itself into a world class airport. Here are five ways LAX is arguably becoming America’s best major airport. 1. Tom Bradley International Terminal + Expansion...
United Airlines Will Protest Emirates on Sunday with Members of Congress
United Airlines employees and a handful of Members of Congress plan a protest on Sunday at Newark’s Liberty International Airport against Emirates. The Dubai-based airline is commencing non-stop service between Newark and Athens later this month. The protest will...
Stroopwafels: United vs. KLM
Both United Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines serve stroopwafels onboard their flights. The all-important question of the day: which airline has better waffles? A stroopwafel is a “waffle made from two thin layers of baked dough with a...
United Airlines Returns to San Jose, CA
United Airlines is adding mainline service to San Jose, CA, years after abandoning Silicon Valley from two hubs. Twice daily service from Chicago began yesterday and once daily service from Newark begins today. Silicon Valley and the entire Bay...
My Hotel Dilemma in Santorini and Mykonos
I’ve set foot in 125 countries, but there are still many places I have yet to visit. In Greece, I’ve been to Athens and Thessaloniki, but not to any of the Greek Islands. Soon I’ll be departing for Germany for...
A Warning to American Express
Dear American Express, I’ve been a cardholder for 12 years and a Platinum cardholder for six. I am a strong advocate for American Express and have helped dozens of friends and family members also sign up. Last week you announced...
TAP A330 New Business Class Transformation
Portuguese airline and Star Alliance member TAP is in the midst of refreshing its A330 longhaul fleet. The retrofit project means new seats in both business and economy class. The angled seats in business class are out and lie-flat beds are in....
United Airlines CEO Defends 747 Retirement
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz defended his company’s decision to move up the retirement of the 747-400 by a full year. The last United 747 flight will be in October. In answering a...
The Best Airplane Steak I’ve Ever Had
I’ve had many good airline meal over the years, but few good steaks. One reason is because I like my steak cooked medium rare. The other reason is because reheating a steak at 40,000 feet is no easy task....
How to Use Your Miles for Qatar’s New QSuite Business Class
Qatar Airways unveiled its next generation business class product today, dubbed QSuite. It is set to premiere on 777-300ER flights between Doha and London this June, but will expand to all 777s and A350s. Here’s your guide to using...
3 Reasons I Love Qatar Airways’ New QSuite Business Class
Qatar Airways revealed its new business class product today in Berlin it brands “QSuite, First in Business”. Here’s why I love it. Tour of QSuite Business Class on Qatar Airways First, watch this video describing the new business class...
Great Mexican Food in Amsterdam
No matter what city I am in the world, I will seek out Mexican food. It is my comfort food that I could eat 365 days year. Just ask my wife. So when I was in Amsterdam over a recent...
Strange United Airlines Schedule Change
Last week I reported that United Airlines is making Boston – San Francisco a 100% lie-flat route in business class starting in June. This morning, reader Eric W. left a comment stating– Just checked several dates in mid-June and found the...
CIA Travel Guide for Secret Agents in Germany
Wikileaks released a trove of information today it calls Vault 7, part of a larger cache of information in its “Year Zero” series that seeks to inform the public of alleged government overreach. Included in the document dump is a...
Review: Aspire Lounge 41 Amsterdam (AMS)
After landing early from Jakarta on my Garuda First Class flight, I had a long wait before my room was ready at the Andaz Prinsengracht. Thank goodness for Priority Pass — it gave me access to the Aspire Lounge 41...
Hyatt Suite Upgrades Update: Good News But Still Confusing
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. Formerly called Diamond Suite Upgrades, now simply “Suite Upgrades” are the very best...
Review: Hyatt Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
This was my third trip to Amsterdam but the first time I actually enjoyed it. I never really cared for the city before, dismissing it as a den of prostitutes and pot. This time, I saw there is so much more to...
Going to Canada? You May Now Need a Visa
Did you know that you now may need a visa to visit Canada? Last November the Canadian Government mandated that formerly visa exempt travelers obtain an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) prior to travel to Canada by air. This includes transit....
