Just what makes an airline advertisement great? That has been a topic of debate recently here on Live and Let’s Fly and also on Frequently Flying. I reject the notion that the most effective ads highlight a carrier’s product,...
My Advice to United Airlines on Inflight Wi-Fi
It appears that United is finally going to add wi-fi internet access across its domestic fleet and possibly its entire fleet. This announcement, made almost off-handedly by CEO Jeff Smisek earlier today during United’s quarterly conference call, is long...
Pictures from the New Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Frankfurt
In July, Lufthansa opened their largest Senator Lounge yet in Terminal B at Frankfurt International Airport. I have had the pleasure of using it a number of times now and want to take you on a brief tour. Tucked...
What do you do when you see award seats but cannot book them?
From time to time, award space will appear available, but when I attempt to book it I receive an error message or am told that seats are no longer available. But then when I search again, the space still...
Review: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Mendoza made me fall deeper into love with Argentina. While Mendoza is really in a desert, a system of artificial irrigation and cultivation over the last five centuries has turned this eastern Argentine town into a remarkable blend of...
Another Foolish Mistake, Another Lesson Learned
I was supposed to be on my way to Vilnius now in order to catch an early flight to Frankfurt tomorrow. I had booked a “Lux Express” bus for the four-hour trip that featured wi-fi onboard and complimentary beverages....
Destination: Riga, Latvia
Another weekend, another trip. I really do need a weekend to sleep and catch up on my hotel reviews, but I continue to take full advantage of my time in Europe to see other cities and countries at a...
Air India Passengers Wait 9 Hours to Travel from London Gatwick to Heathrow
I offer my condolences to the 300+ passengers on Air India flight 131 from Mumbai to London earlier this week, who were trapped on a 777 for nine hours in a comedy of errors that further diminishes the image...
United Club Passes on Sale for $19
United Airlines has discounted single-entry lounge passes at U.S. airports, offering the $50 passes for only $19. For those without lounge access, this offer is quite appealing. Sure, United Clubs are no comparison to clubs like a Lufthansa Senator...
Turkish Airlines Adds New Routes from Istanbul
Keep a close watch on Turkish Airlines: the carrier is growing fast and fiercely competing with its rivals. I have watched its route network grow over the last few years and am amazed that the carrier continues to add...
TSA SPOT Program Wastes Time and Money
The Transportation Security Administration is actively testing its new Israeli-style interrogation program at Boston’s Logan Airport. The new screening method is part of the TSA’s SPOT (Screening of Passengers by Observation Technique) initiative that began in 2001, encompasses the...
Bribed TSA Officer Conspires with Drug Smuggler at LAX…9 Times!
I wish I could say I am surprised, but I am not: a Transportation Security Administration Officer at Los Angeles International Airport was busted on Sunday for aiding and abetting a drug smuggler sneak 15lbs of marijuana past security....
The Dark Side of Paris
I had a wonderful weekend in Paris. Great food, time with family and friends, and beautiful weather made for an incredible few days. And is there a city more beautiful than Paris? I just love the architecture, the gardens,...
Virgin America’s Clever but Deceiving New Ad Campaign
From Ben, Virgin America released a clever new ad campaign featuring two twins flying on identical routes, one on Virgin, the other on a competitor, then comparing notes after the flight. Watch the videos below and see if you notice the same...
Fight Breaks Out at Lufthansa Priority Screening Checkpoint at Frankfurt
You never hear me complaining about the airport security screeners at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. I travel from FRA on a weekly basis and I have experienced nothing but professional service trip after trip. These men and women...
Turkish Airlines Award Seats Now Bookable on Continental.com
As I have blogged about before, my favorite way to check for Star Alliance award space is with Continental Airlines’ online award search tool. It quickly searches space, offers triple connections if necessary, and presents a two-month calendar so...
Ryanair to Remove Toilets on Aircraft
When speaking about Ryanair, it is always difficult to determine whether they are serious or just fishing for publicity, but they are in the news again, and once again the issue is lavatories. While the Irish carrier dropped plans...
50% Off + Free Shipping on United Airlines Tuilp Merchandise
As United Airlines transitions from the tuilp logo to Continental’s globe logo, they are clearing out old merchandise from thier online store, the United Shop. Now until supplies are exhausted, you can purchase most United-branded items for half price...
US Airways Raises the Price of Purchased Miles…Again!
For the second time in just over a year, US Airways has raised the price of purchased miles. Effective immediately, miles now cost 3.5 cents each–a 27% increase over the 2.75 cents the miles were previously available at and...
Return to London
Hello from London. My parents have finally flown across the Pond for a visit and my brother is still in town, so we decided to meet up in London this weekend. This is my second trip to London this...
