Via Friendly Skies, Continental Airlines announced today that their partnership with Virgin Atlantic will abruptly end on 13 February. While the news was not unexpected, it also was not expected to happen so soon. Effective February 13, 2012 we...
Don’t Be Petty, US Airways!
Last night I ran into a three-hour mechanical delay on a US Airways flight from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia. Most passengers were transported to their final destination via Washington National or Charlotte, so there when the flight finally departed,...
The TSA Shows Their Humane Side
I am usually very critical of the Transportation Security Administration and will continue to be critical as I observe the out-of-control agency wasting tax dollars. But I am also a fair person, and will give them praise when praise...
US Airways: Thanks but no thanks…
Foul weather and a delayed Continental Airlines flight gave me the opportunity to sample US Airways yesterday from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. While I won’t be defecting to US Airways anytime soon, the experience wasn’t half-bad. The flight was...
Continental Airlines on the Phone vs. Continental Airlines at the Airport
I learned something today: do not bother to call Continental Airlines if you find your flight is delayed and want to re-route. Just go to the airport and sort it out there. Perhaps I just take it for granted,...
As American Airlines Departs, Opportunity for United at Burbank
News that American Airlines will suspend service from Burbank/Bob Hope Airport next month compounds a problem for an airport that continues to lose passengers even as it invests in a pricey infrastructure upgrade that will enhance the parking facilities...
TSA Defends Confiscation of Cupcake
After facing a barrage of media criticism for an agent’s decision to confiscate a cupcake from a woman’s carry-on baggage at New York La Guardia airport on Christmas Eve, the Transportation Security Administration dug in and defended the action....
Crisscrossing the World: 33K Miles of Travel to Begin 2012
Hello from the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul–I’ve still got 21 hours of flying ahead of me today and tomorrow, but the end is in sight. I like to get a jump start on status requalification each year and...
25% Discount on United/Continental Economy Class Award Tickets to Europe and Southern Africa
I wouldn’t call this the sale of century, but if you are planning an economy class award redemption to the lower half of Africa or Europe (not recommended–go in business or first), you can save 20-25% off the published...
Chase Adds Southwest Airlines as Ultimate Rewards Partner
Just months after becoming an American Express transfer partner, you can now use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel on Southwest Airlines. Although Southwest Airlines does not appeal to me due to their lack of an international route...
United Airlines Confirms Continued Use of "Rhapsody in Blue"
Lap it up as small victory in the “war of influence” (a war over whether Continental or United will emerge as the true post-meger airline), but United confirmed today it will keep “Rhapsody in Blue” as its signature theme...
Air China Demonstrates Why I’ll Never Take Online Check-In for Granted Again
Yesterday was quite a day. I had a great tour of the DMZ–which is a story in itself and will be the subject of a couple upcoming posts–but was faced with a quandary: the tour ended at 17:30 and...
Police Storm my United Flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Minutes prior to push-back this morning, three uniformed LAX Airport Police officers boarded my United flight to San Francisco. I was sitting in row two and heard their conversation with the purser. Police: We need to speak to a...
Around the World in 2012 – A Look Ahead
The last two weeks have been great–I’ve caught up on a lot of work and spent quality time with friends and family. But I haven’t traveled outside of California, and I am getting restless. With 2012 upon us, though,...
A Review of 2011: 42 Countries, 60 Lounges, 87 Hotels and One Iranian Island
What a wonderful year of travel this has been. 42 counties, hundreds of cities, and an amazing array of sights, sounds, and smells. One year ago, I stated: I plan to fully explore Europe and hopefully the Middle East...
Last Day to Transfer Continental Miles to Amtrak
In early November, I blogged about Amtrak-Continental partnership changes set to take effect tomorrow, 01 January 2012. As a friendly reminder, today is your last day to transfer Continental OnePass miles to Amtrak Guest Rewards and vice-versa. Elite status...
New Year’s Resolution for Aspirational Travel in 2012
As we look forward to 2012, the possibilities for travel are endless. For those with a half-decent credit score, chances are you can do it for very cheap as well. If you have not already done so, start thinking...
Brussels Airlines Returns to New York JFK
It has been one decade since the Belgian flag carrier served New York City, but starting this summer Brussels Airlines, a Star Alliance member, will resume service between New York Kennedy and Brussels. SN0501 - DEPART BRU 10:20 ARRIVE...
Free Kingfisher Silver Elite Status = Free Checked Bags on American Airlines
Kingfisher Airlines will soon join the OneWorld Alliance and is offering free silver elite status to select MasterCard holders: To register, you should have an eligible MasterCard (Platinum, World, Titanium Credit Cards or a Premium Debit Card), and you...
Free Hilton HHonors Gold Status
As reported by Gary, Hilton HHonors is giving away instant free Gold status through 31 May 2013 to Visa Infinite cardholders. Benefits of Hilton Gold status include: Complimentary room upgrades Executive Lounge access and/or daily continental breakfast for two...
