We have rightfully heard a lot of praise for the LOT Polish Airlines pilots who landed a Boeing 767 on its belly in Warsaw yesterday after the landing gear failed to deploy. Hailed as a hero, Captain Tadeusz Wrona...
A Closer Look at the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
26 counties, including the United States, lodged a formal protest today against a European Union law to tax all airlines travelling to and from Europe for their carbon emissions. Might this be the start of a trade war? Here...
Singapore Airlines Introduces "Scoot" Budget Carrier
Singapore Airlines revealed some more details about its planned low-cost subsidiary today. Here is a brief summary: The airline will be called “Scoot” Operations will begin in June 2012 Four Boeing 777-200 jets will be used initially The carrier...
TSA Spots Concealed Knife in Carry-On Bag at Newark Airport!
Stop the presses! Stop the presses! The Wall Street Journal brings us this groundbeaking accomplishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): NEWARK, N.J. — A Transportation Security Administration screener at a New Jersey airport spotted a knife concealed in...
New FA Wings Coming to United Airlines
United Airlines has asked its flight attendants to choose new flight attendant wings as part of a uniform refresh coming next year. On the UA internal site, FAs were given the following information: “Now we invite you to vote...
An Amazing Day in Petra, Jordan
After a fascinating weekend in Erbil, Iraq and Riga, Latvia last weekend, I did not think this weekend could top it–but so far it has, by leaps and bounds. I am in Jordan for the weekend with a colleague...
Masterful British Airways Ad Campaign – To Fly. To Serve.
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...
