Sunday afternoon I arrived at Hunstville, AL for my flight back to Philadelphia (via IAD and ORD) only to find the ExpressJet plane that was scheduled to take me back to Washington was broken. A replacement jet was dispatched...
I Survived My Trip on Mesa Air!
Despite an unresolved mechanical delay that cost me 40 minutes at Washington Dulles today, I was pleased with my travel experience on Mesa. Last time I flew Mesa, I witnessed a FA cuss out a passenger because his bag would not...
A Day of Flying on United Express
I am traveling to Alabama today and am taking two United Express flights to get there, one on Trans States and one on Mesa (aka Messy Air). Hopefully I’ll make it! Actually, I agree with Gray’s assessment of travel...
Man Violates Federal Law by Asking for Orange Juice on American Airlines Flight?
I often lament the lackluster service of UA Flight Attendants, but apparently the grass may not be greener on the other side: Something went very wrong on American Airlines flight 614 from Sacramento to Dallas this Sunday, December 6th....
TSA Gives Away Its Secrets in Massive Security Breach
The story is not as bad as it sounds, but the TSA has embarrassed itself again: In a massive security breach, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inadvertently posted online its airport screening procedures manual, including some of the most closely guarded secrets regarding special rules...
United Orders 25 A350s and 25 787s
United announced today it will split its wide-body order evenly between Airbus and Boeing and has placed a firm order for 25 A350s and 25 787s. Justifying the split order, United stated: The breadth in size and capabilities of...
All I Want for Christmas is…Another Bump on United
Well, not really, but last week I booked a nice little MR to get me back to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve and was pleased to find that the Economy cabin is now zeroed out more than 2.5 weeks...
Picture of the Week #5: The Best Breakfast in Frankfurt, Courtesy of Lufthansa
I do not particularly care for Lufthansa’s International First Class product in the air. I have been on four flights in LH F the last 14 months and I was not impressed with the overcooked food, outdated seat, or lilliputian IFE...
The Precarious Proposition of Airline Stocks: Fool’s Game or Viable Get-Rich-Quick Scheme?
Market analysts broadly agree that airline stock is a poor long-term investment. Robert Crandall, American Airline’s former CEO said of his airline, “It’s a great company that does important work. But airlines are not an investment.” (BTW, you might...
Comparing Dinner on Alaska, Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways
With the exception of American Airlines, I have been fortunate enough to fly in the forward cabins on each of America’s legacy carriers. While seat comfort, service, route network, and most importantly mileage program will likely be more determinate...
Too Fat to Fly? Dealing with Passengers of Size
photo credit to Flightglobal.com Discussing overweight passengers is like discussing politics or religion around the Thanksgiving dinner table with family: generally not a good idea. When I saw the picture above, though, I felt compelled to address the issue....
Mother Smothers Baby while Breastfeeding on a United 777 from Kuwait to Washington
Unlike my last mother-baby story (mother and newborn get free flights for life on AirAsia after mother gives birth onboard), this story does not have a happy ending: A baby girl died when her mum fell asleep as she...
Day 6: Bogota + BOG-MEX-LAX on Mexicana in Elite Class
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to...
A Recap of My Thanksgiving Travel on United – Yes, I scored another $600 bump
I mentioned last week that I had a row with a Service Director at SFO on Wednesday. I had just arrived from San Diego (surly and argumentative SEA-based FA’s on the flight) and had a tight connection down to...
Easy Bump or Illusory Hope? Gauging my Chances for a VDB Opportunity on United Today
I am scheduled to fly from Ontario, CA (ONT)-SFO-ORD-PHL later today and am hoping that I will get the opportunity to give up my seat on one of the flights. Unfortunately, it looks like my best shot is ONT-SFO...
Day 5: Cusco to Lima on LAN Peru + Lima + Lima to Bogota on Avianca
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to...
Day 4: Machu Picchu + Aguas Calientes to Cusco on Peru Rail
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to...
Giving Thanks for United Airlines
I had a mediocre day of cross-country travel yesterday that included a run-in and heated exchange with a UA Service Director at SFO. I am going to save the details for a post next week, but UA has some...
Day 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes on Peru Rail + Climbing Putucusi Mountain
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to...
Day 2: Lima to Cusco on LAN Peru + Cusco
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to...
