The dust of the merger hasn’t even settled yet and already Continental and United pilots are quarreling. Let’s hope this sibling rivalry is ironed out faster than America West and US Airways pilots have worked out their differences (we’re still waiting on that)… On...
My Thoughts on Avianca-TACA and Copa Joining Star Alliance
As Fozz reported, in a ceremony in Miami earlier today, Star Alliance announced that Avianca-TACA and Copa will join Star Alliance by mid-2012. Avianca and TACA merged last year, though the two airlines still operate separately and are not formally...
$25 Gift from American Express for Supporting Small Business
From Lucky: American Express is offering the first 100,000 people who register here a $25 statement credit if they spend at least $25 at a small business the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th. Here’s how AMEX defines a small business: Eligible merchants...
More Backlash Over TSA’s Body Scanners
More pilots and now a group of university scientists are protesting a TSA security directive that will soon make full body scanners the primary method of passenger screening at airports across the United States. If my constant haranguing about civil liberties...
Four AA Baggage Handlers Charged with Theft at Philadelphia International
Ah, the City of Brotherly Love. My home away from home. And apparently "brotherly love" includes sharing the contents of your checked baggage with AA’s finest employees at Philadelphia International Airport. There are many reasons I don’t check bags...
1,000 United Miles for Mobile Check-In
Earn 1,000 United miles for checking in for your flight on your mobile phone! Available on qualifying flights. Mobile check-in is currently available for any United- or United Express-operated flight within the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin...
Should the TSA Ban Wi-Fi and Cell Phones Onboard Airplanes?
Obviously, my answer is NO. But it’s not like the TSA takes my opinions to heart… Here’s the latest buzz: mobile phones and Wi-Fi may be used to blow up an airplane, so the TSA is considering banning them....
Best. Redeye. Ever. (in United Economy!)
Although my upgrade clearance record has been pretty bad lately on morning transcons, it has been perfect on Sunday night redeyes from either Los Angeles or San Francisco to Philadelphia. Last Sunday, however, my luck ran out and I...
Free Inflight Wi-Fi on AirTran, Delta and Virgin America During Holiday Season
Google is partnering with AirTran, Delta, and Virgin America to offer free Wi-Fi on domestic flights during the holiday season this year. From November 20th through January 2nd, inflight internet will be complimentary on these carriers, all of which...
Earn 1,000 Bonus Miles from United Airlines
Earn a quick 1,000 miles from United just for updating your united.com profile. Dear Matthew, As a valued Mileage Plus® member, you should be the first to know about opportunities to earn award miles, partner offers, fare sales and...
TSA to Ban Toner Cartridges Tomorrow
Security Directive 1554-10-05 is out: starting tomorrow, November 8, the TSA is expected to announce that airline passengers will be prohibited from flying with printer ink and toner cartridges, sized at 16oz (by volume) or larger. This ban will cover...
A Surprisingly Stellar Flight on United Express
I always avoid United Express when I can for many reasons. First, I find that mainline crews are usually more professional and warmer than the rookies making $7/hr on Express. Second, although UA’s larger regional aircraft now feature Economy...
New BOB Snack Box Choices on United
Once again, United Airlines has altered their snack box choices this month, available for purchase on most afternoon and evening flights longer than two hours. UA donates a portion of the snack box proceeds (though we don’t know how...
My Thoughts on the 2010 Frequent Traveler Awards
I had the privilege of attending the first annual Frequent Flyer Awards Ceremony in Houston last night and had a great time. Not only was it great to see many friends and familiar faces, it was great to see...
Benjamin Button Busted on an Air Canada Flight
For those who have not seen or read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I realize my title may be confusing. Button was a fictitious character who was born elderly and grew younger in appearance as...
Great News! New Bathrooms Coming Soon to Philadelphia Red Carpet Club
Anyone who has been to United’s Philadelphia Red Carpet Club knows that the bathrooms are in an utter state of disrepair. Although the club was refurbished in 2009 and closed temporarily by the Health Department earlier this year, the...
AA Pilots Revolt Against the TSA
Check out this letter from Captain Ed Bates, president of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 11,000 American Airlines pilots: Fellow Pilots, In response to increased threats to civil aviation around the world, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has...
A Visit to Singapore Airlines’ Remodeled SilverKris Lounge in San Francisco
Earlier this week I had a chance to stop by the newly remodeled Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge at SFO. It reopened last week after being closed for refurbishments the last few months. The new lounge is sleeker and better...
United’s Dulles Dilemma
With the Continental/United merger now a reality, the future of Washington Dulles as United’s main East Coast hub bears discussion. The current UA facilities at IAD, though functional, are unseemly when compared to leading airport concourses across the U.S. and around the world (and even...
"Would you mind moving from business to economy so my wife can sit next to me?"
I will occasionally run into passengers, almost always families traveling together, who will ask me to move seats so they can be seated next to each other. I think it’s rude to ask, but will generally comply as long...
