After a refreshing stay at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort, it was time to continue on to Tokyo. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Guam is very easy to navigate and was empty when I arrived for my midday flight to Tokyo. I suppose I was running a little late, checking in about an […]
Honolulu to Guam in Continental Economy Class
My feelings about Continental remained mixed. Since the airline joined Star Alliance in 2009 I have flown on them quite a bit, on a mix of domestic and international flights. Overall, I give high marks to Continental, though I find their in-flight service is consistently “fine” (which I am not sure is better than UA’s […]
Your Laptop is NOT Secure or Private at U.S. Borders
I am training to be a lawyer, afterall, so let’s take a break from frequent flyer news today and focus on a recent court decision by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the confiscation of personal computers and other digital devices at U.S. borders. In a ruling released this week, the Ninth Circuit […]
As it Considers a Makeover, TSA Lets Man Slip Onto Plane with Three Box Cutters
Washington, DC is my favorite city in America and other than family and friends, that is the thing (well, place) I miss most as I enter my third month in Germany. DC is a bustling city filled with great restaurants, beautiful architecture, rich history, and all-you-can-eat politics. As a member of the American Bar Association, […]
Departing on My Asia Award Trip Today!
This afternoon I will be departing on my long-anticipated award trip to Southeast Asia and China. First, my final trip of the year to Chicago on United, followed by an overnight trip on Lufthansa to Munich. I’ve got over six hours in Munich where my brother and I will take full advantage of the first […]
Why the TSA Violates the Fourth Amendment
Earlier today, Steven Frischling, author of the Flying with Fish blog over at Boarding Area, posted a piece entitled, How the TSA Legally Circumvents the Fourth Amendment. I am a big fan of Fish’s blog–he is a nuanced writer who carefully chooses each word he writes, avoiding emotional overtures that often cloud reality. The TSA […]
Newark to Brussels in Continental Airlines Economy Class
I’ve been particularly harsh on Continental over a spattering of posts spanning the last week and a half and offer this review of my in-flight experience from Newark to Brussels and back to demonstrate that Continental certainly does many things right. CO60 EWR-BRU 1745 Dep 0800 Arr (+1) Apparently a hole had open […]
Continental’s "Generous" Compensation Offer for my EWR-BRU Fiasco: Zilch
Last weekend, Continental Airlines did not meet my expectations at Newark. I rarely take the time to write to an airline (I haven’t written to United in years), but felt what happened was egregious enough to bring to CO’s attention. I found this in my inbox last night (bolding mine): Dear Mr. Klint: Thank you […]
Live and Let’s Fly: One Year Anniversary
Ha! The year flew by past. Today marks the first anniversary of my blog. I want to take a brief moment to thank all of my readers for your input and support over the last year. I also want to thank Mike for all the work he puts into upgrd.com each and every day. I’ve still got […]
IX: Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
VIII: Exploring Buenos Aires
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
VII: First Class (Super Cama) Bus Service from Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires on Rio Uruguay
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
VI: Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian Side + Sheraton Iguazu Falls
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian Side of Cataratas
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte
2010 SOUTH AMERICA TRIP REPORT I: Introduction II: Los Angeles to Washington Dulles via Denver in United First III: Washington to Buenos Aires in United Airlines Business Class IV: Business Class (Cama) Bus Service from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls on Crucero del Norte V: Breakfast in Paraguay, Lunch in Brazil, Dinner in Argentina + Brazilian […]
Reconsidering my indifference to hotel status
Growing up I was a "kettle" flyer–one to two trips a year in the back of the economy cabin with no concept of elite status, frequent flyer perks, or mileage running. When I was a teenager I had a "coming of age" where I learned how to play the frequent flyer game. I continue to […]
What the new DOT Tarmac Delay Guidelines Mean for You
While a Passenger Bill of Rights in the United States remains gridlocked in Congress, the AP reports the Obama Administration has announced new rules that: Prohibit tarmac delays beyond three hours Require airlines to provide "adequate" food and drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable […]