As my travails at Almaty International Airport demonstrate, Kazakhstan is not a destination for the faint of heart. But that should not keep you away. The bustling markets, unique architecture, and glistening monuments make Almaty a city that should not be missed when traveling in Central Asia. And when you are there, an oasis and […]
Review: Hyatt Regency Kiev, Ukraine
When you think about service in the former Soviet Union, what usually comes to mind? A woman like the one featured in Wendy’s “Having No Choice” commercial taking issue with even the simplest request? I mention that because I am frankly surprised how often that assumption is made by people I interact with, even some […]
Review: Park Hyatt Seoul
It comes as no surprise that you will always be pampered at a Park Hyatt property. Indeed, that that is to be assumed in a luxury hotel chain. The question then becomes whether price, location, and amenities make a Park Hyatt property the best choice in a city with many fine hotel options. While Seoul […]
My Top 10 Airline Meals Of 2020
For this year’s final Meal of the Week, I count down my top 10 airline meals of 2020. To be clear, these are only the best meals I have enjoyed over the last year, not my top 10 all-time list. Travel was quite limited in 2020 by historical comparison and it took a fair amount […]
Booked: TAP Air Portugal A330neo (Finally)
It’s finally time to return home from my extended trip to Europe and Israel and this year, I am determined to try as many new products as I can. I’ve just booked a ticket him on TAP Air Portugal to try out the new A330neo in business class. It’s not like I’ll forsake my 1K […]
Air France Upgrades Premium Economy Meals, But Still Misses One Important Detail
Air France is investing in its premium economy cabin with culinary upgrades, though I still wonder why the chic French carrier skimps on la présentation. Air France Upgrades Premium Economy Meals And Shows Why Details Matter Air France has announced a series of enhancements to its premium economy (a cabin Air France markets as “Premium” […]
Aer Lingus Adds Starlink, Delta Stands Alone
Starlink lands on Aer Lingus, expanding its airline takeover while Delta bets elsewhere. Will that gamble pay off as competition finally emerges? Starlink’s Grip On Airline WiFi Tightens Aer Lingus just joined the growing list of airlines rolling out Starlink, and at this point the list of airlines without it is becoming few. Starlink is […]
I Flew 10.5 Hours In United 787-9 Basic Economy In Seat 56F
Hello from London, where my kids and I are chilling in the Lufthansa Lounge after a 10.5-hour flight from Los Angeles to London on a United Airlines 787-9 in row 56…the penultimate row on the aircraft. United Airlines 787-9 In “Deep Coach” – First Impressions For the first time ever on United Airlines I bought […]
My Top 10 Airline Lounges Of 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on the top 10 airline lounges I visited in 2025. Note, this is not my all-time “top 10” list, but only my “top 10” list of lounges I visited this year, so you will see many […]
Detroit Airport Wants A Cigar Lounge. Critics Call It Dangerous…I Call It Smart.
Many airports have banned smoking entirely, but now Detroit may go in the opposite direction with a new cigar lounge under consideration—and I think that’s a positive step. Detroit Airport’s Planned Cigar Lounge: A Win for Travelers, Not a Health Threat At Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, the airport authority has proposed creation of an […]
How Should I Get To Asia For My Upcoming Trip?
I’ve got a review trip coming up, but there are still many pieces of the puzzle that have yet to fall into place. Today, I want to discuss what is booked and what is yet to be booked and solicit your help in how I should get to Asia and home from Europe. Help Me […]
Some AI Great At Evaluating Award Charts, Value, Some Not
A recent experience with xAI’s Grok demonstrated that AI can be surprisingly good at evaluating award charts and redemption value. Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles Offered Million Mile Challenge In the last couple of weeks, Turkish Airlines announced a challenge to engage its audience and demonstrate the breadth of its expansive network. “Miles&Smiles members who fly to […]
United Airlines Will Resume Tel Aviv Flights On July 21, 2025
United Airlines Resumes Tel Aviv Service – July 2025 United Airlines service to Tel Aviv (TLV) from New York/Newark (EWR) will resume on July 21, 2025, with a second daily flight planned to begin July 22. Tickets for Tel Aviv flights are now bookable on United.com. United told Live And Let’s Fly: This resumption is […]
United vs. Delta: The Lounge War Escalates In New York
United Airlines opened an expanded dining room at its Newark Polaris Lounge (EWR) today, adding 60 seats to its longhaul business class lounge in a move that underscores the competitive pressures in the New York City area, especially with its chief rival, Delta Air Lines. United Airlines Ups Lounge Game With Expanded Dining Room In […]
The Very Crowded Lufthasna Business Lounge In New York (JFK)
I feel like calling this report about the Lufthansa Business Lounge in New York JFK a “review” is a bit of a stretch, so let’s let’s just leave it as a report. Lufthansa Business Lounge New York (JFK) – Decent Food, No Seats! I entered the lounge at about 2:45 pm expecting to review it […]
Introduction: A Return To Morocco On Royal Air Maroc
Welcome to my next trip report, which will share in greater detail about my brief trip to Morroco and an unexpected side trip to Paris last July, with a chance to fly the Royal Air Maroc flagship 787-9 and check out the brand new Park Hyatt Marrakech. A Trip To Marrakech…And Paris…on Royal Air Maroc […]
My Visit To United’s Denver Ramp Tower
During our DEN layover, my son Augustine and I had the chance to visit United’s Denver Ramp Tower, giving us a look at one of United’s command centers at its Rocky Mountain hub. Visiting The United Airlines Denver Ramp Tower I have many friends who work for United and one dear friend knew my family […]
Girlfriend Ghosted Him After “Grotesque” Act On Virgin Atlantic
A girlfriend ghosted her boyfriend after he committed the “grotesque” act of ditching her in economy class after being upgraded to business class on Virgin Atlantic. Who is the reasonable one here? He Scored An Upgrade To Virgin Atlantic Upper Class And Abandoned His Girlfriend In Economy Class – A “Grotesque” Act? The perennial question […]
United Airlines’ Popular Grab-And-Go “Club Fly Lounge” Expands To Houston
After great success in Denver, United Airlines has opened its second grab-and-go Club Fly Lounge at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. New United Airlines Club Fly Lounge In Houston (IAH) In 2022, United opened its first Club Fly Lounge in Denver International Airport, a concept that is the antipode of a traditional lounge concept. Rather […]
My Sleeping Pod In Copenhagen…
It wasn’t planned, but I wound up in a sleeping pod in a unique hostel in central Copenhagen after my travel plans went sideways and I did not feel like splurging for a nicer hotel when it was already late and I had a very early morning departure. Nyhavn63 Capsule Hotel: Sleeping Pod In Copenhagen […]
