One of the new benefits Globalists receive is access to their own “My Concierge” formerly Hyatt Private Line. After a rocky start, my personal experience has improved greatly. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Initial Impressions My […]
Help Me Get Home From Israel!
It is not often that the Award Expert needs award help, but I find myself in a unique position. I’ll spend Christmas in Germany this year and have a bit of time after for a trip with my family. I asked my wife where she wanted to go and her response was instant: Israel. But here […]
A Thanksgiving Resolution
Once upon a time there was a boy who loved to fly around the world using his miles and points. Around the globe he flew, visiting the far corners of the world; meeting new people and surveying new lands. The boy grew into a man and his eyes were opened to the world around him, […]
Today Is Single’s Day in China – What?
Single’s Day is a new “holiday” started by students at a Chinese University in 1993. It’s held every November 11th and while it was originally meant to be an alternative to loved-up Valentine’s Day, now it is the Chinese retail juggernaut event of the year like Black Friday in the States. If you are considering booking […]
What I Transferred To British Airways During American Express Transfer Bonus
Time is running out on a lucrative 40% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards to British Airways Executive Club. If you have not yet moved over any points, check out my earlier post, which outlines why you may wish to consider prospectively moving over some points. The transfer bonus sale ends on 15 November […]
Unruly Passenger Attacks United Flight Attendants, Forcing Diversion
A United Airlines flight returned to London after a boisterous woman cursed at her seat-back entertainment then attacked flight attendants. Michelle Vanbuskirk certainly had a bad day on a flight from London to Washington on September 25th. The woman, who lives in north London, allegedly became so intoxicated that she began swearing at her in-flight seat-back […]
New Flight To Newark On Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is returning to Newark more than two decades after abandoning service to Liberty International Airport. The carrier will launch daily service starting in August 2019, utilizing an Airbus A330-300: TK29 Istanbul (IST) – Newark (EWR) / 13:15-17:20 / A333 TK30 Newark (EWR) – Istanbul (IST) / 22:30-15:15 / A333 I love the late […]
Flying United’s Retrofitted 777-200 In Polaris Business Class
Over the weekend I had the chance to fly United’s recently renovated 777-200 featuring new Polaris business class seats. This is the same aircraft that featured United’s new premium economy seating. I used a Global Premier Upgrade to confirm an upgrade to business at time of booking…a rarity lately on United. The newly retrofitted 777-200 […]
United Makes 1K Status More Exclusive, But Less Valuable
Yesterday, United Airlines announced a number of changes for MileagePlus members with elite status. While not all bad news, I’d say the changes are more negative than positive. Let’s analyze each one. Better boarding Effective on September 18, 2018 Premier® 1K® members will be called to board during pre-boarding ahead of Group 1 Premier Gold […]
Why British Airways Business Class Is Totally Worthwhile Within Europe
There’s one reason why I will not think twice to pay the extra miles for business class on British Airways flights into London. It is not the seat, for the seat is the same. It is not the food, though I love the scones. Nor is it for lounge access, since I already have it […]
New Apple iPhone eSim Technology Perfect For Travelers
At yesterday’s Keynote, Apple unveiled a trio of new iPhones with many enhancements and added features over previous models. But one thing in particular caught my eye. The new iPhone XR, XS, and SX Max devices will feature dual SIM card technology, allowing for two phone lines. The days of switching SIM cards when landing […]
What Happens When You Jump The Fence At LAX?
What happens when you jump the fence At LAX? Obviously, you are arrested. It is trespassing. But what else? Prison? Do Not Fly list? Airport ban? Earlier this week, a man jumped the outer permitter fence at Los Angeles International Airport. It was about 1:30 P.M. and the man made a mad dash for a Delta […]
United Considers Significant Expansion To Washington Dulles Hub
United Airlines is considering up to a 50% increase in its number of flights at Washington Dulles. Speaking at the Boyd Group International Aviation Forecast Summit in Denver, United President Scott Kirby hinted at the expansion: Today we have a four-bank structure at Dulles. The team is actually evaluating a six-bank structure that would create […]
Air France Unions May Give New CEO A Chance Before Striking (But Not KLM)
We are still a long way from kumbaya around the campfire, but labor unions at Air France have dialed down the the harsh rhetoric and threats to strike against the new leader. Last week I wrote about the ice cold reception that newly-appointed Air France/KLM CEO Ben Smith received from Air France union groups. Among other […]
A Superb Airline With A Superb Aircraft Is Coming To LAX
Finnair is returning to Los Angeles. This is not Finnair’s first attempt to serve Los Angeles, but it has been many years. This time, the carrier will operate an A350-900 aircraft on the route, which is one of my favorite airplanes. Based upon the assigned flight numbers, it appears this will be Finnair’s flagship route: […]
The Economics of Lie-Flat Beds on 737s
United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby announced yesterday that United is exploring lie-flat seating on upcoming 737 MAX 10 deliveries. Speaking at the Boyd Group International Aviation Forecast Summit in Denver, Kirby touted United’s lie-flat domestic flights: It’s been really successful in the markets that we have it in. There are other markets out of Newark and […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 23, 2018
Greetings from sunny Los Angeles. I’m in a holding pattern this week. I thought I was going to have to leave for Europe tomorrow, but that trip has been postponed. I’m both relieved and disappointed. I never like leaving my family but there’s a heatwave coming to Los Angeles that I wanted to escape. In […]
Luggage Review: Wool & Oak Duffle Bag
For several years I have been traveling a mix of short road trips and some longer journeys domestically and abroad. For shorter trips, I prefer to simplify my packing and bring as little as possible. The Wool & Oak Duffle Bag proclaimed to provide the functionality of both a briefcase and 2-3 days worth of […]
Amazon Prime Day: Kyle’s Traveler Picks
Amazon holds their Prime Day once per year which offers Black Friday-level discounts on participating products. I wanted to share my picks for travelers from the offerings. This year Amazon Prime Day has been extended, starting at 3PM Eastern on July 16th ending midnight on July 17th. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for […]
Justice: Delta Passenger Forced To Pay Up For Flight Diversion
We read about flight diversions fairly regularly, but it is not often we read about who settles the bill. Diverting a plane cost moneys. There are fuel costs, landing fees, labor costs, not to mention passenger rebooking. A diversion may cause a ripple-effect of delays as an aircraft’s usage is carefully planned to maximize utilization. […]
