Even on a short route like London to Madrid, I quickly recognized what a game-changer the A350-1000 is. British Airways’ latest aircraft offers a stunning new business class that can compete with leading business class products of the world. I say compete, but stipulate at the outset that so much of competition is perception. British […]
Montreal Looks Like Doha This Summer!
Visit Montreal this summer and you just might think you are at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. This summer, you’re going to see a lot of Qatar Airways aircraft parked at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal. In fact, on any morning you might see four at once. That’s not because Qatar Airways […]
Qatar Airways Accelerates A380 Retirement
Qatar Airways plans to retire its A380 fleet earlier than planned, joining a number of other airlines which do not see a long-term place for the Airbus superjumbo jet. Never one to beat around the bush, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker made his intentions clear at the recent Paris Air Show to FlightGlobal: We feel […]
Air Italy, The Clone Of Qatar Airways
It is becoming more difficult to distinguish Air Italy and Qatar Airways. Perhaps that is not such a bad thing. Yesterday, Air Italy launched nonstop service between Milan and Los Angeles. San Francisco starts next week. In celebration of the new service, Air Italy has unveiled new employee uniforms, on-demand dining service, and new tableware, cutlery, […]
Will Cathay Pacific Honor First Class Fare Deal?
Happy New Year! I went to bed just after midnight last night in Germany and woke up with a flood of texts, tweets, and emails about cheap Cathay Pacific business and first class fares out of Vietnam. It was already too late for me, but did you get in on it? As I write this […]
My Top 10 Flights In 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on my 10 favorite flights from 2018. As a reminder, this is not a top-1o all-time list nor does it contain the 10 most luxurious flights I enjoyed this year. Rather, it represents my subjectively favorite […]
My Top 10 Lounges In 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, it is time for my annual “Top 10” series. Here, I’ll look back on the 10 best airport lounges I visited in 2018. 10. Marco Polo Club – Venice (VCE) I appreciated that this Priority Pass lounge had very good lasagna and coffee…after driving all day it surely hit […]
I’d Like Airlines To Offer MORE Service In Business Class
My friend Ben from One Mile At A Time wrote a story earlier this week entitled, I’d Like Airlines To Offer LESS Service In Business Class. I offer a friendly rebuttal here. His focus is on shorter overnight flights from the East Coast to Europe, where he rightly notes that an extended dinner service after […]
Save Big On A Cathay Pacific Business Class Ticket
Cathay Pacific is offering $1,000 off a business class ticket or $500 off a premium economy class ticket during its Black Friday sale. Use the promotion code HOLIDAY when purchasing your ticket and you can save big on your next Cathay Pacific trip to Asia. Promo code is valid for bookings made through November 27, […]
Editorial: Cut The Complaints About “Inferior” U.S. Airlines
There’s a cliche amongst frequent travelers. It goes something like this: U.S. airlines are woefully behind European and Asian airlines, especially in terms of service. While just my opinion, I’m tired of that trite argument and reject it. Don’t think I am going to defend the lackluster and sometimes hostile service that FAs on U.S. […]
Review: Qatar Airways A380 First Class Doha to Paris
After literally a day in the Al Safwa lounge, I ventured back into the terminal and proceeded to the gate for my connecting flight to Paris. This would be my first time aboard a Qatar Airways A380. Boarding had started early and I found myself one of the last passengers onboard. Stepping onto the aircraft, […]
Stunning New Turkish Airlines Uniforms + Business Class Suite
Turkish Airlines has unveiled classy new uniforms plus hinted at a new business class suite. The new uniforms will debut later this year and “hark back to a golden age of couture fashion from the 1950’s.” Inspired by many classic elements of Turkish design and culture, the new uniforms incorporate traditional patterns found in artisanal […]
Review: Middle East Airlines A330 Business Class Beirut To Frankfurt
After a pleasant flight from Dubai to Beirut aboard an A320, it was time to test MEA’s flagship A330-200. Give yourself extra time to get from the central terminal to your gate: an additional security screening is required. Boarding started about an hour before takeoff. Middle East Airlines 217 Beirut (BEY) – Frankfurt (FRA) Friday, August […]
An Update on the Way I Post Trip Reports
I’m listening to you, my daily readers. While most of my traffic comes via Google searches, a big part of why I write is for those of you who come back every day to read what I have to say. I know the internet is full of travel blogs and I do not take your […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: March 18, 2018
A trip is on the horizon…I’m anticipating a trip to Europe coming up, perhaps as early tomorrow. But for now, another week in LA. I didn’t even spend this many consecutive days on the ground when my son was born! United was in the headlines again this week…after a dog died onboard a flight from […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 25, 2018
Hello from the American Express Lounge at San Francisco International Airport. I’m on my way home from FTU after a great weekend in Seattle. It was an honor to meet many readers. Remember, there are four upcoming Frequent Traveler University events in the months ahead: London Brisbane New York City Washington, DC I enjoy these […]
How Qatar Airways Promises to Combat Jet Lag with A350-1000
Qatar Airway’s latest aircraft, the A350-1000, entered service today between Doha and London. The new aircraft is equipped with several measures to combat jet lag and thereby maximize passenger comfort. But are these gimmicks or game changers? Qatar Airways and Airbus detail the following jet lag-figthing perks aboard the new A350-1000: Millions of ambient LED […]
Guide: Transit Without a Visa in Vietnam
Transiting through Vietnam is tricky if you don’t have a visa. But it’s possible. Here’s how to do it. Obtaining a visa in advance is not necessary if you arriving into Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. You will, however, need to obtain an approval letter in advance to purchase a visa on […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 18, 2018
Good evening from Carmel, CA…I’m spending the holiday weekend at my favorite California Hyatt and have been enjoying the fresh air and beautiful weather with my family. Earlier today we drove down Highway 1 to Big Sur…it is always beautiful: Last week, Alaska Airlines introduced a draconian new restriction on Cathay Pacific, Hainan, and JAL […]
Review: Qatar Airways A330 Business Class Doha to Ho Chi Minh City
No matter what time of day, you’re in for a comfortable flight on Qatar Airways. In my intro to this trip report, I focused on the excellent food onboard even a relatively short overnight flight in Qatar Airways business class. I’ll talk about that again, but the point of this review is to give you […]
