Computer doesn’t have to come out of the case (mine doesn’t normally, since I use a bag the TSA permits through the screener as-is anyway). Liquids don’t have to come out (I rarely take mine out anywway). Shoes stay on (hallelujah!) And most significantly, perhaps, there’s usually no line and even if there was the lack of a security theatre drill, let alone nude-o-scope to opt out of, means things move very quickly. TSA’s PreCheck is like going through airport security before airport security was federalized. It’s a humane process. Not quite as civilized as going through security screening in Lufthansa’s first class terminal, perhaps (the screeners there assist me with my jacket). But it’s still… civilized, almost. But even though PreCheck makes airport security so much faster to go through, I’ve argued that it’s…
Monthly Archives
Monthly Archives for April 2013.
Strategies for Responding to Today’s American Airlines System Problems
Scott Mayerowitz wrote a piece for the Associated Press on what to do if you were stranded by American Airlines today. I’m fortunate that I wasn’t flying today and I’m grateful not to be caught up in the mess, so far about 20% of the schedule cancelled — and even though systems are back up no doubt the final total will be much higher due to out of position aircraft and crew who ultimately time out. Certainly my thoughts go out to everyone affected by the delays and other inconveniences that in many ways mimic the effects of a big snowstorm — not what you expect in April. And of course I felt like I had a bit of egg on my face after writing about how important it is that a merged American-US Airways…
Bits ‘n Pieces for April 16, 2013
News and Notes from Around the Interweb: Accor Hotels 50% Off Sale: Accor is running one of its semi-regular (prepaid non-refundable) 50% off sale. Log in to your Leclub Accorhotels account and you should be able to see the private sale page (HT: Loyalty Lobby). These rates are stackable with TopCashBack’s rebates, currently at 10% of the room rate. Accor Platinum status doesn’t get you a ton but many folks have it from frequent free signup offers I’ve posted in the past. Uber’s Extra Charge is Worth it in the Rain: It was raining in New York on a Friday afternoon, just before shift change and the start of rush hour. There were no cabs to be found anywhere. I whipped out my phone and powered up the Uber app. They’ve got a solution to…
Austin Food & Culture — and What it Taught Me About Barbecue and… Thai Food
I was in Austin recently, it’s one of my favorite cities, both for classic Texas and for much more modern culture. One of the things I did over the weekend earlier in the month is picked up tickets for ‘Master Pancake,’ a live Mystery Science Theatre 3000 style performance in a theatre/draft house. So you get something to drink, you can pay extra for comfortable chairs (a very modest upcharge), and watch some cutting-edge comedy. In this case, one of the original MST3K folks joined Austin regulars as they mocked Hunger Games. I may not have the most exciting Saturday nights, but it was a lot of fun. I also returned to some of my favorite barbecue spots, and I learned something about barbecue in the process. I expected consistency — restaurants that have been…
US Airways Sends Me 2 Bottles of Wine, Are They Drinkable?
The American Airlines and US Airways CEOs sat down to pitch their merger earlier in the month to the New York Times, and I was quoted nine times in the ensuing piece. I received a package from US Airways as a followup to those quotes, and I wanted to talk about what was in it and share their side of things. Now, I’ve been quoted in several media outlets recently on the merger. But such is still the power of the Times I suppose that that’s the one which got the attention of US Airways management. I have actually been extremely friendly towards the merger, at least compared to most commentators — which is to say that I’m lukewarm and not openly hostile. I would have preferred to see American Airlines remain a standalone airline.…
“You Mean We Have to Feed Them, Too?” The Hotel Programs That Offer the Most Generous Breakfast Benefits
One hotel loyalty program executive relayed the common refrain she got from hotels in the chain when they first began rolling out a breakfast benefit for their top tier elites — “you mean we have to feed them, too?” And yes – they do — because breakfast is a common benefit of hotel elite programs, at least at the time tier, and it’s something that the better programs need to offer in order to remain competitive. The most coveted hotel elite perk is upgrades, especially to suites. I’ve written in the past that I find Hyatt Gold Passport the most generous with elite upgrades, followed by Starwood Preferred Guest. And I’ve had some of my very best upgrades through the intercontinental Royal Ambassador program (many hotels will provide upgrades to specialty suites) but I knock…
The Sofitel Heathrow and on Choosing a London Heathrow Airport Hotel
Commenter RJ Brown asks about the Sofitel London Heathrow on my post about flying British Airways from London to San Francisco. Just changed my return seats to 5E&5F and reserved the cabana based on your notes…… Also decided to overnight in the Sofitel coming back as it appeared the only hotel that allowed a “walk” from room to terminal…..any experience with that property? I wasn’t going to write up a report on the hotel, but figured that if someone was asking about it, that it might be of interest to others too. Last month I needed a Heathrow overnight. And though I was arriving and departing from Terminal 3, I chose the Sofitel. The Sofitel is attached to Terminal 5 and so most convenient for British Airways arrivals and departures. It’s also the nicest Heathrow…
Return to the Maldives: London Heathrow – San Francisco, British Airways New First Class
Trip Report Index: Introducing and Strategy New York JFK – Abu Dhabi, Etihad First Class Park Hyatt Dubai Touring the Burj al Arab Tea at the Burj al Arab Abu Dhabi – Male, Etihad Business Class Male – Kaadedhdhoo, Maldivian and Transfer to the Park Hyatt Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives Kooddoo-Male-Abu Dhabi, Maldivian and Etihad Business Class Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi – Dusseldorf – London, Etihad First Class and British Airways Club Europe London Heathrow – San Francisco, British Airways New First Class The transit process – though requiring two buses to make it from a terminal 1 bus gate over to terminal 5 – was pretty straightforward. Once at T5 I had to go through an immigration queue before getting to the security checkpoint. They hadn’t handed out Fast Track cards on…
Bits ‘n Pieces for April 13, 2013
News and Notes from Around the Interweb: Some of the best vacations — and best values — can be had in the off-season and shoulder seasons. After the US Airways and American Airlines CEOs sat down with the New York Times to pitch their merger, the resulting piece contained reactions from only tw people — yours truly and also Pizza in Motion. He reports that he has subsequently received package with wine from US Airways along with a note arguing that the airline has been improving its inflight service. I understand there’s a box waiting for me as well, and I’ll report on the contents when I’m back in my office to open it. Two African American passengers are suing US Airways because they were forced to change clothes before being allowed to travel first…
Abu Dhabi – Dusseldorf – London, Etihad First Class and British Airways Club Europe
Apr
13
2013
Trip Report Index: Introducing and Strategy New York JFK – Abu Dhabi, Etihad First Class Park Hyatt Dubai Touring the Burj al Arab Tea at the Burj al Arab Abu Dhabi – Male, Etihad Business Class Male – Kaadedhdhoo, Maldivian and Transfer to the Park Hyatt Park Hyatt Hadahaa Maldives Kooddoo-Male-Abu Dhabi, Maldivian and Etihad Business Class Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi – Dusseldorf – London, Etihad First Class and British Airways Club Europe London Heathrow – San Francisco, British Airways New First Class When I originally booked the trip we were scheduled to fly Etihad First Class Abu Dhabi – New York JFK – Washington National. But a friend was getting married in San Francisco the day after I was scheduled to make it back to the US and had to find a…
