Jan
02
2017
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
8 Ways to Save in 2017 and Get Off the Elite Treadmill
About Gary Leff
In 9 Days, American’s Confirmed Domestic Upgrade Space Mostly Disappears
Jan
02
2017
A couple of months ago I wrote that the update American is doing to its booking classes in order to accommodate the sale of their new international premium economy product (which needs its own classes) for travel starting January 11 would mean the end of confirmed upgrade space as we know it.
That seems to be what’s happened.
HURRY: Business Class New York, LA, or Miami to Europe from $718 Roundtrip
Jan
01
2017
Earlier I wrote about a $289 roundtrip fare to Europe in economy. It turns out that the same airline — SkyTeam member Aeroflot — has amazing business class fares right now as well.
Aeroflot departures from New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are showing business class fares from $710 roundtrip for travel all over Europe.
AIRFARE ALERT: New York/LA to Russia, Dubai and Elsewhere from $289 Roundtrip
Jan
01
2017
Via Fly4Free SkyTeam member Aeroflot is selling New York and Los Angeles itineraries from as little as $289 roundtrip to Moscow, Dubai, or Baku (Azerbaijan).
Fares are also available to St. Petersburg or even Chelyabinsk, Vladivostok, and Novosibirsk.
New Rules for Earning a Southwest Companion Pass
Jan
01
2017
The Southwest Companion Pass is the best deal in travel for many. But with the New Year there’s a change in what points count towards earning one.
With the major airlines devaluing their programs, I’m finding Southwest more attractive. And of course checked bags are free.
A New Westin is Doing a Very Bad Thing to its Local Community
Jan
01
2017
A trend in upscale hotels is to embrace the local community, and make this a selling point to guests — to participate in farmers markets, bring in local artists, and become the ‘passport to experience’ a location ‘indigenously’.
The Westin Austin Downtown is a new build hotel in the heart of Austin’s music scene. Instead of celebrating the music, they’re suing over the noise.
Boeing 737 Captain Found Passed Out in Cockpit, Blows a .24
Jan
01
2017
A Canadian Boeing 737 pilot for Sunwing Airlines was found passed out in the cockpit yesterday morning. Gate and flight crew reported “he was behaving strangely.” His reported blood alcohol level was .24.
I’m always skeptical of details reported in the media about aviation-related incidents. Here there’s reporting of the route that the flight was supposed to be taking for the day:
When You Can Use the Lavatory Even When a Flight Attendant Says No (and How That Could Keep You Out of Jail)
Dec
31
2016
A video went viral this week of passengers being removed from a Delta flight from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. The flight returned to Minneapolis where it was met by police. Passengers cheers as a man and woman were led off the aircraft.
Apparently the woman needed to use the lavatory shortly after takeoff. She got up, but a flight attendant spoke up — we don’t know exactly what was said. The woman and her travel companion escalated things to the point where the pilot decided to set the aircraft back down at its point of origin.
Cathay Pacific Stops Cleaning Its Planes So Often and Don’t Take Off Your Pants When You Fly
Dec
31
2016
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Earn Points for Your Free Visits to Airport Lounges
Dec
31
2016
Plaza Premium airport lounges are found in airports all over the world. Airlines often contract with them for lounge access, so business class and sometimes elite passengers are welcomed. And you can access many of the lounges with a Priority Pass card which comes bundled with many US premium credit cards.
And Plaza Premium has a loyalty program where you earn points for lounge visits — even when those lounge visits don’t cost you anything.
