Jul
04
2016
Here’s a fantastic roundtrip fare of less than $300 between either Portland or Seattle and Beijing or Chengdu, China.
FARE ALERT: China for $270 Roundtrip From Seattle, Portland, Chicago
About Gary Leff
Earn Up to 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards With Travel Purchase Promotion
Jul
03
2016
Holders of Chase Freedom credit cards can earn 10% cash back on up to $2500 in combined hotel and car rental purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online shopping portal this month. That’s a fantastic rate of return.
Simple Ways (and an Advanced Way) to Limit Fuel Surcharges on Award Tickets
Jul
03
2016
Most non-U.S. frequent flyer program add fuel surcharges to award tickets, and some US programs add them to some redemptions. That means your ‘free’ ticket can wind up costing several hundred dollars — or more. Here’s an American AAdvantage award with a surcharge of over $1000. And that’s for one person traveling.
All things equal you want to minimize fuel surcharges when you can!
Jamaica to Let You Write Your Own Prescription, Buy Medical Marijuana in Airports
Jul
03
2016
Although marijuana is legal only in some states, and for medicinal purposes in more, pot remains illegal under federal law (but where it’s legal there are even loyalty programs with reefer-a-friend bonuses).
You have to clear a federal checkpoint to fly commercial. The TSA (T)akes (S)tinkweed (A)way. There’s a country, however, where weed isn’t just tolerated but actively promoted: Jamaica.
Business Class Makes the Middle Seat the Best Seat, and Banning a Parent from Flying Over Child’s Tantrum
Jul
03
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.
FARE DEAL: Los Angeles or Oakland – Stockholm UNDER $300 Roundtrip
Jul
02
2016
Fares across the Atlantic have been low for a variety of reasons: too much capacity from the major airlines, low fuel prices that support this, and increased competition from low cost airlines like Norwegian and Wow Air.
Fares were low before Brexit. But today you can book Norwegian either Los Angeles or Oakland – Stockholm for $295 roundtrip. There’s a trick to how.
The Two Most Important Things to Do on a Quick Trip to Bangkok
Jul
02
2016
My favorite thing to do in Bangkok is eat. Last time I wrote about eating during the day in the Bangrak district.
While there’s fantastic restaurants in Bangkok, an increasing high end dining scene that’s surprisingly affordable, probably half what you’d pay for fine dining elsewhere, there’s really no replacement for hole in the wall eateries and street vendors. And most of the action comes out at night.
At the World’s Worst Airline Hope Springs Eternal
Jul
02
2016
Pakistan International Airlines has the worst financial performance per employee of any airline in the world.
Yet employees feel they aren’t well-compensated enough for their contribution, and are fighting against privatization which they fear could undermine their compensation, benefits, and no show jobs. (Pakistan is required to privatize the airline under terms of an IMF loan.)
Securing Your Data When You Travel Abroad and More
Jul
02
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.
We’re Learning Exactly the Wrong Lessons From the Brussels and Istanbul Attacks
Jul
01
2016
Air travel remains safe, both in the US and in Europe, despite recent high profile incidents in Brussels and Istanbul. Nonetheless we do need to be vigilant and adapt to changing threats.
Flying is still safe – much safer than driving – even factoring in what’s so shocking to watch. While there remain risks, we’re fortunate not to have had a successful plot in the US since 9/11. Europe is closer and easier.
