My Unconventional Journey From DC To Staten Island With Amtrak’s Sleeper Car

by Gary Leff

Dec 11 2023

I was heading to DC for work and planned to meet my wife and daughter in New York. Our plan changed a bit, and instead of meeting downtown I needed to heat out to Staten Island (gosh, I hadn’t been there since late 2018 or early 2019). So my plan to arrive at New York LaGuardia at 5 p.m. on a 7,000 mile award wasn’t looking so good. Maybe it would take just an hour to get over to Staten Island, but it could easily take two.

So I checked on Amtrak to Metropark in New Jersey. The 2:15 p.m. would get me in at the perfect time to cruise up to dinner at 6 p.m. if everything was on time.

Continue Reading »

Hyatt Regency The Churchill: Unveiling the Value of Points in London

by Gary Leff

Dec 10 2023

I had no real complaints about the property, though things were quite confused at check-in over the fold out couch versus rollaway bed in our suite and getting additional coffee from staff in the restaurant after first being seated took some doing. I’d definitely return given the overall elite value proposition here on points versus prevailing rates.

Continue Reading »

Hyatt Hotel Won’t Provide Housekeeping, Asks Guests To Work As A Gardener

by Gary Leff

Dec 10 2023

Now at Hyatt housekeeping is supposed to be available at least on request at all of their brands, though full service hotels provide it by default. I’ve been to a franchise Hyatt Place that won’t provide this even when asked to do so.

Another one like this is the Hyatt Place at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Here’s what they tell guests: housekeeping is not an option but you can choose points, a drink at the bar, or to volunteer as a gardener for the hotel.

Continue Reading »

Unlock Global Lounge Access for $149: Royal Jordanian’s Status Match Deal

by Gary Leff

lounge
Dec 10 2023

Many European readers will love, love, love this – and also those in the Mideast. Royal Jordanian is offering a status match and it means benefits including lounge access when you fly American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Qatar and more.

Bottom-line on this deal, think $149 for 12 months of lounge access and airport priority when you travel with any oneworld airline.

Continue Reading »

Luggage Manufacturers Are Misleading Customers About Bag Sizes, And Passengers Are Getting Stopped At The Gate

by Gary Leff

Dec 09 2023

A United Airlines passenger complains about “the worst flying experience” ever after they were told they would have to gate check a bag that didn’t fit in the sizer, even though they’ve successfully flown with it in the past. Their bag almost fit but was a little too large because of the wheels.

The passenger refused to check the bag and a supervisor allowed them to bring it on board anyway. Seems like a great flight to me, but one that flags a common misunderstanding about air travel. You might not be so lucky!

Continue Reading »