Introduction: Etihad First Apartments And Park Hyatt Mideast Suites Trip Report

by Gary Leff

Nov 23 2023

Back in July, when Etihad loaded the return of their Airbus A380 to the London – Abu Dhabi route, there was wide open award space for First Apartment award seats. That seemed like a great reason to put together an award trip with my wife and daughter.

We flew British Airways business class to London, Etihad A380 first class to Abu Dhabi and back, and stayed on points in suites at the Park Hyatts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and at the Hyatt Regency The Churchill in London.

Continue Reading »

Denied Water in Business Class: My Surprising British Airways Experience

by Gary Leff

Nov 23 2023

During a British Airways flight from London to Austin, I was denied a glass of water in business class while predeparture beverages were being served, being told to drink the bottle of water pre-placed at my seat.

This incident sparked a debate on social media, with responses ranging from accusations of entitlement to discussions about customer service expectations in business class travel.

Continue Reading »

Why I’m Especially Grateful This Year

by Gary Leff

turkey in airline cabin
Nov 23 2023

Every year on Thanksgiving I offer a reflection on the good fortune I’ve had in travel, mile and points and to be able to interact with so many wonderful readers over the course of the year. And as difficult as the past couple of years have been for so many (it was a dumpster fire, and we thought nothing could match 2020!) – and as tough as the coming year may be, I’m even more thankful than I’ve ever been – for my family’s health and for the way Covid kept me home more to grow as a dad, and how I’ve been able to keep that up even while traveling again.

And I’m extremely grateful for my readers.

Continue Reading »

The High-Flying Baker: How a Ryanair Flight Attendant Baked a Cake Mid-Air!

by Gary Leff

Nov 22 2023

Flight attendants are miracle workers making the best of whatever hand they’re dealt (usually a 2 and 7 off suit). Airlines put them in jams, don’t book their lodging when they’re forced to pick up an expected sequence, and don’t give them time to eat between flights.

But one cabin crew member goes far above ordinary in the galley of his aircraft, actually baking a cake from scratch. Is it somebody’s birthday?

Continue Reading »

Unexpected Hero: How A Southwest Flight Attendant Turned A Mom’s Nightmare Into A Dream Flight

by Gary Leff

Nov 22 2023

This mom was traveling with her lap child from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. He’s not a great flyer. He was crying and nothing would soothe him. And she’s feeling stressed looking around the cabin, knowing that it’s driving everyone crazy.

She thought she could get through the short flight, but it delayed. The child isn’t a good sleeper so, she says, she’s barely slept in nine months.

Continue Reading »

Southwest Airlines Testing Club Lounge Access For Credit Card Customers

by Gary Leff

Nov 22 2023

United, Delta, and American Airlines all have airport lounges for premium customers. Alaska Airlines has them, too. Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer lounges.

These lounges are also a huge perk of premium credit cards, which are a lucrative business for airlines. Southwest is competing with one hand tied behind its back placing cards in consumer wallets without lounges.

Continue Reading »