Review: British Airways Business Class, Austin – London Heathrow

Nov 24 2023

British Airways business class is very serviceable. The new seat (which won’t be completely installed in their fleet until 2026, despite already being four years into the roll-out) is quite good. The bedding and amenity kits are good. Their main meals are ok, snacks chintzy, and breakfast worth skipping.

Cabin crew are friendly enough, though a bit overwhelmed in the Airbus A350 in particular.

Continue Reading »

Yikes: Delta Flight Attendant Pounded Cans Of Wine, Began Vaping, And Sexually Assaulted Passenger

Nov 24 2023

A Delta Air Lines flight attendant pounded five cans of wine, began vaping, and sexually assaulted a passenger while traveling as a nonrev on the Atlanta-based carrier, according to a new lawsuit.

The off duty crewmember kissed the woman and touched her up against her will, as working crew continued to ply their colleague with alcohol as she became visibly more and more intoxicated.

Continue Reading »

Why Is Service So Bad When We Supposedly Tip To Get Good Service?

envelope
Nov 23 2023

U.S. tipping culture is insane, it’s gotten out of control and what’s worse is that it’s getting exported to the rest of the world. Workers should be paid by their employer, not by an uncomfortable system where customers are supposed to pay extra – on top of posted charges – paying some amorphous amount meant to supplement an employee’s wages.

Some people believe that the scheme is meant to encourage better service, to align incentives, because apparently companies are bad at managing their workers, creating a customer-focused culture, or providing the incentives needed to deliver a quality experience.

Continue Reading »

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

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

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

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 »