sydney

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He Was Going To Miss The Rabbi’s Funeral After The Bondi Beach Terror Attack—American Moved Gates, Held The Flight, And Comped The Ticket

by Gary Leff on January 2, 2026

Jan 02 2026

A cascading delay into Los Angeles was about to keep travelers from reaching the funeral of the Sydney rabbi killed in the Bondi Beach attacks. United wouldn’t hold its flight—but American Airlines did something airlines almost never do: it moved gates to eliminate the terminal scramble, held its own Sydney departure, and then comped a new ticket entirely. What followed was a behind-the-scenes relay from cockpit to operations to the gate that turned an impossible connection into a just-in-time arrival for the funeral.

American Airlines Flagship First Class Is Ending—My Flights Reveal How Bad It’s Gotten

by Gary Leff on June 23, 2025

Jun 23 2025

American Airlines is eliminating Flagship First Class in favor of more business and premium economy seats on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The end of first class on the last U.S. carrier to offer it internationally is sad to me, but the project has been pushed back. As American has planned to wind down the offering, they’ve really let the product slide.

Qantas First Class Lounge Face-Off: Sydney’s Still A Gem, LAX Has Lost Its Shine

by Gary Leff on June 16, 2025

Jun 16 2025

I recently flew American Airlines first class between Los Angeles and Sydney with my family. We used the Qantas first class lounges in both cities. I’ve been to both many times, and reviewed them both, so I’ll write about them here together. That makes for a nice opportunity to compare.

American Airlines Passenger Tries To Force His Way Onto Sydney Flight—Then Slams Gate With Luggage In Rage

by Gary Leff on May 20, 2025

May 20 2025

An American Airlines passenger was blocked from flying from Los Angeles to Sydney after he attempted to board before it was his turn and bring too many carry-on bags onto the aircraft. Fellow travelers filmed this escalate.

Sydney Airport’s Hilarious ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ Prank Leaves Passengers Wondering – Did I Get Off at the Wrong Stop?

by Gary Leff on September 21, 2024

Sep 21 2024

If you’re flying to Sydney, you get off the plane, and you see this sign you’re going to check your glasses – are you seeing correctly?

Flood, Fire, and Fury: Sheraton Sydney Evacuated After Guest Floods Entire Floor, Attacks Hotel Staff

by Gary Leff on December 29, 2023

Dec 29 2023

My cousin David, staying at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, was evacuated from his room Friday morning after a guest flooded an entire floor of the hotel, set off a fire alarm, attacked hotel staff and was throwing things out the window.

Breathtaking Views or Bait and Switch? The Sydney Harbour Marriott’s Upgrade Controversy

by Gary Leff on December 19, 2023

Dec 19 2023

The Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay has many rooms with fantastic views, of the harbor and even the Sydney Opera House, though of course there are simply ‘skyline view’ rooms which are less desirable.

You can imagine how disconcerting it was for Marriott Bonvoy elites to hear from the hotel that if they were staying on property during the “festive season” they would not be entitled to room upgrades.

Self-Proclaimed Slave Of Allah Takes Flight “Hostage”

by Gary Leff on August 14, 2023

Aug 14 2023

Dozens of flights were delayed at the Sydney airport, as Malaysia Airlines flight 122 made an emergency landing after a self-proclaimed “slave of Allah” made a bomb threat and – at least metaphorically – is said to have taken the flight “hostage.”

Review: American Airlines First Class, Sydney – Los Angeles

by Gary Leff on June 25, 2023

Jun 25 2023

Cabin crew on this flight were great. Sometimes not proactive, and I had a drink order simply forgotten, but they tried to work with what they had and that was really appreciative. When they apologize for it, I sympathize with them. They are being given business class tools (and a photocopied menu isn’t even that) for international first class, but that’s not their fault at all.

Review: Qantas First Lounge Sydney Before My American Airlines Flight

by Gary Leff on June 22, 2023

Jun 22 2023

While American Airlines Flagship first class largely means a bigger seat, a soup course, and more stuff in the amenity kit – and little else – departing from Sydney means access to the excellent Qantas First lounge as well.

The day began heading over to the terminal from the Rydges Hotel across the street, checking in with American, and then having breakfast in the Qantas first lounge before our flight.