Hello from somewhere over the Atlantic!
This week I flew to Doha for the Qatar A350 inaugural flight, and will have a full report in the coming days. If you’re following me on Instagram or Facebook you already know there were some interesting personalities on board, and I have some great stories.
Featured Stories
Best Travel Credit Card Strategy
Typically I write about the best credit card bonuses, which is certainly key for long-term hobbyists. But if you’re newer to the hobby, where do you start? How do you choose the cards that make the most sense for your travel?
The Hypocrisy Of The “I’m Cultured And You’re Not” Crowd
I know I’m not the only one accused of “not really traveling.” And I assume if people say it to me, they say it to lots of others as well.
So I have some thoughts on travel, what it means to travel, and how we’re all judging each other along the way.
The comments on this post are well worth the read, in my opinion.
Review: Singapore Airlines First Class 777-300ER Singapore To Melbourne
This was such an incredible flight!
The food was fantastic, the crew phenomenal, and everyone went above and beyond to make this an incredible experience for my Dad.
Back-to-back Emirates A380 flights are hard to top, but he was still blown away!
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
35% Amex Transfer Bonus To Virgin America Elevate
40% Bonus On Purchased Hyatt Points (Targeted)
Best Travel Credit Card Strategy
Today Only: Alaska Passing On Fuel Savings With 10-20% Discount On Tickets
Ritz-Carlton Rewards Offering Double Stay Credits In 2015
Amex Platinum Airline Fee Credit Reimbursement Data Point
Who Should Get The Barclaycard Arrival Plus?
JetBlue Double TrueBlue Base Points Through March 8, 2015
SPG Amex Annual Stay And Night Credit Benefit
Amex Platinum Airline Fee Credit Reimbursement Data Point
Have You Won $100 (Or An Amenity Kit)?
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Official Statement From Alaska About Emirates Award Availability
How To Redeem Alaska Miles For Emirates First Class After March
Are Emirates First Class Redemptions Using Alaska Miles Going Away?
TRAVEL With Lucky
Best Etihad A380 First Apartment Seats?
Free In-Room Hotel Coffee: A Right Or Privilege?
The Hypocrisy Of The “I’m Cultured And You’re Not” Crowd
I Was Emasculated At The Abu Dhabi Airport Security Checkpoint
Conclusion To My (Almost Private) Qatar Airways A350 Flight Saga
What To Do When You Notice Your Taxi Driver Falling Asleep?
Hmmm, So You Want To Involuntarily Deny Me Boarding, Eh?
Tips For Joining The Mile High Club?
An A319, A330, A340, A350, A380, And 777 Captain Walk Into A Bar…
Booked On A350 To Position For Qatar Airways A350 Inaugural Flight!
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Silvercar LAX Review
Review: Singapore Airlines First Class 777-300ER Singapore To Melbourne
Review: Singapore Airlines Private Room Singapore SIN
Review: Westin Singapore
Review: St. Regis Singapore
NEWS & Updates
EVA Air 747 Retirement Video
Larry David Chimes In On Living In Hotels
So, How Was Elizabeth Gallagher’s Round The World Trip?
Marriott Won’t Try To Block Guest Wifi
All US-Bound Etihad Flights Now Use Pre-Clearance Facility
Emirates Not Honoring Chauffeur Service On Previously Made Bookings
Best. Hilton Ad. Ever.
Alaska Mileage Plan Sends Out MVP Gold Thank You Gifts
Does Starwood Compensate Hotels For Offering Your24?
Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Adds Free In-Room Wifi Benefit
Etihad Will Review Tarmac Delay Policy After Insane Delays
Which Flights Use Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Pre-Clearance Facility?
I’m headed to Tampa this week, and am looking forward to some downtime with my parents before the next adventure.
Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable week!
Did you get your US TATL Business seat at the off-peak "saver" level?
It seems like I'm never able to actually get those ...
@ Michael -- At the saver level, yes. There aren't off peak awards any more for transatlantic business class. Availability is generally excellent last minute.
Well, you must have been in Business, if you called it "perfectly nice." LOL
(I may have a flight next month to MAD, and wanted to see if it's gotten better/worse, particularly since your review of a TATL x-CLT. I've only had good experiences, service-wise, in Envoy x-PHL)
I will definitely say hi next time, if I see you again (now that I know what you look like, and that you mostly match...
Well, you must have been in Business, if you called it "perfectly nice." LOL
(I may have a flight next month to MAD, and wanted to see if it's gotten better/worse, particularly since your review of a TATL x-CLT. I've only had good experiences, service-wise, in Envoy x-PHL)
I will definitely say hi next time, if I see you again (now that I know what you look like, and that you mostly match your pic).
So much for my near-brush with "celebrity" at PHL.
BTW, I had the best US/AA domestic F meal tonight (US729 PHL-SEA) that I've had in quite some time. AWESOME FA! I selected the lasagna (over the buttered chicken). It actually tasted quite normal -- i.e., pretty good, and I really can't complain about it at all. We had napkin tablecloths placed on the tray tables, warmed nuts to start, and sundae service at the end. The salad was pretty sad (iceberg and spinach with 2 slices of tomato -- I think heirloom -- which I added to my lasagna), but the appetizer was an interesting pita + hummus w/ olives (never seen that one before).
Not sure why I added all that detail about the meal. Must've thought I was on FlyerTalk or something. LOL
@ Michael -- I had the lasagna as well, and agree it was edible. Sad that this is something to get excited over nowadays. :D
Was it a revenue ticket? If it's a revenue ticket I understand that AAdvantage is an important program. But if it's a redemption, I just don't get how you can have the opportunity to fly such airlines as BA, AF, LH, etc. and still fly US.
@ Abdel Rahim Abdallah -- Redemption. They have a reverse herringbone seat with lots of availability and no fuel surcharges.
I am shocked! No update on Ms Cho this week?
Hi, I'm a sometime reader of your site.
Were/are you in PHL at the B/C Admiral's Club on Saturday (Jan 17) afternoon? If so, I nearly said hello.
You (or your twin) had a shopping bag from QR ...
@ Michael -- Was indeed. Say hi next time!
Ha, I thought so!
How was your return over the pond on US? (Were you in Business?)
Enjoy TPA -- my parents live down there, too. Lol
@ Michael -- It was perfectly nice. Got some work done and even got a nap in. Safe travels and say hi next time!
What are you crossing the pond on?
@ Abdel Rahim Abdallah -- US Airways. :o
Hi Ben, get some rest now. Seems like you've been constantly on the go ever since I met you in September on the Oslo EK-inaugural. :p Which I'm sure isn't too far from the truth. ;)
Enjoy your weekend and safe travels!