Crikey: I’ve Been Blogging For 15 Years

Crikey: I’ve Been Blogging For 15 Years

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15 years ago today (on February 4, 2008), I launched OMAAT, and published my first post. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all OMAAT readers, because I wouldn’t be here without you. I also can’t believe how time flies, and that it has already been 15 years (hence the “crikey” in the headline).

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In the 15 year history of this blog, I’ve only made two anniversary posts, because I’m not looking for any congratulations, or to have milestones recognized (I’m the same way about birthdays). But the reality is that this isn’t about me, it’s about all the awesome OMAAT readers out there, as you’re the reason I’m still writing this blog 15 years later.

Words can’t adequately express this, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whether you’ve been reading for years or are new here, I really appreciate you. No “job” is perfect, but I’d say mine is pretty close. I’m incredibly fortunate that I get to wake up every morning and cover my favorite industry in the world, and I make a living doing it no less. I’ll never take that for granted.

I started this blog as a hobby back in college, at the encouragement of Randy Petersen. I never thought I’d make a dime writing this site, let alone that this could end up being my “career.” Tens of thousands of posts later, I’m still here.

This is something that’s only possible thanks to the support of the OMAAT community. So honestly, thank you… I don’t say it enough.

Lufthansa first class in 2008, just for context 😉

My biggest takeaways from 15 years of blogging

I’m hardly qualified to be a life coach, but I can’t help but share a couple of thoughts as I reflect on doing this for 15 years. It’s kind of terrifying how time flies. I can’t believe it has been 15 years. I mean, I started this blog when I was 17 years old, so I’ve been writing it for nearly half my life. I remember back in the day when I was younger than just about everyone else in this space, and now… I’m not.

There have been many things recently that have made me more reflective on life, from my mom’s illness, to becoming a father. I think having the same “job” for 15 years fits into that category as well. So I’d just like to share two things, particularly with younger people who may be reading.

First of all, time flies, and life is too short not to try to make the most of every day and enjoy life. 15 years has passed by in the blink of an eye. As a kid you always hear older people talk about how time flies, but kind of don’t believe it. Well, I’m very much feeling that now. The days are (sometimes) long, but the years and decades are most definitely short.

Enjoying life doesn’t have to mean giving up your job and partying or traveling like there’s no tomorrow. It can just as easily be seeing the beauty in everyday life, which I’m increasingly appreciating as I get older.

Life can also come in many chapters. Eight years ago I was living in hotels full time and was happy as a clam, and now I’m writing this post shortly after having cleaned a diaper putting our son down for a nap (in hopes of getting 90 minutes of peace), and I’m still happy as a (tired) clam, but in a different way.

Second of all, don’t ever feel pressure to take a traditional path. I’ve written in the past about how I became a full-time blogger. Like I said, this started as a hobby, and I just never believed it could be something I could do full-time, because society at large discourages people from sort of doing their own thing (or at least it did 15 years ago).

But I think if you’re passionate enough and are willing to put in consistent effort, anything is possible. And as a quirky introvert I’m particularly grateful for that, since I’m not sure how well I’d function following someone else’s path for me.

Winston is grateful I get to work from home (I think)!

Bottom line

I can’t believe it has already been 15 years of OMAAT, so here’s to the next 15 years, God willing. Thanks so much to everyone who has been here for the ride, I appreciate it more than words can express!

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  1. BBK Diamond

    Congrats Ben! I was almost sure I was reading you even BEFORE 2008, time definitely flies!... I thought I was a semi-pro in this art and science because I was traveling only with my knowledge from some years before your blog. But the real knowledge was unlocked thanks to your blog.
    When you are ready for the Venezuela just let me know, you'll definitely need the local knowledge to safely (well, partially) navigate the...

    Congrats Ben! I was almost sure I was reading you even BEFORE 2008, time definitely flies!... I thought I was a semi-pro in this art and science because I was traveling only with my knowledge from some years before your blog. But the real knowledge was unlocked thanks to your blog.
    When you are ready for the Venezuela just let me know, you'll definitely need the local knowledge to safely (well, partially) navigate the adventure!.. I'm sure your readers will appreciate the novelty.

  2. Mardi Guest

    At one stage I followed many travel blogs but now this is the only one I still read. Congratulations and thank you!

  3. Raj Guest

    Crazy I have been reading you for 14 years, as soon as I graduated college and was broke and trying to figure out how to travel more.

  4. Michael Yuda Guest

    Congratulations! I really enjoy your blog and I am looking forward to the next 15 years of reading it.

  5. PM1 Gold

    Congratulations Ben! Your blog changed my life for the better - letting me visit people I love often and at a moment's notice, see many many new places and look at travel completely differently. I can't thank you enough!

  6. FBKSan Guest

    We appreciate you, Ben, and all that you do. Here’a to another 15!

  7. Kyalo Guest

    Congratulation on this massive achievement.
    We are so grateful for bringing us along your adventures and for the inspiration and knowledge.

  8. NathanJ Diamond

    Congratufuckinlations Benny!

    Your blog is the only one I read, and I do so every second day. It’s has helped me enormously over the last 12 years ( I joined you late - sorry!). It helped me travel F on Qantas, BA, American and Etihad, J on Qantas, Fiji Airways, BA, Virgin, Singapore, Thai, Austrian and many more. Then there’s credit card strategy (hello Amex Platinum), lounge strategy and hotels (SPG Platinum thanks to...

    Congratufuckinlations Benny!

    Your blog is the only one I read, and I do so every second day. It’s has helped me enormously over the last 12 years ( I joined you late - sorry!). It helped me travel F on Qantas, BA, American and Etihad, J on Qantas, Fiji Airways, BA, Virgin, Singapore, Thai, Austrian and many more. Then there’s credit card strategy (hello Amex Platinum), lounge strategy and hotels (SPG Platinum thanks to your advice - RIP *sigh*).

    Keep up the good work, mate!

  9. Bobo Member

    Congratulations! I remember meeting you on Randy's free flights to Paris on Open Skies when your blog was as young as Miles is now. You were definitely the youngest one of us in the bunch. Great to see you earn continuing success!

  10. Gary Guest

    Ben, I have enjoyed reading "One Mile at a Time" over the past several years and always look forward to your next post. Your articles are always interesting and the photos excellent. My only request is that some of your reports should be on economy /premium economy as many of your readers sometimes must fly economy or premium economy. Although it's wonderful to see how life is in the front, it would be nice to know how it is in the back. Congrats on a great product!

  11. Alison Guest

    Ben, congratulations! I enjoy your blog daily and happy to hear about your Mom, Ford, Winston, and Miles, along with your interesting, informative, and readable reviews. Keep it up for another 15 years . . . and then another 15 years . . . !

  12. Marie Guest

    I temember when you were Lucky Coins on Flyertalk 20 years ago. I feel like I watched you grow up by following your blog from the very beginning. Thank you for all the travel experiences you have brought to your readership. Looking for ward to the next 15 years.

  13. k1b2637 Diamond

    Congrats! I so appreciate having your blog as a resource when planning trips or even just daydreaming about trips. I wish you and your loved ones all the best.

  14. Gravelly Point Guy Guest

    Here’s to the next 15!!! Cheers

  15. Here Hare Guest

    Ben, just want to echo all your other loyal followers by saying how much I appreciate the candid reviews and a huge thanks for the many tips and explanations which have helped your readers score amazing trips. Loved the Lufthansa photo from "the archives" as it reminds a lot of us how much has changed over the last 15 years. Congratulations.

  16. Ra Guest

    Congratulations, Ben, am happy to have watched you grow personally and professionally. All the best to you, Ford, and Miles for another 15 and more with the blog.

  17. Creditcrunch Diamond

    Wow what a milestone, I started following you after you appeared on a TV programme here in the UK, congratulations and here’s for another 20 years.

    1. Silas Guest

      Which TV programme was it?

  18. eric Guest

    Reading all your post from the beginning. Still jealous though

  19. Steven E Guest

    Congratulations Ben - it takes a lot to maintain this I know and you’ve done a great “job” of it - continued success

  20. Louise New Member

    Congratulations on your incredible milestone! I have followed you from your Day 1, and appreciate your clear, well-written reviews and "how-to's" to maximizing award travel. Your blog has rewarded me with with everything needed the past fifteen years to book my most aspirational flights, including multiple roundtrips on Emirates First LAX-DXB showers all the way, Cathay First LAX-Hong Kong, LH First LAX-FRA return with the FCT (where I saw you in your favorite corner of...

    Congratulations on your incredible milestone! I have followed you from your Day 1, and appreciate your clear, well-written reviews and "how-to's" to maximizing award travel. Your blog has rewarded me with with everything needed the past fifteen years to book my most aspirational flights, including multiple roundtrips on Emirates First LAX-DXB showers all the way, Cathay First LAX-Hong Kong, LH First LAX-FRA return with the FCT (where I saw you in your favorite corner of the lounge but I was too shy to say hi) and more rubber duckies than I have room for- Your association with Tiffany was awesome from the start and during covid it was so fun interacting on a more personal level on the zoom calls. A brilliant partnership. Also, thanks for keeping up the comments section on your blog- such a valuable resource and I appreciate that you kept that. Congrats!!

  21. Carrie Gold

    All accolades for a richly deserved reputation as a fiercely independent travel reviewer. In an environment where one must navigate the scourge of the 'influencer', it is refreshing to read 'real' reviews .... and long may it last. Looking forward to the next fifteen years.

  22. Coolbeans202 New Member

    Congratulations on 15 years! I’m not much older than you and remember reading about your epic 6(?) flights in 5 days trip across the Pacific on Flyertalk, and have been following along ever sense. What an amazing journey you’ve been on. I wish you and your family continued success and endless happiness!

  23. Carole Pinstein Guest

    I remember following you almost 15 years ago and was shocked when you said you weren’t old enough to rent a car! And here I am listening to your every word. I’m still listening as I’m sitting in the Thai lounge changing planes from Chaing Mai to Phuket. We’ve had so many fabulous trips thanks to you and your colleagues like Jimmy and now Ricky. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

  24. Anjali Guest

    Congratulations! What an awesome journey you've had. And how much your posts have taught us about this brave new world of miles and points. Learning from that has given me the confidence to make this the year of travel! Thank you.

  25. Schar Diamond

    Parabens Ben!! (congrats in Portuguese). You'er very taented in what you do, thanks for sharing with us, inspiring us, teaching us, and entertaining us throughout the years about this industry we all love so much. May you be blessed!

  26. Kei from Japan Guest

    You’re awesome.
    Thank you for always writing informative blog. I will continue to read them.

  27. Luke Guest

    Thanks for 15 years of living (flying?) vicariously through your awesome trip reports. Yes, it’s a long way from your Diet Coke and lime days but you were so young! You absolutely have what I’d consider the best job in the world, and you made it happen for yourself, so congratulations! Looking forward to more and more trip reports :)

    1. Jill Guest

      I always enjoy those Diet Coke & Lime days from his posts

  28. JS Guest

    I just realized I’ve been reading the blog on and off for 15 years too. And even before, since I remember you use to write in another website with a girl. Of course I forgot the name of that website, but your bio said you were studying Marketing if I’m not mistaken. I redeemed my first trip in those years, 2007. CCS-JFK round trip for 30k AA, earned with Venezuelan credit cards.

    Congrats and...

    I just realized I’ve been reading the blog on and off for 15 years too. And even before, since I remember you use to write in another website with a girl. Of course I forgot the name of that website, but your bio said you were studying Marketing if I’m not mistaken. I redeemed my first trip in those years, 2007. CCS-JFK round trip for 30k AA, earned with Venezuelan credit cards.

    Congrats and keep the good work. One thing that distinguishes the blog is the honest reviews. Nowadays lots of people are about engagement so they make everything look super easy to entice followers

  29. Joe Guest

    Congrats. I can honestly say that I have benefitted substantially in terms of travel perks because of your blogging. Can't wait to see how your blog will evolve in the dawn of this chatGpt age.

  30. randy petersen Guest

    congrats Ben. and just like 15 years ago, i continue my encouragement, but what is so wonderful from reading your readers comments, is that i'm joined by hundreds of thousands of others with that encouragement. i looked back at the email you wrote me on january 28, 2008 and notice that one thing has not changed in your 15 years of blogging—your enthusiasm then for travel and sharing it with others is the very same...

    congrats Ben. and just like 15 years ago, i continue my encouragement, but what is so wonderful from reading your readers comments, is that i'm joined by hundreds of thousands of others with that encouragement. i looked back at the email you wrote me on january 28, 2008 and notice that one thing has not changed in your 15 years of blogging—your enthusiasm then for travel and sharing it with others is the very same enthusiasm you have today. that is something to be very much proud of. but i notice one thing that has changed .... back then i referred to you as "lucky" or "luckycoins", today you are a proud father known to me as Ben. here's to as many more blog posts and as many more years you want to continue to share your travel with us all. we have all benefited—thank you.

  31. Ed Dennison Guest

    Congratulations Ben! You are always interesting and helpful in your posts and I have personally benefitted from the services of Jimmy at ProPoints. Sometimes you are a bit naive about geopolitics but you are on a good learning curve.

  32. JackMiles New Member

    Congratulations! Any chance of re-posting that very first post from 15 years ago?? Would be fun and interesting to see, for many of us, I'm sure.

    1. Jill Guest

      Here’s one of his go to drinks back in the day
      Good ole Diet Coke & Lime
      https://onemileatatime.com/hot-nuts-diet-coke-with-lime-and-why-i-miss-ted/

  33. Devi Guest

    Congratulations on 15 years doing what you love! That in itself is a huge achievement many people never realize. You were one of the first travel bloggers I started following 7-10 years ago and it started me on a path to allow my family to travel more, better and farther thanks to points and miles and what I learned. Cheers to your next 15 years!

  34. Martin Guest

    I have been accumulating airline and hotel points since the early 1990's - and enjoyed many international trips for almost nothing, In the past when banks were not too invasive of your past card applications I would apply for generous card bonuses for the regular and the business card for myself and my Wife at the same time and often picked up close to 400,000 miles in one swoop. Those days are now over but it certainly made travel easier and cheaper.

  35. Elteetrav Guest

    Congratulations. I've been in this points game for about 12 years, and I'm lucky to have found your blog soon after I got started. I've enjoyed many great flights thanks to your advice.

  36. JoePro Gold

    But after 15 years, millions of miles, hundreds of places, and thousands of articles and reviews, you'll still only ever be a "self-annointed travel guru".

    /s

    Cheers mate! Only been in the game 10 years myself, but gotten a lot out of it thanks to you and people like you.

  37. Eric C Guest

    Your blog and I have the same birthday. No birth date, unfortunately.

    1. Eric C Guest

      *Not birth date

      Congrats!

  38. Jack Guest

    Congratulations on you on your incredible 15-year journey. It's amazing to think about how you've been sharing your passion and experiences objectively for so long. I’ve been reading you since 6th grade and your blog has truly impacted me and my current interest and studies. Can’t wait to see more

  39. Andy Diamond

    Congratulations, Ben! It’s always great if someone can turn his hobby into a business.

  40. DLPTATL Guest

    Congrats!!! I'll raise a glass to 15 more on my next flight.

  41. Chris Ibañez Guest

    Thanks Ben - I love your blog

  42. nemme Guest

    Wow, I hadn't realized how long I've been reading you - in 2011 I flew EK First SIN-USA on that old one-way fare I learned about in comments here. You've been invaluable, and like others have said, I've been able to share the joy with family. Thank you!!!

    1. nemme Guest

      UGH - I meant CMB-USA.

  43. DW Guest

    Congrats and thank you! Reading your blog has become part of my life.

  44. Ethan Guest

    Congratulations on 15 years! I can’t wait to see where the next 15 take you.

  45. Donna Diamond

    Congratulations on this milestone and THANK YOU for all you do. I always learn something here. I’ve been following you for 11 years and it’s fun.

  46. Sophia Guest

    Congratulations on 15 years, Ben!! I only became interested in the points/miles game a couple of years ago and your blog has been my go to source ever since - one of the first things I read every morning. Thank you for your prolific and insightful posts!!

  47. David Diamond

    Congrats Ben on the milestone. Hopefully we're in for at least another 15 years of OMAAT, and maybe one day Miles will get into the game too.

  48. Peter Guest

    Your passion comes through in your writing on things small and large. The work ethic you employ each day is admirable. Not sure how you pull that off with all those time zone changes and now with your new baby.

  49. yoe aguilera Guest

    congratulations, Ben I do open your blog at least 20 times a day.

  50. Dandelion Guest

    Congratulations Ben - you run the best blog in this space, thank you, and keep going!

  51. Santos Guest

    Congrats Ben! I know I'm not the only one—but your blog changed my life. I have been able to see so much of the world (and get there in comfort) because of your invaluable expertise. I was able to take my dad on Emirates First Class to Europe and Asia in 2015 through the inspiration and information found in your posts about taking your own father on celebratory trips. He passed away last year but...

    Congrats Ben! I know I'm not the only one—but your blog changed my life. I have been able to see so much of the world (and get there in comfort) because of your invaluable expertise. I was able to take my dad on Emirates First Class to Europe and Asia in 2015 through the inspiration and information found in your posts about taking your own father on celebratory trips. He passed away last year but I have a framed photo of him sitting in his EK F seat shortly after boarding at JFK with a blissful look of disbelief on his face. I treasure that picture and memory. A million thanks from all of us for your hard work and passion.

  52. Levi Diamond

    I turn my back to the wind, to catch my breath before I start off again

    Time stand still: I'm not looking back, but I want to look around me now...
    Time stand still: ...see more of the people and the places that surround me now

    Summer's going fast, nights growing colder
    Children growing up, old friends growing older
    Experience slips away...

    Neil Peart wrote those lyrics in roughly July, 1986 (a...

    I turn my back to the wind, to catch my breath before I start off again

    Time stand still: I'm not looking back, but I want to look around me now...
    Time stand still: ...see more of the people and the places that surround me now

    Summer's going fast, nights growing colder
    Children growing up, old friends growing older
    Experience slips away...

    Neil Peart wrote those lyrics in roughly July, 1986 (a couple of months before turning 35). From roughly here on, the marathon tours were a thing of the past for Rush, and it would turn out that he was a few months into the second half of his time on this planet (and would pretty shortly begin having annual trips in F on AF from YYZ to Africa).

  53. Eskimo Guest

    A celebration trip?
    Throwback style, avoid any planes newer than 2008? Trips with no 787 A350 and only SQ A380.

  54. Bruce Guest

    Congrats Lucky. I’ve been following your blog for 8 years and I am completely honest when I say that not a day has gone by when I haven’t checked your blog. Every time I head to the search bar OMAAT is my number one instinct. In a way your blog is also a big part of my life, so I thank you for that.

  55. Danny Guest

    Congratulations! You are simply the best! Looking forward to another 15 years.

  56. Anthony Guest

    Congrats! I still remember meeting you in the lounge at the Sheraton at FRA and feeling like I had a celebrity sighting.

  57. Santastico Diamond

    Congrats!!!! You have a great blog and I have been reading it for a long time.

  58. Michael Guest

    Ben, FWIW I think your reviews have gotten better over the years. When you were a kid, they'd serve you a pretzel and a diet coke on the plane and you'd call it "delicious." (I'm 30 years older than you and I'd always think...that doesn't really help me much.) The early reviews were still interesting, but now you look at the travel experience from a more mature perspective, which I appreciate.

    I might even...

    Ben, FWIW I think your reviews have gotten better over the years. When you were a kid, they'd serve you a pretzel and a diet coke on the plane and you'd call it "delicious." (I'm 30 years older than you and I'd always think...that doesn't really help me much.) The early reviews were still interesting, but now you look at the travel experience from a more mature perspective, which I appreciate.

    I might even say that you're the "gold standard" for premium cabin reviews. Sometimes I'll good reviews of a certain airline/class of service that I'm considering flying and when your blog shows up, that's always the first link I'll click on. Carry on.

    1. Nelson Diamond

      Michael, agree with you but isn't that a normal going on for any job? I remember when I started my business back in '96 the first years I only flew Economy, after, let's say 5 years or so and some Corporate fares I only fly Business and First while paying Economy.
      On a side note, me too I love this blog!

  59. Never In Doubt Guest

    Congratulations!

    It’s quite an achievement to make an independent living doing something in a crowded market.

    Here’s to the next 15!

  60. Linda Kremer Guest

    Congratulations! Milestones are meant to be celebrated!

  61. Rick Guest

    Congrats Ben!

    Thank you so much for this truly amazing blog and your wonderful journeys. Your reviews are just so authentic and I love how you always try to cover different perspectives. And love your sense of humour as well! Travel more and give us more reviews please ❤️

  62. Tom Guest

    Congrats, Ben! I’ve been a reader most that time, and your Flyertalk posts before that. Thanks for all the entertainment and insight. I’ve learned so much from the blog that has helped my travel, and lived vicariously through your trips. I wish you and your family the best in the next 15 years!

  63. Tim Dunn Diamond

    Congratulations, Ben, and for creating a loyal fanbase.
    Obviously each blogger has unique topics which they do well and you have stayed true to yours.
    All the best for many more years!

  64. KATA Gold

    Congratulations Lucky!!

  65. Michael B Guest

    Been following you all this time. You rock! Keep up the fantastic work!

  66. Stuart Guest

    And it seems in that time you graduated from headliners exclaiming, “WOW!” to those proclaiming “Crikey!.” That’s a good thing, congrats!

  67. R B Guest

    Amazing Anniversary! Well-done

  68. Ethan Guest

    I’ve been reading for more than 10 years of this (easy to time since I booked the honeymoon of a lifetime to the Maldives with stopovers in IST and VIE with what I learned from you and others- about 10 years ago!)- and this is still my favorite blog! Love coming here for trip reports- and the life changes since we are of similar age and feel you there!! Thanks for keeping this up for so long, and keep the content coming!!

  69. CP@YOW Guest

    Thanks for your continued commitment. I've been here since the beginning and still stop by every single day!

  70. Ryan Guest

    Congrats on the milestone! This blog is always the first one I searched for when I need a hotel or airline review and also the primary reason why I was able to pull off a CX jfk-hkg-dps RT 9 years ago in business and first class for my wife and I. Will be a hard experience to top

  71. VT-CIE Diamond

    Many congratulations, Lucky. Among aviation, travel and/or credit-card bloggers you stand in a league of your own. Brand OMAAT has been the touchstone for all the others that have come up since. From a gawky teenage boy to a proud gay dad, your life journeys have been cherished by millions from across the world. None of this would have been possible if not for your commitment, and your avgeek passion!

  72. Lee Guest

    Ben, in spite of inappropriately critical comments by some, know that you have helped some people learn about the hobby and have enriched their lives. Someone you will never meet will be sitting at a dream destination and will say "This never would have happened without the tips I picked up from OMAAT." Keep up the good work.

  73. Andy Guest

    Massive congrats, Ben. When I first got into points I was checking other sites, but for years now yours is the only site I’m guaranteed to check daily, often as soon as I log on (definitely appreciate you’re an early bird). Reviews from the same person help with relativity and your humor and points of view are what keep us coming back.

  74. GoAmtrak Gold

    Cheers, Ben! To another 15 or 30!

  75. S Gold

    Congrats! My favorite series was when you lived full-time out of hotels and just went all over the world. Now that you've settled down, I'm sure you will always remember those days and think how awesome it was while young.

  76. Boise Ding Guest

    Congratulations on your uber success Ben! I love checking in with your blog every day!

  77. Gary Leff Guest

    Congratulations Ben! I do remember when you started (and before). It's been a wild ride, personally and for the expanded community around you. Cheers to everything that is ahead.

  78. Nikojas Guest

    Crikey! But it's a testament to your content and general positive outlook that has meant I've checked your blog every day for the last 12 years!

  79. Daniel from Finland Guest

    Congratulations Ben!

    15 years is a really long time in the world of blogs. I hope the next 15 years will be as interesting, or even more so!

    1. D3kingg Guest

      @Daniel from Finland

      Non stop Dan !

  80. DG Guest

    Your blog has been extremely helpful in unlocking trips I never would have imagined I could take. Thank you!

  81. DCAss New Member

    15 years of a Hilton sycophant who doesn’t even work for the chain.

  82. Jason Guest

    Congratulations! I look forward to reading all your posts, especially the trip reports. And more than ever, the luxury hotel posts.
    But...
    What happened to Tiffany?

    1. Vancouver - Char Diamond

      Congratulations and thank you for 15 years- looking forward and cheering for many good years ahead. I appreciate your honesty plus your honest reviews of both Alliance airlines like Air Canada and non Alliance airlines like TAAG. Where is Tiffany? cheers from YVR

  83. Kittipong Guest

    Ben, Congratulations on your 15 years anniversary.
    Looking forward for more to come.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

randy petersen Guest

congrats Ben. and just like 15 years ago, i continue my encouragement, but what is so wonderful from reading your readers comments, is that i'm joined by hundreds of thousands of others with that encouragement. i looked back at the email you wrote me on january 28, 2008 and notice that one thing has not changed in your 15 years of blogging—your enthusiasm then for travel and sharing it with others is the very same enthusiasm you have today. that is something to be very much proud of. but i notice one thing that has changed .... back then i referred to you as "lucky" or "luckycoins", today you are a proud father known to me as Ben. here's to as many more blog posts and as many more years you want to continue to share your travel with us all. we have all benefited—thank you.

3
Michael Guest

Ben, FWIW I think your reviews have gotten better over the years. When you were a kid, they'd serve you a pretzel and a diet coke on the plane and you'd call it "delicious." (I'm 30 years older than you and I'd always think...that doesn't really help me much.) The early reviews were still interesting, but now you look at the travel experience from a more mature perspective, which I appreciate. I might even say that you're the "gold standard" for premium cabin reviews. Sometimes I'll good reviews of a certain airline/class of service that I'm considering flying and when your blog shows up, that's always the first link I'll click on. Carry on.

3
Lee Guest

Ben, in spite of inappropriately critical comments by some, know that you have helped some people learn about the hobby and have enriched their lives. Someone you will never meet will be sitting at a dream destination and will say "This never would have happened without the tips I picked up from OMAAT." Keep up the good work.

3
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32,614,600 Words Written

35,045 Posts Published

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