“You’re gay, what’s wrong with you that would fly with [insert airline] or travel to [insert destination]?” For example, I’m just wrapping up a trip to Saudi Arabia, where I flew Saudia and Riyadh Air, and obviously some people have some things to say about that. That’s totally fair — I write on the internet for a living, and people are entitled to their opinions.
I’m certainly not perfect, my opinions on some things evolve over time, and I don’t claim that my perspective should be your perspective. However, I’d like to explain how I think through my decisions of which airlines to fly, where to travel, etc., based on social policies (whether real or perceived).
Before I get into this, let me link to a couple of posts along somewhat similar lines that I’ve written in the past — here’s one about my take on the ethics of flying Middle Eastern airlines, and one about my philosophy on traveling as a gay, married couple.
In this post:
I try to be objective in reviewing travel experiences
Look, I’m gay, I’m married, and I have two kids. I’d consider myself to be pretty “woke” (this guy who repeatedly threatened my life claimed I was the president of Antifa, just for context, but that’s a different story). Anyway…
I certainly have strong feelings about politics, and yes, sometimes I can’t help but write about some topics that border on being political. After all, on some level, travel is political, both on a micro and macro level. Political policy can impact our ability to travel, the rights we have in various places, etc. And politics can also impact us on a personal level, including how we view others. After all, we’re products of our environment.
Part of what I pride myself in doing here at OMAAT for 18+ years is reviewing airline and hotel experiences, regardless of how I personally feel about about the government of the place or product I’m reviewing. I share my take on the experience, and then others can draw their own conclusions about what they think, their willingness to have that experience, etc.
I do that for a variety of reasons:
- For one, I absolutely love airlines, and I very much enjoy seeing the difference in service and passenger experience, whether it’s American, Pakistan Airlines, TAAG Angola Airlines, or Turkmenistan Airlines; this stuff fascinates the heck out of me, and I try to come into these experiences with an open mind
- We all have different standards, have the need to travel to different places, etc.; speaking of my trip to Saudi Arabia, I have a surprising number of readers from Saudi Arabia, and I know they also enjoy hearing takes on their airlines
- Regardless of what people may perceive about the way that I travel, I very much enjoy visiting other countries, and in some cases, having my preconceived notions about the people changed
- I think people can draw their own conclusions as to how they feel about a government in a destination; just because I don’t say anything about a government doesn’t mean I don’t have opinions
Here’s what I find funny. For the most part, people don’t have issues with me traveling to questionable countries when it goes poorly, and I have a negative review. Like, when I basically got banned from Egypt for saying Cairo Airport sucks? Awesome, screw them… right?
Meanwhile when I flew Saudia a decade ago and had a terrible experience, many people were fine with that, and were almost gleeful. Now I flew the airline again, and I was amazed by how much they improved. Should I not acknowledge those improvements, and give them credit for investing in the passenger experience?
Folks, it’s not like I’m on anyone’s payroll here, and am saying “yeah, spend your last dime flying Saudia, it’s the greatest experience on planet earth.” I’m simply saying “wow, they really improved, good for them for putting in the effort.” It’s not a political statement. It’s just an honest reflection of my experience, and then everyone can do with that information what they’d like.
The airline industry is incredibly complex, and I know how much work has to go into building an amazing passenger experience. So when an airline is able to achieve such a turnaround, they deserve credit for that.
Let me be 100% clear — I’m not blind to the differences that exist. Like, it’s much easier to build an airline in a country when you have a lot of government funding, no unions, and lower labor costs. But even so, those conditions also applied when the airline sucked, so the improvements are worth calling out.
Some people are suggesting that I’m somehow biased toward Saudi Arabia, or that my content is sponsored. That’s simply not the case, and frankly, it amazes me that people can look at a greatly improved product, and somehow suggest that I’m making this stuff up.
What makes me sad is the lack of nuance in these debates
I’m going to regret even going into this, because people love to make straw man arguments on these topics. But it makes me a bit sad how people don’t seem to acknowledge any nuance when it comes to countries, their governments, and their people.
The first thing I feel strongly about is that there’s a difference between people and their government. You can feel one way about the government of a country, and another way about the people of a country (hey, that applies to the United States as well!).
For that matter, we can’t just let our preconceived notions about a country (probably based on government policies) dictate how we feel about the people of a country, and make us unwilling to engage. It’s almost like some people are convinced that because they have a bad impression of a country’s government, they assume that everyone from that country is just awful.
I had several illuminating interactions with Saudis during my 48 hours on the ground, but here’s the one that was a first for me — I just had a casual, fairly lengthy conversation with a woman in a niqab, in the Bujairi Terrace area. When you think of the preconceived notions that many Americans have about Saudi Arabia, that would sort of blow peoples’ minds. And that says nothing of the much more modern side of the country that I saw, which frankly, caught me off guard.
Let me give another example of how nuance is often missing in these interactions, and let me intentionally use a “tame” example. Even when I travel to the UAE, people will say “how could you travel somewhere where they stone people for being gay?” That’s… just not actually reflective of the reality.
That’s not at all to overlook the fact that I strongly disagree with a lot of governments (particularly non-secular ones), and I take a lot of issues with human rights violations in many places. But there’s a difference between criminalizing certain types of sexual activity and criminalizing “being gay.”
Some people suggested that me “being” in Saudi Arabia was “illegal.” That’s simply not the case. And again, I’m not saying this to defend any government, but instead, I’m happy to have real dialogues that reflect reality. Do I disagree with criminalizing same sex activity? Of course. Does that mean any gay person who visits a certain country is setting themself up to be killed? Absolutely not…
The truth is that if I limited my airline reviews to those from countries with public policies that I overwhelmingly agree with, you’d probably get nothing but reviews of Icelandair, Norwegian, Iberia, SAS, and Air New Zealand.
Again, I totally respect those who disagree with me, and who choose not to spend their tourist dollars in destinations with problematic laws. I don’t disagree with the sentiment, but I just try to separate my job — reviewing airline and hotel products as objectively as possible — from my own political beliefs.
And frankly, visiting many of these places has taught me a lot of things — not about the governments, but about the individual people, and how there are a lot more things that unite us than divide us.
Bottom line
Travel, laws, governments, morals, etc., are all complicated. I totally understand how and why many people are unwilling to travel to countries that have problematic laws, and I think that’s respectable.
Personally, I try to leave that out of my own review trips as much as possible, because I view my job as being to objectively review airlines in the best way that I can. Just because I’m willing to travel to most destinations doesn’t mean I don’t think about the problems certain places have, or that I don’t take issues with certain laws.
I also don’t think it’s necessary — or advisable, for that matter — for me to say “hey, this airline is great, but keep in mind [insert opinions about the government in a country with laws against types of speech].”
I appreciate those who can see where I’m coming from, whether you agree or disagree with me. And conversely, I respect those who strongly disagree with me as well. I just ask that we try to be constructive and reasonable with what we say, rather than just hurling out insults based on a false narrative.
Politics aside, travel bloggers seem to have an obsession with middle eastern airlines that is disproportionate to functionality of them for either the popularity of their core destinations or their usefulness of their hubs as a connection.
I’m sure it has to do with the emphasis that many of these airlines put on their premium products, but in the end, the destination is the most important factor.
While I understand you want to keep your "job" separate from politics, sometimes it is not separable. For example someone who is working in the weapon industry could just say the same thing. Or if I make it milder, someone in the tech development could be very much killing people via drones. So in the end, I think it is about what is acceptable to us when we turn blind eyes to certain things. I...
While I understand you want to keep your "job" separate from politics, sometimes it is not separable. For example someone who is working in the weapon industry could just say the same thing. Or if I make it milder, someone in the tech development could be very much killing people via drones. So in the end, I think it is about what is acceptable to us when we turn blind eyes to certain things. I think some people have issues with glowing (but not with the negative) reviews is that your reviews can generate income to these airlines and improve the images of the states that run these airlines. If people boycott these states and airlines maybe they will change their attitude or policies. But you are not helping their cause. Just to be clear, I am not saying you shouldn't but I am just trying to explain where they are coming from since your post didn't seem to understand that part or clearly acknowledge that part
"people are entitled to their opinions"
Sure, but that doesn't mean that every opinion is valuable or to be respected. I miss the good old days when the village idiots just went out on the streets, holding cardboard signs near traffic lights while screaming dark and incoherent messages. Nowadays they all seem to have internet access, right Tim D?
"I’m certainly not perfect, my opinions on some things evolve over time"
in fact,...
"people are entitled to their opinions"
Sure, but that doesn't mean that every opinion is valuable or to be respected. I miss the good old days when the village idiots just went out on the streets, holding cardboard signs near traffic lights while screaming dark and incoherent messages. Nowadays they all seem to have internet access, right Tim D?
"I’m certainly not perfect, my opinions on some things evolve over time"
in fact, it's better if your opinions on things change over time. Because the world around you changes all the time. We make new discoveries all the times. People grow when they get older, or at least they should, based on their life experiences. If you think never changing you opinion equals being perfect, then you're either in a religious cult, where 'absolute truth' is preached, or you still want your mommy to give you a piece of candy and some apple juice, because you're mentally still a toddler.
Anyway, one of the things about this blog is that you've always tried to be open and honest in your reviews. And that you managed to keep politics out of it, unless there's political decisions that severely affect traveling involved. But the USA, where you live, is getting more and more political every day on every topic. That's very sad, but also the reality of what society looks like now.
You shouldn't have to defend yourself for flying an airline or visiting a country. Your mission is clear and well communicated and you write down what you observe, even if people don't like it, don't understand it or are entitled trolls who believe that they know better than you, despite never having left their mothers basement. Just keep doing what you do. You're doing a great job and unless you start doing really weird stuff, there's no need to defend or explain yourself.
Lmao you totally don't, only when it comes to ME oil-rich dictatorships that give you an oil-funded sweet business-class seat, that's when you totally do, outside of that you totally don't. Let's not play the pretend game here
Probably because you share your thoughts as a human and leave out the political issues.
Its good to seeing goodness in humanity.
Yes we speak with people in every country we visit.
And when the person does not speak english, and we don't speak that countries language, the phone translator does wonders.
Breaking barriers with a thank you with a genuine smile does wonders.
According to our DNA, we are...
Probably because you share your thoughts as a human and leave out the political issues.
Its good to seeing goodness in humanity.
Yes we speak with people in every country we visit.
And when the person does not speak english, and we don't speak that countries language, the phone translator does wonders.
Breaking barriers with a thank you with a genuine smile does wonders.
According to our DNA, we are all not that different. The other factors make the difference, govt, education, etc...
ggg
Bravo! You do you, and people will either read your posts or they won't. You (and all the other travel/points/miles writers) often write about things I don't care about... I skip it and move on.
You snd I are very different, but that is precisely why I enjoy reading what you have to say! Don't change.
I have loved your blog for years and this is one of your finest articles.
Thank you !
I appreciate your ability to differentiate between a government and a people.
You and I are both openly gay and while I have no interest in visiting parts of the middle east and Africa (for a variety of reasons)P I am very grateful that you DO visit these places.
Keep it up Ben ! Thanks again
Hi Ben. One of the reasons I’ve loved reading for 12 years is that you seem so kind and genuine. I think you thread the needle perfectly on politics, personal life, and unbiased reviews. Industry coverage and reviews are why I came here, but your writing style and integrity are why I stay. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the video series.
I respect the hell out of you and your work, Ben. In an age where sponsored trips have become the norm, your reviews and objectivity have set the standard. Anyone claiming you were paid for anything here is being purposely obtuse, trolling, or both.
That said: You chose to fly these airlines and travel to Saudi Arabia - a personal choice and something that only you can justify. I trust that Saudia and Riyadh...
I respect the hell out of you and your work, Ben. In an age where sponsored trips have become the norm, your reviews and objectivity have set the standard. Anyone claiming you were paid for anything here is being purposely obtuse, trolling, or both.
That said: You chose to fly these airlines and travel to Saudi Arabia - a personal choice and something that only you can justify. I trust that Saudia and Riyadh Air earned your glowing reviews, but these aren't just airlines in a vacuum. Their entire existence is built around the government's goal of diversifying away from oil revenue, building up tourism, and papering over horrific human rights abuses. Same with Red Sea Global, LIV Golf, and countless other PIF projects.
You clearly feel it's important to review these carriers ... and while I personally disagree, I understand why. But to borrow a word you use repeatedly here, looking even briefly at the big picture in your reviews would have made your coverage far more nuanced. Reducing them to just a pair of glitzy global airlines on the rise plays right into their hands.
People may not be extensions of their government, but airlines (and especially these airlines) are.
I gave you a hard time for those posts. We may still have differences but that’s life. At the very least I hope it drove up engagement and views. Your welcome.
On a personal note, I think hearing your opinion is where the money is at (so to speak). People who read your blog want to hear your opinion. Even if they disagree or it pisses them off. No one likes milk toast. Speak...
I gave you a hard time for those posts. We may still have differences but that’s life. At the very least I hope it drove up engagement and views. Your welcome.
On a personal note, I think hearing your opinion is where the money is at (so to speak). People who read your blog want to hear your opinion. Even if they disagree or it pisses them off. No one likes milk toast. Speak your mind, it’s your blog. I actually find some of your writings to be wishy washy when I’d like you to take a hard stand on something.
The most important thing you never addressed while in Saudi Arabia is did you find the Salvatore Mundi?
I know somebody who was detained in Doha (for accidentally bringing CBD oil which he uses as medicine but without prescription). No fun and QR was totally unhelpful, too). And the UAE are considerably less fundamentalist than places like Saudi Arabian.
I don't want to imagine what would happen if I got arrested in Saudi Arabia for my sexual orientation. I tend to err on the side of caution when picking airlines and transfer airports.
Unless you're literally having sex in public, they don't just arrest people for their sexual orientation in Saudi Arabia ir the UAE. Is this something you feel you can't resist/ keep yourself from doing? And Doha is in Qatar, not the UAE
To be fair, it's not like Saudi Arabia's people got together and chose their anti-LGBTQ government through some kind of election or anything like that. And they definitely didn't do that twice.
In six wealthy GCC states, the citizens make up at most 30% of total population. Qataris are only 20% of total population. They share similar cultures, laws and regulations. Based on your trip reviews, I doubt that you conversed with the Saudi nationals. Being a local does not make a person a national. There are expats and citizens. In Kuwait, only children of Kuwaiti fathers will automatically receive citizenship upon age 18. They must never...
In six wealthy GCC states, the citizens make up at most 30% of total population. Qataris are only 20% of total population. They share similar cultures, laws and regulations. Based on your trip reviews, I doubt that you conversed with the Saudi nationals. Being a local does not make a person a national. There are expats and citizens. In Kuwait, only children of Kuwaiti fathers will automatically receive citizenship upon age 18. They must never acquire other foreign citizenship. They are as elusive as the Big Cats and they never work in the capacity of dealing with public. You haven't forgotten a supposedly Kuwaiti purser on Kuwait Airways flight had fooled you into thinking he was a national. Unless you understand different accents of Arabic or verify the docs, there is a remote chance that you will know a person is a citizen.
Religion and hypocricy are eternally joined at the hip. Many al-Saud monarchy male members are homosexual. After former King Abdullah's wife caught him with a male in the bedroom, she fled to England and sought asylum. She will always watch her back because it is a standard practice for powerful Arab males to engage in retribution, abduction and disappearance of the intended target. He baited her to come home to see their two daughters but she declined. She never saw them again. Saudi Arabia is not what it was decades ago. In those countries, females who travel overseas are generally required to have male chaperone. Husbands can stop their wives and kids from leaving the country together.
How do you define a country is modern and its residents are civilized? It is indisputable that the six GCC states are extremely wealthy and their citizens enjoy a high living standard. They tend to build structures bigger, better and bolder. They always buy top of the line and state of arts stuff that money can buy. However, they still maintain their tribal mentality and laws, such as animal sacrifice, chopping off body parts like fingers for misdemeanor crimes, stoning women. Especially when they inflicted severe starvation on Yemenis for many years during the war, in coordination with the US. I avoid making any assessment based on superficial appearance. Paradoxically, our politicians and a large swat of the population engage in tribalism while condemning other countries as "s---hole". Countless readers always call out politics when they do not like to read things contradicting their opinions and beliefs because they don't accept or agree with them but unable to provide factual context and data to disprove it. History is not politics but history revisionism is. Neither are truths and facts. When you claim that you try to leave politics out, it sounds like you do not fully and honestly express your inner thoughts and feelings as well as disclosing any inconvenience fact. Instead, you hold them back for fear of a backlash or share your stance.
I don't necessarily disagree with any of this, but I don't think it'll land with many.
Nobody is born with a deep understanding of ethical/philosophical concepts and the nuances of political/tribal/cultural issues in various parts of the world. Developing such an understanding requires [beyond basic levels of intelligence and cultural exposure] investment in time and effort that won't come with the promise of returns (financial or otherwise).
We know that basically nobody makes that...
I don't necessarily disagree with any of this, but I don't think it'll land with many.
Nobody is born with a deep understanding of ethical/philosophical concepts and the nuances of political/tribal/cultural issues in various parts of the world. Developing such an understanding requires [beyond basic levels of intelligence and cultural exposure] investment in time and effort that won't come with the promise of returns (financial or otherwise).
We know that basically nobody makes that investment in relation to every society/culture/religion out there (most classic example: lots of people refer to 'Asians'/'Asian culture' in a manner that totally bypasses the Arabian peninsula and often even the Indian Subcontinent). The human brain is constantly using heuristics and forming conclusions with incomplete information and I don't see much benefit in calling that out on an individual basis.
For those who claim its just a myth how they kill gay people in Saudi, just read this
https://www.out.com/news/2019/4/29/saudi-arabia-kills-5-after-homosexual-acts-confession#toggle-gdpr
And its not Fake News
"I certainly have strong feelings about politics" Yes that is clear.... Try sticking to travel and keeping your feelings about politics to yourself.
Its his opinion and we don't mind reading it. If you don't like, then don't read it.....
Just move along if his politics bother you, there's no shortage of other travel blogs to read.
As much as I despise TPG, it's worth noting after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi the editorial board posted and vowed never to review another Saudi carrier and surprisingly have stuck to it.
As much as I despise TPG, it's worth noting after they murder of Jamal Khashoggi the editorial board posted and vowed never go review another Saudi carrier and surprisingly have stuck to it.
*the
(Could we please introduce an edit option plz)
Ben - you and I are on opposite sides politically, and I am a conservative follower of Christ. I visit your website daily, and I greatly appreciate the fact that you keep politics out of your writing for the most part (I can catch a hint here and there). I've been reading your writings for over 15 years now, and I look forward to the next 15 :-). Keep it up - I appreciate you and what you do!
I totally support your right and choice to write about every airline and hotel chain on Earth. Having said that, I do have my red lines of which countries to visit and what countries to stay out of so don’t expect my clicks on anything you write about Saudi or the airlines or hotels of other 40 countries or so, I did not read the article and I am not planning to read anything related to.
you pour your energy/soul into this blog. yeah some of that is for money---who doesn't do that? You good, i see the passion beyond the dollar signs
you fine. been following you for like 20 plus years. have you done some dumb stuff--more than likely Honest, upfront, do what you do do---always
Bravo Ben
Born again Christian white male Republican here. I don’t care if you’re gay or self conscious about it . Ever since the dawn of social media a lot of you have been attention seeking MySpace whores. I just want to share our common interests about commercial aviation. Let’s get on with it.
Proclaiming oneself to be 'woke' is no longer the virtue-signalling, badge of honour it was back in circa. 2017.
Quite the opposite in 2026; it's now a mild put-down and insult. So don't be 'woke', just be good. On a positive note: I do enjoy your airline reviews of those obscure airlines and far-off places.
a significant part of your readership is racist... just read the regular comments. there's no need to defend your travels and choices. american propaganda is alive and well.
As you note, you’ve written about this a number of times. You don’t need to. Just to not necessary to justify what you write about or why you write about something.
Im gay as well and have travelled extensively in regions were homosexuality is illegal and or socially taboo. That I choose to do so is nobody’s concern except mine.
I appreciate your approach to these issues. But one thing that has felt like a conspicuous absence is any reviews of Iranian airlines. Whatever it's faults, I'd say that Iran is much more of an open society than Saudi Arabia. And there are so many great old planes flying there! 747s! A340s! Obviously not a great idea at this very moment. But I am curious why you haven't made any trips there in the past, or if you're planning any in the future when things calm down
I say a version of this every time you write about this issue: write and about what and where you want. There’s no need to justify yourself.
I’m gay as well and have travelled extensively with my husband to countries and regions where homosexuality is taboo and or illegal. That I choose to do so is my affair.
As a U.S. citizen is Ben prohibited from going to Iran due to U.S government sanctions? In any event as a U.S. passport holder I am not sure I would feel safe there at the moment, notwithstanding that Iranian people are truly hospitable.
No, it's legal for Americans to travel to Iran, but strongly discouraged by the State Department. (It may be illegal now due to the war, but in general..) Rick Steves did a PBS show on Iran in 2009.
Since you expect your readers to exercise "nuance" before questioning your judgement in flying homophobic airlines, then I would suggest you and your predominantly "woke" readers exercise nuance before blanket shaming anyone you disagree with politically as "nazi" or "fascist". Words matter and they go both directions.
So here's my two cents on this, because I see it posted from time to time.
The current US administration is objectively misogynistic, racist, fascist, and behaves in a similar way to some of the nazi ideology (especially on immigration policy).
For some conservatives these items were dealbreakers, for many they weren't. That is a fundamental problem for the rest of us.
Those who, even after seeing all that has happened, still...
So here's my two cents on this, because I see it posted from time to time.
The current US administration is objectively misogynistic, racist, fascist, and behaves in a similar way to some of the nazi ideology (especially on immigration policy).
For some conservatives these items were dealbreakers, for many they weren't. That is a fundamental problem for the rest of us.
Those who, even after seeing all that has happened, still wholeheartedly support it, deserve to be lumped in with the ones committing the atrocities.
If the name calling hurts you, ask yourself why you think people would dare to keep calling you that.
Maybe its a you problem...
Tolerance is a great thing - what’s funny some things we can be tolerant of and I really enjoy the reviews even if I would not go to Saudi for fear being gay. On the flip side there are many blogs and comments on here not tolerant of the current administration. We can’t have tolerance on a one way street. If as many are suggesting tolerance maybe try it both ways
False equivalence. We owe *people* respect, but we do not owe respect to *ideology* that actively tries to strip away people's rights or dehumanize. Trump and MAGA regularly do both. There should never be tolerance or respect for either.
I too jave been ready your blog for over decade and I read it for its content. Ailrlines, hotels and points stuff not because of your sexuality or your politics ( both of which I think you keep to a minimum) or ethics. Keep up the excellent work. My husband and I of 49 years are more than capable of making pur own judgements and decisions on many things without having to air them, we...
I too jave been ready your blog for over decade and I read it for its content. Ailrlines, hotels and points stuff not because of your sexuality or your politics ( both of which I think you keep to a minimum) or ethics. Keep up the excellent work. My husband and I of 49 years are more than capable of making pur own judgements and decisions on many things without having to air them, we decide with our wallets and our brains. To you and all your family and readers stay safe, be nice and enjoy what you do. It is unfortunate that education has gotten to the level where comprehension of the written language is sompoor.
As a gay man I think it’s innane for a travel blogger who reviews airlines hotels destinations etc to weed out those that we may feel do not align with our values. If you did that you will slide a slippery road to deciding not to review something that others may not find offensive. Politics and business do not mix. At all. Do your job. If you want to post political viewpoints start another blog....
As a gay man I think it’s innane for a travel blogger who reviews airlines hotels destinations etc to weed out those that we may feel do not align with our values. If you did that you will slide a slippery road to deciding not to review something that others may not find offensive. Politics and business do not mix. At all. Do your job. If you want to post political viewpoints start another blog. It’s ridiculous for any person to expect you to choose and pick based on your political values
Bravo Lucky!
Keep doing what you're doing. People who criticize others for no reason other than they feel they have a right to do so have (1) got way too much time on their hands, and (2) need to take a long look at themselves. You have a great ability to write exactly how you feel, but from a perspective of someone who is living a normal life. And perhaps like many, struggling to understand why it's...
Keep doing what you're doing. People who criticize others for no reason other than they feel they have a right to do so have (1) got way too much time on their hands, and (2) need to take a long look at themselves. You have a great ability to write exactly how you feel, but from a perspective of someone who is living a normal life. And perhaps like many, struggling to understand why it's necessary to feel that you have no option except to defend what you (and 99% of well-balanced people) consider a normal, rational perspective.
Truthfully, I think the noise/complaints are coming from a very small percentage of the OMAAT reader community- most of us love seeing variety, and niche content, and would be disappointed if you only reviewed Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific. So please keep being adventurous and cool. Looking forward to the debut Monday.
I don't like Ben's total fixation on business and first class. He should do an occasional economy class. Business and first class passengers are bad people who should be punished with higher taxes so that they pay their share. Actually, their fair share would be in prison and their money taken from them. Also their frequent flyer miles if they have more than 300,000 miles or have more than 300,000 miles credited within 5 years....
I don't like Ben's total fixation on business and first class. He should do an occasional economy class. Business and first class passengers are bad people who should be punished with higher taxes so that they pay their share. Actually, their fair share would be in prison and their money taken from them. Also their frequent flyer miles if they have more than 300,000 miles or have more than 300,000 miles credited within 5 years. Punish those DYKWIA people and those without an attitude but still with money or expense accounts.
Eat the rich!
Eat the rich!
You care more about revenue than human rights abuses
@Ben, I love your honest take on these issues and, like you, I also sincerely believe that there are many more things that should unite us instead of separating us.
However, this can only be achieved by being willing to perceive the world directly with our own eyes, rather through an ecosystem of misinformation. It also requires humility to see oneself as other than exceptional/superior/chosen/righteous/devout, etc. This is what you do, to some extent,...
@Ben, I love your honest take on these issues and, like you, I also sincerely believe that there are many more things that should unite us instead of separating us.
However, this can only be achieved by being willing to perceive the world directly with our own eyes, rather through an ecosystem of misinformation. It also requires humility to see oneself as other than exceptional/superior/chosen/righteous/devout, etc. This is what you do, to some extent, when traveling to places others don't want to think of, or simply can't (even if they wished to). You also carry immense privileges of different kinds, and this will always affect how you're perceived and received elsewhere.
I've personally made decisions in recent years on certain moral and political grounds that have led me to change my travel habits (among other everyday behaviors) because, when one is not part of the dominant groups/cultures, I find it essential to at least have a say by voting with my feet. Others could say that I'm not considering the 'nuances,' but I see it more as a redirection of my efforts (and spending) in hopes of having a positive impact, even if small, on those on the receiving end of inequities.
Ben, it really is simple, if you, your husband or kids got killed for being gay in saudi arabia or other muslim countries, you'd soon stop flying there. SO STOP F***ING FLYING THERE!
@ N H -- Well of course I would stop going there if I or someone in my family got killed there. But I'm not sure what that's based on? Me going to Saudi Arabia for 48 hours solo would get me in trouble why, exactly? I think a similar argument could be made about someone going to the US and getting caught up in a mass shooting.
The thing is, you care more about revenue from this site than human rights abuses. You’re a joke.
That's simply not going to happen.
You’re right. He won’t stop flying to countries that abuse human rights because he cares more about his revenue
Saudi Arabia, with its many problems, still operates by some kind of rules and order. Gaza, on the other hand, is governed by mobs and terrorists. If Queers for Palestine wasn't a real movement, SNL or The Onion doing the same bit would be regarded as ridiculous and too unrealistic to suspend disbelief and go with the premise.
But in all seriousness, Ben, if you were unfortunate enough to find yourself in Gaza or the...
Saudi Arabia, with its many problems, still operates by some kind of rules and order. Gaza, on the other hand, is governed by mobs and terrorists. If Queers for Palestine wasn't a real movement, SNL or The Onion doing the same bit would be regarded as ridiculous and too unrealistic to suspend disbelief and go with the premise.
But in all seriousness, Ben, if you were unfortunate enough to find yourself in Gaza or the West Bank, you'd be a dead man walking. No different than Israelis that get lost and accidentally drive into a Palestinian-controlled area.
You're right N h, Ben should stop flying to *checks notes* almost every country on earth, including the one he lives in.
Hey, I am the president of Antifa, you poser!
When Trump and his family are all swinging from lamp-posts, we can sort out a lot of things.
ok, bro
@Lucky: I have been reading your blog several times every day for about 12 years now. Not only I love the content but I also really like you as a person based on your writing and what and how you shared family things like your Mom's illness with us, readers. You are doing an excellent job in keeping politics out of your blog. That is why every day I read each and every of your post. Thank you!
@ Daniel B. -- You're very kind, thank you! :-)
Some nuance needed here indeed! Information about a person's sexual orientation is not part of the booking process in any airline. No body cares. Neither is religion for that matter (someone asked me if a a Jew can fly Qatar Airways!). To my knowledge, being gay is not a crime in any country. But being caught (with witnesses) having a particular type of same-sex activity is punishable in most Muslim majority countries, some African countries...
Some nuance needed here indeed! Information about a person's sexual orientation is not part of the booking process in any airline. No body cares. Neither is religion for that matter (someone asked me if a a Jew can fly Qatar Airways!). To my knowledge, being gay is not a crime in any country. But being caught (with witnesses) having a particular type of same-sex activity is punishable in most Muslim majority countries, some African countries and certainly the Gulf ones.
So, if you are flying one of their airlines or visiting them (or just transiting through their airports), then a) don't start having sex inflight (a requirement for heterosexuals too) and b) don't have public sex in the country or inside the transit airport (a requirement for heterosexuals as too). Now, is this manageable for gay travellers? It is certainly is for me.
Let's be real, people don't even understand how things work when they say "it's illegal to be gay", no that's not the point.
It's about how laws and policies are codified to protect such groups. LGBT+ people have existed everywhere since the beginning of time. It's about whether or not you can actively discriminate against them or treat them differently on that basis.
Yes, you can broadly operate and live as a gay person in...
Let's be real, people don't even understand how things work when they say "it's illegal to be gay", no that's not the point.
It's about how laws and policies are codified to protect such groups. LGBT+ people have existed everywhere since the beginning of time. It's about whether or not you can actively discriminate against them or treat them differently on that basis.
Yes, you can broadly operate and live as a gay person in any Western country or even the Middle East with minimal friction. The problem is when the government or businesses come in and treat you poorly and violate your civil rights, there is no recourse for such unjust actions because there are no legal protections for you.
The converse is also true, there is also violence and discrimination towards LGBT groups in Western societies, but the point is that there is legal and protected actions you can take in response to such crimes. And the fact that there are legal ramifications is what helps reduce and disincentivize such behavior.
It is true that some countries, including some so-called 'first world' countries have protections for minorities written in the law. But enforcement is a whole different thing. Just because it's written somewhere (sometimes beautifully) it doesn't mean that an ordinary citizen will be able to access said protection.
It could always be worse, it could be an innocuous Delta article but it has 120+ comments because of the usual suspects gassing each other up
I’m gay and see where you are coming from. Reviewing products for your job is different than deciding where to vacation especially when one has limited time to do so.
Ben: I appreciate the fact that you write your reviews without political commentary. If people want political commentary, there are lots of other sites where they can find it.
You said, no nuance. That's the problem with many people these days, they think everything is black and white when it rarely is.
Lets not confuse “politics” with Basic Human Rights
@ KV -- I'm well aware that a lot of countries lack basic human rights, and that's a problem. But the number of countries that fall into that category in one form or another is massive, as I see it. Not to get too political, but I'd also argue healthcare should be a basic human right, yet it's an area where so many countries fall short.
Ben, Im also gay and have kids, i will never support in any way a country that kill innocent people of my community and that will recognize my own family as an abomination, that’s just my very personal point of view and that’s where I draw the line, but you do you , this is your blog
They don't do that. That's a myth. Where do you see them doing that? What proof do you have? I as well as many friends have lived and worked in those countries in the Middle East. Never heard of it actually happening in real life. Only heard about it from people who'd never been there who relied on a stereotype and a rumor they had heard.
Jason. Not a myth you ignorant.
https://www.out.com/news/2019/4/29/saudi-arabia-kills-5-after-homosexual-acts-confession#toggle-gdpr
ICE is literally shooting innocent people who are here legally...should Ben boycott all US airlines and hotels?
"ICE is literally shooting innocent people who are here legally..."
That is the exception (albeit horrific) that proves the rule that the US bears no resemblance to the ME Kafala countries, but we all knew that, didn't we?
"...but I'd also argue healthcare should be a basic human right..."
Unfortunately, something that requires the actions of another individual or group can't be considered a "basic human right".
^Mike P is a sovereign citizen. You can and should ignore his nonsense, or, better yet, mock it, regularly.
By your argument Mike, there are no human rights. Nothing can be achieved without action of others in some form - you cannot have a right to clean air without someone to enforce environmental rules, you cannot have the right to vote without someone running an election and ensuring your suffrage is respected etc. etc.
Wow, that doesn't make any sense. It's apparent you don't understand the concept of individual rights.
A right „to something“ (like healthcare) is fundamentally different though than the right to practice a religion, free speech or your sexuality without punishment from authorities. The latter people are not asking their government for anything other than being left alone.
I personally find it puzzling that you would travel to a country like Saudi Arabia. I am not gay, but knowing how they treat gay people or that marriages of 70 year old...
A right „to something“ (like healthcare) is fundamentally different though than the right to practice a religion, free speech or your sexuality without punishment from authorities. The latter people are not asking their government for anything other than being left alone.
I personally find it puzzling that you would travel to a country like Saudi Arabia. I am not gay, but knowing how they treat gay people or that marriages of 70 year old men with 13 year old girls are allowed and recognized is enough for me to decide not to spend any tourism dollars there.
But hey, women are allowed to drive now, isn’t that wonderful?
Ben,
For context I am from the UK. I find your blog balanced and not political such that the focus is on the travel and that's what I enjoy.
Don't change anything although I do think a good rail trip in the UK warrants consideration for a future trip - keep up the good work
Real reason: divisive topics like politics lead to loss of readership which translates to less ad dollars for my bottomline and revenue. So by staying apolitical, I can maximize the money I rake in.
Which is totally ok, no one is coming to One Mile At A Time for riveting political takes. We like the nonstop sponsored posts and credit card ads.
@ Julie -- You're entitled to your opinion, but I think that logic is backwards. If I were trying to fully avoid controversy, I just wouldn't fly airlines from "controversial" (from a US centric perspective) places.
Just so no one thinks this is the “normal” Julie
Ben can see based on emails
But…
It isn’t and wasn’t. I love Ben’s blog and my skin isn’t anywhere as thin as the one above or with those takes
This is the "normal" Julie, you are the made up one from my perspective.
Nowhere did I say I hate Ben's blog. But you sure are good at making things up as usual
Not a fight
Just an fyi since my account has been around for a long time while yours seems to pop up occasionally to spread bad energy like above and insults
But the name isn’t trademarked, for sure
Say whatever you want
But no one should think it’s me.
Where are the insults from me?
You seem to be the one that does it very aggressively, spewing nonstop vitriol all the time.
If by any remote chance one day you wake up and realize that you don't like the sponsored/CC posts, there's one little trick you can follow:
ⁿ ᵒ ᵗ ᶜ ˡ ᶦ ᶜ ᵏ ᶦ ⁿ ᵍ ᵒ ⁿ ᵗ ʰ ᵉ ᵖ ᵒ ˢ ᵗ
I verbatim said we like those posts. How do you read one thing and magically think the opposite?
If being neutral and apolitical really leads to more readership, you wouldn’t see partisan reporting with almost every major news outlet and network, or companies taking political positions (first with woke politics, then now swinging hard towards Trump).
"this guy who repeatedly threatened my life claimed I was the president of Antifa"-- I must have missed the context behind this context... When and where did this happen?
Also, to touch on the point of this post... this is the main reason why I read your blog. The overall objectivity of your reviews and lack of bias is what I personally see as the main value creator for your blog. Obviously, as others...
"this guy who repeatedly threatened my life claimed I was the president of Antifa"-- I must have missed the context behind this context... When and where did this happen?
Also, to touch on the point of this post... this is the main reason why I read your blog. The overall objectivity of your reviews and lack of bias is what I personally see as the main value creator for your blog. Obviously, as others have pointed out, it's your blog and you can post whatever you want. But I do see merit to this sort of posts. It shows to me that you are transparent and care about your readers, even in those instances where you shouldn't. Someone making threats or accusing you of breaking the law (saw someone claiming that you didn't disclose a sponsorship) without presenting any sort of evidence, doesn't deserve any attention, let alone any sort of care or concern.
So Ben, keep doing what you have done for the past 18+ years, it's what has gotten you here and most likely take you where you want to be!
@ Ben Holz -- Thank you! Regarding that little nugget I threw in there, it's honestly not something I've discussed publicly (other than that mention), as it goes back a few years. It's something I've alerted authorities to, and I have reason to believe it's less of a concern than in the past. At some point in the future maybe I can write a post about it, as it went on for a very long time.
Wow, that little nugget sounds like it was a pretty serious ordeal at some point... glad it no longer is.
Wow, that's quite the nugget. Happy to hear that it's no longer a concern, @Ben.
It's your blog. You don't an explanation for anything. And the people who complain about these things are people who have never traveled anywhere besides North America and maybe a trip or two to Europe.
Excellent commentary . Furthermore , If one likes "political propaganda" , one is ignorant of reality . The Non-political thinkers are the sole Realistic ones . Look at Malta , for example .
I mostly agree with what you’re saying here. I will caveat though, because there are a few exceptions. There is a line between a country having human rights violations that are not reflective of everyone or even impact daily life for most. And then there are human rights violations which are daily, everywhere, and underpin the existence and form of the society. Criminalisation of homosexuality in the UAE lies in the first category, for example....
I mostly agree with what you’re saying here. I will caveat though, because there are a few exceptions. There is a line between a country having human rights violations that are not reflective of everyone or even impact daily life for most. And then there are human rights violations which are daily, everywhere, and underpin the existence and form of the society. Criminalisation of homosexuality in the UAE lies in the first category, for example. The practical enslavement of millions of people to keep that society running, from construction workers to service jobs to cleaners lies in the second category. The ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians in Palestine, for example, lies in the second category, because Israel’s existence as a country is based on the ethnic cleansing of 700,000 Palestinians in 1948 and today’s violence is an extension of that. Not to mention that the vast majority of Israelis are supportive of the further ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. So you have to judge whether you go to a country in spite of their human rights violations, or whether that country’s very existence is because of extensive and continuous human rights violations. If the latter is true, then I would argue you have a moral obligation to boycott.
Why tf do you people care about Palestine so much? The war is bigger than that. It’s about rejecting actual terrorists, muslim terrorists, who are themselves responsible for the deaths of the people they are supposed to protect. We can’t fail and we need to send a message to the islamic world that we will not tolerate their terror.
We care about Palestine because we are human beings who care about other humans facing gross injustice and violence. You can brand pretty much anyone a “terrorist”. Were the participants in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising terrorists? Were the slave revolts in the US committed by terrorists? Were the ANC in South Africa terrorists? Nowadays any person would disagree. They were freedom fighters, no? But in their day, all of them were branded as terrorists. Be...
We care about Palestine because we are human beings who care about other humans facing gross injustice and violence. You can brand pretty much anyone a “terrorist”. Were the participants in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising terrorists? Were the slave revolts in the US committed by terrorists? Were the ANC in South Africa terrorists? Nowadays any person would disagree. They were freedom fighters, no? But in their day, all of them were branded as terrorists. Be on the right side of history. Free Palestine.
It always amazes me when that the same political party that lionized George Floyd is the party that produced corrupt Tennessee Governor Leonard Ray Blanton, whose administration murdered black businessman Samuel Pettyjohn using a hitman dressed up in blackface to both slander blacks and deflect a criminal investigation for decades. To paraphrase TravellnWilly, that party really sucks.
I appreciate you addressing this important issue, but actions speak far louder than words and where we spend our money speaks even louder. I would never spend money on airlines sponsored and subsidized by governments that operate under and benefit from the Kafala system along with all the other disgusting policies you identified. It couldn't be any easier use other airlines based in countries that support human rights, much less organized labor. It actually amazes...
I appreciate you addressing this important issue, but actions speak far louder than words and where we spend our money speaks even louder. I would never spend money on airlines sponsored and subsidized by governments that operate under and benefit from the Kafala system along with all the other disgusting policies you identified. It couldn't be any easier use other airlines based in countries that support human rights, much less organized labor. It actually amazes me the willful ignorance that must be required for good people to ignore this. To your credit you don't pretend to be a big supporter of such causes like some commenters.
The comfort of a Q Suite makes many people ignore their normal distaste for a company or country.
I agree, that is definitely part of it. Sad how cheaply too many of us are compromised.
Or a family owned fiefdom masquerading as a country.
Keep it going. Your comments here are level headed and I'm glad to get an insight into how you go about doing your reviews.
All I can say is that in my 50+ years working in the travel industry and having had many opportunities to travel the world I come away with the belief that the vast majority of people are good and just want a better life for themselves and their families.
But you don't leave politics out when it comes to China - you regularly leave snide remarks about China even if clearly you don't understand what's going on and thus help create a false and negative narrative about the Middle Kingdom
@ SPGLTP -- I'm sorry, I'm surprised to hear that. I regularly leave snide comments about China? Could you give me a few examples?
You do not, so he won't and can't.
Let's see. Your criticisms of HKs. National security law where you say China has made HK more repressive since 2019 - it hasn't. China has made HK safer by not letting rioters seize control of the airport and launch molotov cocktails. Or your 2022 declaration that China ended its absurd coronovirus flight bans which kept Chinese safe. The bans were 99% supported by chinese. You paint a picture that China is repressive. You don't do...
Let's see. Your criticisms of HKs. National security law where you say China has made HK more repressive since 2019 - it hasn't. China has made HK safer by not letting rioters seize control of the airport and launch molotov cocktails. Or your 2022 declaration that China ended its absurd coronovirus flight bans which kept Chinese safe. The bans were 99% supported by chinese. You paint a picture that China is repressive. You don't do it towards any other country. China had less deaths as a ratio during covid period because of their policies. HK is safe again. You should stick to non political themes
those were all statements of fact, which he makes about every country he reviews.
if they strike you as snide to say out loud, then that tells you everything you need to know about the illegitimate prc government you're stanning.
You’re a mainlander or a new Hong Konger and your statement doesn’t reflect the broad consensus coming from Hong Kong’s original residents. I’m speaking as one of them, regardless of how many of your kind slander Hong Kong or try to twist facts. The fact that you can’t even speak properly about your own country’s history (like 文化大革命）means you should probably stop trying to meddle in our city’s business.
If criticizing the erasure of free speech and legal protections is "political," then you don't understand the difference between a political agenda and basic human rights. Defending civil liberties, whether in Hong Kong or anywhere else, isn't a "snide narrative." It's a refusal to tolerate repression. A society where people have to blindly tolerate heir freedoms being stripped away isn't "safe" at all. It's repressed.
六四天安門事件、香港國安法、動態清零、巴拿馬文件、西藏人權、台灣民主、維尼熊。自由民主人權不容抹殺。
If criticizing the erasure of free speech and legal protections is "political," then you don't understand the difference between a political agenda and basic human rights. Defending civil liberties, whether in Hong Kong or anywhere else, isn't a "snide narrative." It's a refusal to tolerate repression. A society where people have to blindly tolerate heir freedoms being stripped away isn't "safe" at all. It's repressed.
六四天安門事件、香港國安法、動態清零、巴拿馬文件、西藏人權、台灣民主、維尼熊。自由民主人權不容抹殺。
Appreciate the transparency, Ben, though you really don't owe the internet (or anyone) an explanation. It’s your site. People can read the review, engage in the comments, or scroll past; the answer to ideas or trips people dislike is more speech, not censorship. Keep doing what you do.
1990 ... +1 . Exactly so .
Uh oh, Alert and I are agreeing... that kinda puts me on... alert. ;-)
Sad part @1990 is I agree with you too :) Seriously I read a lot of travel blogs and rate Ben's top of the list (way above VFTW). The fact he doesn't post condescening comments about the President or insert his personal beliefs into his reviews is one of the best features. Keep it up Ben!
Gambler, maybe I’m not as liberal as you presume; or, I’m just old-school ‘liberal,’ like, an actual free speech absolutist.
I don't always agree with you but it's your blog. You do you. Anyone who disagrees can either say so or leave if really they can't handle it.
I don't think you should do these kind of posts to justify yourself, but again - your blog! So keep being you and doing you and writing what you want!
@ Quentin -- Thank you! My intent here isn't to "justify" myself in a defensive way, but instead, to provide some background for those who are genuinely curious. I think there's value in discussing the different ways to approach things.
We all still love this blog, don't even worry about being a little political or not.
Popcorn time!
Also, the fat orange Nazi sucks. :)
Yes, I'm what's wrong with America today, because I like representative democracy and I'm a patriot.
Haha, c'mon, you don't have to actually start it off. Ben we're here because you are one of the more politically charged of the mainstream travel blogs, and we love it! Keep being you.
'Thank you for your attention to this matter.'
"THANK YOUR FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER."
Fixed the caps.
Thank you, Mart, for your attention to THAT matter.
Haha