Hello from sunny Florida! I’ve spent the past five days at home with my parents (not living in hotels, for once), and it has actually been kind of relaxing.
I’ve been getting sleep. I’ve been going to the gym. My mom has cooked.
As much as I love to travel, it’s really, really, nice to slow down for a while.
Featured Stories
Qatar Airways A350 Business Class Inaugural Flight
I had the opportunity to fly on the inaugural commercial A350 flight from Doha to Frankfurt last week, which was an awesome experience. Several avgeek friends were onboard, along with the CEO of Qatar Airways, Richard Quest from CNN, and CEO of Airbus, which made for an especially fun flight.
How I Earned Miles In 2014
I like to think I’m fairly transparent in terms of how I pay for each trip I take (the full costs are always published in the introduction to a given trip report). For those looking for a general overview, here’s the breakdown of what my earning rates looked like last year.
It’s also worth noting I travel significantly more than most people — 300+ days a year — so consider that when thinking of how this relates to your situation. The methods and ratios are probably more relevant than the actual amounts.
ACT FAST: US Airways Business Class Award Availability Wide Open!
US Airways adjusted some fare classes last weekend in order to align with American as part of their merger. While it seemed to be a glitch, virtually every transatlantic flight had unlimited business class award space as a result.
While availability isn’t as wide open as it was before, there’s still a surprising amount of business class award availability on US Airways to Europe. So it’s not too late to lock in business class awards to Europe for this coming summer.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
Mattress Running With Club Carlson’s Current Promotion
10 Best Credit Card Offers For January
Double Virgin America Elevate Points Through March 31, 2015
Double American AAdvantage Miles To Asia
Silvercar $59 Rentals Extended Through February
Club Carlson Conundrum: Award, Revenue, Or Mix?
Marriott 2015 Elite Status Buy Back Offer
Citi Premier Changes: Lower Annual Fee And New Bonus Categories
You Won’t Believe Amex’s Targeted “PointsMatch” Promotion
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Best Seats In Cathay Pacific First Class
How To Redeem Miles On Royal Air Maroc
Changing Dividend Miles Awards After AAdvantage Takeover?
American Can Once Again Book All Etihad Awards
Korean Air SkyPass Transfers Returning To Ultimate Rewards
Last Chance: Book Hyatt Stays Before Hotel Category Changes
Should You Redeem US Airways Miles Now Or Wait?
Can You Redeem Miles To Cuba?
It’s Not Just You: AAdvantage Unable To Issue Most Award Tickets On Etihad
ACT FAST: US Airways Business Class Award Availability Wide Open!
Can Delta SkyMiles No Longer Be Redeemed For Saudia Business Class?
How To Search Gulf Air Award Availability
How To Select Etihad Seats Online
TRAVEL With Lucky
Thinking Of Canceling My Best Award Ticket Ever
How I Earned Miles In 2014
Flying With His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO
Qatar Airways A350 Business Class Inaugural Flight
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Oneworld Business Class Lounge Los Angeles LAX
Review: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
Review: Qantas First Class A380 Sydney To Los Angeles
Review: Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney SYD
Review: Park Hyatt Sydney
Review: Qantas Club Melbourne MEL
Review: Qantas Business Class 737 Melbourne To Sydney
NEWS & Updates
Are Japanese Flight Attendants Sleeping With Pilots For Money?
New App Will Tell You If Your Plane Will Crash
Did You Fly More Than President Obama Last Year?
SkyMall Files For Bankruptcy — What Took So Long?
La Compagnie To Start Newark To London Flights March 29, 2015
Nothing At All Suspicious About These Blog Comments…
Details Of American’s New Dallas To Beijing Route
Amazing Crosswind Landing Footage At Birmingham Airport
Royal Air Maroc Joining Star Alliance?
Gotham Air’s New $99 Helicopter Between Manhattan And JFK/EWR
ANA First Class Coming To Seattle, Singapore, And Frankfurt
Video Of Disgusting British Airways First Class Cabin
Air India Changes Their Mascot To A Hipster Boy Taking A Selfie
Etihad Reduces A380 Schedule To Sydney
Fewer People Are Flying Korean Air Due To Nut Rage Incident
I’m supposed to leave for Australia next week but I might cancel the trip and stay here.
I never thought I’d be tired of flying, but it’s surprisingly nice to be on the ground.
Hopefully those of you who are flying have safe and smooth travels this week!
There's no place like home! Tell daddy Schlappig we all said hi! And enjoy that home cooking! It feeds the soul just as much as it feeds the belly!
Hey Ben! Quick question. I received an email from AA to purchase gold status. I have a lot of paid business/first international trips coming up and was wondering if this is something I should do. Given the big bonuses that AA is doing. I am going to try for my first time to get ExPlatium this year. HELP!
@ Melissa -- How much would it cost you, and how much travel are you planning this year?
Thank you for the interesting posts, photos, suggestions and recommendations! Even if much is not accessible to me, it's worth reading, all times! Thank you & please contin. your blog!
@ Rex -- Thanks for the kind words! :)