Empty Leg Private Jet Travel

There an empty leg from Barbados to Europe on an ACJ319 available. I don't know the cost, but it's surely a smoking deal.

Same Aircraft - Much Different Experience

Snowing in Denver

Good luck connecting.

Memories of Better Times

Fun Photo

Have a great weekend!

Great Day To Fly

Airbus Raises Prices

Airbus is raising list prices by 1%. This won't make a difference because no one pays list price.

Don't Expect to Pay Close to $437M

Fun Photos

I like this one.

Frontier - It a Zoo in There

London Tube Strike

London's tube train drivers are on strike for two days. In a very British way, British Airways cabin crews are also going on strike to support the tube drivers. I don't get this phenomenon, but maybe Mrs. May could be more like Mrs. Thatcher and get the unions to cut this junk out.

That's a Lot of Planes on the Ground

Using United Miles to Fly British Airways and Air France

I booked a one way business class award in January using United Airlines miles. I wanted to see Paris and enjoy a free one day stop over (offer no longer available with United). The trip was DEN-SFO-YYZ-CPH-CDG with about 22 hours in Copenhagen. The aircraft were United 757 first class to SFO, Air Canada 767 business class pod to YYZ, brand new Air Canada 787 business class to CPH, and an SAS A321 flying to Paris. It would be a fun sampling of airlines and a long time enjoying premium cabins. I was excited to fly the new Air Canada 787 after reading about it.  

I Don't Know What the Inside Looks Like

Air Canada cancelled the YYZ-CPH flight 3 months in advance (not sure if it was Boeing's delivery issues or Air Canada sales), but didn’t tell me. They rebooked me on a flight two days later resulting in a 2.5 day layover in YYZ and a negative 2 day connection at CPH. After a brief call with Air Canada, I learned that it's my problem and United is responsible since they issued the ticket. I called United and booked a Lufthansa trip DEN-MUC-CPH while keeping the SAS leg to Paris. This reduced my premium cabin time, but kept my trip on schedule. I love Lufthansa and the A330 to Munich has the new business class seats.

Lufthansa & Denver

As European airlines do, Lufthansa went on strike with short notice. As is my luck, I had a flight with them and it was cancelled. I found out about it at about 8am on the day of departure. I thought I was in the clear when I went to bed the previous night because a strike forced cancellation should have one day notice.

Not What I Had In Mind

Lufthansa rebooked me on Delta, coach to Atlanta then business to CDG. Their computers saw my trip as DEN-CDG and rebooked accordingly. I saw it as two trips, DEN-CPH then CPH-CDG. I called United to see if they could assist. Since Lufthansa ‘took control’ of the ticket, the United agents were unable to help. I called Lufthansa and tried to work out an alternative. After some negations, we agreed on British Airways to CPH then Air France to CGD. I received an updated itinerary email and took a deep breath. 

Bad/Old Seats - Friendly Crew

At the airport British Airways was able to find the reservation, but it wasn’t ticketed. The agent referred me to the Lufthansa counter to sort it out. The Lufthansa contract agents couldn’t ticket it themselves, so it was back to waiting on the phone. After about 20 minutes, the ticket was sorted and I had a boarding pass and was off the the American Airlines lounge. 

Better Lounge in Denver than United

This award reservation earned me some miles, a slight consolation for losing time in Denmark and spending over an hour on the phone. The key here is to be alert for changes and if not acceptable, jump on the phone immediately to find a better alternative. 

Airbus Shop Sale

Take 30% off with code PRIVATE2017 at the Airbus shop, you also save by not paying the 19% sales tax built into the prices. Shipping is steep, but this is a good deal.

Spirit Airlines A319

Let's Not Bother to Pretend

The sales pitch for support animals doesn't even pretend it's to help the infirm, it's just to bring your dog on vacation for free. I would think people so emotionally handicapped should not be flying. They are, supposedly, on a razor's edge in the best of times. They would be a danger to others in case of an emergency. 

Add I Saw for Free Pet Travel

Also a dog won't help nervous flyers. Try a teddy bear; Boeing sells aviation themed bears. The teddy bear is better to travel with, not inconvenient to others, and requires no attention if sleeping. If you have a serious fear of flying, get over it. Really, it's that simple and classes are available so you can get over it. Solve problems people, that's the best way to go through life.

Fly Private if You Want To Bring a Pet

Happy 2017

I knew it was coming, but it still stings. I'm also expecting less generous saver award availability and other more direct forms of points inflation.

All My Work Last Year Vanished

Thinking of Future Adventures

2016 - Year In Review

I saw penguins in the wild! This has been a long standing travel goal and I was able to accomplish it in 2016. It was part of a round the world trip I took with four one way mileage awards. I also enjoyed driving around southwest Australia (get full coverage and satnav from Hertz). I also made progress on my quest for lifetime status. I am now 75 nights away from lifetime platinum status with SPG (and Marriott). I'm also 150,000 miles from lifetime Star Alliance Gold thanks to United.

2016 wasn't all smooth sailing. I had two United trips cancelled and refunded because of irregular operations. It was extra frustrating because I lost upgrades, status opportunities, and two days. Lufthansa also went on strike and interrupted a trip to Europe with <24 hours notice. Air Canada also canceled a transatlantic flight on me. I flew a total of 159,969 miles this year.

2016 Paid Travel

2016 Total Travel

Travel Highlights of 2016:

• Best inflight experience: British Airways A380 first class. The seat and service were superb. QANTAS's A330 business class from SYD to PER was outstanding and vastly superior to their A380 business class product. The slow cooked lamb on QANTAS was also my favorite inflight meal. Their domestic service is the best I've ever experienced.
• Plane spotting at airport hotels is fun. Just ask for a room with a good view and they usually can accommodate. Having an airport scanner helps.
• I won a Lufthansa FCT ducky. 
• The Air New Zealand 75th anniversary exhibition in Auckland was a fun surprise. The Pima Air & Space Museum was fun and is available year round.
• New Aircraft: E175, B789.
• New Airports: GUM, AKL, PER, JNB, CPT, ORY, TUS, HKG, MEM.

Favorite Photos:

View of London from my A380 Seat

Aircraft at HNL

Lounge View at IAH in the Morning

Paris is Lovely

Denver also Photographs Well

Southwest 737-300 Take Off from PVD

Brussels Airport - Sigh

I Love 747's

I Really Love 747's

737 Landing at SYD

Strangest Shower Handle of 2016

As Adam Carolla has ranted and raved, shower handles in hotels are complicated and need some standardization. Starwood hotels should all use the Heavenly Shower System or the Speakman Anystream 2005. I'm batting less than .500 this year on those items. There is no standard for the shower control handle(s). I prefer a basic Grohe model, but I'm not running things yet. The winner of 2016's contest for the strangest, pictured below, was at a Westin and told the temperature. I experienced worse function and worse design, but this is the all around winner for strange.

Westin SFO Shower

Fun Photo

How did your status quest go in 2016?

Morning At Denver International Airport

SPG and Total Rewards End Partnership

SPG and Caesar's Total Rewards are ending their relationship at the end of the year. Not a big loss, but still inconvenient for some.

Viva Las Vegas

QATAR Coupon Code

That's a nice Christmas Hanukkah late December gesture.

As a small token of our appreciation, enjoy a special discount of up to 10% off Economy Class tickets and up to 15% off Premium Class tickets when you book using the promo code* ThankYou2016.

Book your ticket from December 21, 2016 to January 3, 2017 for travel between January 11, 2017 and June 14, 2017*.

QATAR Dreamliner in CPT

New Favorite Airport Hotel

I have a new favorite airport hotel, it's the Westin SFO. I have a great view from my room and get superb reception on my ATC scanner. Also the airport shuttle runs frequently, the rate is low, and the breakfast is nice. It is a slightly dated Westin, but I can overlook that. You want to be on the top floor in rooms 701-714 or 767-780. As an added bonus, it is across the street from a park with great views of the field, a nice walking path, and cool bay breeze. I sadly only brought my iPhone this trip, but next time I'll bring a real camera.

View From The Park

View From My Room

Alaska and Delta Break Up

Alaska and Delta had an It's Complicated relationship status for some time. It's official now, they are breaking up. Alaska is still friends with American Airlines. I guess I'll have to credit my Delta trips to Delta now.  Added bonus: short distance trips on Alaska cost fewer miles.

Delta is now Alone in the North West

Raytheon's Strange 727

Here is an interesting 727-223 at LAX. I don't think it came from Boeing looking like that. It's operated by Raytheon, so I guess they like adding aftermarket design touches.

VooDoo1 - Raytheon Experimental Test Bed

Alaska Now Owns Virgin America

I'm a Denver based flyer, so this has no impact on my travel. In the off chance I'd fly a Virgin route, it would be nice to grab some Alaska miles, but that may never happen for me.

All Boeing Fleet

All Airbus Fleet

TSA Confiscates Teddy Bear

This is a sad story. It could go through the checked bag x-ray machine. Also your tax dollars paid for the post and depressing back story.

Why does this gigantic teddy bear look so sad? He was abandoned by his owners at LAX after the airline and TSA determined that he was just too big to be screened as a carry-on and taken on the plane. It’s a good idea to check with your airline prior to traveling with overly large items as cary-ons. If you see this wayward bear strolling the streets of LA, please feel free to feed him. #TSATravelTips ***UPDATE*** The passenger had actually bought a ticket for the bear. After the airline and TSA decided the bear was too large, the airline offered to refund the ticket and the traveler was given the option of checking the bear as checked baggage. The traveler opted not to check the bear and left it behind.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 14, 2016 at 2:21pm PST

Long Sappy Commercials Around Christmas - WestJet & LHR

WestJet has an uplifting offering about the families hit by the large wildfires in Fort McMurray this summer.  London Heathrow has some cute teddy bears traveling.

25% Off Boeing Models

The Boeing Store is offering 25% off all models until December 24th.  Free shipping on orders over $100 too. I've ordered from them before and they do a great job.

This Full Size Boeing Model Is Also Discounted

Paris Photo I Like

I Like This One

Paris Departure Board

Cool design!

Fun Feature at CDG

Air France A318 European Business Class

The seats do not recline! That aside, I had a nice flight. Thin crowd, even for a A318, so there was plenty of space to spread out.  Row 1 has the most space. Pleasant flight crew and good grub. European airlines seem to encounter fewer passengers wanting a cocktail in the morning, so don't be surprised with the limited booze options. 

Business Class Cabin

Breakfast

Seat Depth

Window View from Row 1

Star Alliance Lounge LAX

The Star Alliance lounge at LAX can be accessed by any Star Gold member, including domestic United passengers. The complication is that the lounge is a 25 minute walk each way.  If you have the time, it is very worthwhile. The lounge is in the new international terminal and has a nice hot buffet selection and good bar options. The best part is the outdoor patio overlooking runways 24L and 24R. I brought my scanner and enjoyed listening to the action on 133.9. It was a great way to pass the time, just set an alarm so you don't miss your connection.

Great View

737 Crew Rest Seats - United Airlines

They recline all the way to the row 2 seat cushion. I'm not sure why they installed row 2, but the Micronesia 737-800 only has 12 first class seats that can be occupied by passengers.

Row 1 Crew Rest

MSP's Famous Aviator

MSP has a great tribute to Snoopy, the most famous aviator from Minnesota. It's way better than the Amelia Earhart statue at Burbank.

Pride of MSP

SAA Voyager Wants Me To Earn Miles

We have noticed that at least one booking you previously made with South African Airways did not have a Voyager membership number, and we are concerned that you may be missing out on fabulous rewards with SAA Voyager - Africa’s only revenue-based airline loyalty programme.

I only flew SAA using United miles, so this is an odd offer. The flight from Perth was great because it saved me half a day.

State Run Star Alliance Airline - Better Than Air India

Private Jet Discount!!!

Delta Private Jets is offering 3% off their standard rates. Wow! This is a great marketing idea because private jet customers are exceptionally price sensitive. Trips must be booked by December 15.

A319 Not Offered - That's Part of Delta Charters