The TSA has replaced all X-ray imaging displayed to operators of the controversial backscatter machines at airports with the “Gumby” stick figure version common on the millimeter wave machines, NBC News reported. According to the report: In a letter released Thursday, TSA administrator John Pistole told the House Homeland Security committee that as of May…
Monthly Archives
Monthly Archives for May 2013.
Captured! The Embarrassing Photo of Me on My First Flight Ever
I had big plans for this holiday Monday off to get one of the four amenity kits several generous readers sent me reviewed, but alas… the sun isn’t cooperating here in Northern Nevada to capture decent pictures of the next kit in line for a review. I’ve instead decided to embarrass myself and post a…
The Winner of the $100 Hyatt Gift Card Is…
Congratulations to Chris, who was selected by the trusty random number generator! I’m sending you an email now to get your mailing address. Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!
A Pre-Merger United Airlines Red Carpet Can Be Yours, But It’ll Cost You
It’s been a while since I’ve visited United’s MileagePlus auction website, but yesterday I went there for research on an article I’m writing. And to my amazement, one of the auction items is for a pre-merger United red carpet. I love airline collectibles and memorabilia, but when I saw that people have actually bid 20,000…
Blog Giveaway: $100 Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Gift Card
Earlier this month I attended the fantastic BoardingArea.com blogger conference in Colorado Springs and won a $100 Hyatt promotional card. “I won†translates into one of you won. The card is valid for up to $100 on a single purchase until August 31, 2013 at any physical hotel location in the United States. Here’s a…
United’s 787 Dreamliners Are ‘Tarmac Sculptures’ No More
Unlike my first-hand experience on United’s inaugural of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner this past November, I’ve been following the action of its re-debut today on Twitter. United Airlines Flight#1 departed the gate in Houston this morning on-time at 11:00 a.m. and was airborne 13 minutes later. Prior to departure from gate E7, a ceremony of…
Is American’s New Boarding Process Destined for Failure?
I’m catching up with last week’s notable airline news items and American’s new boarding process, tested earlier this year, is a hot topic. Basically, American Airlines is now allowing those passengers without carry-ons requiring overhead bin space to board ahead of Group 2. The test of this new process, rolled out systemwide last Thursday, was…
Why Hoarding Loyalty Points Is Sometimes Worth It
Conventional wisdom in the miles and points arena is that you generally shouldn’t hang onto a huge loyalty program balance. “Earn and burn” is the more popular motto these days as redemption rates rise quickly and programs evolve to make using your hard-earned points more difficult. But let me tell you… am I ever grateful…
Just In: Woman Breaks Into United Airlines Headquarters in Chicago
CHICAGO – Earlier today, a woman was seen leaving the United Airlines employee parking lot headed West on Algonquin Road in her car, making a quick escape from the airline’s Executive Offices. Security cameras later revealed she pulled into the lot undetected and snuck through a door that hadn’t been securely shut alongside one of…
A Quick Look at the Refreshed ‘Denver West’ United Club
United Airlines is reportedly spending $50 million this year to renovate and refresh many of its United Club locations, and I had the chance to visit the recently redone Denver West location yesterday. Basically what they’ve done is swapped out the seating for new chairs, tables and counters identical to what’s in the newest club…