I had a fantastic day of flying yesterday on United’s inaugural flight(s) of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I flew on the first three revenue flights from Houston to Chicago, Chicago back to Houston and from Houston to Los Angeles. Phew. I’m exhausted (but in a good #avgeek way). A full trip report will be coming…
Vintage Airline Seat Map: US Air BAC 1-11
Here’s a retro one from US Air for this installment of Vintage Airline Seat Maps. While this particular map is from 1987, US Air’s fleet of BAC 1-11s (British Aircraft Corporation “One-Elevensâ€) originally flew for Mohawk Airlines from 1965 to 1972. In 1972, Allegheny Airlines acquired Mohawk, and at the turn of deregulation in 1979,…
United Airlines 787 Inaugural Info, Plus Delivery of Second Dreamliner
I’m getting excited for United’s inaugural of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on November 4! And they sent me a little preview of what to expect at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday morning. First, the basics: Flight 1116 is scheduled to depart from IAH at 7:20 a.m. with an arrival at Chicago O’Hare at 9:51…
Elite Perks at Hotels Are Great, but Outreach Keeps Me Loyal
When it comes to having elite status with a hotel, my two favorite perks are by far free Wi-Fi and access to the club lounge. I also appreciate the other amenities that vary by hotel chain – and even brand within a chain – including room upgrades and welcome gifts (free bottled water, food platters,…
Easy Extension of United Airlines Regional, Global Premier Upgrades?
United has been allowing the extension of expiring Regional Premier Upgrades and Global Premier Upgrades (at your request) during the past several months. And I had one of each expiring tomorrow that were extended through December 31, 2012. My call to the MileagePlus Service Center took less than a minute and after providing my PIN,…
Video: Conceptual Tour Inside Aeroflot’s Boeing 777-300 Aircraft
Aeroflot Russian Airlines recently released a video showing the planned configuration of their Boeing 777-300s. From what I could find online, it appears their first four will be delivered next year. Wikipedia reports Aeroflot ordered a total of 16. President Class (business class) looks comfy in a 2-2-2 configuration. The seats are ever so slightly…
United Announces ‘Geeks’ Video Contest Winner: My Submission
I posted last week about the “Geeks United†contest where United Airlines is giving away a seat on the upcoming Star Alliance MegaDo. To enter, you had to submit a “30-second video showcasing just how geeky you are when it comes to our fleet.†As I hadn’t bought a ticket for the MegaDO (I really…
Review: American’s Flagship Check-In and Lounge at LAX
On Monday, I toured American Airlines’ Flagship Check-In at LAX for a CNBC post that was published yesterday. It’s a very nice and exclusive benefit for Concierge Key members, international first class fliers on American (or any oneworld carrier) and those flying first from LAX to JFK or Miami on American’s three cabin birds. And…
Mileage Run Opportunity: $167.30 Nets 7,070 United PQMs ONT-SFO-IAH-EWR r/t
There’s a dirt cheap airfare out there right now on United in the Ontario to Newark market. While it’s a roundtrip fare that requires a minimum night stay depending on the day of week you depart, someone might find it useful for an end-of-year mileage run/vacation combination. The fare rules allow for two transfers and…
Blogger Giveaway: 25,000 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles
There’s a little more than six days left to enter a pretty generous giveaway by fellow blogger Derek, author of The Points Guide. He’s giving away 25,000 Delta SkyMiles from his own account to one lucky winner in a contest that ends October 30. Click here for all the details. In addition to leaving a…