There are some unique cities around the world when it comes to flying. While they may be excellent destinations themselves, for long haul travelers, they are best known as being key transition hubs. Two cities that have earned this reputation are Dubai and Singapore. They are both in this position due to their unique geographical location but more importantly because they are hubs for two very large, world-class airlines that have a worldwide reach. Dubai and Singapore are not the only cities in their neighborhood. Both have other cities that …

As Air India progresses on its ‘final approach’ to become a member of the Star Alliance, it brings to an end (if they do actually make this July-end deadline) of the longest any airline has ever taken to join an Alliance. This long drawn out path to Allianceship, if I may, has further tarnished Air India’s already not-so-great image. I personally have mixed feelings about Air India. In full disclosure, I have only flown Air India on an international trip on one round trip between the US and India AND …

As my fellow blogger here at BoardingArea.com, Things In the Sky, wrote in his blog post last week, Continental has introduced a very interesting new route – Houston, TX to Auckland, New Zealand (IAH-AKL). At 7,415 miles, the distance is not very long. There are several aircraft that can fly much further, without need to refuel. What makes this route interesting is that it is not a heavily traveled route and would not justify a 747, 777, A340 or A380. They can all fly the distance, but you cannot fill …