Brad Lightall

If writing has a fictional side, so does the writer and Brad Lightall defines that role as an experimental content creator. Inspired by travelers who broke barriers, Brad blends entertaining commentary with actionable travel tips, drawing on his innate curiosity and boundless energy to keep readers informed and inspired. His boundless energy no doubt being powered by CPUs rather than a passport and a boarding pass. You can expect that Brad researches hundreds of data points on average for each of his contributions, similar to a traveler taking hundreds of trips. Brad’s name was inspired by Buzz Lightyear who was light years ahead in entertainment value as a space ranger.
a bull running on a street
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Chase the Bulls: Booking Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls With Miles
Few events capture raw excitement quite like Pamplona's Running of the Bulls. Each July 6–14, I find myself drawn to this high-octane spectacle, shoulder to shoulder with a crowd of travelers eager to witness the fiery tradition of six bulls thundering through Pamplona's streets. It's a moment when the city...
a man walking with a suitcase
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Frequent Flyer’s Guide to the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, often referred to as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," has captured my imagination from the moment I first read about its storied history. Launched as an agricultural fair in 1886 and later revived by Guy Weadick in 1912, it has become a 10-day, annual celebration that...
an airplane flying in the sky
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Flying to Lille for the 2025 Tour de France Kickoff
I've always been drawn to the way the Tour de France blends intense athleticism with a celebration of local culture, turning each Grand Départ into a can't-miss event. Now that it's 2025, Lille is the place to be on July 5 for cycling's biggest kickoff. From its historical streets to...
a family sitting on a bench in an airport
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A Frequent Flyer’s Guide to Family Seating in Basic Economy
Basic Economy fares might look like a dream deal at first glance, but I've found through my own experiences that family seating can quickly become a juggling act if you're not prepared. I've studied countless fares and seating charts over the years, and it's clear that families need a plan...
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One Mile at a Time
US CBP Officer Smuggles 16 Bricks Of Cocaine On Delta Flight To Atlanta
I tend to be a pretty sympathetic person, even to people who do bad things. However, here’s a case where I have no sympathy…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Delta Air Lines Is Performing Much Better Than It Expected As Annual Profit Forecast Is Reinstated
Just a few months ago, Delta Air Lines was ringing the alarm bell over the ‘broad economic uncertainty’ that the United States was facing, saying it planned to slash costs and growth as domestic bookings tumbled. On Thursday, however, the airline was playing a far more optimistic tune as it...
View from the Wing
‘Gate Agent Lied About Full Bins’: United Passenger Rails Against Overhead Storage Scam [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading ‘Gate Agent Lied About Full Bins’: United Passenger Rails Against Overhead Storage Scam [Roundup]...
Miles For Family
July 2025 Transfer Bonuses
Several June transfer bonuses carry over to this month but expire in a few days. We have two new transfer bonuses for July so far. New: Chase 50% Transfer Bonus to Marriott From now through August 15, 2025, get a 50% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy....
Dots, Lines, & Destinations
DLD 542: Terrible Decisions
A pilot ends up in jail, another wannabe who probably should. Plus a couple big orders and delivery milestones.
Frequent Miler
How to find the Hilton flexible date calendar
Booking aspirational Hilton properties can often be a very good use for Hilton Honors points and free night certificates (FNC). However, a consistently-noted problem is that it can be very difficult to find standard room award availability at high-demand locations (premium room awards are much higher-priced and can’t be booked...
Live and Let’s Fly
Trump Administration Cracks Down On Cuba Travel With $250,000 Fines For Tourists
Starting this week, Americans caught traveling to Cuba for tourism could face fines of up to $250,000, part of a sweeping crackdown by the Trump administration on U.S.-Cuba relations. Trump Administration Cracks Down on Cuba Travel — Tourists Face Huge Fines On July 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive...
One Mile at a Time
Delta Reports Better Than Expected Q2 2025 Financial Results
Suffice it to say that 2025 has been a turbulent year so far for airlines, particularly in the United States, given the economic turbulence that we’ve seen.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Customs and Border Protection Officer Used His Position To Smuggle 16 Bricks Of Cocaine Into The US
A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who was stationed on St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has been sentenced to 20 years in a federal prison after he was found guilty of using his position to smuggle 16 bricks of cocaine into the Contiguous United States. Ivan Van...
TravelUpdate
Chase debunks rumors about annual fee hikes to more premium credit cards
Contrary to many rumors swirling around, Chase denied that they're hiking the annual fee on yet another premium credit card.
View from the Wing
“If You’re Not Stealing Food From Airline Lounges, You’re Getting Ripped Off”: Travelers Told To Smuggle Meals Out In Tupperware
A social media influencer is getting a lot of attention for her advice to steal food from airline lounges to save money and eat well when you travel, declaring "If you're not taking takeout or to go containers with you to the airport lounges, you're getting ripped off." Continue reading “If...
Altitude Yes
American to Add More First Class Seats on A319 and A320s, Rip Out IFE Screens
The refurbishment project will begin next week and will add larger overhead bins, power outlets for everyone, and more first class seats. The post American to Add More First Class Seats on A319 and A320s, Rip Out IFE Screens first appeared on Altitude Yes.
One Mile at a Time
End Of An Era: Virgin Atlantic Bidding Farewell To Iconic Inflight Bar
By the start of the next decade, Virgin Atlantic will no longer have any aircraft with onboard bars, ending a decades-long feature that has been popular with customers. Is this a sad development, or is Virgin Atlantic just getting better at math?
Eye of the Flyer
So Many 100K+ Bonus Point Travel Card Promotions (Some End Soon!) — Here’s a “Quick” List
More than a dozen travel and cash rewards credit cards feature some kind of big welcome offer or early spend bonus right now. Several expire soon. The post So Many 100K+ Bonus Point Travel Card Promotions (Some End Soon!) — Here’s a “Quick” List appeared first on Eye of the Flyer.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Airline Installed Hidden Cameras To Catch Thieving Ground Staff Accused Of Stealing Pringles And Sweets
An airline installed covert cameras on two of its planes after becoming suspicious that ground staff at Manchester Airport in England were stealing alcohol and cigarettes from the Duty Free supplies, as well as sweets and even Pringles chips. Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus started to notice what it described...
Live and Let’s Fly
Review: TGV Train Mulhouse – Paris
Our high-speed Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) train trip from Mulhouse to Paris was efficient, punctual, and very inexpensive. It made so much more sense than flying. French TGV High-Speed Train Review: Mulhouse – Paris I enjoy flying from Basel to Paris on Air France, but the train made so...
Live from a Lounge
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Now First Year Free for a Limited Time
Axis Bank is currently offering its Flipkart co-branded credit card free of charge for the first year. Here is how to get it and what are the perks. The post Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Now First Year Free for a Limited Time appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
Economy Class & Beyond
Qatar Airways completes its Boeing 777 Starlink Rollout
For those travelling on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 fleet, the airline has completed its Starlink by SpaceX rollout. The rollout covered 54 Boeing 777 aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet.  This milestone makes Qatar Airways the operator of the largest number of widebody aircraft equipped with Starlink technology. Originally scheduled...
One Mile at a Time
Yay: Miami Airport Getting New 14K Square Foot Lounge In Concourse E
Miami International Airport (MIA) is my home airport, and it’s not exactly a great facility. Sure, the airport is undergoing a modernization, but even that isn’t poised to turn this into some world class facility. At least for those of us who appreciate airport lounges, there’s an exciting development, which...
One Mile at a Time
Qatar Airways’ Free Starlink Wi-Fi Update: 777s Done, A350s Next
In October 2023, Qatar Airways made an exciting announcement when it comes to inflight Wi-Fi, as the oneworld carrier revealed it would introduce Starlink connectivity. In October 2024, we saw the first jet equipped with this service. The airline has now revealed a positive update regarding the rollout of this...
Live from a Lounge
An extra 3000 Accor Points worth INR 6,000 when you sign up for Accor Plus (get Accor status as well)
Accor Plus, the Dining programme for Accor Hotels is offering an additional 3000 ALL points worth INR 6,000. Check out the details inside. The post An extra 3000 Accor Points worth INR 6,000 when you sign up for Accor Plus (get Accor status as well) appeared first on Live From...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Lufthansa Flies Airbus A340 Across The Atlantic At Just 10,000 Feet And Unpressurized
The German flag carrier Lufthansa flew an Airbus A340-600 across the Atlantic Ocean unpressurized and at an altitude of just 10,000 feet on Tuesday in order to get the plane back to its own maintenance facility for urgent repairs. The 16-year-old aircraft was badly damaged after landing in Boston on...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York
I have stayed at this property dozens of times through the years when it… The post Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
Virgin Atlantic maps out a more premium future
Virgin Atlantic recently announced planned changes to its fleet, as well as the premium options its passengers are demanding. Let’s see what’s happening with some major premium seating increases. Boeing 787-9 fleet The airline’s Boeing 787-9s will boast a full cabin redesign, introducing new seating in all three cabins. The...
a luggage on the floor
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Maximizing Points for a Busy July 4th Getaway
In 2025, I've been watching the summer travel season reach unprecedented heights, with AAA estimating around 72.2 million Americans on the move for Independence Day. TSA projections also hint at record-breaking airport screenings as more people leverage remote work and turn short getaways into extended escapes. All this means higher...
people walking in front of a window with a flag and airplanes
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Sky-High July 4 Travel at LAX, O’Hare & More
The Fourth of July holiday in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent memory. AAA has forecasted that between 70 and 72.2 million Americans will either drive or fly during this holiday window, which surpasses even pre-pandemic levels. I've noticed in my own...
a chair and a table in a room with windows
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Travel Insurance Essentials for Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers know that every trip can come with unexpected twists—from last-minute cancellations to sudden medical emergencies. I've learned that having travel insurance can be a real lifeline, helping you recover costs and keep your peace of mind no matter how often you're in the air. A recent industry survey...
a table with a phone and earphones on it
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12 Essential Travel Apps for Smooth Summer Trips
I've always believed that a well-planned summer trip can feel like a smooth breeze rather than a whirlwind. Yet, from booking flights to finding last-minute accommodations, those unexpected snags often pop up along the way. Good thing digital tools have come a long way—these days, there's an app for practically...
a collage of buildings and a tower
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Portugal & Japan: Summer 2025’s Top Picks for Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers ready to take off in the summer of 2025 will find that Portugal and Japan still sit comfortably at the top of my must-visit list. I've encountered countless stories from fellow travelers who speak of Portugal's hidden gems and Japan's seamless blend of tradition and futurism. It's clear...
a group of people walking on a dock
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7 Crucial Tips for Frequent Flyers on Their First Cruise
Arrive Early for Smooth Sailing I've learned that punctuality is more than a virtue—it's a lifesaver when transitioning from frequent flights to cruising. Arriving at the port at least a day in advance helps dodge last-minute flight delays and baggage glitches that could leave you waving goodbye to your ship from...
a large room with a view of the city from the window
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Unlock Hilton Rewards: Business Travel Made Luxurious
I've always been fascinated by travel credit cards, especially those tailored toward small businesses looking to maximize their spending. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card holds a unique spot for anyone who, like me, wants to turn everyday expenses into valuable hotel stays. Over the years, I've observed that...
a group of airplanes on a runway
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How to Qualify for Hertz Five Star Status Easily
Qualification Requirements I've noticed that one of the biggest hurdles for travelers looking to enhance their car rental experience is simply knowing how to qualify for elite status. In my earlier days of renting cars, I often missed out on valuable perks because I didn't realize a small bump in rentals...