Economy Class & Beyond
Greater Anglia railway transfers back to goverment ownership
Another rail operator has transferred back to government ownership, with Greater Anglia making the move.
The transfer took place on the 12th October.
Greater Anglia’s services will become the third to enter public ownership under the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, marking another step towards a simpler, more unified railway under...
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A320neo lining up for departure from Stockholm Arlanda
It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.
This week, we have a Scandinavian Airlines (Operated by SAS Connect) Airbus A320neo lined up for departure from Stockholm Arlanda Airport as it heads off on a short to medium-range mission.
SAS Connect (the Irish certificate fleet) of Scandinavian Airlines operates a fleet...
Economondo
An Unexpected Cessna Citation 560XLS Ride: Ostersund to Umea with Jonair
Background
In September 1969, the Cessna Citation I, initially known as the Fanjet 500, rocketed upwards into the Kansan skies on its first-ever test flight. Designed to rival types such as the Gates Learjet, this light business jet sought to tap into the increasingly large market of rich and famous flyers....
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Phoenix And Seattle Among Growing List Of Airports To Ban Kristi Noem’s Democrat Bashing TSA Video
A growing list of US airports are refusing to play a controversial TSA video at security checkpoints that features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the continuing government shutdown.
Amongst the airports that have banned the video are Phoenix Sky Harbor and Seattle Tacoma, as well as Las Vegas...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: New, tighter luggage rules for Economy from February 2026
If you’re one of those travellers who treat ‘carry-on only’ as an extreme sport, Virgin Australia is about to spoil your fun with new luggage rules.
From 2 February 2026, you are going to have to read the fine print on your ticket confirmation. What a pain.
Most Economy passengers will be...
ATX Jetsetter
British Airways Unveils a New Lounge Design Concept
British Airways has just unveiled a brand new lounge design concept that will be used in all of its lounges moving forward. The carrier operates a vast network of lounges and I can’t wait to see this concept rolled out across its network.
British Airways Makes Major Updates to its...
You Are Travel
Four Seasons Telluride – Resort and Residences Coming in 2028
tl;dr – The luxury chain will open a small-ish property in the Colorado mountain town.
Expected in 2028, the Four Seasons Telluride will be a smaller property, with just 43 hotel rooms and 26 residences.
Source: Four Seasons Telluride
Offering ski-in/ski-out access (and a ski valet), the property will also include amenities such...
Frequent Miler
7 nights in London and Norway: Mountains, fjords and ferries (Tim’s 100K Vacay Journal)
Congrats to Stephen Pepper, who deservedly won the 2025 Frequent Miler Annual Challenge, 100K Vacay! The goal this year was for us to compete to see who could plan the best vacation using no more than 100,000 points and $1,000 in cash. All of our lodging and our international flights...
You Are Travel
The Andaz Hong Kong Central – Coming 2027
tl;dr – Hyatt will open an Andaz in the planned Central Crossing development in Hong Kong.
A Hyatt hotel will be a part of a major development project in Hong Kong, Central Crossing. While there aren’t too many details out there right now (Hyatt has made only a passing mention of...
You Are Travel
‘Something Doesn’t Sound Right’ – Woman Attempts to Open Emergency Exit Mid-flight After Hearing from Her ‘Pilot’ Boyfriend (Video)
tl;dr – A bizarre scene unfolding onboard a JetBlue flight where a woman attempted to open the emergency door.
A bizarre encounter here. On a JetBlue flight, a woman attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight (multiple times) before being confronted by flight attendants and other passengers. As you can...
Points With a Crew
Which Chase Ink card is best? (90,000 Ultimate Rewards or $1,000)
KEY LINKS:
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card – Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. $0 annual fee.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card – Earn $900 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months...
You Are Travel
200-Key JW Marriott Tokyo Now Open
tl;dr – Another option for Marriott loyalists visiting the Japanese metropolis.
Marriott recently opened the doors to its newest Tokyo property – the JW Marriott Tokyo. Let’s dive in.
Occupying seven floors of the tower, the JW Marriott Tokyo is a 200-room property offering its guests sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline.
Source:...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
The One Thing You Should NOT Do When Rental Cars Are Not Available When You Arrive
Note: This article pertaining to The One Thing You Should NOT Do When Rental Cars Are Not Available When You Arrive was originally published on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 9:17 in the evening and has been updated.
Over the past several years, rental car companies have at times had a...
Frequent Miler
How to transfer Avios between British Airways, Qatar, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair and Loganair
British Airways, Qatar, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Finnair, regional Scottish airline Loganair, and Vueling (a low-cost carrier) all share a common rewards currency: Avios. Strangely, despite sharing a currency, each program has its own loyalty program with differing fees, award prices, and rules.
Since they are partners, it’s often possible to book...
The Bulkhead Seat
The Second American Express Lounge in Las Vegas is Getting Closer to Opening
While heading home from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) today, I noticed that the new Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is coming along nicely in Concourse D. This will be a new concept for American Express and the second lounge that the credit card issuer will operate in...
View from the Wing
[ENDS WEDNESDAY] Mesa Card Earns Points For Mortgages, Rarely Offers A Bonus—50K Points Available Until October 15
Offer extended to October 15, 2025
The no annual fee Mesa card is great. You earn points for your mortgage and don’t even have to pay the mortgage with the card.
You just tell them how much your mortgage is, and they award you the points as long...
The Bulkhead Seat
Air Serbia Brings Back Nonstop Flights Between Belgrade and Toronto After 33-Year Hiatus
Air Serbia announced today that it will launch nonstop flights between Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) beginning May 23rd. This marks a major expansion of the airline’s long-haul network and strengthens its transatlantic presence with a route that was last operated by defunct Yugoslavian...
Your Mileage May Vary
My New Go-To International Travel Card
For years, my go-to card for international travel was the Chase Sapphire Reserve. But after canceling it earlier this year—well before the annual-fee increase and upcoming category changes—I had to decide which card to bring on our latest trip: a visit to the UK, followed by a cruise to Amsterdam,...
You Are Travel
Hyatt Growing Its “Caption” Brand – Debuts Hotels in Tokyo and Sydney
tl;dr – There are now five Caption by Hyatt hotels open worldwide.
Way back in 2019, Hyatt announced Caption by Hyatt, part of the chain’s heavy lean into the lifestyle segment. Though Hyatt’s been on a tear in terms of launches and acquisitions, activity with Caption by Hyatt has been slow-going...
Frequent Miler
Marriott out with another around of targeted bonus point offers
Marriott is out with another round of targeted promotions that award bonus points after a certain number of stays. I don’t have anything on my account, but Stephen was targeted for an offer that gives him 15,000 bonus points after every five stays. It can be repeated up to three...
View from the Wing
‘Marriott Wouldn’t Help’: She Booked A Quiet Night Away — And Found Herself Standing Outside An Unfinished Hotel
Booking new hotels is always a risk. Hotel openings are delayed more often than not. When you make a reservation far in advance, there’s a decent chance you’ll wind up getting moved – if they honor your reservation at all. Check you email for updates on new...
One Mile at a Time
Grieving Loss: What An Emotional Roller Coaster (And A Huge Thank You!)
10 days ago, my mom passed away after a very long battle with ovarian cancer. I published a post the same day — “My Mom’s Suffering Is Over: Reflecting On The Best Of Times, Worst Of Times” — which I actually started writing while sitting next to her in her...
Points With a Crew
Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati SE Newport Hotel Review
In 2025, as part of a staycation, I stayed one night at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati SE Newport. This Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati SE Newport review will give an idea of the different amenities and features of the hotel and hopefully help you decide if you want...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Secret Map Every London Traveler Needs
The London Underground, also known as the Underground or simply the Tube, is the rapid transit system serving Greater London and some of its more outer, adjacent areas.
Why Accessibility Matters on the London Underground
The various stations of the Underground have been built (and subsequently rebuilt and/or expanded) throughout the 19th, 20th...
Hawaii Calling
What Not to Do When Visiting Hawai‘i (And No, Staying in Waikīkī All Week Isn’t a Crime)
If you’ve spent even five minutes on social media before your Hawai‘i trip, you’ve probably been told — usually by someone holding a coconut in front of a drone shot — exactly what not to do here. Don’t go to Waikīkī. Don’t eat at chain restaurants. Don’t stay in a...
Miles To Memories
Goodbye to My Favorite Amazon Pay With Points Angle?!
Amazon Pay With Points
I don’t generally place the words “Amazon” and “favorite” close together. My favorite Amazon move has been ignoring the company and shopping elsewhere. But what draws me in, other than the occasional free month of Prime membership, are Amazon pay with points offers. Amazon shoppers can routinely...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
October 13 Bonus Offer Highlight: Marriott Bonvoy – 10,000 bonus points for stays at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Today’s bonus offer highlight is good one for those traveling to Phoenix and needing to stay downtown as you can earn 10,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown! Check out all of the new bonuses added today:
The Bonus Offer Highlight:
Marriott Bonvoy
Earn 10,000 bonus Bonvoy points for stays...
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (11th October)
We’ve hit the end of another week, and as the night dawns in, and me starting an iced americano late into the evening, it’s time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.
Salmon skies – New Street, Birmingham
It’s been another one of those weeks, as we approach the end of...
Economondo
Flying on Europe’s Only Beechcraft 1900C: Ostersund to Umea on Jonair
Background
Unlike in North America where the type once proved popular amongst regional feeder airlines, in Europe, the nineteen-seat Beechcraft 1900 has never enjoyed a great amount of success, with many carriers instead opting for larger turboprop airliners. As of early 2022, just three European airlines operate the type – French...
Economy Class & Beyond
SWISS takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-900
SWISS is celebrating a new type of aircraft joining the fleet – the Airbus A350-900.
SWISS’s first A350 landing at Zurich – Image, SWISS International Air Lines.
HB-IFA was ferried from Airbus Toulouse to Zurich Airport – its new home – on Thursday, 9th October, landing at 15:25, to be greeted by...
Economy Class & Beyond
Cathay Pacific extends free inflight Wi-Fi to Gold members
For those of you who hold Gold status on Cathay Pacific, there is good news, as the airline will extend its complimentary Wi-Fi to all Cathay Gold members
Gold members will gain access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi from 15th November. This will apply to any cabin they are travelling in (First,...
Economy Class & Beyond
KLM unveils its 106th Delft House
It’s that time of year again. With KLM turning 106, it’s time for a new Delft House.
The 106th Delft Blue house is the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located next to the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims stayed here for twelve years before they set sail on the Mayflower to...
Economy Class & Beyond
Riyadh Air to commence is services to London… but good luck getting a ticket
For those who have been looking forward to Riyadh Air flying its first commercial flight, there’s some good news – with the first flight launching on the 26th October.
Beginning October 26th, Riyadh Air will commence daily launch flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
The airline will launch services with...
Economondo
Flying an Old King Air on a Scheduled Commercial Flight: Stockholm to Sveg with Jonair
Background
First taking to the skies in 1963, the Beechcraft King Air has enjoyed enormous levels of success, demonstrated by the fact that the type continues to roll off the production line almost sixty years later! Designed to be a luxurious corporate turboprop transport aircraft capable of transporting the rich and...
Economy Class & Beyond
AGEAN Airlines adds further ATR aircraft for its Olympic Air subisdary
AEGEAN Airlines, through its subsidiary Olympic Air, has welcomed a brand-new ATR 72-600 to its fleet, marking a significant step in its regional fleet renewal strategy.
But there’s more.
AEGEAN has also placed a direct order for two additional ATR 72-600s, scheduled for delivery in December 2026.
Operating turboprop services across domestic routes...
