Economy Class & Beyond
SNAPSHOT: American Airlines 99 London Heathrow to Chicago
It’s time for a new series of Snapshots for a new trip. This one will look at the passenger experience aboard American Airlines 99 between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare in the Main Cabin. I’m sure you know how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for...
Off the Beaten Points
SAS Challenge Update: This Kinda Sucks
Having finished the first leg of my grueling 10-day quest to fly 15 SkyTeam airlines, I’ve come to…
Traveling For Miles
First look: Iberia A321XLR Business Class cabin review
Over the past week and ahead of its debut on the Madrid – Boston route on 14 November, Iberia was meant to be operating its first A321XLRs on orientation flights within Europe, but due to unforeseen delays, the first flights took place yesterday and I managed to catch up with...
Eye of the Flyer
My Review of The Ridge Golf Resort Gaylord Michigan via GolfNOW Play/Stay & Dine Package
One of the best things about living in the Midwest is the availability of some simply amazing golf courses that are made even more so in the fall. Over the years I have played a ton of them in the Gaylord and Petoskey area. This year I have been using...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Whale and Lutefisk at Bryggen Tracteursted in Bergen in Norway. Restaurant Review.
Whale and lutefisk at Bryggen Tracteursted in Bergen in Norway were only two of the delicacies that were ordered and served. After a long day of cruising in the fjords and walking around Bergen, we wanted traditional Norwegian cuisine that was close to the hotel property at where we were...
No Work All Travel
A Visit to Saratoga Springs, New York
Disclaimer: In early October 2024, I was invited by Travel Alliance Partnership and Destination Saratoga to experience an historical tour of Saratoga Springs, New York. I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know my state that well. Sure, I can locate all of the prominent cities and attractions — and...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: How to get home? Coach or Trains across London?
How to get home? Coach or Trains across London? Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore With my good self landed at Gatwick Airport, I only had one more issue to solve – how was I planning to get home? To a coach, or the trains and a London...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Norrland Night Train in Sweden: Not Exactly As Advertised. Rail Review.
Although it fulfilled serving its main purpose, the Norrland Night Train in Sweden is not exactly as advertised. We traveled on it as passengers from Stockholm Centralstation to Kiruna station, which is an overnight trip of greater than 1,200 kilometers whose duration was supposed to be 15 hours and six...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: The Slow Return to Arlanda Airport (with a surprise on the way) – Taking the Long Way to Singapore
The Slow Return to Arlanda Airport – With a Surprise on the Way Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore After an interesting flight with NoRRA, it’s time to trek across Stockholm, take stock, have a coffee, run into a milatary band and return to Arlanda Airport.  Wait. Military...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: AY841 Helsinki Vantaa to Stockholm Bromma with NoRRA (Economy Class)
AY841 Helsinki Vantaa to Stockholm Bromma with NoRRA (Economy Class) Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore Flights on ATR Turboprop aren’t normally much to write about. This one… is a little different. With a bit of a TOGA to boot (and not the clothing kind). In this adventure...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: Back to Helsinki Airport and the Finnair Schengen Lounge
Back to Helsinki Airport and the Finnair Schengen Lounge Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore It’s too early in the morning. Therefore, it must be time for me to get out of the hotel and back to Helsinki Airport and try the new Finnair Lounge. In this adventure...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: Holiday Inn, Helsinki Airport – Taking the Long Way to Singapore
The Holiday Inn, Helsinki Airport Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore Time for another night stop, this time at a Holiday Inn near Helsinki Vantaa Airport. Is it worth staying near the airport, or is a city stay more appropriate?  In this adventure I needed a break 02:40...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
One Aspect I Liked About Swissport Lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Airport Lounge Review.
Swissport lounge in Chicago O’Hare International Airport would likely not be at the top of the list of favorite airport lounges for frequent travelers — the lounge does not even have its own toilets, let alone any shower facilities — but there was one aspect I liked about it... The post...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: Out of Vantaa Airport and into Helsinki… and a little beyond
Out of Vantaa Airport and into Helsinki… and a little beyond Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore Too many people. Time to make a change about that… and head off into the heart of Central Helsinki and beyond.   In this adventure I needed a break 02:40 on the coach?...
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: Finnair AY142 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Helsinki (BUSINESS CLASS)
Finnair AY142 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Business Class) Taking the long way (and back) to Singapore It’s time to go west and start tracking towards the Nordics and Europe. And I’m doing this in style, with a Finnair Airbus A350 with Collins Aerospace Airlounge. But can the...