I’m Going To Austin (The Long Way)!

A few hours ago I posted about the amazing first class fare which British Airways filed between Dubai and Austin.

Since I'm in the Maldives and was sleeping when the fare "broke," I was a bit late in sharing the deal, though the fare stayed around for a surprising amount of time. The fare is now finally dead, though in the meantime presumably dozens (probably hundreds?) of people managed to get in on the deal.

Personally I stretched out the routing on oneworld carriers as much as possible (meaning I didn't book Emirates, Etihad, Swiss, etc., tempting as it may have been), and booked the following:

That's 12,948 "butt-in-seat" miles. Here's the routing on a map:

The post I’m Going To Austin (The Long Way)! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/10/im-going-to-austin-the-long-way/

TEDx Queenstown and Beautiful London at Sunset

TEDx Queenstown I’m very much looking forward to the big event in about 9 days here in Queenstown. I know we have a few people flying in for it… be sure to come over and see me during one of the in-between events — don’t be shy… just come on over; I am very nice! […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2015/04/10/beautiful-london-at-sunset/

I can’t make it to my cruise on time — how about a refund?

from Elliott http://elliott.org/the-troubleshooter/i-cant-make-it-to-my-cruise-on-time-how-about-a-refund/

AMAZING DEAL: Cheap First Class Tickets From Dubai To US!

Via FlyerTalk and View from the Wing, there's an amazing first class fare filed between Dubai and Austin.

The fare is fully refundable and published by British Airways, and actually allows you to fly quite a few different airlines, including Etihad, Qatar Airways, etc.

If you're looking for a straightforward routing, you can do Dubai to London to Los Angeles to Austin for under $1,500 in paid first class:

The post AMAZING DEAL: Cheap First Class Tickets From Dubai To US! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/amazing-deal-cheap-first-class-tickets-from-dubai-to-us/

WSJ: “FAA Calls Out ‘Systemic’ Hazard at United”

This isn’t good. The letter doesn’t specify the violations, but those terms could mean issues like aviators not undergoing requisite, periodic check rides overseen by examiners within the required time, or the airline lacking records to document completion of such proficiency checks. The letter also cites problems with scheduling, which could include flying longer than the FAA allows. The FAA approves airlines’ systems governing such matters, and carriers are required to comply with those rules. …In this case, according to the FAA letter, voluntary reports of 12 apparent violations in 13 months stemming “from the same or similar set of circumstances” indicate a “systemic” hazard, requiring United to conduct “a complete review of your processes associated with crew member qualification” and develop an “action plan…to mitigate this hazard.” As a result, the FAA stopped accepting…

Continue reading WSJ: “FAA Calls Out ‘Systemic’ Hazard at United”...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/wsj-faa-calls-out-systemic-hazard-at-united/

Federal Prosecutors Looking at United’s Newark Hub Lease

The Port Authority of New York New Jersey - which we care about because it is in charge of New York area airports - just looks more and more corrupt. Federal prosecutors are looking at even more dealings, and unsurprisingly - given United's Newark hub - they focus on that airline formerly known as Continental.

Continue reading Federal Prosecutors Looking at United’s Newark Hub Lease...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/federal-prosecutors-looking-at-uniteds-newark-hub-lease/

The Highest Capacity Plane Ever Will Start Flying Later This Year

Late last year I wrote about how Emirates announced that they would introduce two cabin A380s in 2015.

While the A380 is already the highest capacity jet out there, Emirates will be taking capacity to new heights (no pun intended), as they'll be modifying the configurations of some of the new A380s they take delivery of.

Emirates has already taken delivery of roughly half of the 120 A380s they have on order, and they don't plan on reconfiguring any of their current A380s to remove first class.

Anyway, it looks like we finally have some more information regarding the two cabin A380s.

The post The Highest Capacity Plane Ever Will Start Flying Later This Year appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/the-highest-capacity-plane-ever-will-start-flying-later-this-year/

Is the Club Carlson Premier Card Worth Applying for or Keeping?

Recently, the biggest story in the points and miles world has been the elimination of the last award night free benefit from the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card. Although not completely unexpected considering this benefit wasn’t sustainable in the long run for Carlson Rezidor (Club Carlson), the news still felt like a punch […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/is-the-club-carlson-premier-card-worth-applying-for-or-keeping.html

Getting Through Security: Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right for You?

Last week, a friend posted on Facebook that he was excited to get TSA Precheck. He just needed to complete the fingerprinting process. For each of his upcoming trips, when arriving at an airport TSA checkpoint, he’d be able to leave on his shoes and light jacket when going through a metal detector and keep […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/which-is-faster-global-entry-or-tsa-precheck.html

In Transit Blog: Wine Study, by Barge, in Burgundy

The luxury tour operator Belmond is offering a Wine Academy on three Burgundy-based barges.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/45427b82/sc/26/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C0A90Cwine0Estudy0Eby0Ebarge0Ein0Eburgundy0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Screaming Deal: 80% Off International First Class, Dubai-Austin (Less Than $1200)

A British Airways-filed first class fare from Dubai to Austin looks to be 80% - 90% off, and lets you fly British Airways first class across the pond.. and other certain carriers (even Qantas) for Dubai - London. Refundable ticket, lots of premium cabin bonuses, surely this will be fun for some...!

Continue reading Screaming Deal: 80% Off International First Class, Dubai-Austin (Less Than $1200)...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/screaming-deal-80-off-international-first-class-dubai-austin-less-than-1200/

Great Family Trips: Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

The family vacation, like the concept of family itself, has evolved. Kids are traveling with grandma or a single parent or an indulgent uncle (or all three). However you define your kin, this Yucatán itinerary is all relative.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/09/great-family-trips-mexicos-yucatan-peninsula/

How to Choose an Airline Loyalty Program

Let’s be frank: flying in our modern world isn’t the glamorous experience it used to be. Less than 15 years ago, travelers were greeted to spacious seats, free meals (if you could call them that) and attentive service from cabin staff. Today, with seat pitch shrinking between seats and upgrade fees for nearly everything travelers […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/how-to-choose-a-airline-loyalty-program.html

Park Hyatt Maldives: Initial Thoughts

Hello from the Maldives! Even though I didn't book this trip that far in advance, this hotel stay has had more blog foreplay than HBO programming at 2AM.

For those of you not up to date, here are the previous installments I've written about my trip:

-- I’m Going To The Park Hyatt Maldives Alone(ish)… Oops/Yay?

-- Park Hyatt Maldives Upgrades — My Head Hurts

-- How To Book An Award Ticket To The Maldives?

-- How I’m Flying Home From The Maldives

-- Does This HAVE To Be The Most Direct Way From New York To The Maldives?!

-- This Is What $65/Night Gets You In The Maldives

I've been here for four days now, and had originally intended to write a post about my initial thoughts of the resort on day one. But I've been relaxing, which is sort of a foreign concept to me.

The post Park Hyatt Maldives: Initial Thoughts appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/park-hyatt-maldives-initial-thoughts/

Alyssa Milano Unloads on London Heathrow

Alyssa Milano went through a drama at London's Heathrow airport worthy of Melrose Place that neither a Charmed witch nor Tony Danza could help her fix.

Milano, who has a 7 month old baby, sought to carry on 10 ounces of breast milk and brought it through security. But she wasn't actually traveling with her baby.

London Heathrow's airport security confiscated her breast milk. But she showed them -- she pumped more once she got through!

Continue reading Alyssa Milano Unloads on London Heathrow...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/alyssa-milano-unloads-on-london-heathrow/

The culture your family belongs to

Which culture would your family feel most at home in?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/culture-raise-kids-quiz/

7 reasons kids need cameras

Read on to see for yourself why you need to get a camera — whether it's yours, an old phone, or a cheap point-and-shoot — into your kids’ hands today:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/7-reasons-kids-need-cameras/

How cruise lines are quietly draining away your rights

from Elliott http://elliott.org/blog/how-cruise-lines-want-to-quietly-drain-away-your-rights/

T Magazine: Christen Wilson on What to Do in Dallas During Art Week

The collector and connoisseur shares her favorite hometown restaurants, shops and even a cowboy gay bar.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/4541fe25/sc/14/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C0A90Cchristen0Ewilson0Edallas0Eart0Efair0Etravel0Eguide0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Difference Between IHG Rewards Club Platinum And Ambassador Status

Yesterday I made a post about how to redeem the anniversary free night certificate which comes with the IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card.

In the comments section, reader Kev wrote the following:

"Would be cool if you did a post about the actual benefits of IHG Platinum status, and how that differs from the older Ambassador status they used (and still do?) have."

Other than the anniversary free night certificate, one of the other awesome perks of having the IHG® Rewards Club Select Credit Card is that you receive Platinum status for as long as you have the card.

The post Difference Between IHG Rewards Club Platinum And Ambassador Status appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/difference-between-ihg-rewards-club-platinum-and-ambassador-status/

Could this formula really be the key to the perfect flight?

Skyscanner has put together some media bait and we’re biting: could its formula really help calculate the odds of a perfect flight? ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/could-this-formula-really-be-the-key-to-the-perfect-flight/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=could-this-formula-really-be-the-key-to-the-perfect-flight

The Best Places to Stargaze in America

For 25 years, NASA’s orbiting Hubble telescope has beamed mesmerizing images of our universe. But Earth dwellers can get stellar celestial views, too. Here are three trip-worthy dark-sky havens in the United States: > Lake Powell (Utah) The combination of a thin atmosphere and lack of artificial light for miles gives Natural Bridges National Monument…



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/09/the-best-places-to-stargaze-in-america/

Inside the Godzilla Hotel, Aviation Safety, and Hotel Hacks

Great posts on other blogs worth being aware of, and news stories worth seeing, others are doing a great job covering something so I don't need to. I just point you to what I've found interesting that others have written.

Today we’ve got a bunch on aviation safety - a Delta accident, private pilots who never follow procedure, and how to extend the range of an Airbus A320 to fly to Hawaii. We've also got tips and tricks for hotels, and a video inside the new Godzilla hotel in Tokyo. I almost want to stay there. Almost...

Continue reading Inside the Godzilla Hotel, Aviation Safety, and Hotel Hacks...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/inside-the-godzilla-hotel-aviation-safety-and-hotel-hacks/

Pull up a chair, grab some popcorn and watch this merger drama unfold

from Elliott http://elliott.org/from-the-trenches/pull-up-a-chair-grab-some-popcorn-and-watch-this-merger-drama-unfold/

19 US places to take your kids

Make learning actually come to life at these 19 engaging and educational destinations:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/19-places-us-take-kids-graduate/

James K. Polk Tomb in Nashville, Tennessee

The tomb of the 11th United States President, James K. Polk, is not in a cemetery or national monument, but on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.

Former Governor of Tennessee, James K. Polk served as POTUS from 1845 to 1849. Under his administration, the country would annex the Oregon Country, as well as Texas, Alta California, and Nuevo Mexico as a result of the Mexican War. After he left office, he went on a goodwill tour of the Southern states, where he reportedly contracted cholera while in New Orleans. He died only 103 days after leaving office, on June 15, 1849, at his Nashville mansion, Polk Place. His wife Rebecca, who was also buried near her late husband, died in 1891.

The Polks were originally buried at Polk Place, but both James' and Rebecca's remains were subsequently disinterred and moved to the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol on September 19, 1893. Polk's life ended in almost the same place as his political life began. In addition to the significance of being buried at the Capitol, James and Rebecca Polk were reburied just 300 feet away from the state's statue of President Andrew Jackson, who had mentored Polk in his early career.

from Atlas Obscura http://atlasobscura.com.feedsportal.com/c/35387/f/665719/s/453ee968/sc/7/l/0L0Satlasobscura0N0Cplaces0Cjames0Ek0Epolk0Etomb/story01.htm

Changes to Alaska’s Boarding Process

While checking my email this afternoon, I noticed a little tidbit at the bottom of my Alaska Airlines E-Statement:

Presumably, this email only went out to MVP Gold and Gold 75K members who opt into these emails. I rarely open them, so I wonder how many people missed this.

Alaska's mid-tier and top-tier elites will no longer board with first class as of April 15, 2015. Delta recently made changes to their boarding priority, allowing Diamond Medallions to board with first class in the "PREM" zone. Previously, they boarded after first or business class.

The post Changes to Alaska’s Boarding Process appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/changes-to-alaskas-boarding-process/

Amid acquisitions, can smaller online travel agencies in Europe survive?

An array of prominent purchases has helped Expedia and Priceline cement their spots as the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTAs) as ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/European-online-travel-agencies-survive-Phocuswright/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=amid-acquisitions-can-smaller-online-travel-agencies-in-europe-survive

How to survive a road trip with kids

If one has to pee, y’all have to pee. Nothing can drive a parent to their breaking point faster than a kid doing the potty dance 5 minutes after you pull away from the rest stop.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/survive-cross-country-road-trips-6-kids/

Self-Service Option: You Can Now Merge US Airways and American Accounts Yourself

US Airways Dividend Miles has been folded into American AAdvantage. Apparently a very large number of customers who had accounts in both programs linked them, and that ensured miles got folded into the right accounts.

If yours didn't, you can do it yourself. Here's how to merge your accounts, online, yourself.

Continue reading Self-Service Option: You Can Now Merge US Airways and American Accounts Yourself...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/self-service-option-you-can-now-merge-us-airways-and-american-accounts-yourself/

100% Satisfaction Guarantees at Hotels: Fact or Fiction?

Not every travel experience is going to be perfect; the question is what to do about it when you don’t get the service you expect. Today, TPG Senior Points & Miles Correspondent Nick Ewen looks at hotel satisfaction guarantees to see whether they’re actually helpful or just lip service. When you hit the road, you...



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2015/04/100-satisfaction-guarantees-at-hotels-fact-or-fiction/

Discounted Las Vegas Hotel Stays With Daily Getaways

As I first posted about several weeks ago, Daily Getaways is back earlier than normal this year, and is a great opportunity to purchase hotel points and travel packages at a discount. It’s sponsored by the US Travel Association, and every weekday for five weeks they’re offering discounted travel packages.

So far I’ve posted mostly about the opportunities to buy hotel points at a discount:

-- Purchase IHG Rewards Club points for ~0.58-0.6 cents each

-- Purchase Club Carlson points for ~0.45 cents each

-- Purchase Hilton HHonors points for ~0.5 cents each

-- Purchase Best Western Rewards points for ~0.55 cents each

-- Purchase Choice Privileges points for ~0.4 cents each

The post Discounted Las Vegas Hotel Stays With Daily Getaways appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/09/discounted-las-vegas-hotel-stays-with-daily-getaways/

Young people can be global citizens

16-year-old filmmaker Kasha Slavner breaks it down: "We live in a diverse world and we need to learn to appreciate our differences and our similarities."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/change/4-ways-global-citizen-enriches-young-peoples-lives-can-start-home/

The 20 most family friendly places in the US for the summer

The US has an abundance of awesomely family friendly destinations and attractions. Here are 20 of them:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/20-family-friendly-places-us-summer/

Have we drained the Everglades' future?

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/travel/the-wonder-list-everglades-bill-weir/index.html

'Star Wars' designer imagines planes of the future

Stephen Chang designed a starship for the Star Wars video game franchise. Although he's not an engineer, we wondered what kind of commercial airliners his dynamic imagination would create.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/03/travel/gallery/stephen-chang-imaginary-aircraft/index.html

Europe secret travelers should know

It's got surf. It's got snow. It's got scenery. So why isn't Portugal's Centro region on everyone's travel radar?

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/09/travel/travel-central-portugal/index.html

Robots, virtual reality and retina scans: Hotels' high-tech future

Hotels around the world are using tech in surprising ways.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/travel/gallery/hotels-high-tech-future/index.html

Hotel loyalty programs can bring digital rewards in real life

Consumers are beginning to expect digital rewards as part of their loyalty to a brand. Simple rewards such as Twitter or Facebook ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/hotel-loyalty-programs-can-digital-rewards-in-real-life/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hotel-loyalty-programs-can-digital-rewards-in-real-life

The 10 coolest summer road trips for families in the US

Hit the road on a family adventure:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/10-coolest-summer-road-trips-families-us/

16 of the most impressive national parks in the US (PHOTOS)

Every bit of wilderness on the planet is impressive, but some places are special for unique reasons.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/most-impressive-national-parks-in-the-us-photos/

The 20 coolest places to camp with kids in the US this summer

Tent camping with your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have as a traveler. Do it this summer:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/20-coolest-places-camp-kids-us-summer/

Win the Way You Won Before

When you encounter a setback and need to regroup, think back to a time when you won. You mastered a skill, navigated a tricky negotiation, or otherwise came out on top. Can you use the same skill or strategy now? Can you adapt that skill or strategy to a new situation? Sure, circumstances may have changed. But you haven’t always lost or struggled, so think about that time when you got it right.



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/win-the-way-you-won-before/

8 American children’s museums to plan your vacation around

Have Sesame Street loving kids? At the Strong Museum of Play your kids can actually sit on the 123 Sesame Street stoop and call their favorite characters on a pay phone.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/8-american-childrens-museums-plan-vacation-around/

7 ways for kids to talk their parents into a family trip

Seriously, your parents have to break at some point.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/7-ways-kids-talk-parents-family-trip/

6 tips for travel with ADHD kids

It can be tough, but with a little bit of preparation, traveling with an ADHD kid can be an awesome experience. Here's how.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/6-survival-tips-traveling-adhd-kiddo/

How to take great pics of your kids

Stand out from the pack! If you want to bring photos of your kids to life, correct these common pitfalls and you'll be on your way to capturing some perfect moments you'll cherish (and probably frame) for life.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/9-ways-take-better-pictures-kids/

Using Miles for Upgrades: Myth or Reality?

At PMM Travel Consulting, we receive requests from prospective clients indicating their desire to use their miles to upgrade a revenue economy class reservation probably on a weekly basis. The reasons behind such requests vary. Sometimes these clients do not have enough miles available for a premium cabin award. Other times, they want to make […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/using-miles-for-upgrades-myth-or-reality.html

15 inspiring Instagrams to fuel your family’s next adventure

Take this insta-inspiration from Instagram for your next outdoor family adventure.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/inspiring-instagrams-to-fuel-your-familys-next-adventure/