2014 - Year In Review

My travel in 2014 did not go as planned.  I only flew 41,274 paid miles and was able to grab United Gold status.  The downgrade from Platinum will be rough, upgrades are uncertain for all but 1K's, soon I'll be surprised to see any.  I did keep SPG Platinum and get closer to lifetime Platinum status (500 nights AND 10 years as Platinum) and Hertz likes me too.  I'm still hurting from the points inflation in 2014 and hesitant to burn miles at what I think are exorbitant rates.  

2014 Paid Travel - gcmap.com

2014 Total Travel - gcmap.com

Here's some highlights from 2014:

• I flew a T-6 Texan with the Commemorative Air Force in Arizona.
• I picked up a galley cart for use as a bar at home and love it.
• My January 1, 2014 prediction of this being the year of points inflation, but I was too optimistic.  I missed the changes to earning points based on fare prices. More value will be removed from loyalty programs in 2015 too.
• I went to Norway for an hour.  My coworkers love this story because it sounds crazy, but since it was in business class, it's not bad at all. 
• New Airports - Nashville (BNA) and Austin (AUS).
• New Aircraft - 747-8i and North American T-6 Texan.
• Favorite photos posted this year:

T-6 Texan

O'Hare Airport

I Love the 757

Sunset in Portland

Leaving Las Vegas Seat Suggestion

Grab a window seat on the left side of the aircraft for afternoon and evening departures from Las Vegas (LAS).  You'll be treated to a great view of The Strip on the way up and then great mountain views; maybe a lovely sunset too.

The Strip

Mountains on the Climb Out

Sunset Over the Clouds

New Southwest Airlines Look

It doesn't look so bad at this angle.  I still think they should have stuck with the original tan paint scheme, but I lost that battle a long time ago.

New Southwest Look 737

Happy Holiday Travel

Remember to leave extra time and be patient with the amateur travelers.

Hope You Are Going Somewhere Fun

Christmas Cheer From British Airways

IHG Pays $430M for Kimpton Hotels Brand

"Kimpton is a fully asset-light business that manages 62 hotels."  The $430M IHG paid for Kimpton is just for the brand and business process knowledge.  IHG said the Kimpton loyalty program will remain in place, but some of the brand prestige will be lost now that Kimpton is a fancy Holiday Inn (Aston Martin and Tata, Bugatti and VW, or Ferrari and Dodge all have similar problems).  My guess is IHG wants to mass produce boutique hotels and this is the best way to learn the process.  If they lose some Kimpton loyalists along the way, that's acceptable.

I Don't Have Many Ground Related Photos

Alaska Airlines Adds Streaming Entertainment

Alaska Airlines is jumping on the trend for airlines to provide streaming content over WiFi on board.  It's starting out free, but will cost something in the future. As a bonus over Southwest, Alaska is also adding power outlets. The bigger news story is Alaska adding larger overhead bins to speed boarding and reduce the risk of having a bag gate checked. Removing the stress of boarding is a larger benefit for me than having movies available for purchase.

Alaska Airlines 737's at LAX

It's great that airlines are adding to the in flight customer experience after removing so much in recent years. Off the top of my head, I still miss coach meals, leg room, seat padding, easy mileage earning, free checked bags, free seat assignment, United's channel 9, and pillows. Every little bit helps I suppose.