I Need To Fly For Miles Again

When United announced a minimum spend component to elite qualification, I was concerned because I believed I paid about 6c to 8c per flight mile while the qualification minimum was 10c per mile. I thought it would be the end of flying cheap flights for miles. Also I wouldn't receive any spending credit for flights with partners, so I'd be at a larger deficit.  

United A320 at IAH

My travel this year has not gone as planned; I took a few short and expensive trips on United and not much else. US Airways leaving the Star Alliance has stopped my partner airline flying after only 2,042 miles flown in January.  I've also flown on Southwest points a few times this year, removing a few earning possibilities. The result is I've paid about 17c per elite mile this year.

United Express Jets At Denver

I can book some cheap trips for miles this year after all because distance is coming up short rather than expense.  I've been searching for some fun fares from Denver, but without much luck.  I may need to take a few PTO days and spend them flying coast to coast.  I can also fly to Singapore and return after 6 hours, but that seems like a bad idea (it would be in coach) even to me.  

United Airlines First Class Breakfast Snack

United Airlines serves a fairly good breakfast in first class, but the flight needs to be about 2 hours or longer.  On shorter flights they serve a light snack, like this scone I received. They also have the full bar open, so they aren't cutting back everywhere.

First Class Breakfast Snack

Free Shipping At The Boeing Store

There are some good deals on lower priced items at the Boeing Store.  Promotion runs through 6/27 and use coupon code USSHIP14 at check out.

Detailed Look at Delta's 757

Grenada - Granada, What's the Difference?

I once booked a 9PM flight to Oakland rather than a 9AM flight.  It was my error and after a gate agent noticed the PM on my departure time, I was added standby to a San Jose flight.  It was my fault for not noticing what I purchased wasn't what I wanted and I bore the costs.  A Florida man is suing British Airways for flying him on the itinerary he purchased to Grenada (GND in the Caribbean) rather than Granada (GRX in Spain). This man should have noticed a few things were wrong, like the flight time, price, destination spelling, aircraft size, passport requirements, and (hate to be repetitive but) the destination. I would hate to see this guy win his $34,000 lawsuit because he should have exercised due care to ensure what he purchased is what he wanted.

British Airways LHR-AUS

United Express Embraer EMB 170 Seat 7B

The Embraer 170 is my favorite United Express aircraft, it has two bathrooms, wider seats, overhead bins that can store roll aboard bags, and large windows.  It only has 6 first class seats, so upgrades aren't too frequent.  That's hardly a problem because row 7 has amazing legroom (it is Economy Plus, so United charges non-elites to reserve the row).  I flew in seat 7B and didn't have anything blocking a good stretch.

View From Seat 7B Economy Plus

Turn Left

I love boarding an airplane and turning left.  It gives a sense of occasion to travel because only large planes board through a middle door and the premium cabin waits.  It is only rivaled by walking up stairs in the plane to reach your seat (747's only, the A380 usually uses a jet bridge to load upper deck passengers).

757 Boards Through the Second Door

Fun Photo

I'm still dreaming of my first trip on a 787.  The British Airways flight to Austin uses a 787 and I grabbed a picture after my day dreaming (I was flying on a regional jet).

Austin to London in 9 Hours