Michael

2022 retrospective summary

With all my 2022 flights of note now uploaded onto the blog, I thought it might be fun to take a look back through the year. I use a webapp, BA97.com, to capture all my flights, some of which don’t actually make it onto the blog. Usually, these are short flights in economy. One ofContinue reading “2022 retrospective summary”

Qantas First Class lounge review (LAX-SJC on Alaska; part 2)

On my way back home from LAX, I tried to find an American Airlines flight to take, but the flights were consistently $40-$50 more expensive than Alaska Airlines flights, and the only difference is that Alaska Airlines does not offer a special emerald check-in at LAX, which is really not worth the extra $50. WhenContinue reading “Qantas First Class lounge review (LAX-SJC on Alaska; part 2)”

Citi Custom Cash

It’s been a while since I talked about any Citi credit cards, so I wanted to bring up one that Citi has recently been sending me offers for: the Citi Custom Cash card. This card competes with the DiscoverIt and Chase Freedom Flex cards that offer 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter andContinue reading “Citi Custom Cash”

Are Alaska mainline flights better than Alaska regional flights? Part 1: SFO-LAX

With my new job, I’m generally limited to taking weekend, short-haul trips from the SF Bay. One unintended consequence of this reality is that at one point, the only flights I had booked were on Alaska Airlines to/from SoCal, including both Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Three major US airlines have bases in the SFContinue reading “Are Alaska mainline flights better than Alaska regional flights? Part 1: SFO-LAX”

American Airlines eliminating its Flagship First Class product in 2024

As everyone has noticed by now, I moved from London to the San Francisco Bay Area in August. I started a new job at the end of 2022, and as part of the deal with the new job, I had to sign an Outside Business Agreement so that this blog could continue to exist. ThatContinue reading “American Airlines eliminating its Flagship First Class product in 2024”

IHG Premier Card (outdated 2023 version)

We’ve covered Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton’s cards, which are some of the most valuable hotel programs in the world. The next program of note is with IHG. IHG has a wide variety of hotels, including Holiday Inn and Kimpton. Holiday Inns aren’t exciting hotels, but Kimptons often are very nice. I’m not very familiar withContinue reading “IHG Premier Card (outdated 2023 version)”

United premium transcontinental EWR-SFO

Back in September, I flew on United’s premium transcontinental service from SFO to Newark to Richmond. I also flew on one of American’s non-premium transcontinental services (from CLT to SFO). And just before this flight, I did a low cost transcontinental flight. I was in New York seeing some friends for New Years, but shortlyContinue reading “United premium transcontinental EWR-SFO”

IHG Traveler card (outdated 2023 version)

Top-tier Hilton card: The Hilton Honors Aspire

Having now discussed the Hilton Honors card and the Hilton Honors Surpass card, the next card is Hilton’s top tier card: the Hilton Honors Aspire card. With a $450 annual fee, the Aspire card does not come cheap but is packed with benefits to help justify the high fee. But is it worth getting andContinue reading “Top-tier Hilton card: The Hilton Honors Aspire”

Hilton Honors Surpass Amex

If you stay often at Hilton hotels, and the Hilton Honors card was potentially of interest, but you’re looking to get more out of your relationship with Amex and Hilton, then allow me to introduce to you an alternative: the Hilton Honors Surpass card. Hilton and Amex offer three credit card options at three annualContinue reading “Hilton Honors Surpass Amex”