James's Latest Posts

During the busy travel season to Hawaii in December, American Airlines usually operates a 787-8 aircraft from Phoenix (PHX) to Maui (OGG). This flat-bed equipped aircraft is one of the most comfortable ways to get to Maui and is how…

When you’re traveling between the Hawaiian Islands, there are really only 2 major carriers you can fly — Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Only 1 of these airlines, Hawaiian, offers a premium class product, catering to the business traveler and…

The Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a Destination by Hyatt property, is located on the island of Maui in the town of Lahaina. It’s a very well-located hotel, with usually reasonable rates, and is a great use of World of Hyatt…

After spending several days in both Maui and Honolulu, it was time to begin the journey back to the mainland, this time on a red-eye flight that would take me from Honolulu to Dallas and then onward to Washington, D.C….

Many people view the military community almost as an extended family. If you’re part of that special club in any capacity, you’ll often feel the gratitude and appreciation being directed your way by everyday members of the public, as well…

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the tenth-busiest airport in the U.S., serving over 50 million passengers annually. Centrally positioned in Florida, MCO is a major gateway for the state, serving domestic and international flights. Passengers looking to escape the crowded…

When it comes to airport lounges in the U.S., the Centurion Lounge from American Express tops the list as one of the best spaces to relax, grab a bit to eat, and get work done before your flight. The Centurion…

Airline: American Airlines (AA) Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX8 Flight #: AA718 Route: Miami International Airport (MIA) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Date: December 29, 2020 Duration: 2hrs 58min Cabin & Layout: First class, 16-seats, 2-2 config Seat(s): 2F Typical Retail Cost: $120 per person…

The Centurion Lounge at New York’s JFK airport is American Express’ flagship lounge space, with 2 floors of amenities and services for the frequent traveler. The humongous space features some of the best seating, amenities, and decor American Express has…

It’s no secret that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken a toll on nearly every person on earth — rising unemployment numbers, cities, and countries on complete lockdown, and planes flying completely empty. Every aspect of normal life is in suspension….

Airline: Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Aircraft: Airbus A330 Flight #: HA451 Route: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) Date: November 4, 2019 Duration: 10hrs 45min Cabin & Layout: Business Class, 18-seats, 2-2-2 config Seat(s): 1C…

When you travel internationally or on a long-haul flight, you want to fly in comfort. Whether that means being in Delta Premium Select, Delta’s premium economy product, or Delta One, Delta’s lie-flat business class product, you want to know that…

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is in the minority of U.S. airports that have not seen any growth in passenger numbers over recent years. DCA is known as the short-haul airport of Washington, D.C. due to its 1,250-mile perimeter…

Update: The Toluca Centurion Lounge is permanently closed. American Express operates several lounges in Mexico under the Centurion branding. Access is included for specific American Express cardholders and provides a retreat where passengers can relax before their flight. In Mexico,…

Diamond Medallion is the highest frequent flyer tier in the Delta SkyMiles program, above Platinum, Gold, and Silver. It requires a hefty amount of spending with Delta Air Lines, but the benefits are plentiful. Diamond Medallion passengers are given the…

Delta’s first class and Delta Comfort+ products offer an improved onboard experience and are instrumental in the SkyMiles Medallion program for elite passengers to be rewarded with upgrades, depending on availability. Both classes share some important differences, so it’s key…

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is the busiest airport serving the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. BWI is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, with the airline holding sole occupancy of Concourses A and B. Also known as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall…

Train: Amtrak Silver Meteor Type of Cars: Amfleet II and Viewliner II Train #: Southbound Train #97 Route: Washington, D.C. Union Station to Miami Date: January 8, 2020 Duration:‚ Approximately 23 hours Seat Type: Viewliner II Bedroom Miles That Can Be Used: Amtrak Guest…

Basic Economy is the relatively new cheapest airline ticket you can buy, coming with a new set of restrictions that some flyers may not be used to. While Basic Economy seats are located in the same section of the plane…

American Express has 40+ Centurion Lounges worldwide, including Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Hong Kong (HKG), and Monterrey (MTY), among others. These lounges are operated by American Express and feature a variety of amenities…

Update: The Talbott Hotel is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The review for this stay occurred was when the property was owned by JdV by Hyatt. The Talbott Hotel, part of Hyatt’s recently acquired JdV by Hyatt brand, is…