Latest Posts

Trip Report: Booking A Trip To London

I just got back from a long weekend in London and am happy to say the trip was a total success on all fronts. While there are several topics I plan on discussing with this trip report, I think it is important to first discuss how I booked the trip. Finding The Right Price For…
I Finally Experienced The Airbus A380 and Loved It

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 10 years since the Airbus A380 completed its first commercial flight. Until just a few years ago I had never even seen an Airbus A380 in person. I remember when the aircraft was first introduced all of the press coverage about its groundbreaking size and over the top opulence. With features…
Elite Status: American Airlines AAdvantage Gold Status

Currently, there are four levels of elite status offered through the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program. AAdvantage members can earn status by flying a certain number of miles or segments and spending a certain amount of money with the airline in a calendar year. American’s lowest elite level, AAdvantage Gold, is by far the easiest…
Using A US Credit Card For International Travel

For whatever reason the United States has been behind the rest of the world when it comes to credit card transactions. For many years now other countries have used a Chip and Pin system when processing credit card transactions. The United States however has stuck to the traditional swipe method. Recently, the US has switched…
Travel Tip: Finding The Best Price On Airfare

I am asked this question all the time: “I just booked a trip to XYZ for $xxx.xx, is that a good deal?” It is a difficult question to answer, but hopefully the following will help you understand ticket prices and find the best price on airfare. Searching For The Best Price On Airfare Airlines are constantly changing…
American Airlines Special Fares

The past year has been quite strange as an American Airlines Elite. When I first decided to remain loyal to AA the reason was simple. I could continue to purchase the cheapest, longest mileage ticket, and still earn AAdvantage elite status. Then American played follow the leader and converted to a revenue based loyalty program.…
How To Obtain A Same Day Passport

It seems like forever ago I was planning my trip to London, but I leave tomorrow. When I first booked the trip I was unable to find my passport and tried to request a new one. After a few weeks I had not heard back from the passport agency. The Passport Agency expedites passports for…
Trip Report: Chicago, IL to Breckenridge, CO

I am finally back from a long bachelor party weekend in Breckenridge, CO. The weekend was fantastic, also one of the most interesting for traveling. When I booked the trip a few weeks ago I purposely built in a stop in Dallas both ways. It seems I may have been better off just booking nonstop…
What Is An American Airlines Admirals Club Drink Chit?

On my flight to Denver today I stopped in the Chicago O’hare H/K Admirals Club for a cup of coffee and stumbled upon a drink chit. I have often searched Admirals Club lounges trying to find one, but today was the first day I’ve ever been lucky enough to actually get one. In fact, there…
What Is Mobile Passport and How To Apply?

As I was walking through Chicago’s O’hare International Airport the other day I noticed an ad for Mobile Passport. I had seen some advertising for the Mobile Passport app in the past, but had never investigated further. I only travel internationally once or twice a year and have always had fairly painless encounters with the…