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Author: Benjamin J Travel

Trip Report: American Airlines' Brand New 787-9 Premium Economy
Good Morning from American Airlines’ Inaugural Domestic 787-9 Flight!

Good Morning from American Airlines’ Inaugural Domestic 787-9 Flight!

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Good morning travelers and #avgeeks! I’m currently on board the inaugural domestic 787-9 Flight with American Airlines’. This is American’ first “official’ scheduled 787-9 flight although technically they flew an ETOPs certification flight earlier this month. Not only is it exciting that American is launching a new aircraft type today but the 787-9 is the first plane with American’s new Premium Economy product installed. On this DFW to LAX flight, I’m…

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777-300ER Business Class Post-Christmas Giveaway: $50 USD American Airlines Gift Card
Trip Report: American Airlines 777-300ER Business Class | London to Chicago

Trip Report: American Airlines 777-300ER Business Class | London to Chicago

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Making the trek home from our wonderful holiday in Italy and Greece, I was looking forward to our flight home. I love American’s 777-300ER Business Class seat. It is one of the best airline hard products out there right now. Soft product (customer service-wise) can be hit-or-miss on American Airlines unfortunately, so I try to moderate my expectations. I’m incredibly loyal to American Airlines but I have to be…

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Vancouver Studios London
Hotel Review: Vancouver Studios London

Hotel Review: Vancouver Studios London

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]   Almost hidden in the quiet Bayswater neighborhood of Westminster in Greater London, the Vancouver Studios London is a cozy hotel that makes one feel at home. In contrast to a traditional full-service hotel, the Vancouver Studios is more of an apartment-style hotel. Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars Service: 3.5 of 5 Stars Location: 4 of 5 Stars Comfort: 4 of 5 Stars Cleanliness: 5 of 5 Stars I…

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Practical Santorini Travel: Tips & Inspiration
Practical Santorini Travel: Tips & Inspiration

Practical Santorini Travel: Tips & Inspiration

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We recently returned from a trip to Italy and Greece which included five days on the Greek island of Santorini. Santorini is one of the most desirable “bucket-list” destinations out there and it’s completely understandable. Postcard-perfect villages, colorful beaches, and captivating sunsets make Santorini an unforgettable destination. However, with all these wonderful aspects of Santorini, often comes large crowds and high prices. But fear not! Here are some practical Santorini travel tips to help you enjoy it more, spend a bit less, and avoid…

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Casa Sotgiu Guest House
Review: Casa Sotgiu Guest House | Rome

Review: Casa Sotgiu Guest House | Rome

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] After having a surprisingly hard time selecting accomodations for our four days in Rome, I came across Casa Sotgiu. We were seeking comfort in a quiet, yet convenient neighborhood with Metro access. After reviewing the solid reviews of Casa Sotgiu, I was sold. Overall Rating: 5 of 5 Stars Service: 5 of 5 Stars Location: 5 of 5 Stars Comfort: 5 of 5 Stars Cleanliness: 5 of 5 Stars…

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Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge 747 Queen of The Skies
Lounge Review: Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge | London Heathrow

Lounge Review: Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge | London Heathrow

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] To be honest, I often feel a bit disappointed with some airlines’ arrival lounges. They aren’t usually as nice as the departure lounges you often see airside. Well thanks to the Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge, my faith in the arrivals lounge has been restored.. We had just arrived from Detroit on VS 108 aboard Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class product. Our flight had been quite the pleasure but even after a delightful flight, I crave the…

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Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class VS 108 Detroit to London - Virgin Group
Trip Report: Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class | Detroit to London Heathrow

Trip Report: Virgin Atlantic A330 Upper Class | Detroit to London Heathrow

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.64″] With high expectations of the Virgin Atlantic’s A330 Upper Class product, I was awaiting this trip for the last six months. Our Virgin Atlantic flight was part of a greater itinerary that ultimately took us to Greece and Italy. Unfortunately Virgin Atlantic doesn’t fly to Dallas so we took a Delta flight from Dallas to Detroit which we were able to wrap into a single…

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Atlantis Paradise Island
Sad To See Summer Go? Avoid The Cold At Atlantis Paradise Island

Sad To See Summer Go? Avoid The Cold At Atlantis Paradise Island

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] While I see the best in all seasons of the year, the beauty of travel is that if you don’t like your current weather scenario, you can hop on a plane to a destination in a different climate. And that doesn’t mean you have to jet off to another hemisphere to escape your current weather. Micro-climates and warm oceans are a beautiful thing! Summer tends to be a favorite season…

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Santorini Airport
Flying To Santorini Airport? A Few Handy Tips

Flying To Santorini Airport? A Few Handy Tips

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Santorini Airport is a very small airport for this very popular holiday destination. Traffic is very seasonable as much of the island closes down during the winter. Sometimes smaller airports can be more efficient but unfortunately, that’s not the case with Santorini Airport. Santorini is a wonderful destination and I have no doubt you will love it. But just be prepared for a possibly frustrating airport experience at this tiny aviation…

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It’s Back! $200 off $1000 Virgin Atlantic Purchase with Amex Offers

It’s Back! $200 off $1000 Virgin Atlantic Purchase with Amex Offers

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] It’s back! Once again, Amex Offers via American Express is offering $200 USD off any purchase of $1000 USD or more with your activated card offer. Log into your American Express card account of activate this Amex Offer to your eligible card.  The offer must be activate before your purchase is made.     This latest Amex Offer expires on Nov 6, 2016 so all ticket purchases must be made by then on the Virgin Atlantic website. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Trip Report: Reviewing Blu Express | Santorini to Rome Blog Review Airline Review
Trip Report: Reviewing Blu Express | Santorini to Rome

Trip Report: Reviewing Blu Express | Santorini to Rome

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.64″] Seeking a nonstop and inexpensive flight between Santorini and Rome, we ultimately booked well in advance 2 seats on Blu Express, a sister airline of Blu Panorama. This flight was reasonably priced at €90 per person one-way plus €40 for two checked bags. All in we were toughly at €230 for the two of us. Our other options were more expensive or involved a connection….

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Lufthansa 747-8 Business Class
Trip Report: Lufthansa 747-8 Business Class | Frankfurt to Washington

Trip Report: Lufthansa 747-8 Business Class | Frankfurt to Washington

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] I’ve long been longing to fly aboard the 747-8 as well as Lufthansa Business Class. I’m not as acquainted to as many product so some fancier bloggers so I have some catching up to do! Most of all, I was was looking forward to being onboard the upper deck of the 747-8, the most modern version of the Queen of the Skies! I had booked an award ticket with United…

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Delta Sky Club DFW
Lounge Review: Delta Sky Club DFW

Lounge Review: Delta Sky Club DFW

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Located in the sleepy Terminal E at DFW, the Delta Sky Club DFW is located at the very end of the Delta gates. Terminal E is still under a complete rennovation so the Delta Sky Club DFW has moved around in recent years. I’m not an incredibly frequent flyer of Delta these days but I do have access thanks to my American Express Platinum card. But for this particular journey,…

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Air New Zealand OneUp Premium Economy
My Experience Upgrade Bidding with Air New Zealand OneUp

My Experience Upgrade Bidding with Air New Zealand OneUp

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Like many airlines nowadays, Air New Zealand offers the option to bid on the next class of service or on one of their Skycouch seats via their Air New Zealand OneUp program.  The Air New Zealand OneUp program allows passengers to upgrade one class on most international flights. I had purchase a very cheap one-way Economy ticket from LAX to London on Air New Zealand but I wanted to try their Premium Economy product. Air New Zealand has one of the most attractive Premium…

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Air New Zealand 777-300ER Economy Class
Trip Report: Air New Zealand 777-300 Economy Class | Los Angeles to London

Trip Report: Air New Zealand 777-300 Economy Class | Los Angeles to London

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Taking the unconventional routing from Dallas to London via LAX, I was excited for my first flight aboard Air New Zealand, even if it’s in Economy! I had snagged a pretty cheap flight for under $400 USD one-way from LAX to London Heathrow. This route is “fifth-freedom” route for Air New Zealand, and a popular one! I had arrived on a separate American Airlines flight from Dallas so I…

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British Airways CityFlyer Economy Class
Trip Report: British Airways CityFlyer Economy Class | London City to Frankfurt

Trip Report: British Airways CityFlyer Economy Class | London City to Frankfurt

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As part of my return journey from London to Dallas, I flew British Airways’ CityFlyer service from London City Airport to Frankfurt. I had booked a Business Class journey from Frankfurt to Dallas via Washington IAD. I couldn’t get the segment from London to Frankfurt to tag onto my Lufthansa booking so I used the British Airways flight to position from London to Frankfurt. I redeemed 4,500 BA Avios points for the short journey which was a fantastic deal. The…

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Lounge Review: KAL Lounge LAX
Lounge Review: KAL Lounge LAX

Lounge Review: KAL Lounge LAX

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Ready for some relaxation before my departure for London, I headed to the KAL Lounge LAX in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Since I was traveling on two different airlines on this journey, I gained access thanks to my Priority Pass membership. This lounge serves premium SkyTeam passengers in addition to Priority Pass members. Note: If you are accessing the KAL Lounge LAX using Priority Pass, you can…

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British Airways Lounge at DFW
Lounge Review: British Airways Lounge at DFW

Lounge Review: British Airways Lounge at DFW

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] The British Airways Lounge at DFW is a mini-lounge inside the larger Terminal D “Airline Clubs” complex at DFW. This complex This lounge complex is home to several international carrier lounges plus The Club at DFW, a Priority Pass lounge. Currently, airlines at this lounge complex include British Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Korean, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Qatar. We had started our pre-departure routine with the Centurion Lounge, which was painfully overcrowded….

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How Overrated is the DFW Amex Centurion Lounge?
How Overrated is the DFW Amex Centurion Lounge?

How Overrated is the DFW Amex Centurion Lounge?

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Let me preface this “review” with a full admission that I frequent the DFW Amex Centurion Lounge on a regular basis. As an American Express Platinum card holder, I receive complimentary access, regardless of airline or class of service I’m flying. Platinum Card and Centurion Card holders receive complimentary access (plus 2 guests) while holders of any other American Express card can access the lounge for a $50 fee. When this…

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Trip Report: American Airlines A319 Business Class | Mérida to Dallas
Trip Report: American Airlines A319 Business Class | Mérida to Dallas

Trip Report: American Airlines A319 Business Class | Mérida to Dallas

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[et_pb_section admin_label=”Section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” padding_mobile=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_padding=”||2px|”] After a very lovely extended weekend in Mérida and the surrounding Yucatan region, it was time to head back home to Dallas. The flight from Mérida to Dallas is a short hop of less than 2.5 hours, a wee bit shorter than the flight between Dallas and Cancun. This particular route is operated by American Airlines…

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