The most frustrating part of booking an award trip is when a telephone call to the airline is required. Some agents are quicker than others, but generally telephone awards just take a long time to book. I type this as I wait (33 minutes and counting) to speak to an Air Canada Aeroplan reservations to book an award. Thankfully, I can multi-task...

Earlier tonight, however, I set a new personal record by booking three complex awards with United Airlines in under 15 minutes. The agent ...

Last night I received the following text message from my brother:

Dad and mom went to United Mileage Plus promotion at the Americana. Mother won two RCC passes. Dad won 25000 mp miles.

While I don't believe in luck, if there was such a thing, my dad would be the luckiest man alive. It seems like he wins every contest or drawing he enters and he scored again big at the Americana at Brand in Glendale, California last night. I keep telling him to buy a lottery ...

I find that it is generally a good idea to mind my own business. Sometimes, however, it is quite difficult. 

Yesterday I entered the United Red Carpet Club in Terminal C at Chicago O’Hare where a Lufthansa Senator flying on a domestic ticket was trying to gain access to the club. The agent flatly denied him, stating, "We can’t allow that unless you’re traveling internationally. If we did, we’d have way too many people in this ...

Two weeks into the merger, Coninental and United have finally officially made available reciprocal ugprades and other seating benefits to their elite members.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits:  

Continental

What is it?

Comparable to United

Elite ...

Through the end of the month, economy award trips under 700 miles in the U.S. and Canada are still 30% off on United. These flights must be on United metal and be booked at least a week prior to departure. Only economy awards are discounted--first and business class will require the full amount of miles.

Both standard and saver awards are discounted, as are both one-way and roundtrip awards. For example, a round-trip saver award under this promotion is 17,500 miles and a one-way saver ...

Although I am "pro-business" in many respects, I don't like to see workers get screwed and have been sympathetic to the plight of UA flight attendants in the post 9/11 era of dramatic salary reductions and benefit cuts.

When I travel on UA I proudly wear my orange "Glenn's Gotta Go!" bracelet (that always seems to encourage FA's) and voice my support for a new labor contract that does not only reward the fat cats at the top.

While ...