As someone that frequently travels with a large carry-on to help transport my photography gear, I'm a frequent user of some of Southwest's optional fees. Unfortunately, news that Southwest sends ancillary fees soaring puts into question how much longer I'll be able to do so, especially if and when my travels pick up again. … [Read more...] about Southwest Sends Ancillary Fees Soaring
Travel Blogging
A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is Coming to Oahu
I know what you're thinking, Ritz-Carlton already has a property on Oahu! Yes, it does. Sort of. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki is, well, a residences property, which is a condo-hotel, meaning it can be a hotel or a place people live. That's why I say a Ritz-Carlton hotel is coming to Oahu, which will be our first true Ritz-Carlton. … [Read more...] about A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is Coming to Oahu
Reminder: Earn 2x HawaiianMiles with Foodland!
I'm sure all locals know that Foodland Hawai'i allows you to earn HawaiianMiles via their Maika'i Rewards program. Typically, the conversion rates for this aren't the greatest, which isn't surprising. But, sometimes (like now), the value proposition goes up. So here's your reminder to earn 2x HawaiianMiles with Foodland! … [Read more...] about Reminder: Earn 2x HawaiianMiles with Foodland!
Alaska Air Visa Signature 2024 Review
My Alaska Visa annual fee hit this past billing cycle - my first under their new, higher annual fee - so I thought it'd be a good idea to revisit the card and its parks with an Alaska Air Visa Signature 2024 review. After all, the last time I did anything remotely similar was in 2022. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air Visa Signature 2024 Review
Alaska Air Offers Maui CARE Flights
As we near the one-year anniversary of the tragic wildfires on Maui, one airline is stepping up to offer residents a reprieve from their current situation. That reprieve is coming in the form of Disneyland vacations as Alaska Air offers Maui CARE flights. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air Offers Maui CARE Flights
Hot Meals Return to Alaska Air Main Cabin!
When I first began flying with Alaska Airlines, hot meals for purchase were standard fare in back of the plane. However, the option was eliminated after the airline began integrating Virgin America's aircraft into their fleet. But, now, hot meals return to Alaska Air Main Cabin, and boy do they look good! … [Read more...] about Hot Meals Return to Alaska Air Main Cabin!
The 21 Toughest Reservations in America
I've been to several restaurants with difficult to get reservations over the years. So when a food/dining site I follow shared an article from a website called timeout.com listing what they think are the 21 toughest reservation in America, I had to look. What I saw, though, was quite puzzling. … [Read more...] about The 21 Toughest Reservations in America
Hawaii Visitor Demand Remains Soft
Even before the tragic wildfires on Maui, Hawaii was experiencing slowing tourism demand. Unfortunately, things aren't looking better this year as we head into what should normally be the busy summer months. In fact, through the rest of this year, Hawaii visitor demand remains soft. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Visitor Demand Remains Soft
Hawaii Hotel Management is Evolving
Hospitality is big business in Hawaii. Traditionally, the established players (Marriott, Starwood, Hilton) ruled the scene, blended with a smattering of local hotel groups and independent operations. But Hawaii hotel management is evolving thanks to a relative newcomer, which is now poised to become a dominant player. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel Management is Evolving
Alaska Receives Over $200 Million from Boeing
Alaska Airlines suffered a lot from the AS 1282 incident. Not only did they receive bad press, but the subsequent groundings cut deeply into their operations and finances. Given this, and their reliance on a single manufacturer, it's only fitting that Alaska receives $200 million from Boeing to compensate for all their troubles. … [Read more...] about Alaska Receives Over $200 Million from Boeing