Iberia -- Spain's main airline with its hub in Madrid -- operates a trans-Atlantic joint venture arrangement with its partners British Airways (the two are actually the same company), American Airlines, and FinnAir. We have crossed the ocean on both American and British at least once this year, so were happy to add Iberia's economy class service from Madrid to New York (JFK) aboard an Airbus A340 to our experience. This is our review, for anyone considering a similar trip.
Read moreReview: Never thought I'd say this, but Iberia's Euro-style business class is worth it (sometimes).
I never thought I'd say this, but I've determined that Iberia's European-style business class is worth a few extra euros on a flight -- we'll say -- longer than two hours. I actually flew the service twice this fall, once from Arrecife (on Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands) to Madrid, and then about a month later from Madrid to Stockholm, Sweden. The service was consistent between both flights, though my discussion here focuses on the first.
Read moreA vacation ruined before it began: Lessons on getting too creative with your travel itinerary
The popular travel blog One Mile at a Time published this piece last month, I’m Not Sure What To Make Of This Travel Horror Story, that recounted a sad incident in which a couple was turned back to check-in, missing their entire vacation due to "travel document" issues. Let's seize this moment to highlight the perils of getting too creative with your travel itinerary. This is particularly relevant to those of us who frequent off the beaten path places such as (ahem) wine country...
Read moreReview: Air France, Economy Class aboard Boeing 777, Paris to Washington
This was the final leg home on a trip that took me to Niamey, Niger in West Africa. The trip from Niamey to Washington took almost 24 hours, with a long layover in Paris’s Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG). Niger may be far off the beaten path for most travelers, but Air France between Paris and Washington, DC certainly is not. Despite the layover, overall I had a fine experience in economy class to bring my trip to a close. This is my complete review.
Read moreReview: Madrid to Philadelphia in American Airlines economy class aboard the Airbus A330
The Airbus A330 has been my ride back to the United States from Europe a couple of times lately, most recently flying in American Airlines main cabin extra from Madrid to Philadelphia. While I missed the business class seat I had on my previous experience aboard this plane, I can actually say that the A330 is currently one of my favorite planes to fly on in any class of service. This is a really great flight by economy standards, one that I am sure we'll take again.
Read moreInsanely great airfares make this the absolute right time to book your Europe trip for later in 2017
If you've had a trip to Europe on your wishlist, now's the time to book it for later this year. We've been watching the airline prices from some of the big trans-Atlantic markets in the United States, and are feeling quite good about the fares available right now. The specifics will vary, but the bottom line is that we think now is the time to pull in a good deal (some even in the sub-$500 round trip range, flying economy class, of course).
Read moreHow to improve your odds of being less cramped aboard newer planes when on a short flight
It's the worst. You're on one of those old and rather beat up small regional jets that hop passengers on shorter distance flights between medium sized cities, or between larger cities connected by more frequent flights on smaller planes. Wine:Thirty Flight recently took off in a sparkling new Bombardier CRJ 900 model aboard American Eagle, so today we're sharing tips for brightening your journey by selecting tickets on a plane you actually want to fly aboard.
Read moreReview: TAP Portugal Express, Seville to Lisbon to Porto, is great quality for short flights
TAP Portugal between Seville (Spain), Lisbon, and Porto treated us to the best regional air travel we've expereienced. If you love spending time on the Iberian Peninsula (that's Spain and Portugal, for the geographically uninitiated) as much as we do, it's entirely likely that TAP will be a big part of your plans. They are worth considering.
Read moreThis handy tool will easily track your progress towards earning elite status on U.S. airlines in 2017
The elite status qualification systems on the big legacy U.S. airlines (American, Delta, and United) have become excruciatingly complicated over the last several years. I still maintain that earning your way into a higher privilege tier nets worthy benefits in terms of better seats, free checked baggage, an overall kinder and gentler airline experience, and other perks that come along... so we built a tool that will help you track your progress and take some of the mysticism out of earning elite status.
Read moreReview: British Airways 747 Boston to London is mixed bag with lots to love, lots to be annoyed by
Though arguably the most recognizable airplane ever built, it turns out that I had not traveled on a Boeing 747 (the original "jumbo jet") in years. This combined with the storied history and legendary quality of British Airways (BA), which I had never flown, to make for a highly anticipated journey. Good for travelers who can find the right price, who value reasonably decent airplane food, a comfortable physical seat, full tea service, and who can overlook a surly crew and some of the most cramped leg room I've ever experienced on an international flight.
Read moreReview: TAP Portugal, Lisbon to London: Good value, but utter chaos makes a bad experience
TAP Portugal flies about eighty aircraft from its hub in Lisbon throughout Europe, Africa, North and South America. You've likely been tempted by their often-great airfare if you're one who flies to, from, and within Europe. They're particularly relevant if you fly United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, and any of the other Star Alliance member airlines because you might find yourself on a TAP flight through Portugal en route to where you're going.
Read moreReview: Great experience in AirBerlin business class Berlin to New York... with wine tasting notes
I rarely pay to sit in business or first class, though I don't love a good experience up front, which I take via upgrade or use of miles when the stars align. My recent flight in AirBerlin business class from Berlin to New York was one such moment, and it was quite good. This was a fun post to write for its rare opportunity to bring together my geeky love of wine and commercial aviation in a single piece for, yes, I have tasting notes below!
Read moreReview: AirBerlin economy class Sweden to Germany is solidly functional, but don't expect frills
Recent experience flying AirBerlin economy class within the European Union - Gothenburg, Sweden to Berlin, Germany - says the airline's economy experience is a good option. OneWorld Alliance membership adds extra convenience. Numerous destinations throughout Europe, combined with service to eight American cities and a smattering of others in Latin America and Africa make it a compelling option for cost-sensitive travelers to / from / inside of Europe.
Read moreReview: Norwegian Air is a solid low-cost airline for European and some North American travelers
Norwegian seems (mostly) a higher quality low-cost airline in the mold of jetBlue and Southwest. With nine destinations from New York alone, the airline may be a compelling alternative for some cost-conscious travelers. You won't fly luxuriously, but I think you'll fly comfortably… and you'll have some money leftover to spend when you get to wherever you're going.
Read moreInsight and tips for your trans-Atlantic American Airlines flight on aging but reasonable Boeing 767
As I write, we're flying from New York JFK International Airport to Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) aboard an American Airlines Boeing 767-300, the smaller of the Boeing wide body long airplanes. We're spending this leg of the journey in Economy Class, so we're able to offer worthwhile tips to anyone flying similar American routes on this plane.
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