reviews – Away From The Office

Review: Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle to Lihue, Kauai

I’m an MVP Gold with Alaska Airlines which means that I often have the opportunity to instantly upgrade to First Class, such was the case with my 10-year anniversary trip to Kauai. Alaska is a favorite among Seattle-ites and the only carrier to offer non-stop service to Kauai from Seattle.

Outbound flight: Alaska Airlines 879, Seattle to Lihue
Departure time: 8:55 AM
Arrival time: 11:52
Total flying time: 5 hours, 50 minutes

Boarding was speedy and efficient, with First Class being called with Alaska’s 75k and MVP Gold members. Since Kauai is a vacation destination, there wasn’t a stampede of passengers boarding at the same time, which you usually see on flights to San Francisco, Chicago and Newark. Continue reading “Review: Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle to Lihue, Kauai”

London hotel review: 51 Buckingham Gate

I’ve been fortunate to stay at a number of luxury hotels and resorts over the years but none of them have been quite so special as 51 Buckingham Gate in the Westminster area of London. Just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, 51 Buckingham Gate is a 5-star all-suite hotel owned by Taj Hotels. The hotel features 85 suites, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all with fully-equipped kitchens, a living room, bathroom and bedroom. Continue reading “London hotel review: 51 Buckingham Gate”

Review: International Delta Economy Comfort

If a non-stop route exists to the destination that I want to visit, I will book that flight, even if it’s a few hundred dollars more. Nonstops are great for obvious reasons: No connection delays, less chance of lost baggage and more time to enjoy your vacation destination. Thankfully, there are two airplanes that fly the Seattle to London route nowadays: British Airways and Delta. Continue reading “Review: International Delta Economy Comfort”