I received an email from US Airways letting me know that they will soon open up PreferredAccess lines to non-priority customers for a fee. I had a feeling this was coming. The access lines are pretty new, and as much as I wanted to believe it was just something the …

The United MileagePlus Explorer Card commercial gives us a Goofus and Gallant type situation regarding two travelers–coworkers, I assume.  One traveler clumsily navigates the airport process whereas the other knows a few shortcuts.  I cannot find the commercial online, so I’ll briefly lay out the commercial: Goofus avoids checking bags …

Keri described my love for Grgich Hill’s Violetta during our trip to Napa in February.  When you have a bottle of wine you are looking forward to, great food really can add to the experience. Dessert wine is tricky though.  Violetta is described as having ripe white peach and orange …

Here at Heels First, we encourage feeling your best when traveling. If you feel great traveling in a dress and heels, go right ahead! (We certainly wear our heels.). However, there are some general rules to follow to make sure your fashionable travel is actually fashionable. 1. Wear shoes you …

I’ve been traveling so much over the last few weeks that I eventually forgot which side of the shower in my apartment has the faucet (and I guessed wrong!)  It is easy to get disoriented when flying, especially when many of the trips are to different climates and different sides …

Below are our Freddie Awards ballots for general edification and mostly the amusement of our readers. Disclaimer: We don’t know about programs we haven’t tried. We mostly voted for the programs that made us feel special, not necessarily the ones who provided the most widespread value. YRMV. Best Promotion for Redemption …

I am about to embark on two straight weeks of traveling.  I’ll head to Tuscon, Arizona, head back to home base for 24 hours, head out for Las Vegas, NV, then after stopping in DC for a couple of hours, head out to Boston. Phew. The thing that has worried …

I just received my Platinum Preferred card from US Airways, and it reminded me of a cute story. I hit Platinum immediately after I hit Gold, so after I received my Gold kit, I was waiting eagerly for my Platinum Card.  And waiting.  And waiting. Finally, I received a welcome …

One of the reasons I have trouble maintaining hotel status is because I stay in boutique hotels fairly often. I’ve been to San Francisco five times and stayed at chain hotels twice while there. Why the draw to boutique hotels? First of all, I do a lot of my travel …

In an earlier post, I lamented my loss of Starwood Gold status.  Gary of View from the Wing posted a potential solution for me, “an offer for free Starwood Gold status after one stay in the Asia Pacific region paid for with a World Mastercard.” Keri and I were just …