From Cattle Call to AA Executive Platinum: Why I Broke Up with Southwest Airlines
After five year’s of top tier status on Southwest Airlines, we switched to American Airlines due to frustration with Southwest's "open seating" inefficiencies and lack of premium amenities. Despite AA's flaws, the Executive Platinum status match provided superior value through seat assignments, international upgrades, and a more rewarding loyalty ecosystem.
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at LaGuardia is the Best Lounge in America
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at LGA sets a new gold standard for American lounges. Featuring a stunning two-story design, high-end à la carte dining, and complimentary facials, it far surpasses legacy carrier clubs. Despite frequent entry waits and strict timing rules, the premium food and drink make it a must-visit.
The Club SFO: Not quite a Sapphire Reserve Lounge but an Elevated Experience
Located at SFO, this spacious lounge offers an elevated buffet and a unique "Wellness Room" perfect for quiet relaxation or calls. It surpasses standard Priority Pass options with customizable lighting and high-quality breakfast, though it can get loud during peak travel hours.
Le Meridien Denver: Pretty basic, but aren’t they all?
Centrally located near the convention center, this Le Meridien offers a basic experience with small rooms and no executive lounge. The brand is underwhelming compared to standard Marriotts.
Alaska Airlines First Class: Decent food and great lounges; albeit with a basic seat and no in-seat IFE
Alaska Airlines First Class offers a superior soft product with locally sourced food and exceptional lounges, particularly in Seattle. While the seats are basic and lack In-Flight Entertainment (IFE), the high-quality dining and craft beer selection outperform major competitors like American Airlines, making it a strong choice for West Coast travel.