Small Towers not closing after all

I previously wrote about the FAA closing a number of smaller ATC Towers due to the sequestration cuts, and the impact this could have on flights.

Now, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the FAA will not be closing any towers.

I'm happy the impact will be minimal, although I'm curious what they're going to do in September.

Star MegoDO details announced!

Want to attend an event where all of the points and airline luminaries get together and experience all of the fun of a particular airline alliance.  TPG puts it like this: "[you get to] charter a jet and fly around to different cities and the airlines/hotels set up really interesting events that provide access to places few people ever get to see."

The Star Alliance MegaDO 5 information is now available!  

Tickets go on sale May 20th at Noon CT - the last years have been sold out, so if you want to get in on it, be ready to click fast!

Place of the Day: Bukhara

The area around NE Africa and the Middle East is fascinating to me.  So much rich history and culture to experience, and the unfortunate unrest in that part of the world means that many people are unable to visit and take in the sites.  Having spent a lot of time in Doha, I have a number of different places I'd still like to visit in the area.  And I just found a new one to add to the list:

Bukhara - Uzbekistan

Once situated on one of the most important trade routes between the West and China, Bukhara has many cultural sites that you can visit.  The Mir-i-Arab Madrassa is just one of the highlights.  

Bukhara (BHK) does have an airport, and you can find connections to get there via Moscow.  Another option would be to fly into Tashkent (TAS), and then find a connection through to Bukhara.  Korean, Turkish, and Air France all have flight options into Tashkent.

If you're interested in tours of the area, those are also available.

Things to see in Istanbul

If you're planning a future trip to Istanbul, there are a variety of sites you can visit to get an idea of things to see.

This one was recently shared with me - I thought it was a pretty nice collection.

What to do in Istanbul

Enjoy!

Want to fly like a champion?

I recently shared a video on a 10-day RTW trip, and the same guy (Casey) also has a video out about how he always is able to fly and get free upgrades, all the time.

http://youtu.be/3AeYIUyZXKE

Status definitely helps with these things - you can do it as well!