MJ on Travel

Marshall Jackson is an aviation enthusiast and avid cruiser. After 10 years in the airline business, Marshall moved on to a new career that includes plenty of travel and plenty of cruises, and that’s just the way he likes it.

Trip Report: My First Flights During the Covid Era

Trip Report: My First Flights During the Covid Era

Posted by | Nov 6, 2020 | , | 5

I celebrated my 50th birthday in February by joining friends and family aboard a cruise. My official birthday party was on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas, then my wife and I remained on board the ship for 2 more cruises, or what some of us cruise fans would call a B2B2B. On February 17th, we flew home, and that’s where I stayed for 235 days. Suffice it to say that a year that looked like it was going to be very active for travel changed a lot due to the pandemic. Time to Fly In March, my day...

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When Will We Cruise Again?

When Will We Cruise Again?

Posted by | Oct 3, 2020 | | 7

Cruising is in the news again with the recent no-sail order extension by the Centers for Disease Control. Travel and tourism has been hit hard during this global pandemic, but no form of travel has been devastated quite like cruising. I’m not going to discuss whether I think the no-sail order is good or bad. What choice did anyone responsible for public health have at the time the initial decision to pause passenger sailing was made? Experts call this a “novel coronavirus” for a reason, it’s new. We still don’t have a complete understanding of what it is and...

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19 Years: Remembering 9/11

19 Years: Remembering 9/11

Posted by | Sep 11, 2020 | | 3

Originally posted on September 11, 2009. Eight years ago today, my morning began much like any other early fall day.  I was roaming the airport in search of coffee and a bagel, mentally celebrating a successful morning launch of kick-off flights at Washington National Airport (DCA) on September 11, 2001.  I was one of the Customer Service Managers at DCA on duty for American Airlines that day. During a visit with our operations agent, I heard a radio call from our first inbound flight of the day.  The crew had a question, “had we heard anything about an incident...

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Review: Hotel Monaco Seattle

Review: Hotel Monaco Seattle

Posted by | Nov 20, 2019 | , | 13

Recently, I have been spending some time in Seattle for work. So far, the only hotel I’ve experienced an a recurring basis is Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, which happens to be perfectly located for my business needs. Located at 1101 4th Avenue, the Monaco Seattle really is convenient to everything with easy access to I-5 as well as University Street Station. With several stays in the last few months, and more on the way, a review of the Hotel Monaco Seattle seemed in order. Check-in Without fail, I’ve always been greeted warmly at the Hotel Monaco Seattle, and this particular stay...

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18 Years: Remembering 9/11

18 Years: Remembering 9/11

Posted by | Sep 11, 2019 | | 0

Originally posted on September 11, 2009. Eight years ago today, my morning began much like any other early fall day.  I was roaming the airport in search of coffee and a bagel, mentally celebrating a successful morning launch of kick-off flights at Washington National Airport (DCA) on September 11, 2001.  I was one of the Customer Service Managers at DCA on duty for American Airlines that day. During a visit with our operations agent, I heard a radio call from our first inbound flight of the day.  The crew had a question, “had we heard anything about an incident...

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REVIEW – The Mule Passport Sleeve Travel Wallet

REVIEW – The Mule Passport Sleeve Travel Wallet

Posted by | Apr 28, 2019 | | 6

My name is MJ, and I’m a bit of a minimalist. I reviewed the Allett travel wallet a few years ago, and I have been using it ever since. Frankly, the lighter I travel, the happier I am. This applies to my wallets as well. I do not like super-sized wallets full of all manner of cards. I like to keep things simple and only travel with my “go-to” credit and loyalty cards. I have carried every kind of travel wallet there is. Some so large they’d barely fit in my briefcase, others slightly less intrusive. My favorite has been my...

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American Airlines and its Terrible New Seats

American Airlines and its Terrible New Seats

Posted by | Dec 8, 2018 | , , | 35

American Airlines is in the midst of a seat “densification” project known internally as Project Oasis. Eventually, the entire narrow body mainline fleet will be modified to add more seats, remove inflight entertainment (IFE) screens, and (at long last) add power outlets at all seats. American received some bad press over the interior selected for its new Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet. Unfortunately, Project Oasis will update the interiors of American’s existing 737-800 fleet to match the MAX 8. Recently, I had occasion to experience the new “Oasis” interior aboard a 737-800 in first class traveling from Washington, DC...

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17 Years: Remembering 9/11

17 Years: Remembering 9/11

Posted by | Sep 11, 2018 | 4

Originally posted on September 11, 2009. Eight years ago today, my morning began much like any other early fall day.  I was roaming the airport in search of coffee and a bagel, mentally celebrating a successful morning launch of kick-off flights at Washington National Airport (DCA) on September 11, 2001.  I was one of the Customer Service Managers at DCA on duty for American Airlines that day. During a visit with our operations agent, I heard a radio call from our first inbound flight of the day.  The crew had a question, “had we heard anything about an incident...

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The Kimpton Social Password is Back!

The Kimpton Social Password is Back!

Posted by | May 25, 2018 | | 4

Just yesterday, I posted about my experiences with Kimpton Hotels since the loyalty merger with IHG Rewards. I noted that so far, my experiences have been as great as ever and Kimpton continues to earn my loyalty. Today, Kimpton reminded us once again that many of the same things that make them great continue. The Kimpton Social Password has returned for summer! The Kimpton Social Password is “Out of Office” Now through September 3rd just mention the password, “Out of Office” at check in for fun surprises. I’ve been offered a variety of gifts ranging from parking and personal notebooks...

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On Kimpton: The #KimptonLove is Still There

On Kimpton: The #KimptonLove is Still There

Posted by | May 24, 2018 | | 4

I’ll admit it….I’m a Kimpton fan. I’ve also called myself a Kimpton snob. That’s probably not the best phraseology, but suffice it to say, I LOVE Kimpton hotels. Admittedly, I did not like the idea of IHG buying Kimpton…..AT ALL. I was afraid that the little things that made Kimpton special would go away and Kimpton would become something akin to a fancy Holiday Inn. While I suppose the jury is still out, I’m going to offer a few thoughts several months into the emergence of IHG Rewards in our Kimpton Karma business……… The #KimptonLove Remains Overall, I think...

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