This just in: U.S. airlines serve the worst food | The Stew - A taste of Chicago's food, wine and dining scene

DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!


See? We're not crazy!This just in: U.S. airlines serve the worst food The Stew - A taste of Chicago's food, wine and dining scene Click on link for full story. One bright spot is the new Managing Director of Inflight Products (this includes meals) at AA. Not only is he hot, he has a great team that is on task!

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Luxury Luggage Alert: Louis Vuitton Fit for Travel?

Dear Sky Steward,

I've been a longtime, loyal, & frequent customer of Louis Vuitton. I have their luggage, handbags, wallets, key chains, and even their makeup carrier. One of my most prized LV items is my briefcase. I purchased LV over the years because of their quality and durability. I also felt secure in knowing that they stood behind their products.

Something unusual began to happen to my briefcase as the interior lining began to disingrate. This black lining also damaged some of the articles being carried in my briefcase and subsequently on my paperwork and even my clothing. Can you image how unprofessional it appeared to arrive at a meeting only pull a proposal from my briefcase covered with black marks and debris? It actually took me a while to even suspect that this was occuring due to the defective materials used in the construction of the bag.

To further my shock and disappointment the response I received from Louis Vuitton and even Saks Fifth Avenue. After being questioned about how I care for the bags and what I carry in them, I was told the LV policy requires me to pay over $400.00 to repair the bag and correct the problem and replace the defective materials. I must tell you that I own many luxury accessories from LV and others and none of them have deteriorated like this.

I did not realize that an LV "brief" case refered to its short lifespan. I always thought that the Louis Vuitton name stood for something. Am I mistaken? Which luxury luggage brand would you use.

Regards,

Later on Louis

Dear L on L,

The Sky Steward has received several accounts of luxury brands offering less than impeccable service. It seems that the tight economy has caused them rely on their reputations; placing less emphasis on customer service. Sadly, much of the legendary service we've all heard about it from these brands is nothing more than urban legend. This will only work for so long.

Part of the allure in purchasing these high-end bags is that they will last for many years therefore justifying the investment. There are however no guarantee afters all it seems and many of these high ticket brands are focusing more on getting new customers rather than satisfying their loyal, long term clients. Maybe their more about quantity than quality these days.

The Sky Steward suggests that you continue to treat yourself to smaller items from luxury brands (not necessarily LV), but consider less expenive lines for items that will be put to the test such as a briefcase so that you are not disappointed. Tumi is an example an upscale brand that is less expensive but works well with luxury accessories. Give it a thought.

Flying In By Helicopter...Feel Like a Celebrity and Even Become One

This is a very civilized way to get to the airport in New York! US Helicopter has been flying since 2006. The airline, which offers luxury helicopter service, flies from Manhattan to both JFK and Newark Airports. In addition, there is service to Bridgeport, CT and in the summer they offer the quickest way to the Hamptons.

I had a chance to fly with USH from Manhattan to JFK and could very easily get used to flying above the crowd. I was the only passenger on this particular flight so I used that opportunity to imagine what it must feel like to be The Donald. Well, it felt pretty good. I am quite sure Trump must shell out more than $159.00 to fly his helicopter from Manhattan to LaGuardia.

My flight aboard the Sikorsky S76 helicopter, left from the E. 34th Street Heliport to JFK. I checked in and was whisked through the TSA checkpoint located right there at the heliport! No lines because, don't forget, I was the only one there. When my helicopter arrived, I was escorted out by one of the friendly US Helicopter representatives. I had a chance to meet the Captain, hand over my luggage, and take my seat. We took off backwards out over the East River, gained altitude, and then we made a swift left turn and headed to JFK.

I was seated just behind the Captain for the 8 minute flight. She even pointed out a United Express jet that passed just below us as we neared JFK. Upon landing, I walked off of the helicopter feeling like I was a movie star. The best part of the entire trip was when I walked through the Delta terminal and a passenger asked me if I was the guy that just got off of the helicopter! Who says you can't buy celebrity?

Stop Whining and Make Your Coach Seat Feel Like First Class

Dear Sky Steward,

I am completely fed up with being charged for everything when I fly coach. I flew Spirit Airlines recently and they even charged for a cup of coffee! Now, US Airways annouced that they will be charging for pillows and blankets. I can't believe it.

Why don't the airlines understand that they are making their customers angry!

Signed, Nickled and Dimed

Dear N.D.,

The Sky Steward respectfully suggests that you 'get over it'. Since even the Sky Steward is seated in coach on occasion, he has chosen a new way to look at these charges. He sees the ability to purchase items as a way to make a coach seat feel more like first class (sans the extra-space of course). He enjoys purchasing a bottle of merlot or two, plus on American Airlines, they have a premium nut mix that is excellent for only $4.00.

So rather than the airline deciding which amenities you receive, the choice is left up to the passenger. When he travels in coach, he starts out by using a pillow and/or blanket to cushion his elbows in the seat, turns on his mp3 player, puts in his noise reducing earbuds, buys his wine and mixed nuts, and enjoys the flight! It varies from airline to airline. For instance, on Jetblue, you must also purchase your pillow and blanket 'comfort pack' for $7.00, but that all but guarantees that they will be available since not everyone puts comfort as high on their priority list as you and the Sky Steward do.

Since most airlines are now accepting credit and debit cards for these types of onboard purchases, be sure to keep it close to make all of this as easy as possible. Enjoy flying first class for only a little bit more than the price of a coach ticket!

Luxury Stopover in London's Milestone Hotel

My 'Luxury Sropover' at London's Milestone Hotel is one of my all time favorites. As a guest of American Express, I stayed at the Milestone for 3 nights in the absolutely enchanting Regent Master Suite, room 308. There are only 57 guest rooms, plus six gorgeous longer-stay apartments and many of the accommodations have direct views of Kensington Palace and Gardens locaed just across the street. Here is a picture of my the room I enjoyed during my stay.

The property was so extremely quiet and private and felt like a luxurious home away from home. The common areas of the hotel are amazing and if I had not made so many plans to see shows, I would have spent much more time at this special hotel.

Some of the features I found to be worth mention would are:

-Each room is individually designed and decorated with custom fabrics and original artwork

-Complimentary wired internet in the rooms with wireless thoughout the hotel

-On-site fitness facilities including a heated resistance pool, full gym, and sauna. Treatments are also available.

The best part about staying at the Milestone is definitely the service. The Milestone team displays an amazing dedication to making the guest experience one that will never be forgotten. General Manager Andrew Pike leads a team of polished, poised professionals dedicated to seeing that each guest that experiences the Milestone will not want to stay anywhere else. They are succeeding as the Milestone has received top awards from Conde Nast and Travel Leisure; being named '#1 for Service' of the Top 500 Hotels in the World.

My "Luxury Layover" at the Milestone has forever spoiled me! Maybe next time, you will join me! http://www.milestonehotel.com/

My personal Milestone pictures will be uploaded soon.

Looking for a Dream Cruise? Look to SeaDream Yacht Club!

I love to take cruises and my partner and I were looking for a Mediterranean cruise that was a bit on the exclusive side. Well, I found out about SeaDream Yacht Club. They're based right here in my hometown of Miami, but offer luxury cruises all over the world. I decided to give them a try.

I found a cruise that left out of Civitavecchia (near Rome) and we were able to spend a couple of days in Rome before boarding a train to the port city. If I had it to do over again, I would schedule a car service from Rome to the ship.

I knew the cruise would be wonderful not only because of the reputation SeaDream has built (with top awards from Berlitz, Conde Nast, and Travel Leisure), but also because of the vessels themselves. SeaDream has only two small ships or yachts. These were formally with Cunard as the Countess I and II. SeaDream took them and completely rebuilt the ships. There is a wealth of information on their website, but I will tell you the ships are delightful. My favorite part was the sundeck and the Balinese sun lounges that you could actually sleep on under the stars if you wished.

The cuisine was remarkable for all seven days with plenty of cocktail receptions in between the fantastic meals. They even offer a trip to the market with the head chef if you wish to pick up some tips from the best.

When going ashore to visit you have use of a Segway Human Transporter to help you cover as much ground as possible. I think it is worth mentioning that SeaDream takes extra care to be sure that plenty of water or other beverage of your choosing is supplied in your stateroom. Also, as you can see, I have found the plush robe to be very comfortable.

Check out more about SeaDream Yacht Club at the SeaDream Yacht Club website