Countertour: We love to travel.

Malaysia Airlines Pilot Detained for Trafficking 70,000 Ecstasy Pills and Failing Following Drug Assessment
**Aviation Drug Trafficking: The Malaysia Airlines Pilot Incident** The issue of drug trafficking through air travel remains a chronic problem, as certain airline staff take advantage of their travel benefits to engage in unlawful activities. A recent incident involving a pilot from Malaysia Airlines underscores the gravity and dangers associated with such actions. **Incident Summary**…

Assessing the Worth of Shifting Capital One Miles to Avianca Lifemiles with a 15% Incentive
The Capital One mileage program has recently launched a new 15% transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles, available from August 1 to August 31, 2026. This offer enables members to transfer Capital One miles to Lifemiles with an additional bonus, creating a potentially advantageous opportunity for those wishing to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines. Generally,…

Atlanta ATC Mistake Leads Delta Jets to Head Towards Collision Path Above Airport
A few days ago, two Delta jets experienced a remarkably near miss above the runways of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which can be characterized as a significant situational awareness lapse on the air traffic controller’s part. ATC directed a Delta aircraft straight into the trajectory of another aircraft VASAviation has obtained the audio of…

Assessing the Journey: Riyadh Air 787 Business Class Trip
Hello from Spain! I recently flew business class on Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 during the six-hour journey from Riyadh (RUH) to Madrid (MAD) as I continue my return review trip. Naturally, I was eager for this flight, especially since Riyadh Air has just begun its commercial operations, aims for significant growth, and is committed to…

Chase Sapphire Lounges Limit Priority Pass Entry: Possible Advantages Outlined
Updated Access Policies for Chase Sapphire Lounges Chase Sapphire Lounges feature unique access guidelines. They are mainly designed for holders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve Business cards. The premise is that if you possess one of these cards, you must enroll in the included Priority Pass membership, which then allows for unlimited…

Southwest Airlines to Start Earlier Boarding on Majority of Flights Because of Checked Bag Fees
As of August 1, 2026, Southwest Airlines will modify its boarding procedures by commencing the boarding of most flights up to 35 minutes prior to departure, as opposed to the former 30 minutes. This change primarily impacts Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s on domestic flights, excluding Hawaii, which will now have an earlier boarding…

American AAdvantage Miles Now Usable on Oman Air: A Worthwhile Choice
In June 2025, Oman Air became a member of the oneworld alliance, representing a thrilling growth for the international airline network. One of the key benefits of an airline joining an alliance is the implementation of reciprocal award redemptions, permitting frequent flyers to utilize their miles across various airlines within the alliance. However, even after…

Cathay Pacific Unveils New A330 Aria Studio Flat Bed for Regional Business Class
In February 2026, Cathay Pacific officially introduced its latest regional business class offering, dubbed the Aria Studio. This innovative product is intended to supplant the airline’s existing regional service, which has been considered less competitive in the industry. The airline has revealed additional information about the Aria Studio, including a dedicated webpage and a new…

A Comprehensive Exploration of Riyadh Air’s Remarkable Hafawa Lounge in Riyadh
Hello from Saudi Arabia, where I am currently on a review trip. The primary objective of my visit to Saudi Arabia is to experience Riyadh Air, the most well-funded and ambitious airline startup we’ve seen in quite some time (it certainly helps to have backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund). The airline commenced commercial…









