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Paul Colins

The United States Capitol

On January 6, 2021: the host to American shame.

The Higher Flyer is a travel blog that caters to a relatively niche audience. Its posts are thematically consistent, and the vast majority of its articles are write-ups, analyses, and commentaries on the news; guides and advice sections on how to maximize purchasing power; and trip reports and reviews of various airlines and hotels. I occasionally like to publish my pictures too.

The insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 transcends any and all of these topics. Let the record reflect this: these events represent a dark moment in the history of the United States, and if you call yourself a patriot, you have a civic responsibility to condemn them unequivocally. This is not a liberal versus conservative issue, but rather it’s right versus wrong and there’s only one correct answer. The country has spoken and justice has prevailed; a pox on those who desecrate our democratic institutions!

Continue reading “The United States Capitol” →
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21 higher flyer predictions for ’21 (Part 1)

The Daily Flyer

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to the January 6, 2021 edition of “The Daily Flyer,” The Higher Flyer‘s newsletter that gathers up and summarizes some of the day’s most important happenings in the world of airlines, hotels, award points, and other travel-related things. Today’s feature consists of 21 predictions for 2021 (or rather 11 of them; the other 10 will come in the next TDF installment), as well as huge diplomatic news (that affects aviation), some thoughts on obtaining elite status this year, and, to round it out, some New Year’s resolutions from renowned travel writers.

Continue reading “21 higher flyer predictions for ’21 (Part 1)” →
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WNning on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines (whose IATA code is “WN”) is one of the original “disruptors” in the airline industry.  When it commenced operations in 1971, founder Herb Kelleher brought affordable air travel to a burgeoning middle class in the United States; flying was no longer reserved for the one-percent.  It was a refreshing addition in to the market, but Southwest Airlines has since grown into an outlier.  Its barebones passenger experience doesn’t match those on legacy carriers, but it is, price-wise, definitely not an LCC.  Some might argue that its fares are overpriced, whereas others would simultaneously claim that Southwest is the best deal in the sky.  Whether or not it’s a good value depends on who you ask, and such ambiguity makes the airline all the more intriguing and worthy of a closer look.

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2021: Introducing the murky next chapter for higher flying

The Daily Flyer

Happy new year, welcome back, and welcome to the first 2021 edition of “The Daily Flyer!” After a long, COVID-induced layoff, The Higher Flyer‘s newsletter is back to gather up and summarize some of the most important happenings in the world of airlines, hotels, award points, and other travel-related things.  Today’s feature — for January 4, 2021 — examines the state of higher flying entering 2021, and it also bids farewell to Fido (in a way), covers a (potentially) practical aspect of higher flying in a pandemic, and, on a more aspirational note, it highlights some new hotels scheduled to open in 2021.

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To 2021 we go!

Photo of the Week!*

F 5.6; 1/250; 135mm

Shot at the end of the “D” concourse at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

*But why stop there? This can be the “Photo of the Year!” too.

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For a more perfect Union

Photo of the Week!

F 12.15; 1/160; 142mm.

Shot on the north side of the White House — looking northward — in Washington, DC.

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Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton Review

The great American West meets higher flyer luxury

Moab, Utah, despite its remote location on the Colorado Plateau, is a hub for intrepid explorers, nature enthusiasts, and backpacking tourists.  Its close proximity to two ruggedly beautiful national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — is the main draw, and Moab attracts more and more visitors with each passing year.  The local hotel scene is expanding in order to cater to them, and the town’s first upscale property, the Hoodoo, opened in Summer 2019.  As part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, it’s a charming, well-designed, and luxurious four-star, but it’s also one of the most expensive places in the area.  To the delight of higher flyers though, these costs can be easily offset with points and, better yet, there’s plenty good value to be had!

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For better, this is America.

Photo of the Week!

F 10.8; 1/800; ISO 100; 97mm.

Shot on the north side of the White House — looking southward — in Washington, DC.

Continue reading “For better, this is America.” →

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“There is Hope”

Photo of the Week!

F 8; 1/160; ISO 100; 24mm.

Shot at Greater New Hope Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

Continue reading ““There is Hope”” →

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