For McCool Travel’s 189th travel interview, I am pleased to present Kerwin McKenzie. Want to know anything about air travel? Ask Kerwin! While I did indeed write the book on consumer air travel back in the day (ask me how to find deals!), Kerwin is a true insider aviation industry expert.
I have known Kerwin like forever and it was nice to finally get him to join my travel interview series. He likely answered these questions while waiting for or on a flight.
Kerwin McKenzie’s bio:
Kerwin McKenzie is an experienced traveler and former airline employee. He has visited 108 countries recognized by the United Nations, flown on 184+ airlines, and visited over 245 territories/regions of the world.
His extensive knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the airline industry—including frequent flyer programs and non-revenue travel—has been acquired over many years of traveling and a dedicated career working in the industry. Kerwin is a true aviation enthusiast and has extensive knowledge of various airlines, routes, and travel related products.
His unique perspective about airlines makes him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the world of aviation. Kerwin continues to share his knowledge and experiences with others through writing and speaking engagements.
Travel Interview With Kerwin McKenzie
HOMETOWN …
Houston, Texas when I’m not traveling elsewhere
ON EVERY TRIP I MUST BRING …
- tape, never know when something will break
- extra toothbrush, have dropped a few down the toilet
- passport, even on domestic U.S. trips, as you never know when you have to jump on an international flight somewhere
3 FAVORITE HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME PLACES …
- London, United Kingdom
- The South of France
- New York, New York
A FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY …
A traveler went out of his way to help myself and my traveling companion to get to our destination late at night in Ghana. He even left his young daughter at a shop. We offered to pay him and he politely declined.
3 FAVORITE TRAVEL BRANDS …
- IHG
- Singapore Airlines
- Google Flights
3 MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL TACTICS I USE …
- always use an ATM instead of changing money at a change place
- take local buses/boats/etc., if at all possible
- book a hotel; a brand you know and trust
3 WAYS THAT I HAVE FUN WHILE TRAVELING …
- watching airplanes
- watching people in airports
- wandering aimlessly around a city
8 WORD (OR LESS) TRAVEL MANTRA …
Be nice to everyone in your travels.
FAVORITE NON-TRAVEL WEBSITE …
This is tough; I cannot think of one that’s outside of travel :-).
MOST MEMORABLE SOUVENIR …
I do not collect souvenirs as I have been to too many places and I don’t have anywhere to put them if I collected something.
FAVORITE CHEAP EAT …
Gummy Bears :-). Although they are not that cheap.
RECENT DISCOVERY …
I did a recent trip to Las Vegas and there is a new hotel going up called Fountainbleu. There is always a new hotel in Vegas, it is nuts!
I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE MET …
Little Richard
Sidney Potier
George Foreman
Elijah Woods
The guy who founded WordPress; Matt Mullenweg
I WOULD LIKE TO MEET …
Samuel L. Jackson as everyone seems to think I look like him
Thank you so much, Kerwin, for sharing your travel advice and inspiration. What do you think, friends, does kerwin look like Samuel L. Jackson? And has Kerwin ever found a snake on a plane? I will ask him next time I see him.
Follow Kerwin on Twitter (Loyalty Travels), Instagram, on his website Pass Rider, and his frequent flyer course.
McCool Travel presents tips from travel experts in our 5 Minutes travel interview series—featuring travel industry giants, super frequent travelers, and adventurous persons.
Previous 5 Minutes travel interview: Deah Hester.