Are Singapore’s tourism authorities courting “passport bros” in a new campaign? Also San Francisco’s massive new 24,000-square-foot lounge project, Airbnb quietly testing loyalty perks, and hotel breakfasts facing cutbacks.
Hyatt is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of its loyalty program that could arrive as soon as next week, including higher award prices at top properties and the launch of a new $795 premium credit card designed to fast-track elite status. If accurate, the changes would expand the award chart to new higher tiers while making free night certificates more flexible—reshaping how members earn and redeem points going forward.
Hyatt is advertising this card bonus as 5 free nights, but the spend required to earn it also triggers the card’s annual Category 1–4 night and generates enough points for another award night. Put it together and the “5-night” offer can realistically turn into 7 nights at Category 1–4 Hyatt hotels.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge Phoenix is America’s tiniest premium bank lounge, seating just 78—but there’s a clever trick to bypass the usual wait.
An American Airlines flight attendant recounts an overwhelming foot odor so intense it forced another passenger to hide under a blanket for the entire flight. Plus, hotels dropping breakfast, United flight attendants see quick path to a new contract, and Thompson San Antonio faces foreclosure.
Newly released airport footage contradicts Tucker Carlson’s dramatic claim of being ‘detained’ by Israeli security, showing him smiling, posing for selfies, and casually interacting with staff—sparking outrage and accusations that he’s fabricated the entire incident.
A JetBlue passenger at Las Vegas Airport abandoned her dog by tying him to a baggage sizer after being told she lacked service-animal paperwork, then calmly proceeded to her gate, assuring police the dog “had a tracker” and would “find his way home.”
In a surprising move, American Airlines flights are now featured in Chase Travel’s ‘Points Boost’—unlocking exceptional redemptions of up to 2 cents per point for business class and premium economy seats. This major shift means travelers can now access American Airlines premium flights through Chase, significantly enhancing the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
United Airlines is drastically cutting mileage earning and increasing award prices for passengers without a MileagePlus credit card, pushing flyers to sign up for its cards as it moves aggressively toward becoming an even more card-centric program.
A Delta pilot reported an attempted cockpit breach just after takeoff from Houston, prompting passengers to restrain a shirtless man mid-flight—yet the airline insists no such breach attempt occurred.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
