Monthly Archives for August 2015.
Several readers e-mailed me with a rumor that American Airlines’ decision to end Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service was driven by American’s Middle East partners. Israel’s Haaretz has picked up the story. It makes absolutely no sense.
Upgrades can actually be harder to get than awards, and more expensive too. Australia and New Zealand are two of the toughest destinations for either. While an upgrade on United with cash and miles can often be a much better deal than a straight purchased business class ticket, it’s going to be a tough strategy to pursue. Instead…
Delta has set a number of operational reliability records this summer.
I find Delta’s frequent flyer program both untrustworthy and less valuable than competitor programs. But I also think they run a good airline operation. Since an airline’s primary function is to get you from origin to destination in a safe and reliable manner, it makes sense to fly Delta especially on a non-stop basis and where their schedule is advantageous.
Three years ago I stayed at the Intercontinental Times Square as a Royal Ambassador elite member. I was upgraded to a suite and had unlimited free drinks from the minibar.
Last month I found myself back at the hotel no longer even an Ambassador. In fact, it was my first IHG stay of the year. I was speaking at a conference that was originally scheduled to be held at the Trump SoHo. Less than a week out the event was moved to the Intercontinental because Trump.
The Washington Post embarrassed itself with another Christoper Elliott column on Thursday.
Elliott contends that air travel has reached a breaking point, becoming so annoying that people aren’t flying anymore.
Citibank is the exclusive issuer of new American Airlines credit cards. But if you had a US Airways card, you now have an American AAdvantage card issued by Barclays. You don’t need both. Which one is better, which one should you keep?
A reader asks, “Gary, what do you see as a big risk to UA’s program going forward? They’ve made many redemptions pricey compared to peers, and earning much harder now.”
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Star Alliance member Avianca outright sells elite status in their LifeMiles frequent flyer program. It’s $1200 for Silver elite and $2200 for Gold. Avianca’s Gold status is Star Alliance Gold.
Friends sent Monica and Chandler off on their honeymoon in the episode where Rachel sold Ross she’s pregnant.
It was scheduled to air shortly after 9/11, so they replaced a scene at airport security where Chandler makes a joke about a bomb and winds up in questioning.
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 »
