Monthly Archives for October 2016.
There’s amazing availability to and from Asia using Star Alliance member EVA Air.
EVA Air offers a business class product that’s four abreast on the Boeing 777-300ER. That means all aisle access. The seat is reverse herringbone and very similar to what Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, and others offer. It’s one of the best business class seats in the sky in my opinion.
And it’s wide open for 4 passengers from all North American gateways starting in February.
Washington Dulles built an expensive train to carry passengers between terminals which started operations in 2010. But they don’t really do that, at least they don’t do it for all passengers and they don’t take passengers of the airport’s major airline anywhere near their gates.
Instead they also have a system of “mobile lounges” or moon buggies that carry passengers slowly across active taxiways to their terminals. Many United passengers still have to use them, for instance.
Since news broke of changes coming in March to Hyatt Gold Passport, becoming “World of Hyatt” with new and different benefits, I’ve been pondering how I’ll approach my own elite status next year.
I still strongly believe the increase in partner award pricing is very out of step with competitors, and that the changes without notice are highly objectionable.
However – and I initially pointed this out as well – the continuation of Alitalia flight awards at the same price as before represents strong value, and combined with the expectation that those prices won’t be changing soon makes the program a continued useful one for members.
And they’ve introduced new valuable features, as well.
It’s fascinating that British Airways is growing their long haul network with new U.S. destinations even as Brexit looms. They have a joint venture with American Airlines and Finnair, but American does seem to leave decisions about new London routes to BA. And they share the risk here.
Earlier in the month they announced they’d be introducing New Orleans service. And yesterday they announced Fort Lauderdale. Both could appear on face to be curious choices.
Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings. Free signups end November 1, after which new members will have to pay. So get your 1 year free right away.
They’re running a $50 special now, too, and introducing a referral program that pays you generously.
The new IHG Rewards Club PointBreaks hotels — reward nights you can book for just 5000 points — will be bookable on Monday for stays through January 31, 2017.
5000 points per night is a fantastic deal, the best redemption value for hotels bar none. You have to want one of the specific hotels on the list, want to stay there during the promotion period, and have to act fast because the most desirable properties tend to get pulled down from the list rather quickly.
Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings.
But they’re offering free one year memberships, an offer which they report goes away in a few days.
This morning I wrote about leaked changes to Hyatt’s new elite program that starts in March.
Most of the information was accurate but there’s a lot more here than previously reported. I spoke with Hyatt about the changes this morning and there’s more benefits and also information on the transition. (And another way to qualify for status, too.)
There’s even the long awaited opportunity for confirmed suite upgrades to be valid on award stays, as well as more free nights for all members.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
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 »
