Monthly Archives

Monthly Archives for May 2019.

Marriott Bonvoy Has One Big Problem. There’s a Simple Solution.

by Gary Leff

outside marriott hotel
May 18 2019

When things go wrong, either because a hotel doesn’t deliver promised benefits or because something doesn’t work right on the back end with an account, it’s almost impossible to get swift any resolution from Marriott Bonvoy. Customer service is a problem.

When things go smoothly – as they do the majority of the time – Marriott has, in my opinion, a better program than Hilton or IHG. But when they fail the issues are magnified because these failures are primarily happening to their highest volume most loyal members and because there’s no mechanism to fix the issue. That’s a problem, but it’s one that can be fixed.

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Chase Surveying How to Redesign an Airline Credit Card

by Gary Leff

airline cabin
May 18 2019

Chase is surveying how to design an airline card. I’d normally think they would be look at the United product, since Chase and United have been in ongoing and vigorous discussions about how to improve their program (although the United card was recently revamped).

There are two references in the questions that suggest to me they could be thinking through the British Airways product: carrier surcharges on award travel and European destinations.

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Taco Bell is Opening a Resort in Palm Springs

by Gary Leff

taco-bell-food
May 17 2019

Taco Bell is opening a resort hotel in Palm Springs August 9th. It’s “meant for 18+ superfans” and will have “exclusive Taco Bell menu items and plenty of surprises” and the resort will only last a short time.

Reservations will open in June. The fast food chain claims this “isn’t a stunt, but instead part of Taco Bell’s wider strategy of moving the brand beyond the traditional fast-food experience.”

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Award Alert: Delta One Suites to Asia for the Whole Family (As Low As 47,000 Points Each)

by Gary Leff

first class seats
May 17 2019

Delta saver award availability to Asia, especially for two or more passengers, can be challenging. Right now though availability for late fall and winter is outstanding on a variety of routes, for the whole family — in some cases 9 or more saver awards.

Specifically flights out of Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle, Atlanta and Los Angeles are bookable to Tokyo and to China (from Shanghai connecting options on China Eastern are good as well) for November through March.. Notably availability on the Detroit – Beijing, LA – Shanghai, and LA – Tokyo Haneda routes means flying Delta’s business class suites.

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