Monthly Archives for April 2021.
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.
Twenty one months ago Air Canada announced they’d be acquiring Canadian low cost carrier Air Transat, in a deal that was finally going to be worth about three quarters of a billion dollars. That price got chopped down to less than $200 million during the pandemic.
The deal was delayed by Canada’s competition regulators, that pushed them into the pandemic and lowered the price. Now the deal has been terminated as a result of European Commission objections.
For the past few weeks I’ve been making the case that the science is clear, vaccines protect both the person who is vaccinated and protect others from spread. Despite CDC guidance up until now, it makes sense to travel once you’re vaccinated.
Fortunately the CDC has now come around and revised its guidelines to allow travel once you’re vaccinated.
The Andaz Bali was originally slated to open in 2016. It’s finally on the cusp of becoming available to guests – in just a week. Right next to the Hyatt Regency, it’s a smaller and more boutique property. The hotel features low rise buildings, as is common in Bali, meaning ocean views are somewhat obscured. The main pool is an infinity pool facing the beach.
Plenty of photos have been made available by those that have toured the property. It looks gorgeous.
The FAA doesn’t even have authority over the name, but won’t recognize the change until they’ve made paperwork adjustments. And they won’t make those adjustments until the Clark County Commission adjusts its own paperwork. And waits four to six months.
There’s very little to worry, then, about vaccinated people getting sick or getting others sick. There’s very little to worry, then, about vaccinated people traveling.
Vaccinated people shouldn’t even need to wear masks, except that it’s difficult to tell who is vaccinated and who isn’t, and it’ll be difficult to manage compliance by the unvaccinated up in the air. That’s why the timetable for lifting air travel mask mandates should be when there’s enough vaccine available that everyone who wants a jab can get one.
After being pressured to speak out against a new voting bill in Texas, American Airlines has issued a statement.
There was a lot of exciting news out Wednesday with Alaska Airlines joining the oneworld global airline alliance and additional benefits being announced for Alaska Airlines elites flying American Airlines and vice versa.
However one thing seems especially odd.
Chase is offering some Sapphire cardmembers 5000 bonus points for paying their monthly bill online from a Chase checking account.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards is encouraging new member signups with 5000 bonus points getting members to a reward faster. This helps demonstrate the value of the program to the member, when they redeem they’re more likely to stick with the program.
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 »
