Monthly Archives for December 2024.
For banks like American Express, Chase, and Capital One, lounges sell credit cards. For airlines, lounges bring in revenue. They sell tickets. They keep customers loyal and spending more to do so. They also bring in revenue from… selling credit cards. And they bring in revenue from partners (unless they’re in oneworld, where partners don’t pay each other for lounge access in the same way).
Customers no longer buy tickets just on schedule, price, and perceived reliability. Airline seats are no longer just commodity products.
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.
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.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker will resign on January 20, the day of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Whitaker was appointed by President Biden and confirmed in October 2023 for a five-year term. Aviation watchdog JonNYC reports on word that JSX CEO Alex Wilcox is a finalist to run the FAA.
Southwest cards are a long-time favorite of mine because their initial bonus offers and ongoing spend counts towards the airline’s companion pass, which is probably the most valuable perk in travel with published details for qualifying. That’s the reason I’d probably prefer bigger point bonuses rather than statement credits. But outside of that narrow purpose, many customers will prefer being offered real money as a bonus.
Starting January 1, 2025, United will introduce Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne in Polaris business class along with 3 additional new wines: Freemark Abbey cabernet, E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and Luca ‘G Lot’ chardonnay.
Every month I post what I find are the biggest credit card offers out there. Some of last month’s biggest credit card offers are gone or changed.
Here’s the current up to date list of biggest credit card offers right now – the most lucrative bonuses available.
One creative flight attendant – on what looks like Spirit Airlines – found a way to make passengers help out cleaning the cabin, as captured in a viral video. This flight attendant made an announcement, leading passengers in a stretching exercise.
Hyatt, which has been on an acquisitions tear, is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels, which owns 24 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Hyatt already has a 9.99% stake in the company which operates under the Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hilton All-Inclusive, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Wyndham Alltra, Jewel Resorts and The Luxury Collection brands.
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 »
