News and notes from around the interweb:
- I joined the Going Big! podcast to talk travel and building this blog.
In this episode of the Going Big Podcast, Kevin Gentry sits down with Gary Leff, founder of the renowned travel blog View from the Wing and a globally recognized travel expert. Gary shares his inspiring journey of transforming a personal passion for frequent flyer programs and travel into a blog that reaches millions of readers worldwide. He delves into the art of maximizing points and miles to create unforgettable travel experiences, from securing once-in-a-lifetime upgrades to helping loved ones overcome travel barriers. Gary’s stories showcase the profound ways travel opens doors—not just for personal exploration but for connecting with those who matter most.
Beyond his remarkable anecdotes, Gary offers practical advice for travelers at all levels. Learn how to navigate loyalty programs, choose the best airlines and hotels, and plan trips that deliver maximum value and enjoyment. Gary also reflects on the lessons he’s learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of pursuing passions and making the most of every opportunity.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or looking to embark on your next adventure, this episode is filled with actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration to help you “go big” in your own travel journey and beyond.
- Every Marriott Bonvoy elite, ever, looking for late check-out.
Aloft Boston Seaport pushes back on 4PM guarantee checkout.
byu/scorp508 inmarriott - a la carte dining coming to United business class in April?
- Marriott makes it less convenient to book hotels, by removing the ability to combine points and paid nights into the same reservation from its website. I’m trying to think of anything Marriott has done actually motivated by the guest experience in recent years?
On January 16, 2025, the functionality to book a Cash + Points Reservation (allows Guest to customize their Points and Cash use by Night) on the Marriott website was ended.
If you wish to book this way, you will have to call in and speak with reservations over the phone.
- EVA Air offered Rimowa amenity kits into 2019, and replaced those with Ferragamo amenity kits. Now, Armani. And this is business class, they do not offer a first class product. Their soft product is among the world’s best.
- If you don’t have Hyatt status, consider booking participating properties through an agent with access to the Hyatt Privé program. (Other chains have similar offerings.) Here’s a list of participating properties.
The Shay - This isn’t white glove treatment, but how do you think your bags are going to be handled?
Witnessed @AmericanAir staff recklessly throwing and mishandling luggage. This behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning for all passengers. How can we trust our belongings are safe with such negligence? #AmericanAirlines #CustomerService #SacramentoAirport pic.twitter.com/IixvzPOwG4
— Pratyush Ranjan Jena (@pratyushrjena) January 20, 2025
Where is David Flueck these days? I remember all the puff pieces the blogosphere, especially the paid hacks at TPG, wrote praising Flueck and what later became Bonvoy in 2018.
The punishment the bags are getting looks about par for the course. People should consider smaller carry-on bags if the airline often gate checks full size roller ones. Personally I have changed to a large backpack. I have a soft side two wheel 25 inch bag for checking but the second checked bag for the multi month trips is an army style canvas duffle encasing a backpack. Nothing fragile goes in it but it is awkward to throw.
On Marriott ending the option to combine cash and points on line, I say Go Marriott! The race to irrelevance continues!
“They won’t let me have a 4pm late check-out!”
“This hotel won’t let me check in at 1pm, they SUCK! Outrage, outrage! And only a non-suite at 4pm? Oh the humanity!”
Wow I’d recommend less photos of yourself
@Adam: I’d generally agree, but if you’re going to be a critic, learn the difference between less and fewer.
One of these is an actual and valid complaint as quoted in the article. The other is a strawman, not in the article, and known widely in travel circles that it check-in prior to the published time is on an as-available basis. In any event, hotels do operate better, including more polished staff, when the rooms are not booked to physical capacity.
I love EVA. Everyone should fly EVA at least once. I have flown them both their regional and long haul business products. I also took the Hello Kitty flight on accident and was so pleasantly surprised. Taipei is such a fun city to visit.
What an ego…
I’m with @Joseph. EVA rocks.
So, what happens if you respond, “thanks for confirming my late check out” and, then, go to the desk to check out at 3:59?