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News and notes from around the interweb:
- Cathay Pacific is closing The Cabin lounge in April once it opens The Deck in March
- American Express’ card business is growing, making up for the loss of Costco, and the Platinum card is doing well but it’s expensive for the issuer. Of course just moving back to even with before doesn’t return Amex to growth status.
[American Express] saw 8% growth in US billed business in Q4 2017 — a stark contrast from the 14% decline Amex posted in the prior Q4, and even above the 6% growth it saw adjusted for Costco in that quarter. As Amex continues to refocus on adding new customers and increasing engagement among existing ones, as well as growing acceptance to give consumers more opportunity to spend on Amex, it’s likely that this growth will continue, ultimately helping Amex’s overall performance, especially as the firm works to grow internationally and in other segments.
…Amex finished 2017 with its highest ever number of Platinum cardholders, seeing record spending among them, according to the firm’s earnings call. And those users are engaging with their cards beyond just spending on them — customers are using travel benefits, like lounge access, Uber, and free checked bags through some cobrands, more frequently than in the past. That’s a good sign for Amex’s premium offerings, and points to their success at engaging current consumers and bringing in new ones, which the firm needs.
- Photos: Southwest airlifts 62 puppies and kittens out of hurricane-hit Puerto Rico
- Bureaucrats in Thailand want Thai Airways to reduce its debt and are recommending buying smaller planes. They could make progress, of course, if they’d stop using the airline as a piñata.
- Atlanta Officials Shift Homeless Into Airport (HT: Tocqueville) Meanwhile some Georgia politicians want to take control of the airport away from current corrupt leaders though it’s unclear shifting which bureaucrats have access to the goodies reduces overall corruption. (HT: Ryan C.)
- Free points for downloading Shangri-La mobile app
- Points.com is offering a 30% bonus on purchase of 5000 or more Hyatt points through February 23. This is not the biggest bonus they’ve offered, and still pricier than the points are worth. However it may be worthwhile to some who need to top off an account towards a redemption, or to redeem for the most expensive hotels at peak times.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Maldives
