Since news broke of changes coming in March to Hyatt Gold Passport, becoming “World of Hyatt” with new and different benefits, I’ve been pondering how I’ll approach my own elite status next year.
I still strongly believe the increase in partner award pricing is very out of step with competitors, and that the changes without notice are highly objectionable.
However – and I initially pointed this out as well – the continuation of Alitalia flight awards at the same price as before represents strong value, and combined with the expectation that those prices won’t be changing soon makes the program a continued useful one for members.
And they’ve introduced new valuable features, as well.
It’s fascinating that British Airways is growing their long haul network with new U.S. destinations even as Brexit looms. They have a joint venture with American Airlines and Finnair, but American does seem to leave decisions about new London routes to BA. And they share the risk here.
Earlier in the month they announced they’d be introducing New Orleans service. And yesterday they announced Fort Lauderdale. Both could appear on face to be curious choices.
Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings. Free signups end November 1, after which new members will have to pay. So get your 1 year free right away.
They’re running a $50 special now, too, and introducing a referral program that pays you generously.
The new IHG Rewards Club PointBreaks hotels — reward nights you can book for just 5000 points — will be bookable on Monday for stays through January 31, 2017.
5000 points per night is a fantastic deal, the best redemption value for hotels bar none. You have to want one of the specific hotels on the list, want to stay there during the promotion period, and have to act fast because the most desirable properties tend to get pulled down from the list rather quickly.
Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings.
But they’re offering free one year memberships, an offer which they report goes away in a few days.
This morning I wrote about leaked changes to Hyatt’s new elite program that starts in March.
Most of the information was accurate but there’s a lot more here than previously reported. I spoke with Hyatt about the changes this morning and there’s more benefits and also information on the transition. (And another way to qualify for status, too.)
There’s even the long awaited opportunity for confirmed suite upgrades to be valid on award stays, as well as more free nights for all members.
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I don’t think American owes anybody for going back to Dallas after what was probably a bird strike. Captain made the best call and everybody handled the situation wonderfully.
Issues with crew and with IT systems, though, were on American and responsible for half the delay so I’m glad to see them act proactively.
Matthew Klint at Pen and Passport offers up a scoop on changes coming to Hyatt Gold Passport. He says details will be announced November 1 and go into effect March 17.
The upshot of these reported changes is that top tier elites won’t be able to qualify on stays alone anymore, and the night requirement is going up a bit, but this comes with even more benefits than Hyatt already offers.
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 »
