Aug 01 2016

Just over two weeks ago there was a failed coup attempt in Turkey seeking to oust Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The U.S. backed the democratically elected very much non-democratic Erdoğan. The likely outcome, had the coup succeeded, is unclear.

Coup plotters claimed to support democracy and oppose the eroding secularism of the country. Either way, the people are likely worse off today with the government’s crackdowns and purges on institutions throughout the country. It’s not clear of course that the people would have been better off had the coup succeeded.

One of those institutions, of course, is Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines.

Continue Reading »

Aug 01 2016

American’s new revenue-based miles earning started today.

Here’s what it means for you, what changes are still coming, and how it affects the future of miles and points — and also how you can still profit in unlikely places.

Continue Reading »

Aug 01 2016

Uber was losing $1 billion a year in China, in an intense competition for growth and market share against deep-pocketed competitor Didi Chuxing. They decided to stop the bleeding and sold their large money-losing business to their local competitor.

Continue Reading »

Jul 31 2016

The past several months have seen deep discount fares and fare wars like we haven’t seen in a long time.

Here are 4 deals found elsewhere today that are still live as of this writing.

Continue Reading »

Jul 31 2016

The Department of Transprtation ruled about four years ago that airlines can only charge you a single checked baggage fee even when you’re traveling on multiple carriers. If they collect $35 from you and you’re traveling on more than one airline that $35 gets split — instead of letting each airline collect a separate $35.

The fully anticipated result (we cannot really call this an unintended consequence since it was predicted and predictable) was that US airlines no longer allow you to through-check luggage onto other airlines when traveling on separate tickets, at least when those airlines aren’t in the same global alliance.

Continue Reading »

Jul 31 2016

Most programs promote that their miles never expire, and yet most airlines have some form of expiring miles.

Here are the rules for expiring miles in airline frequent flyer programs, and how to prevent your miles from expiring.

Continue Reading »

Jul 31 2016

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.

Continue Reading »

Jul 30 2016

Etihad first and business class passengers receive complimentary car service both on departure and on arrival in most major cities. This is even offered on award tickets.

We were staying at the Andaz 5th Avenue, and Etihad’s driver (contracted through Empire CLS) was right on time for the ride to New York JFK. We checked in with Etihad, and went through security on our way to Etihad’s gorgeous New York JFK lounge.

Continue Reading »

Jul 30 2016

There’s a sale on Star Alliance fares between Los Angeles and Tokyo, and you can fly United, ANA, or Singapore Airlines. Fares go down below $450 roundtrip including all taxes! It’s a wonderful opportunity to get ‘lost’ in this most amazing city.

Continue Reading »

Jul 30 2016

There’s a really great United sale for travel between Newark and several cities in Europe starting at under $400. Travel is permitted on some other Star Alliance airlines as well.

The ‘standard price’ for the current sale on United is $461 roundtrip between, for instance, Newark and Amsterdam this fall. That’s a great deal of course. But you can actually bring it lower…

Continue Reading »