Denver airport is known for unmatched security wait times. One thousand American Airlines passengers missed flights at just one airport – Chicago O’Hare – in just one month (March) due to long security wait times.
Atlanta airport was so frustrated that they threatened to privatize. Now Atlanta is closing down the South security checkpoint for renovations and the TSA plans to turn over some of the process to Delta there.
American announced in the Fall that they’ll start awarding miles for flights based on price of ticket rather than distance flown in “late 2016.”
There have also been references to “the second half of 2016” which is the language American used in its most recent SEC form 10-K filing. That’s got members worried.
One of the most frequent questions I get is when this change will happen, with customers even booking away from American now on the fear that it could happen July 1 (which is, of course, in “the second half” of the year).
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.
Star Alliance frequent flyer program Copa Airlines ConnectMiles has introduced online award booking across the Star Alliance.
You can use their search tool without logging in (or even having a Copa account). There’s the ability to search all Star Alliance airlines, or just a single specified airline.
United tweeted that they have Hawaii awards on sale to celebrate MileagePlus’ 35th anniversary.
It appears that economy awards are pricing at 17,500 each way instead of 22,500 miles but only when searching for roundtrips. Premium cabin awards aren’t discounting.
This morning I wrote that Alaska Airlines award charts were showing higher prices for Cathay Pacific awards intra-Asia — with business class up over 120% and first class up over 150%.
Intra-Asia awards appeared to be the same price as US-Asia awards. As I wrote, when readers first reported this several days ago I assumed it “was a mistake related to Alaska updating the way they displayed award charts.” However Alaska was confirming the new pricing as correct.
A little over a month ago Alaska Airlines made no-notice changes to their Emirates award charts for business and first class travel, raising prices by as much as 100%.
Alaska Airlines sought to reassure members, that this incident aside, they’d provide advance notice of changes in the future. Except, it seems, that they made no-notice changes again.
There’s currently availability to fly New York – Hong Kong roundtrip for an incredible $354.
Most of the flying is on Air Canada, and it’s an Air Canada fare (fare basis KLXUNV) available for outbound travel August 21 through December 11.
You have to fly the transpacific segment using Air Canada on a Monday through Thursday in each direction. Minimum stay is 3 days from departure of your last flight, and maximum stay is 6 months. Tickets are non-refundable.
American AAdvantage is giving away free miles to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
They’re also selling miles at a discount for their anniversary as well. How good a deal is it, and should you take advantage of it?
PNC Bank has launched the Premier Traveler Visa Signature.
The card earns 2 miles per dollar spent which is effectively a 2% rebate when used for travel. It has a 30,000 point signup bonus after $3000 in spend within 3 billing cycles of account opening, worth $300 towards travel. It’s a no foreign transaction fee card with a $0 fee the first year then $85.
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 »
