Hyatt has announced another round of customer-friendly moves for program members who aren’t traveling now, and that improves program value for redemptions next year when demand should still be soft. They’re extending expiration of elite upgrades and various free night awards and further pausing expiration of points. And they’ve announced the date when they’ll roll out the peak/off-peak redemption pricing devaluation.
Are HEPA air filters enough to stop a super-spreading event on a plane? Bankrupt Star Alliance member Avianca seemed determined to find out. They held a concert in the sky, with musicians who had holes cut out of their masks so that their mouths were unobstructed to play instruments.
Government subsidized loans had different employment rules than those contained in payroll support. They didn’t specify ‘no furlough’ they talked about the employment levels that airlines had to retain through September 30. Airlines receiving loan approvals did not meet these conditions.
British Airways is offering 50% off long haul redemptions in any cabin and 25% off of short haul. Book by October 13 for travel through June 30, 2021. No registration is required, and this appears to be available to all members worldwide and isn’t restricted to particular routes.
For instance book New York – London for just 25,000 miles each way in business class, 34,000 miles each way in first.
Southwest Airlines has promised no furloughs through the end of the year, whether there’s additional government subsidies or not. However 2021 still looks like there will be fewer passengers, and the need for fewer employees to work fewer flights. They have a plan to avoid furloughs. It involves less pay for non-union workers. But to hit their goal they’ll need union concessions, too.
Two weeks ago Congressman Mike McCaul, who is in a tight reelection race, reportedly refused to wear a mask while seated in first class on his United Express flight, Washington Dulles – Austin. Do you think he’s been banned from United Airlines? And as the President’s treatment underscores, does anyone doubt the fifth wealthiest member of Congress would have access to the best treatments if he got sick – treatments that haven’t been approved for anyone else?
Allegiant Air can take you non-stop between inexpensive airports outside of major cities and places no one wants to go. And they do it for less, as long as you want to travel at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The airline knows their market, and has operated a greater share of their flights throughout the pandemic than other airlines. They’ve reported their customers are less afraid of Covid-19. Unsurprisingly that translates to a unique onboard experience during Covid times.
Southwest has another offer to make spending on a Southwest credit card get you to a Companion Pass faster, allowing you to bring someone on your travels (whether buying a ticket or redeeming points) for jus the cost of modest taxes.
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.
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.
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 »
