General

Oct 28 2015

Starwood CEO Adam Aron relayed during the company’s earnings call that he expects a sale by the end of the year. This morning I noted that Hyatt was rumored to be near an agreement to acquire Starwood. It would be interesting to see Adam Aron — who created the Gold Passport program as Hyatt’s Chief Marketing Officer — ultimately sell Starwood to his former employer.

For customers this would be the best possible outcome of any of the deal combinations Starwood is rumored to have looked at. I like this better than Wyndham, IHG, or Accor. For Hyatt and Starwood it’s not as clear how well an acquisition fills strategic gaps, however.

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Oct 28 2015

Back in May I wrote that American was planning a limited Flagship lounge in Dallas. American wasn’t talking — but I got the airport to confirm it in June.

American’s Flagship Dining Room inside the D concourse Admirals Club has a soft opening starting tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know about access, meal times, and food and drink.

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Oct 28 2015

About two months ago I asked whether coach passengers should use the first class lavatory?

My own view is that passengers should be accommodated in their ticketed cabin first. But extenuating circumstances — a drink cart blocking the lavatory, a long line — make it ok to use the lavatory in a different cabin. Also that it’s usually ok to use the lavatory when the seat belt sign is on; what’s more important is what it smells like when you’re done.

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Oct 28 2015

Starwood has definitely been on the auction block. Starwood has struggled to generate growth. Fundamentally that’s why their CEO Frits van Paasschen was out in February. Starwood retained mergers and acquisitions advisors. There have been rumors about Chinese acquisitions, as well as mergers with Wyndham, IHG, and Accor.

Now CNBC is reporting that Hyatt is in advanced talks to buy Starwood.

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Oct 28 2015

Hans Mast reports that the American Express Centurion lounge in Dallas has a special offering from Le Meridien this week, running through Friday, of special eclairs and coffee drinks.

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Oct 28 2015

British Airways upended their program in the fall of 2011. They started charging separately for each award flight segment, and charged based on distance. Short flights became a good value, and longer flights got expensive.

Unfortunately the 4500 point award is ending for flights originating in terminating in the U.S. effective February 2.

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Oct 27 2015

Six months ago I speculated on what a Starwood-IHG (or Wyndham) merger would look like.

Three months ago market excitement ratcheted up over an IHG-Starwood combination, although that culminated in word from IHG that talks ended without a deal — although Starwood remained a potential acquisition target for Wyndham and Accor.

Now 3 Chinese firms are vying to make an offer to take over Starwood Hotels, at an expected price of more than $12 billion.

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Oct 27 2015

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. Including how to see the new Star Wars movie two days early, for free.

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Oct 27 2015

Back in March American had a ~ $450 all-in mistake fare roundtrip between Washington DC and China in business class. They honored the fare.

Many people had merely held – and not ticketed – their reservation. For the most part those held reservations were cancelled (passengers were not allowed to purchase those tickets). American is now offering a make-good.

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Oct 27 2015

Chairman’s Circle is United’s status above 1K and Global Services.

United, like every other airline, has long had special programs for high revenue customers. Prior to Global Services was created I knew a customer who flew 200,000 miles a year domestic on walkup fares. He used to get a call at Christmas from the CEO. The airline once held a departure for him when he overslept. Here’s what they do now for true top tier Chairman’s Circle members.

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