Delta Points describes how to get instant Delta Diamond status by prepaying $50,000 for travel which you’ll have three years in which to spend.
Incidentally, in my experience with United and their “Pass Plus” program you can pre-pay $50,000 and get Global Services up front. It’s not mentioned online, but you can contact United and they’ll negotiate benefits with you in exchange for your payment.
Mommy Points flags a United Mileage Plus promo, 500 bonus miles when you make a single purchase of $75 or more with any retailer at the Mileage Plus shopping portal. (No registration required.)
Live from a Lounge says that Air India — whose invitation to join Star Alliance was suspending because it’s such a basket case — is apparently in talks again to join Star. Kingfisher joins oneworld next month, Jet Airways plays footsie with everyone (and has a partnership with American even) but is getting pushback from the government over possibly joining Star. So it could be Air India after all.
Just Another Points Traveler notes that Amazon Local will let you prepay $50 for a $100 Travelocity credit, valid on a $250 or greater hotel purchase of two nights or longer. After June 30 the value drops down to $50. Useful for some, but I’m not jumping on it.
Thanks for the mention, Gary. Love keeping up with your blog! Happy New Year
I came across this today. He hasnt update the post with confirmation, but if you can get 5% back that would be pretty good.
Thanks Gary. Did you get my email today? I have more news if you can email back! – Rene
It’s worth noting that Travelocity gift cards offered from AmazonLocal and other Groupon-esque services are only valid at Travelocity Incentives, a separate website with, as far as I can tell, their own inventory and prices. Personally, that sounds to me like a system for routing gift card traffic to another site with higher prices that nullifies the benefits, but I can’t speak from experience whether that’s true.