Apr
21
2020
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.
Marriott’s CEO: Changes Are Coming To Hotel Stays
With Virgin Australia In Bankruptcy, What Happens To The Miles?
Apr
21
2020
Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program has suspended redemptions even though it is a separate company and not included in the administrative restructuring. The frequent flyer program had been spun off in 2014, but reacquired.
The program’s 10 million members apparently had been redeeming points for “gift cards, electronic goods, and wine,” according to the airline, while members weren’t redeeming for travel. There was a ‘run on the bank’ as members questioned the viability of the program with the airline in trouble.
Trailer Released For New Frequent Flyer Documentary
Apr
20
2020
There’s a great idea to dive into the frequent flyer hobby – from the craziest of schemes, to the oddball personalities, to the ethics – either as a movie or television short season. Many folks have tried it. I’ve sat down with several of them, given thoughts and interviews. It’s never quite come to fruition.
One has made it to the stage of a trailer for their documentary. Lots of familiar faces here.
Bailout Double Cross: We Gave Airlines Money Not To Reduce Worker Pay, They’re Doing It Anyway
Apr
20
2020
The airline bailout provided cash to continue to pay employees. They aren’t allowed to involuntarily lay off employees or reduce rates of pay through September 30. However one U.S. airline found a workaround: requiring unpaid time off. That way they keep the money to protect shareholders at the expense of employees.
A New Wave Of American Airlines Locked Accounts, With A Happy Ending This Time
Apr
20
2020
It appears these account shutdowns were based on a belief that they could be the victim of hacking. In this case, accounts that were suspected to have been hacked are being replaced by brand new accounts with miles transferred – though apparently the transfer of elite status, systemwide upgrades, and the like is not instantaneous.
Changes To The TSA Screening Process
Apr
20
2020
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.
Air Canada: All Points Earned Or Transferred In Count Towards Elite Status & Other Bonuses
Apr
20
2020
Frequent flyer programs have done an amazing job of turning marketing from an expense into a profit center. But without travel, members are less engaged in the programs. And that means less spend with credit card partners, too.
It takes creative effort to get members continuing to earn in the program when they aren’t likely to redeem right away. But that earning means cash now – and is even more valuable than ever both because of the premium on cash for struggling businesses and because the redemption expenses won’t come until later.
Norwegian Air Declares Four Subsidiaries Bankrupt
Apr
20
2020
Norwegian’s failure was one of 10 things I told you to expect from the coronavirus crisis. They’re now putting four subsidiaries which employ crew into bankruptcy and terminating other staffing agreements. They’re blaming the choice on which companies to put into bankruptcy on lack of subsidies by the governments of Sweden and Denmark.
Virgin Australia Is Entering Their Country’s Version Of Bankruptcy
Apr
20
2020
Virgin Australia is entering ‘voluntary administration’, the Australian equivalent to bankruptcy that envisions continued operation in some form. This follows the country’s government declining to extend a bailout of approximately US$892 million.
Emirates Now A Citibank Transfer Partner, Becomes Transfer Partner Of All Major Bank Currencies
Apr
19
2020
Citi has added Emirates Skywards as a points transfer partner for its Citi Premier and Prestige cards. Emirates is now a partner of Citi, Chase, American Express and Capital One – this strikes me as a problem for Barclays which is rolling out an Emirates credit card in the U.S.
Emirates offers great award availability from a variety of U.S. destinations, however fuel surcharges (which depend on the destination flown) are often very expensive and premium cabin awards are priced at 2x coach for business class and 3x coach for first class.
