May
18
2019
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.
Bonvoy! World of Hyatt! Now Another Program Changes Its Name
Chase Surveying How to Redesign an Airline Credit Card
May
18
2019
Chase is surveying how to design an airline card. I’d normally think they would be look at the United product, since Chase and United have been in ongoing and vigorous discussions about how to improve their program (although the United card was recently revamped).
There are two references in the questions that suggest to me they could be thinking through the British Airways product: carrier surcharges on award travel and European destinations.
How Drivers are Gaming Uber and Lyft to Charge You More
May
17
2019
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.
Rumor: American Airlines Considering Bringing Back Seatback Entertainment for Domestic Fleet
May
17
2019
The leaks coming out of American recently largely seem to be about making positive investments for customers and improving the travel experience. That’s certainly a departure from what we’ve seen over the past few years.
Free $100 Dinner in Las Vegas and British Airways Tea Service Doesn’t Come With Tea
May
17
2019
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.
US Embassy in Vienna Partners With McDonald’s to Provide Passport and Travel Assistance
May
17
2019
The US ambassador has arranged for diplomatic assistance meals at each McEmbassy. And while you can no longer add pages to an existing US passport a McPassport comes in your choices of sizes and you can request a 52 page book when ordering a new one. Going forward, in Austria, this will be known as Supersizing It.
Taco Bell is Opening a Resort in Palm Springs
May
17
2019
Taco Bell is opening a resort hotel in Palm Springs August 9th. It’s “meant for 18+ superfans” and will have “exclusive Taco Bell menu items and plenty of surprises” and the resort will only last a short time.
Reservations will open in June. The fast food chain claims this “isn’t a stunt, but instead part of Taco Bell’s wider strategy of moving the brand beyond the traditional fast-food experience.”
Award Alert: Delta One Suites to Asia for the Whole Family (As Low As 47,000 Points Each)
May
17
2019
Delta saver award availability to Asia, especially for two or more passengers, can be challenging. Right now though availability for late fall and winter is outstanding on a variety of routes, for the whole family — in some cases 9 or more saver awards.
Specifically flights out of Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle, Atlanta and Los Angeles are bookable to Tokyo and to China (from Shanghai connecting options on China Eastern are good as well) for November through March.. Notably availability on the Detroit – Beijing, LA – Shanghai, and LA – Tokyo Haneda routes means flying Delta’s business class suites.
US Government Awards 12 New Tokyo Haneda Flights to United, Delta, American and Hawaiian
May
16
2019
Based on a new agreement between the US and Japan, the US Department of Transportation gets to allocate 12 day time slot pairs for service between the US and Tokyo’s close-in Haneda airport starting with the 2020 summer travel season.
The DOT has issued its preliminary ruling, and here’s what they’ve granted.
Marriott’s CEO Was Surprised to Beat the Chinese to Buy Starwood
May
16
2019
When Marriott acquired Starwood hotels they beat out Hyatt, which may have offered a more financially attractive package but whose complicated stock structure (the Pritzker family has outsized voting rights) created complications, and Chinese conglomerate Anbang Insurance.
Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott, says he was surprised that they won the bidding and were able to make the deal.
