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 Launches First Promotion of New Program, Register Now
Marriott’s fall and early winter promotion is out: .
The idea is that this is the first promotion that is run across all of Marriott’s participating 29 brands. Of course prior to combining programs August 18th they had largely aligned their efforts already, but this is one promotion for the new program.
Coming Thursday: Short-term 35% Transfer Bonus from Marriott to Aeroplan
Aeroplan shared that there is going to be a 35% bonus on transfers from the Marriott programs (Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, Ritz-Carlton Rewards) running September 13-17. The offer will not appear on the Aeroplan website until Thursday, September 13 but the information is solid and hopefully this extra day gives you more time to think through whether you want to take advantage of this.
Passenger Shares What It Was Like to Be on United Flight During Reported Bomb Hoax
Four hundred British schools were evacuated in March and a United flight from London to San Francisco was quarantined because of a rash of bomb threats which a teenager admitted to making. He was also responsible for a denial of service attack on ProtonMail.
One passenger on United flight 949 shares his perspective on the incident, arriving in San Francisco and being take off the aircraft.
Report: Don’t Expect Much Elite Recognition From Marriott in the Mideast
Local reader Vineet S. called every Marriott property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – over 50 hotels – to ask how they’re handling elite benefits. He spoke with each hotel’s front office manager or higher.
Here are his findings about what the new Marriott program means for members. He concludes, “AUH/DXB/Asia regionally had some of the best compliance with T&C, if this is the condition here…”
Aeroplan is Working to Restore Option to Book Awards on Several Star Alliance Airlines
On or about August 25 Aeroplan, the frequent flyer program that was spun off from Air Canada that the airline is buying back, began having issues booking award tickets on several Star Alliance partner airlines.
I reached out to Aeroplan to find out why redemption on carriers such as Thai, Swiss, Air New Zealand, and LOT Polish has become unavailable.
Turkish Introducing New Business Class Next Year, Possible Suites With Doors
The Chief Marketing Officer for Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines, who outlines plans for their new business class which will be introduced for Boeing 787 and Airbus A350s which will be entering the fleet, beginning with the 787s in 2019.
They’ll be moving from 2-2-2 seating to four-across direct aisle access. And since “High privacy is our priority,” there’s the possibility of suites with doors. However the seats are still under design.
Failing to Communicate During Delays Disrespects Your Customers
It’s been over 3 years since I wrote about American’s ‘Goldilocks Problem’ boarding planes too early (before stated boarding time on boarding passes) and updating customers about delays too late.
I find that American won’t post flight delays until boarding time for an aircraft, even when those delays are blindingly obvious. And they won’t update delays until revised departure times have passed. That’s an issue because it wastes customers’ time.
American Improves Fleet With Used Airbus A319s from Frontier
Six months ago I reported that American Airlines was in the market for used Airbus A319s.
There was a rumor at the time that American would pick up these narrowbody aircraft from Frontier Airlines but then time passed and nothing happened. Now it seems that American Airlines is receiving its first ex-Frontier A319, registration N922FR.
Up to 48% Star Alliance Asia Redemptions Using Cheap Avianca LifeMiles
Star Alliance member Avianca LifeMiles has Star Alliance Asia awards on sale. There are discounts up to 48% — with US-Asia awards in business and first class up to 20% off on designated routes.
This discount is available for bookings made by September 18 though you can travel any time in the future through end of schedule. Availability on many of these routes is amazing.