Southwest Introducing Dynamic Pricing for Early Bird Check-in: Here’s Your Strategy

by Gary Leff

southwest plane
Aug 18 2018

Southwest Airlines is apparently going to vary the price of Early Bird check-in by route instead of charging a flat $15. Some routes will go up to $25 starting August 29th, and this will be based on two things: the length of the route (so how much getting a more desirable seat is likely to matter to you) and demand for Early Bird Check-in on the route (how many people are already buying it).

This isn’t as big a deal as it seems, especially if you know how to play Southwest Airlines boarding strategically.

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Who Knew? Hilton Non-Refundable Rates in the U.S. are Actually Changeable for a Fee

by Gary Leff

hotel room
Aug 17 2018

I hate non-refundable hotel rates. Even when I think my plans are firm you’d be surprised how often something comes up and plans change. Plus I may want to stay somewhere else even if I”m going to be in the same city. Or rates will drop so I’d rather pocket savings rather than lock myself in.

Several years ago I wrote about tricks for getting out of a non-refundable hotel booking. But there’s something I didn’t know about Hilton reservations.

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Award Alert: 4+ Qatar Business Class Seats for Several Months From Several US Cities

by Gary Leff

flight chart
Aug 16 2018

Qatar’s old 777s don’t have QSuites – the world’s best business class – but offer fully flat 2-2-2 business class (which is still good especially for couples, with great food and service). Availability is especially good on flights that offer one of Qatar’s older products.

What you’ll find right now is outstanding availability for specific months of the year on several routes.

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