Mar
16
2018
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.
New Chase Card Coming and New Thailand Redemption Opportunity
Earn Up to 150,000 Avios, Not Subject to 5/24
Mar
16
2018
Chase won’t approve many people who have opened 5 or more new accounts within the previous 24 months for some of their credit cards. That’s frequently referred to as “5/24.”
However some cards are exempt from 5/24, and the number of new accounts you’ve had in the last two years won’t disqualify you from being approved.
Hyatt is Testing Elimination of Free Breakfast at Hyatt Place Properties
Mar
16
2018
Hyatt has eliminated free breakfast at some Hyatt Place properties in what they’re calling a ‘test’.
At the very least the Hyatt Place Dallas North/by the Galleria and Hyatt Place Detroit-Utica are no longer offering a full, free breakfast. They’re testing a $10 price point.
The “WOOFF Act” Senators Turn Death of a Dog on United Into Personal Political Play
Mar
16
2018
Well that didn’t take long. Two Senators are grandstanding on this week’s death of a pet onboard a United Airlines flight from Houston to New York LaGuardia. It’s said one bad story makes a regulation and two makes a law, Senators Kennedy and Mastro are skipping over the regulation part.
Without a new federal law a criminal investigation is already underway in Texas where the plane boarded….
American Express Lowering Fees to Merchants, Will This Mean Lower Rewards?
Mar
16
2018
The Financial Times reports on American Express lowering the fees they’re charging merchants in order to drive greater acceptance for their cards. Several readers sent me this link asking for my take, including whether “lower fees would mean less rewards?”
Chase Introduces New Iberia Credit Card
Mar
15
2018
Iberia is great because — although accounts that have been open 90 days and have had some activity can move between Avios programs already — you can circumvent the active accounts requirement and go straight to the Spanish carrier’s program. And that lets you redeem for Iberia flights for far fewer miles, and without huge fuel surcharges.
Despite this deepening relationship with IAG I wasn’t expecting news that Chase would issue an Iberia credit card in the United States.
First Hilton Killed Award Charts, Now They’re Doubling/Sextupling Some Award Prices Without Notice
Mar
15
2018
Hilton formally dropped award charts a year ago but promised that they weren’t raising prices.
I wrote at the time after speaking to program leadership that Hilton says they are not increasing the maximum price of any hotel, and do not intend to do so. If they increase pricing and they do not make an announcement of this in advance they will come under much-deserved criticism.
Airbnb Takes on Expedia and United Pilots in Fantasyland
Mar
15
2018
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.
American Passenger Fiddles With Liquid Pipe, Tells Seatmate Their 737 is Gonna Explode
Mar
15
2018
American Airlines flight 1316 from Chicago – Sacramento turned around on Friday after a passenger started talking about a bomb and fiddling with a liquid filled pipe and battery.
Passenger Michael Bielinski reportedly tapped the woman beside him on the shoulder. He told her “we’re all going to die” and the “plane is going to explode.”
American and Chicago O’Hare Make Peace at Last Minute
Mar
15
2018
United Airlines has 14 more gates than American at Chicago O’Hare. American is opening 5 new gates that they paid for, reducing the gap to 9. But the new O’Hare expansion plan re-opens the gap and returns United to a 14 gate advantage.
After escalating things by FOIAing communications between the Chicago’s Mayor and United this week — and as the city was scheduled to approve the plan, American’s lack of assent notwithstanding — there are now reports of a stand down and a deal.
