Review: Etihad First Class, Dallas Fort-Worth to Abu Dhabi

by Gary Leff

Jun 05 2017

Etihad operates a Boeing 777-200LR, rather than an Airbus A380 — which means no First Apartment — it’s a far more convenient flight for me to take living in Austin than flying up to New York (although since Etihad went double daily with the A380 out of New York JFK a few days ago it will be easier to connect there).

There are some evident cutbacks in Etihad first class, mostly the menu, the cabin remains gorgeous and the suites are comfortable so it’s still one of the top 10 first class products in the world.

Continue Reading »

Big Wyndham Rewards Announcements, New Brand and Caesars Partnership With Status Match and Points Transfers

by Gary Leff

Jun 05 2017

Wyndham Rewards has become really lucrative at the same time. They introduced elite benefits a year ago, and new benefits on award nights. An award redemption costs 15,000 points per night regardless of property, and that now includes timeshares and individual homes.

Now they have a great new partnership with Caesars and a new brand announcement.

Continue Reading »

Westin Napa Verasa and the BottleRock Festival

by Gary Leff

Jun 04 2017

My wife and I went to the BottleRock festival in Napa over Memorial Day weekend, and it was notable for several reasons. I had never stayed at the Westin Napa before. Napa Valley is home to some of the best wineries around and the festival had drawn everyone away most of them were deserted.

And it’s a great example of an experiential points redemption opportunity — I’m not a huge concert-goer but I definitely can enjoy watching from a Starwood American Express suite rather than from the the packed grass.

Continue Reading »