Jan
31
2017
Hilton is renaming its program Hilton Honors — dropping the second “H” — and adding four new features to the program.
Hilton HHonors Changes Its Name — And Four Features of Its Loyalty Program
BACKDOOR: Gift Hyatt Status to a Spouse
Jan
31
2017
A Hyatt Diamond can book an award for someone else using their points and confer top elite status for that stay.
The Hyatt-MGM relationship gives you a back door to gift Hyatt elite status to a spouse as well.
The Latest on American Express Centurion Lounge Construction
Jan
31
2017
American Express announced a new 8000 square foot Centurion Lounge for Hong Kong’s terminal 1. This will be the first American Express Centurion Lounge outside the U.S. They’ve also provided updates on two other lounge projects.
Several American Airlines Clubs Now Serving Complimentary Premium Drinks
Jan
31
2017
American Airlines introduced complimentary beer, wine, and spirits in its lounges in late 2010. However, premium brands are for pay.
They’ve opened up the bar a bit though because of their club lounge renovation project. Right now 3 American Airlines Admirals Clubs are currently offering complimentary premium beverages to guests. Each person can have two premium beverages during their visit.
Spirit Airlines is Imposing New Restrictions — to Better Compete With American Airlines
Jan
30
2017
Spirit Airlines allows you to carry a personal item onboard their aircraft. If you want to bring on a full-sized carry on you have to pay.
A couple of weeks ago American revealed that they’re going to follow United’s lead and forbid passengers buying basic economy fares from bringing a full-sized carry on onboard as well.
Saudi Prince Bought Plane Tickets for His 80 Falcons
Jan
30
2017
“My captain friend sent me this photo. Saudi prince bought ticket for his 80 hawks.”
These birds could each bring one dead animal on the plane because they’re allowed one carrion. Word is the inflight movie was Angry Birds.
The Biggest Disaster Airport in the World and Trump Uses Delta’s IT Meltdown as an Excuse
Jan
30
2017
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.
How Delta’s IT Meltdown Is Sticking It To Customers Today
Jan
30
2017
Last night’s Delta’s IT systems melted down, flights couldn’t get necessary information to take off, and ultimately there were significant delays and cancellations.
Today’s flying on Delta is going to be messy. This is exacerbated by Delta’s hubris.
BOOKMARK THIS: Free Airline Flight Availability Tool
Jan
30
2017
Here’s a free online website that will show you what flights have seats for sale, and the availability in various fare buckets.
This is useful because you often want to find flights with seats available when your flight gets cancelled and you want to find other plans to suggest to an airline instead of just relying on them to figure out how to get you home.
Great Reward Value: Your Own Villa With Private Pool in the Desert for Very Little Points
Jan
29
2017
Last week when Rob Burgess flagged the amazing redemption value of Al Wadi resort — all villas with their own private pools that is part of Marriott — I went ahead and made a booking for an upcoming brief stay in the UAE.
It used to be a Banyan Tree and now it’s part of Ritz-Carlton. This hotel costs just 40,000 Marriott Rewards points per night. Starwood points transfer to Marriott. So I had about 48,000 Marriott points in my account. I transferred 24,000 Starwood points over (at 1-to-3), and that gave me 120,000 Marriott points which is enough for 3 nights.
