TIP: People Behind the Desk at American Express Lounges Can Do More Than Just Check You In

by Gary Leff

Feb 04 2017

American Express prides itself on service, and when you arrive at one of their lounges you’re checked in at the “Member Services” desk. I’ve only seen staff there checking boarding passes, American Express cards, and photo IDs (and of course in Dallas and Miami, making spa appointments).

I was curious what else they did, so I asked around, and it turns out quite a lot. You can really lean on the staff there for more than just scanning a boarding pass, which is something I suspect most guests don’t realize, so I became curious about some of the things that the staff have done recently for members in some of the various clubs across the network.

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My American Express Financial Review Was Just 3 Questions Over the Phone

by Gary Leff

credit cards
Feb 04 2017

I received a letter from American Express saying they needed to verify information about my business for a small business credit card that I have (Starwood). The letter said they had been trying to reach me but had been unable to. I did not receive any phone calls or messages from American Express.

So I called the number on the letter. I wondered if this was an American Express Financial Review.

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Fly Korean Air Business Class Seats Long Haul for Just 25,610 Miles!

by Gary Leff

Feb 03 2017

Etihad Guest offers 500 miles for joining. Their miles are valuable because you can redeem for one of the world’s best first class products but also for some outstanding value partner awards. And you can transfer points to Etihad Guest several ways.

Here’s the Etihad Guest redemption chart for travel on Czech Airlines. One way short haul awards start at 3500 points in coach and 7000 points in business class. The vast majority of the airline’s routes can be had for fewer than 10,000 points each way in business.

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How to Put Absolutely No Thought into a Hotel Renovation

by Gary Leff

Feb 03 2017

I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Arlington in Rosslyn, across the river from DC, several times. The property has finally been converted at a Hyatt Centric. The public space in the lobby, which is somewhat small, has been redone. The front desk has been made a bit more interesting.

I had an expiring Diamond Suite Upgrade. Those can no longer be used prior to end of February expiration to confirm travel in the future. Stays must be complete by end of February. So once I confirmed that all the rooms in the hotel had been renovated as part of the rebrand, including the suites, I decided to burn one on this three night stay.

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How to Spot a Fake Emotional Support Animal on a Plane

by Gary Leff

turkey in airline cabin
Feb 03 2017

This is the golden age of flying for geese thanks to the ability of anyone to bring their emotional support turkey on a plane. For free.

There’s currently no firm rules or safe harbors for airlines to dispute a claim that an animal is necessary as a reasonable disability accommodation, but that’s under review at the Department of Transportation. One technique though may be a bit more straightforward:

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