Fairmont Visa Ending, Signals the End of Valuable Hotel Loyalty Program

Accor Hotels Introducing New Elite Benefits Including Confirmed Suite Upgrades
Jan 13 2017

A year ago Accor Hotels bought Fairmont, and there was no world in which that would be a good thing for Fairmont Presidents Club members (just as over time the IHG purchase of Kimpton wouldn’t be a net plus for Kimpton members).

Years ago Avis rose to prominence with the slogan “We’re number 2. We Try Harder.” Eventually they dropped the “We’re number 2” part and then in 2012 they even dropped the claim that they try harder.

Continue Reading »

We Could Soon Have a New World’s Largest Airline

people walking through airplane cabin
Jan 12 2017

When Delta and Northwest merged, the combined Delta became the largest airline leapfrogging United and American. Then United and Continental merged and took over the number one spot. And of course American and US Airways merged, to become the biggest single airline.

Except that Delta continued to grow organically, and surpassed United. So it’s actually the second largest airline. But maybe not for long.

Continue Reading »

Are Two Of My Strongly-Held Travel Beliefs Totally Wrong?

Jan 12 2017

I avoid Cancun. My mental model is spring break and disappointing resorts. You can use it as a jumping off point to explore the Yucatan but I’d rather fly into Merida for that. It’s super close since I live in Texas and Southwest offers daily non-stops for the 2.5 hour flight (United has seasonal weekend non-stops as well) so if only I could find a wonderful escape there…

I avoid all-inclusives. I don’t drink a lot and when I do drink I have strong preferences for what I’m drinking. Do I really want to be locked into staying on property since eating there comes at no marginal cost? Even though each generally has at least one ‘nice’ restaurant the food seems to most often disappoint.

Continue Reading »

WOW Fare Alert: $69 Flights West Coast to Europe

wow plane
Jan 10 2017

Wow Air has $69 flights from the West Coast to Europe and it’s for real, you can book a one way at that cost.

They charge more for Europe – US, but you don’t have to buy from them you can book an award ticket or fly another airline (though their returns are about as cheap as you’ll get still under $200).

Continue Reading »