Aug 25 2015

I read someone’s story yesterday about their American AAdvantage mileage account being compromised. Someone changed the address and email address on their account, and proceeded to book Cathay Pacific first class awards for someone else using their miles. They managed to catch it before any of the flights were taken.

This can happen to anyone, in this case the person who did it clearly obtained the account password. Changing the email address meant the accountholder wouldn’t get a copy of the tickets being issued, or mileage statements showing lower account balances.

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Aug 25 2015

Back in June I stayed at the Westin Stonebriar for the first time and I received an amazing upgrade while they seemed to confuse me with someone else, an important repeat customer.

I’ve been back twice and have had the chance to experience the hotel as a ‘regular’ Platinum member.

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Aug 25 2015

I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

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Aug 25 2015

Airline upgrades are almost exclusively done by formula, with little discretion allowed to gate or check-in counter agents.

The only time there may be wiggle room is when a flight is oversold, and while elite frequent flyers may get preference for moving up to a premium cabin, the most important priority is getting a flight out on time. Other than these “operational upgrades” though, upgrades are going to be based on published criteria – not who is nicest, who dresses best, or who asks.

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Aug 24 2015

And I’m afraid to use my cell phone at immigration and customs. This rap star was riding a hoverboard and found out that at such a checkpoint rights are… shall we say… more limited.

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Aug 24 2015

Starwood now lets you transfer points to Korean Air, which is an amazing partner for first class awards, Europe business class awards, and Hawaii awards. Chase transfers to Korean are usually instant. In my first test Starwood took between 4 and 5 days. But that’s ok — because of Korean’s incredibly generous ‘hold’ rules.

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Aug 24 2015

IHG Rewards Club has moved to ‘gamified’ promotions with different pieces meant to incentivize behavior among members — with the specifics driven by data about your activity so far, like whether you’re a co-brand credit card holder or an elite. They’re out with a new one that can mean 2 free nights or over 150,000 points.

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Aug 24 2015

I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

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Aug 24 2015

Several readers e-mailed me with a rumor that American Airlines’ decision to end Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service was driven by American’s Middle East partners. Israel’s Haaretz has picked up the story. It makes absolutely no sense.

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Aug 23 2015

Upgrades can actually be harder to get than awards, and more expensive too. Australia and New Zealand are two of the toughest destinations for either. While an upgrade on United with cash and miles can often be a much better deal than a straight purchased business class ticket, it’s going to be a tough strategy to pursue. Instead…

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