Sep 20 2016

With Chinese approval of Marriott’s deal for Starwood the last major hurdle has been cleared and closing is expected by the end of the week.

The deal clearly benefits Marriott Rewards members, who have been seeing improved benefits and will get a treasure trove of top properties at which to use their points. It benefits Starwood general members who earn via hotel spend, since Marriott Reward offers a higher rebate percentage. But there’s been much teeth gnashing among Starwood elites.

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Sep 20 2016

When Bridget Blaise-Shamai was tapped to lead the AAdvantage program last month, being promoted to replace Suzanne Rubin, I noted that Kurt Stache moved over from Senior Vice President of Alliances and Partnerships to become Senior Vice President of Marketing & Loyalty.

So it looked like AAdvantage would report up to Stache, who reported up to the Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Nocella who reported up to American’s President Scott Kirby.

Of course Scott Kirby is out as American’s President and is now President of United. Chief Operating Officer Robert Isom was promoted to President.

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Sep 19 2016

Earlier in the month Star Alliance frequent flyer program Avianca LifeMiles was offering a 130% bonus on purchased miles. It was a 100% bonus for all of September, but 130% through September 10. This allowed you to purchase 101,000 miles or more at just 1.43 cents apiece.

It turns out there’s now an even better offer — a 140% bonus.

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Sep 19 2016

After Baltia Airlines gave up on its decades-long quest to start Boeing 747 service between New York and St. Petersburg, Russia and sought to raise funds on a new business plan to fly regional jets between Baltimore, Trenton, Islip and Albany (BALtimoreTrentonIslipAlbany) it’s time for another airline to propose all-747 service.

This time domestically. As an ultra-low cost carrier. That doesn’t charge checked bag fees, seat assignment fees, and gives free wifi. But will earn ancillary revenue selling inflight meals branded with top restaurants — and by selling souvenirs.

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Sep 19 2016

Nearly three years ago the story went viral about a man who would buy and refund an airline ticket each day using that ticket to gain lounge access and eat free for a year.

Two years ago a man did this 36 times with Lufthansa’s lounges and they sent him a bill for 2000 euros. Airlines often have requirements in their contracts of carriage saying that you actually have to intend to fly when buying a ticket and this sort of behavior is highly suggestive that the man never intended to actually fly.

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Sep 19 2016

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.

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Sep 18 2016

You can use Virgin America’s points for about 2.2 cents apiece towards travel on Virgin America, or for fixed-point redemptions on their partners. So 1000 points are worth ~ $22. You can get more value than that with partner awards.

And these will eventually become Alaska Airlines miles, as well.

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Sep 18 2016

Rapper Coolio and his crew were found with a stolen gun at LAX. Coolio had passed through the security checkpoint and boarded his flight, while his security guard was detained by TSA when a bag was discovered with a loaded gun inside.

Coolio was removed from the flight. It was determined other items in the confiscated bag were his, and though his security guard first claimed the Compton-born star had nothing to do with it, he fessed up to being its own. The gun, however, was stolen. But the story gets better…

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Sep 18 2016

In the two years I’ve lived in Austin I’ve developed some real favorite foods — Lamberts for barbecue in a sit-down restaurant, Home Slice for Pizza, Clark’s Oyster Bar, Peached Tortilla, Chi’lantro for kimchee fries and bulgogi tacos.

On the whole the biggest thing I’ve given up compared to DC is Asian food. Though plenty of people have their favorites, I don’t find the Thai or Vietnamese up to par (though there are places I’ll go to in a pinch). But there’s one Asian cuisine where Austin beats DC, and that’s sushi (though Takumi in Falls Church is recommendable). And the best of the bunch is brand new.

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Sep 18 2016

A year ago I highlighted excitement over roundtrip fares to Amsterdam for under $600 roundtrip. Several cities were available in the $700s. I wouldn’t even bother posting about those fares today.

Right now we’re seeing United non-stops from New York and Chicago to Amsterdam from $394 roundtrip. And DC and Chicago – Paris on United from $430 roundtrip non-stop.

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