Jul
23
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.
2000 Bonus United Miles and Comparison of First Class Caviar
American Airlines Will Refund Overcharged Award Taxes
Jul
22
2016
The UK has a departure tax (‘Airline Passenger Duty’) that’s high in coach and higher still in premium cabins, and is often referred to as a ‘premium cabin departure tax’ or ‘luxury tax’.
One improvement, implemented a little over a year and a half ago, is that children under 12 flying economy no longer pay this tax. On a London – New York ticket that’s a savings of $96 per child, which really adds up for a family traveling with several kids. However American Airlines is still collecting the tax on award tickets.
What to Do When a Hotel Refuses to Honor Elite Benefits
Jul
22
2016
Each hotel chain takes a different approach towards pushing members of their loyalty programs to book directly with the chain. They withhold points, and in some cases elite recognition, from members who make their bookings via third party sites like Expedia or with a vacation package (air and hotel, air and car) provider like United Vacations.
One reader booked a fantastic three cabin first class fare with AA Vacations combined with hotel stay at the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, choosing the hotel because he’s a Hyatt Diamond member. Only he didn’t get the Diamond recognition he expected.
What Hath Brexit Wrought? British Airways Business Class Cutbacks
Jul
22
2016
It will be years before Britain leaves the EU, if it leaves at all, and if it does there’s any number of scenarios for what that could look like. But the mere possibility, post non-binding referendum to do so, is having significant effects on the UK economy.
While fuel prices are low and world airline profits are high, British Airways appears to be preparing for the apocalypse with reported changes to business class service:
Expect the Worst Changes to Elite Benefits at American in 2018
Jul
22
2016
Back in May American Airlines President Scott Kirby shared that they planned to offer domestic premium economy as well.
On this morning’s American Airlines earning call Scott Kirby, in response to a question about an hour in, added some color to domestic premium economy.
Pricked By a Needle in the Seat Back Pocket and More
Jul
22
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.
Earn 10% Back When Booking Non-Major Chain Hotels
Jul
21
2016
Independent hotels though are especially at the mercy of online travel agency sites. They also pay higher commissions than the “high teens” that we often see for the chains.
Enter The Guestbook, a program which gives you 5% cash back or 10% in credit for future hotel stays, for booking direct with any of their current network of about 500 properties.
United’s Billion Mile Giveaway Starts August 1
Jul
21
2016
United is giving away a billion miles. You can enter as many times as you wish online “however, each entry must be manually key stroked.”
There’s no guaranteed win like there was with the ‘IHG 47,000 Points for $136’ offer. But since you can enter online, some will enjoy doing that — but they’ve made clear, no scripts!
Starwood Launching New Reciprocal Airline Elite Benefits in Asia
Jul
21
2016
Three years ago Starwood began launching partnerships with airlines to share customers and increase bookings — by giving benefits or points to incentivize likely high value travelers.
First they launched with Delta, then they added Emirates. And now they’re adding a third airline in a new region: China Eastern.
New to the Frequent Flyer Hobby? Do These 2 Things First
Jul
21
2016
The first two things anyone interested in frequent flyer miles and travel should do is sign up for Award Wallet to track your points and get a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to earn the most points in a highly flexible, valuable currency, quickly.
Here are 77 free AwardWallet Premium upgrade links that will let you take your existing free account and give yourself premium service for 6 months.
