Jun 15 2016

I have a basic framework for how each of the three major US airlines operates today. The variance between them is shrinking, as Delta is the best-run overall of the three and the most admired. Both United and American executives have spoken glowingly of their rival, and clearly want to be more like them.

This framework is useful to me as I see news about an airline. Every item gets processed alongside a context for who the airline is, what’s in its DNA. That news either comports with my pre-existing model, or conflicts and requires updating the model.

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Jun 15 2016

This morning word leaked that Singapore Airlines would be announcing non-stop service between San Francisco and Singapore with an Airbus A350. That’s true.

But there are several new details that are known, and even the launch of an additional new route — and a route that’s losing the Airbus A380 in the process.

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Jun 15 2016

The no annual fee Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card which is a 2% cash back card now has a signup bonus through December 31 of $100 after $1000 spend within 90 days.

This is gold standard for cash back, but you can get a much higher effective rate of return for a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Here’s how.

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Jun 15 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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Jun 15 2016

United has started to fly San Francisco – Singapore non-stop with a Boeing 787-9. It’s a directly blow against erstwhile partner Singapore Airlines.

Now Singapore is apparently going to announce a return to the U.S. two years early with San Francisco – Singapore non-stop service.

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Jun 14 2016

TV food personality Alton Brown tweets his unhappiness with Delta SkyMiles Platinum status.

What’s going on with upgrades is that Delta now monetizes 57% of its domestic first class seats and projects getting to 70% in 2018. When there are no more ‘leftover’ first class seats, that’s the end of first class upgrades. It’s a far cry from a decade ago when only 10% of forward cabin seats were purchased directly.

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Jun 14 2016

Citi has offered ThankYou Rewards for many years. Although it means different things for different cardmembers, and has been revamped several times.

AT&T is launching a new program, AT&T thanks. And Citibank is suing for trademark infringement.

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Jun 14 2016

Marriott will give you 500 points for following them on Instagram by June 21.

Once you follow Marriott Rewards on Instagram, go to this link and enter the email address associated with your Marriott Rewards account. It took me a few minutes to realize where on the page you do this:

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Jun 14 2016

Costco will start accepting Visa on June 20. The Citi website for the new Costco card will be live at that time.

Chase offered ‘warehouse clubs’ as a 5x earning category in the second quarter for their Freedom product. Clearly Chase wanted to get the message out that you can use their cards at Costco, too. In fact, Chase issues almost exclusively with Visa as a result of a flat rate pricing deal for use of Visa’s network.

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Jun 14 2016

Although United declared two years ago that its problem was too many customers, it hasn’t managed its elite pool as well and has shedded too many elites.

Last month United handed out one-level status upgrades to many elites, and free economy plus to many members without status (but who held status in the past). Now they want to sell status miles.

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