View from the Wing

What to Do When a Hotel Refuses to Honor Elite Benefits

by Gary Leff on July 22, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 22, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 22, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 22, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

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

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

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.

GREAT DEAL: Business Class to China For Under $1600 Roundtrip

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

Jul 21 2016

There’s new non-stop service starting between Seattle and Shenzhen, China — just a hop from Hong Kong.

Xiamen Air is offering amazing introductory fares for their three day a week Boeing 787 service.

Selling Access to the Mile High Club and New Cathay Pacific Credit Card

by Gary Leff on July 21, 2016

Jul 21 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.

What to Do When a Hotel Refuses to Honor Elite Benefits

What Hath Brexit Wrought? British Airways Business Class Cutbacks

Expect the Worst Changes to Elite Benefits at American in 2018

Pricked By a Needle in the Seat Back Pocket and More

Earn 10% Back When Booking Non-Major Chain Hotels

United’s Billion Mile Giveaway Starts August 1

Starwood Launching New Reciprocal Airline Elite Benefits in Asia

New to the Frequent Flyer Hobby? Do These 2 Things First

GREAT DEAL: Business Class to China For Under $1600 Roundtrip

Selling Access to the Mile High Club and New Cathay Pacific Credit Card

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About Gary Leff

	Bilt Mastercard® Earn Points Paying Rent (up to 100,000 each year) plus earn 3x at restaurants; 2x on travel; as long as you make at least 5 purchases per month. No annual fee.
	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (See rates and fees)
	Citi® / AAdvantage Business^TM World Elite Mastercard® Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]