Altialia Will Retain Cheap Transatlantic Awards At Least Through End of 2017

by Gary Leff

Oct 28 2016

I still strongly believe the increase in partner award pricing is very out of step with competitors, and that the changes without notice are highly objectionable.

However – and I initially pointed this out as well – the continuation of Alitalia flight awards at the same price as before represents strong value, and combined with the expectation that those prices won’t be changing soon makes the program a continued useful one for members.

And they’ve introduced new valuable features, as well.

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Why British Airways — And Everyone — Is Launching Fort Lauderdale Service

by Gary Leff

Oct 28 2016

It’s fascinating that British Airways is growing their long haul network with new U.S. destinations even as Brexit looms. They have a joint venture with American Airlines and Finnair, but American does seem to leave decisions about new London routes to BA. And they share the risk here.

Earlier in the month they announced they’d be introducing New Orleans service. And yesterday they announced Fort Lauderdale. Both could appear on face to be curious choices.

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$50 Credit from Wholesale Hotel Booking Site Club1 Hotels, Use it Before Free Signups End Monday

by Gary Leff

Oct 28 2016

Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings. Free signups end November 1, after which new members will have to pay. So get your 1 year free right away.

They’re running a $50 special now, too, and introducing a referral program that pays you generously.

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Full IHG PointsBreak List Revealed in Advance, Bookable Monday for 5000 Points Per Night

by Gary Leff

Oct 28 2016

The new IHG Rewards Club PointBreaks hotels — reward nights you can book for just 5000 points — will be bookable on Monday for stays through January 31, 2017.

5000 points per night is a fantastic deal, the best redemption value for hotels bar none. You have to want one of the specific hotels on the list, want to stay there during the promotion period, and have to act fast because the most desirable properties tend to get pulled down from the list rather quickly.

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Free Memberships for Wholesale Hotel Booking Site End Monday, Sign Up Free Now for a Year While You Can

by Gary Leff

Oct 27 2016

Club1 Hotels is a membership site, and that lets them sell rooms at a discount, offering lower rates to consumers instead of taking their booking commission. They report that they make money on membership fees rather than individual bookings.

But they’re offering free one year memberships, an offer which they report goes away in a few days.

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CONFIRMED: Full Details on Hyatt’s New Elite Status Program (A LOT More Than Previously Reported)

by Gary Leff

Oct 27 2016

This morning I wrote about leaked changes to Hyatt’s new elite program that starts in March.

Most of the information was accurate but there’s a lot more here than previously reported. I spoke with Hyatt about the changes this morning and there’s more benefits and also information on the transition. (And another way to qualify for status, too.)

There’s even the long awaited opportunity for confirmed suite upgrades to be valid on award stays, as well as more free nights for all members.

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REPORT: Hyatt Launching New Elite Program

by Gary Leff

Oct 27 2016

Matthew Klint at Pen and Passport offers up a scoop on changes coming to Hyatt Gold Passport. He says details will be announced November 1 and go into effect March 17.

The upshot of these reported changes is that top tier elites won’t be able to qualify on stays alone anymore, and the night requirement is going up a bit, but this comes with even more benefits than Hyatt already offers.

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