View from the Wing

Why Singapore Airlines is a Great Points Transfer Partner for Some of the World’s Greatest Awards

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2016

Feb 01 2016

Singapore has long been one of my favorite transfer partners of American Express, and also for Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints. Last year Chase added Singapore as a transfer partner. And then Citibank did as well. That means you can transfer points to Singapore Airlines from all the best major transferrable points currencies.

Singapore offers fantastic award availability in premium cabins for members using Krisflyer points. And there are some real sweet spots on their award chart that will make them an even better Star Alliance program than United for some US-based members.

There are real opportunities, that I’ll review — and two gotchas as well that I’ll warn you about.

Hilariously Bad Signup Bonuses and the DC-10 Restaurant

by Gary Leff on February 1, 2016

Feb 01 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.

OFFICIAL: Changes You Can Make to an American AAdvantage Award After March 22 — and How to Lock in Current Pricing for Future Trips

by Gary Leff on January 31, 2016

Jan 31 2016

I’ve gotten several questions recently from readers wanting to know what changes they would be able to make to American AAdvantage awards after the award chart devaluation on March 22 without having to pay additional miles for their tickets.

I had a pretty good idea how this would work, but I went ahead and asked American.

A Hack to Use Inflight Internet With More than One Device, and Share Hotel Wifi Too

by Gary Leff on January 31, 2016

Jan 31 2016

A one ounce, $15 travel router will let you share a wireless internet connection (even an inflight gogo connection) or turn a wired internet connection into a wireless one. That way you can use more devices than a hotel’s free wifi permits, too.

Delta Flight Attendants Got Into Fist Fight, Removed From Plane

by Gary Leff on January 31, 2016

Jan 31 2016

A week ago I wrote about a Delta flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis that diverted to Salt Lake City due to ‘unruly crew’. After an 80 minute delay the flight continued to Minneapolis — apparently with replacements for 3 of the cabin crew. Delta then sent an apology note to customers for ‘team members’ who ‘did not display their best behavior.’

Now we know the rest of the story.