Airlines and hotels get most of the ink in travel and in terms of getting the best deal. And when I write about rental cars that seems to generate the last interest. But I rent cars, on many trips I’m in the car longer than the plane and if the trip is long enough I can spend as much on airport taxes and gas as on my ticket. Cars shouldn’t just be an afterthought.
When I’m after the lowest possible price, here’s how I approach it.
American Express is struggling and even they do not know what the Marriott acquisition of Starwood will mean for the Starwood American Express card. They admitted as much during their earnings call.
Here’s what American Express is saying — and what’s most likely to happen.
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.
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.
An Alaska Airlines pilot is charged with piloting two flights in and out of Portland with a blood alcohol level over .13 in 2014. Just as shocking, it took 18 months for him to be charged.
What the story didn’t say is that Arntson’s flights were supposed to land and take off from Seattle. Kidding.
IHG bought Kimpton. Marriott is buying Starwood. Accor is buying Fairmont.
Now Carlson is exploring a sale of its hotel business. The Club Carlson brands including Radisson and Park Inn would wind up part of another, larger chain.
American Express hasn’t even lost Costco charges yet, and it’s reeling. Here’s the inside story on how Amex lost the Costco deal. Delta is their second largest co-brand, but with Marriott buying Starwood they presumably lose the ability to issue Starwood co-brands at some point when the programs are expected to merge.
American Express lost the JetBlue co-brand to Barclays though it’s small and they will actually manage the backend for Barclays through their LoyaltyEdge business. Their network is no longer used for Fidelity card transactions.
Citi Prestige offers 50,000 points after $3000 spend within 3 months. It offers nearly identical spending bonuses — triple points on air and hotel and double points on dining and entertainment.
Citi has changed the concierge company they use for their Prestige card and that’s who helps you take advantage of the 4th hotel night free benefit that the card comes with. As a result the process is really streamlined. They’ve moved to Aspire Lifestyle Concierge from Ten Lifestyle Concierge. Here’s how the process works now:
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.
United has soft launched a meet and greet airport assistance program with Global Airport Concierge that so far is available at Newark and Chicago O’Hare.
At departure they’ll meet you curbside. On arrival they’ll meet you on the jetbridge. They’ll monitor your flight and assist with rebookings. You get priority check-in and premium security line access. You’ll get escorted to and from your gate.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
