A couple of weeks ago I wrote that Star Alliance member Copa, the Panama-based airline that used to use United’s MileagePlus as its frequent flyer program, is offering status matches.
Not only is that good for access to United Clubs when flying United domestically, when you’re matched to their Platinum level you get 3 confirmed upgrade certificates that will… soon be valid for use on United!
Last week Chase and United announced an extension of their agreement so that Chase will continue to be the issuer of United co-brand credit cards.
United filed an 8-K form with the SEC related to this deal which gives us a clue about the increased revenue United will see as a result of the negotiation. Here’s what that number means — and doesn’t mean.
Yesterday I wrote about a Saturday afternoon United Express flight which was delayed 5 hours because the pilot and co-pilot got into a fight. I didn’t know what the fight was over, but police were called and eventually passengers were flown to Houston by another crew. A blog reader who was a passenger on the flight emails to share some insight:
A couple of weeks ago I noted an expectation that the American Airlines elite status challenge in its current form would end September 23.
That is the offer you can pay to sign up for and fly a reduced amount within 3 months to qualify for elite status, and for which you do not need to show current status with another airline to be eligible.
The end of these challenges at least in their current form certainly seems to be the case.
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
United’s C concourse at Chicago O’Hare will see moving walkways removed. United and Chicago offer explanations for the move that distract from the real goal of increasing the likelihood that you stop in shops and buy things along your walk to the gate.
While I was pointed to a conversation on twitter about how silly it would be for airlines to keep spare aircraft (planes are expensive!) I thought it was actually interesting that: there are many times when major airlines do have what are effectively spare aircraft, especially at their hubs; keeping spares used to be an airline marketing tactic; and major airlines for the most part don’t need spare planes when they have spare (unsold) seats.
You can earn miles for shipments of very bad wine. Now there’s a new offer with Spirit Airlines, the carrier that used to sell wine in a can. It matches them perfectly.
I did this once. Back in 2009 there was an offer of 4836 Northwest Worldperks miles for a single $41.94 order. I cancelled after the first shipment and did get the miles.
But the wine was so undrinkable that no matter how many promotions there have been over the past five years since that, I haven’t bitten.
Saturday’s 1:41pm United Express Lubbock – Houston flight operated by ExpressJet was delayed 5 hours for an unusually interesting reason.
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
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 »
