Aug
25
2015
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Earn Miles at Amazon, 20% Off Cathay Pacific Awards, and 1000 Free Miles
5 Myths About Scoring an Upgrade, and 5 Ways You Really Can Sit Up Front
Aug
25
2015
Airline upgrades are almost exclusively done by formula, with little discretion allowed to gate or check-in counter agents.
The only time there may be wiggle room is when a flight is oversold, and while elite frequent flyers may get preference for moving up to a premium cabin, the most important priority is getting a flight out on time. Other than these “operational upgrades” though, upgrades are going to be based on published criteria – not who is nicest, who dresses best, or who asks.
Rapper Wiz Khalifa Violently Arrested at LAX. He Was Riding His Hoverboard Through Customs.
Aug
24
2015
And I’m afraid to use my cell phone at immigration and customs. This rap star was riding a hoverboard and found out that at such a checkpoint rights are… shall we say… more limited.
How Long It Takes to Transfer Starwood Points to New Partner Korean and Korean’s Astounding Award Hold Policy
Aug
24
2015
Starwood now lets you transfer points to Korean Air, which is an amazing partner for first class awards, Europe business class awards, and Hawaii awards. Chase transfers to Korean are usually instant. In my first test Starwood took between 4 and 5 days. But that’s ok — because of Korean’s incredibly generous ‘hold’ rules.
New IHG Members Earn 2 Free Nights, Everyone Else Can Earn at Least 50,000 Bonus Points
Aug
24
2015
IHG Rewards Club has moved to ‘gamified’ promotions with different pieces meant to incentivize behavior among members — with the specifics driven by data about your activity so far, like whether you’re a co-brand credit card holder or an elite. They’re out with a new one that can mean 2 free nights or over 150,000 points.
Airline Actually Increasing Seat Width Because Coach Too Uncomfortable and More
Aug
24
2015
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Was American Airlines Pressured By Qatar to End Israel Service?
Aug
24
2015
Several readers e-mailed me with a rumor that American Airlines’ decision to end Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service was driven by American’s Middle East partners. Israel’s Haaretz has picked up the story. It makes absolutely no sense.
Are Miles and Cash Upgrades a Good Strategy for New Zealand Travel?
Aug
23
2015
Upgrades can actually be harder to get than awards, and more expensive too. Australia and New Zealand are two of the toughest destinations for either. While an upgrade on United with cash and miles can often be a much better deal than a straight purchased business class ticket, it’s going to be a tough strategy to pursue. Instead…
Congratulations, Delta! This is Why They Don’t Need a Competitive Frequent Flyer Program
Aug
23
2015
Delta has set a number of operational reliability records this summer.
I find Delta’s frequent flyer program both untrustworthy and less valuable than competitor programs. But I also think they run a good airline operation. Since an airline’s primary function is to get you from origin to destination in a safe and reliable manner, it makes sense to fly Delta especially on a non-stop basis and where their schedule is advantageous.
Review: Intercontinental Times Square
Aug
23
2015
Three years ago I stayed at the Intercontinental Times Square as a Royal Ambassador elite member. I was upgraded to a suite and had unlimited free drinks from the minibar.
Last month I found myself back at the hotel no longer even an Ambassador. In fact, it was my first IHG stay of the year. I was speaking at a conference that was originally scheduled to be held at the Trump SoHo. Less than a week out the event was moved to the Intercontinental because Trump.
