Jun
28
2015
A collection of the most interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
Lufthansa Retires Old First Class, What’s Wrong With Airbnb, and Travel With Nannies
Here’s a Holiday Inn I Kind of Want to Stay At…
Jun
28
2015
Here’s a hotel I had never heard of before today, I haven’t stayed at a Holiday Inn in quite awhile, but I think I’d try this one out: Internet Test Hotel One.
I’ll be avoiding their on site “Botulism Bistro” however.
My Biggest Travel Mistake and Most Embarrassing Moment, Plus a Review of the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Jun
28
2015
I’ve always said if you’ve never missed a flight you spend too much time in airports. Usually the cost to miss a flight is relatively low but if you’re showing up early, each and every trip, you need to add up all that time… it’s a lot.
There are times when the cost of missing a flight can be much greater — like when you’re trying to fly from Australia to the U.S. and there just aren’t a lot of flights. And when you’re doing it on an award ticket in business class. You really do want to show up on time.
Review: American’s New Boeing 777-200 Business Class Seat
Jun
27
2015
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the inexpensive flight where everyone could confirm an upgrade to business class for free.
Historically when American flies 3-cabin equipment domestically but sells the flights as 2-cabin (anything except for New York – Los Angeles/San Francisco and Miami – Los Angeles) elites and passengers on full fare tickets have been able to assign themselves seats in the business class cabin. That’s business class seating but economy service. Then upgrades are to international first class (with domestic first service).
Review: Park Hyatt Sydney Opera Deluxe Room
Jun
27
2015
I stayed at the Park Hyatt Sydney back over Thanksgiving, having reserved the hotel before it went up to category 7. I had a decidedly mixed stay, largely colored by an insistence that if I wanted an Opera View room upgrade (not even an Opera Deluxe, let alone a suite) I would have to pay a $100 per night upcharge as a Gold Passport Diamond member.
That was all sorted at the end of the stay, and I was happy to return and give the hotel another shot. I was in Sydney for my cousin’s wedding, and the location of the hotel is actually perfect for me since it’s right by the ferries that take me out to the suburbs where they live.
Disney Bans Selfie Sticks, and Pilots Discover a New Way to Get Themselves Fired
Jun
27
2015
A collection of the most interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
What Are The Ethics of Taking a Travel Reimbursement and Keeping the 4th Night Free Rebate for Yourself?
Jun
27
2015
Citi Prestige has a fantastic benefit in fourth night free on hotel stays.
What are the ethics of taking advantage of this benefit during work travel – your employer reimburses you for the stay, and Citi gives you back the cost of your fourth hotel night?
Hyatt Speaks Out on Hotels Playing Games With Reward Space and Confirmed Upgrades
Jun
27
2015
This week I wrote about two significant challenges with the Hyatt Gold Passport program.
- Hotels not offering award nights even when standard rooms are available
- Hotels not offering confirmed suite upgrades on cash and points award stays, even though these aren’t supposed to be capacity controlled
Yesterday I spoke with Jeff Zidell, Hyatt’s Senior Vice President for the Gold Passport program, about these issues.
Challenges Upgrading a Family of Four on an International Trip
Jun
27
2015
American AAdvantage gives (8) confirmed systemwide upgrades each year to their 100,000 mile flyers (Executive Platinum members). In addition, four systemwide upgrades are awarded upon achieving lifetime Platinum status (2 million miles) and at each subsequent million mile threshold.
These can be used to upgrade one direction of flying on American flights on just about any fare.
Reader S. asked about using his American systemwide upgrades for a family of four traveling together on American Airlines.
Today Was a Very Important Day For Far More Than Travel
Jun
26
2015
On Thursday I wrote “I’m looking forward to having my policy preferences affirmed by the Supreme Court tomorrow or Monday when it rules in favor of same sex marriage.” I’m just glad I didn’t jinx it.
