Jun
27
2015
A collection of the most interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
Disney Bans Selfie Sticks, and Pilots Discover a New Way to Get Themselves Fired
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.
ACT QUICKLY: United’s Premium Newark-Los Angeles/San Francisco Flat Bed Awards Are Wide Open
Jun
26
2015
United is ending service at New York JFK October 24 and increasing the number of flights they operate to San Francisco and Los Angeles from Newark.
They’ve loaded those additional flights into the schedule. All are operated by internationally-configured Boeing 757s with lie flat beds in business class.
And award space is wide open.
Queen’s Guard Draws Gun on an Annoying Tourist, Plus How Middle East Airlines Can Finance Aircraft When the Koran Bans Interest
Jun
26
2015
A collection of the most interesting links you’ll want to see, many you’ll want to click.
American Shuts Some Major Domestic Cities Out of Ever Redeeming a Saver Award
Jun
26
2015
On Sunday I wrote about American’s unwillingness to offer even a single saver award seat in any class of service for any of their Buenos Aires flights more than a month out.
On several routes American is getting absurdly tough on domestic routes as well.
New Pyongyang Airport Terminal is Absolute Perfection! Built in Harmony With Modern Aesthetic Taste and National Character!
Jun
26
2015
Earlier this week, Kim Jong Un visited the new domestic terminal of Pyongyang International Airport.
The terminal was ordered built in July 2012 because the existing domestic terminal was seen as too run down compared to what countries around the world had. Last November much of the work was ordered torn down and redone because the project didn’t “reflect North Korea’s “Juche” (self-reliance) philosophy and national identity.” (The official in charge was purged.)
Oops, I Did it Again!
Jun
25
2015
Here’s the TSA’s plan to make screening less efficient on purpose and what the revelations that the TSA doesn’t actually stop bombs or weapons means.
But that’s just analysis. Here, the TSA boy band gives their rendition of a Britney Spears hit. Because, I’m not sure why.
