American is honoring recent business class mistake fares to China. But those fares are front of mind as the airline rolls out new bonuses for premium customers — and AAdvantage is going out of its way *not* to award mistake fare passengers even more than they are already are. Is this a good strategy? Is it fair?
American Goes for Revenue-Based Elite Status… In a Really Good Way
Apr
07
2015
American just made it easier for customers who buy premium cabin tickets to earn elite status — without taking anything away or making it harder for everyone else. This stacks with the existing premium cabin mileage-earning bonus that American introduced for the year.
This way, American rewards premium customers — something they have to watch with United and Delta having gone revenue-based — without penalizing anyone. Will it work, and will it be the approach American AAdvantage uses going forward?
Triple Points, Pilot and Co-Pilot Walk Into a Bar And… and Where to Find $600,000 in Change
Apr
07
2015
Often there are great posts on other blogs worth being aware of. Folks are writing up deals that I may not have much to add to, so I share what you need to know that’s being discussed elsewhere and link to some interesting or unique news articles about travel, miles, and points.
Today we’ve got a (relatively) strong hotel bonus points promotion, two stories about the TSA, a pilot and co-pilot getting into a fight (not after walking into a bar..), and a country that seems to really ‘get’ tourism.
Starwood Lets You Redeem Points for Luxury Concert Suites and Intimate Performances
Apr
07
2015
I don’t usually like using points for non-travel awards, but there are two exceptions–to keep points from expiring, and when there’s the opportunity to use a big travel company or bank’s contacts to get access to the kind of life events you can’t possible set up on your own.
Starwood has a new set of experiences that you can use your points for starting this morning, including luxury suites at a series of venues and intimate concerts at their hotels. Definitely worth seeing if there’s something that matches your interests, and you have my permission to use your Starpoints for something other than transfers to American, Alaska, or Japan Airlines miles….
TSA: We Actually Know You Aren’t a Security Risk, But Pay Us or Endure Screening Hell Anyway
Apr
06
2015
The TSA is about to make big changes to PreCheck that may prevent you from getting expedited screening. You’ll never believe why they’re doing it, and what you might have to do to keep it.
Enter to Win a $4000 Spot on the Amazing Race for Regular Folks
Read this blog post and enter quickly to win a spot on Competitours, ‘the Amazing Race for Regular Folks’ — a $3850 prize.
Air France KLM Would Like Your Help to Fix Their Broken Award Process (Big Interest to Amex and Citi Accountholders)
Apr
06
2015
Air France KLM’s Flying Blue program has been giving US members a hard time when they transfer Amex or Citibank points into their account and redeem awards. There have been account audits and shutdowns. And frequently members have been told they’re only allowed to issue awards by going to an Air France airport ticket counter.
This doesn’t work, and the US representatives of the program would like your help to fix it. Read on…
What to Do Before 2 Devaluations, Where You Want a Selfie, and Deals to Leverage
Apr
06
2015
Often there are great posts on other blogs worth being aware of. Folks are writing up deals that I may not have much to add to, so I share what you need to know that’s being discussed elsewhere and link to some interesting or unique news articles about travel, miles, and points.
Today we’ve got two programs about to devalue — here’s what you need to know, and what you need to *do*. We have an analysis of some travel deals you may want to jump on. And more, so read on..
Venezuela Hotels to Guests: Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Apr
06
2015
Many hotels in Venezuela, especially smaller and boutique properties, are asking guests to bring their own toilet paper and other essentials. Even that isn’t fool proof, as the government appears to be confiscating toilet paper from those traversing the country. Here’s why the TP situation has gotten this dire. Read on…
There Really Are Consolidators Who Will Sell You Airfare for Less
Apr
05
2015
There really are consolidators who can save you money on international business and first class tickets. Some are a scam. Here’s how to know the difference, and find the ones who will save you big money.
