News and notes from around the interweb: Saudi Arabia’s first female pilot And yet she still can’t drive a car in her home country! More movement in the Las Vegas loyalty program affiliation space. Venetian linked up with IHG’s Priority Club. MGM M Life has done a deal with Hyatt Gold Passport encompassing 12 properties. Hilton lost their Vegas flagship, but has apparently now gained the former Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas which of course is 20 miles from the Strip. (HT: S.) 25,000 US Airways miles for laser eye surgery While I noted a week and a half ago that Virgin Atlantic is reducing fuel surcharges on coach awards and Iberia was bumping up those charges (from a previously reduced level), there was no word yet on British Airways — Iberia’s partner in the Avios…
How Do You Feel About Bare Feet on a Plane?
I believe — deeply — that male toes shoes never be seen in the office. On Friday I tweeted that the same applies to airplanes. I don’t ever want to see male toes on a plane. Thank you. That was Friday. On Sunday I realized that women can take “comfy feet on the aircraft” too far as well. Do you agree with me — does this go too far? Or are you one of the folks that do this, and would you care to enlighten me about what makes it ok?
Comment Here And You May Win a Briggs & Riley @work Bag
I’m a Briggs & Riley fan, my usual carry on is their Baseline CX bag. They’ve made a splash over the past month with a new bag, and I’ve arranged a giveaway. As I explained last week, I have two different Briggs & Riley bags to give away (different bags for different reasons, they’ve “got your business and leisure covered” as it were). Last week I gave away the hot new TORQ bag. Of course Briggs & Riley is all about functional luggage, as much as I like the look of the new bags their bread and butter is the business market epitomized by their @work line. Which of course comes with Briggs & Riley’s unrivaled lifetime guarantee. Here’s how you can enter to win by commenting on this post. Given the strength of reputation…
The Nicest Taco Bell on the Planet
Yesterday I asked you to guess where these two photos were taken: Answer: Taco Bell, Pacifica California The San Francisco Chronicle calls this the nicest Taco Bell on the planet. Jaunted dubs it the world’s nicest Taco Bell. I hadn’t eaten Taco Bell in years. But I could not resist. The food is as it ever was, with some new strange additions like Fritos in the burritos. But the view is likely unmatched by any fast food restaurant, anywhere. A destination Taco Bell. Who knew? You can join the 30,000+ people who see these deals and analysis every day — sign up to receive posts by email (just one e-mail per day) or subscribe to the RSS feed. It’s free. Don’t miss out!
650 or More Points for Your First Grocery Delivery from Giant
I’ve never done any grocery shopping online, other than through Amazon — which may have something to do with the 5 points per dollar I earn on Amazon gift cards purchased at office supply stores… or it may have something to do with needing to be home for most grocery service delivery windows (whereas Amazon ships and I don’t have to wait on the delivery). There are certainly premium services especially in cities like New York and San Francisco that will put the groceries away for you. I’ve never explored anything like that. But if you’re interested in trying a grocery delivery service from Giant (and if there’s on in your area, their Peapod service offers signup bonuses. EV Reward, the website I use most to look up what cash back and mileage offers are…
Guess Where These Photos Were Taken?
It’s Sunday afternoon, so a bit of trivia. It’s time to play a game! Guess where these photos were taken? .. multiple choice options below. Is it… Manly Beach Nusa Dua Hac Sa Beach at the Westin Macau Ipanema beach Taco Bell The answer tomorrow morning! You can join the 30,000+ people who see these deals and analysis every day — sign up to receive posts by email (just one e-mail per day) or subscribe to the RSS feed. It’s free. Don’t miss out!
Samsonite Spinner Luggage ~ Two Thirds Off
Vente-Privee has Samsonie spinner luggage on sale at about two-thirds off retail through Wednesday at 9am Eastern (though often the most popular items will sell out before a short-term deal is scheduled to end). They have a 21″ spinner carry on bag from $78, and bags which retail for $540 (though there are frequently sales for less) priced as low as $169. Free shipping on orders over $100 if you pay with an American Express card, so if you go for one of the cheapest bags consider adding some cheap discounted travel accessories to get free shipping. Returns are accepted for 21 days from shipping date. If you decide you don’t want your purchase be sure to return right away. There’s a 10 year warranty, so not quite the lifetime that Briggs & Riley offers.…
Should I Help This Client Through My Award Booking Service?
Many readers know that I help people book award tickets. It’s a great business, and I’m able to make it possible for folks to use their points in a way they never imagined — often it’s honeymoons, major anniversaries, sometimes it’s trips abroad to adopt a child. Every trip is special in its own way. My partner and I have redeemed upwards of a billion miles at the ‘low’ or ‘saver’ level for premium cabin international awards. As you can imagine, I get lots of requests Here’s one I’d love your feedback on. Should I help? My name is Mr.boby and i will like to book Ticket I would like to make some Flight reservation for my client can you booked for my client Now? Lagos Nigeria …….To……. Turkish Istanbul Name……AKINTEYE SUNDAY OLAWALE 8/06/13 return…
Get Your National Security (!) News Here First
In addition to all of your frequent flyer news, you can get your national security news first at View from the Wing! Two months ago I wrote about finally going to sign up for Global Entry, and noted: [T]he government now collects and analyzes all cell phone geolocation data (which is why Ron Wyden developed legislation to require warrants for this without divulging that the practice is actually already occurring, since his speaking about it would itself be illegal) And also noted [T]he government’s data mining of grocery store discount cards and widespread cameras such as in New York and DC and license plate readers to track the movements of law-abiding individuals. If you keep up with this blog, you know the news.. before it’s news!
Find Out Here if You’re the Winner of a Briggs & Riley TORQ Bag
This week I ran a contest to give away a new TORQ bag from Briggs & Riley. I admit I’m a little jealous, I don’t have one of these yet myself. But it’s time to draw a winner out of 1275 eligible comments. I asked readers to answer both: Do you have different bags for different seasons? Do you have different bags for different missions – such as vacation travel and work? Here’s the winning comment: Andrew said, 1. I don’t change up my bags with the seasons. 2. I do not travel for work. I usually take a standard black rolling bag for most weekend travel. However, on trips where I must check a bag (usually hiking or SCUBA related), I take a small hiking daypack instead. You’re not Andrew? No problem, I’ll be…
