News and Notes from Around the Interweb: Best things to see, eat, and do at 10 U.S. hub airports Whose domestic upgrade system is better? American’s or US Airways’? I think most flyers prefer US Airways’ “unlimited complimentary upgrades” (similar to United and Delta offerings) but that lower tier flyers do better picking and choosing when they want to upgrade most with American’s 500 mile certificate program. I’m pretty sure the industry standard will win out, and American will take the associated revenue hit to avoid appearing to “take away” something from US Airways elites that everyone else offers too. Updates have been added to the very funny ‘Frequent Flyer Life’ Tumblr 500 Aeroplan miles for designing your dream kitchen (no purchase necessary, through July 31, for Canadian residents). (HT: Canadian Travel Hacking) New Airbus…
Find Out If You Just Won Some Money
Last night I decided to give away money. The winner is: JLM who simply said, “Good night!” JLM, you’ve got an email from me, I’ll mail your gift card as soon as you get me an address! Thanks, everyone, the comments were really fun. I appreciate it. You can join the 40,000+ 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. You can also follow me on Twitter for the latest deals. Don’t miss out!
Citibank 100,000 Mile American Executive Card Signup Bonus is Back!
The Citi American Airlines Executive card’s 100,000 AAdvantage mile signup bonus was the very best signup bonus out there ever since it appeared at the beginning of January. And it topped my list of card offers that wouldn’t last. Indeed, it didn’t… for a short bit. Two weeks ago the landing page for the offer disappeared but a direct application link still worked. But then after nearly six months (I never thought it would last that long) the direct application for the card [which didn’t list the bonus details, but folks still had success] finally disappeared. That left the 75,000 mile offer for the card as the biggest one around. Now the 100,000 mile signup bonus application is back!
Why Do Some Things Seem So Much Better in the Air?
There are some things I love that just cannot be replicated in the air. Food is certainly difficult though I’ve actually had great meals on a plane. And then there are things that seem to taste better on board when — even given just a little bit of thought — they don’t even come close to what you’d have on the ground. I’m picky about ice cream, like I am picky about a lot of things. And yet, give me ice cream on a plane — where I have very few choices and the ice cream is usually pretty poor quality — and I get downright giddy.
Delta Will Waive Its Revenue Requirement for Elite Status for Competitor Elites
Airlines have long been willing to give you status or at least an easier path towards status if you have already demonstrated value as a customer by earning status with a competitor. Since they want your business, they don’t want there to be barriers to getting it — like that you are treated well with your existing status but would have to start from scratch if you switched. What’s interesting though is that even in a changing world of what airlines view as being a valuable customer — both United and Delta have introduced revenue-based minimum spending requirements to earn elite status — there haven’t been similar changes in what it takes to be viewed as a valuable customer of someone else. Now granted, at least United is not doing this well since it cannot…
Since Very Few People Read this Blog on Saturday Evening…
Since tonight it’s just the two of us, I thought I’d give away money.
Click Here for Cute Ponies. And a Panda. No, Really.
LAN flew 50 Argentine Polo Ponies from Miami to Madrid this past Sunday. The ponies were participating in the Polo Summer Season in Sotogrande, Spain, and the journey required specially equipped stalls and they were accompanied by four human minders. LAN of course does not normally fly this route, it was handled with a Boeing 777 Freighter. I didn’t realize LAN’s Cargo operation had this dedicated aircraft, and explains why the ponies weren’t flown on oneworld partner and Spain-based airline Iberia which services the route twice daily (American flies Miami – Madrid as well). Iberia, though, did provide the grand houndling in Madrid where the horses continued by truck. LAN Cargo’s Boeing 777F can handle up to 78 horses, and has carried giraffes, rhinoceros, elephants, dolphins and wallabies (oh my!). Of course ponies are nothin’…
Spirit Airlines Tries Not to Use the Bathroom in a Field
This Spirit Airlines crop ad, in a Kansas City field, isn’t a sign from extraterrestrials. It’s a guy holding himself and trying not to use the lavatory. Actually, no it’s not. It’s not this guy: It’s this one: It’s a part of Spirit’s “Bare Fare” campaign. They don’t give you free water. Or a standard size carry on bag (let alone free checked bag). They don’t give you a free boarding pass at the airport. This Spirit Airlines video form their ‘Bare Fares’ campaign tries to explain just how generous they are: They’re doing their best to distract you from the way their fares don’t include what other airline fares do with a woman in a bikini. The video asks, “Is anyone even reading this?” (Note: the FAA does require them to provide a seat,…
New Marriott Rewards Features, and Obama Cuts in Line for Food
Apparently Obama cut in line at Franklin Barbecue. Even Anthony Bourdain waited the three hours in line while taping his show. Owner Aaron Franklin says no one has ever cut in line before. The President could have avoided this political scandal by just attending a frequent flyer event there. Marriott introduceds SPG Moments Flash Perks (redeem points or cash for experiences) and Local Perks (experiences during hotel stays). Catch Me If You Can It seems that Mitt Romney flying coach is a thing. Up to 5000 Aeroplan reservations for each new Air Canada booking between Canada and the U.S., Europe, and Asia Study says standing-only airplanes could fit more passengers. Someone spent time on – and someone else presumably funded – that study. It won’t make this any more likely to happen, however. (HT: Alan…
Friday Open Thread: Come Discuss What’s On Your Mind
This is an open thread, I would love to hear what you’re thinking. What have your travels been like this week? What are you wondering, or what would you like to know? Booked any great awards? Frustrated with your airline or hotel program? How’s your team doing? The comments are yours to do with as you wish, please express yourself, and I may drop in here or there with answers or use your suggestions as a jumping-off point for posts. Hope you’re making it through the week! You can join the 40,000+ 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. You can also follow me on Twitter for the latest deals. Don’t miss…
