Sheraton Toileteries Ramain the Same, Remove Bliss Name

Barbara De Lollis reports that the Sheraton toileteries, previously Shine by Bliss, will now be simply Shine. Sheraton brand chief Hoyt Harper II told me in an interview that the new, non-Bliss-brand Shine line is “the same formula, the same packaging” and also made by the same vendor. Starwood no longer owns the Bliss name, and licenses it only for the W and St. Regis brands. Frankly, if I owned the Bliss brand I wouldn’t license it to Sheraton. I always thought it cheapened the Bliss name, rather than elevating the Sheraton toileteries. At least they didn’t try to brand Four Points Clean! products as Bliss! Perhaps the products are all good, Veblen had a point, and I’m just not a fan of shrink wrap?

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$500 Off Openskies Business Class to Paris

OpenSkies is offering $500 off in May using promo code IADMAY10. It’s clearly targeted at Washington Dulles-originating flyers, though the code appears to work for New York departures as well. Roundtrips from DC to Paris-Orly can be had in business class for ~ $1250 roundtrip. Considering that United and Air France non-stops (to and from De Gaulle) are running about a thousand dollars in coach, this is a pretty good deal. (Hat tip: Flyertalk.)

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50,000 Miles for a United Visa

According to this Flyertalk thread, Chase is offering 50,000 miles as a signup bonus (after $250 in spend) for a Mileage Plus Visa. The offer isn’t available online, you have to call. From the thread, Call Mileage Plus Customer Service (1-800-421-4655 for non-elites) 1. Choose “manage my account” 2. Let them know your mileage plus number and zip code 3. Say “more options” 4. Finally say “apply for a United mileage plus card”. And tell the rep that you’re calling for the 50,000 mile signup bonus offer. All reports on-thread so far are positive.

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All Nippon Airways First Class Award Availablity.. and May the Vultures Descend!

I recently answered a question on Flyertalk, and thought I’d share the insight here as well. All Nippon Airways has a really fabulous first class product.  Their seats/suites are getting a bit dated, their current generation first class product went into service in December, 2002.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a nice bed with ample privacy and is legions beyond many other carriers’ first class offerings.  And of course they’re rolling out a new first class, I haven’t kept up on the timetable.  But they really shine with their meal offerings.  They have I believe the best food in the sky, and certainly the most extensive snack menus.  And while some don’t like their amenity kits I’m a huge fan.  They give you an empty bag and bring around a basket of amenities.  Take…

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What a Rumored US Airways Acquisition of United Would Mean

The big news this evening is actually just a rumor, gone mainstream by way of the New York Times Deal Book blog, that US Airways would be buying United. The title of the post was changed to say the two carriers were ‘in merger talks.’ But in fact the rumor has very much been that US Airways would be making an offer for United. I’m not really clear on where they get the cash to do that (Track It Back-funded merger???). But that is the rumor. And I believe this would be bad for everyone. Consumers already get the benefits via the Star Alliance partnership. And the downsides from the perspective of a frequent traveler are myriad. 1) Bad for United flyers, United has a better product and the US folks aren’t about quality in-flight…

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United: 10% Off Domestic Coach Saver Awards Through April 12

Via Ben (who was channeling Points, Miles, and Martinis), United is offering 10% off on saver awards in the continental US and between the continental US and Canada. That’s a 2500 mile savings on a 25,000 mile roundtrip, or a 1250 mile savings on what would normally be a 12,500 mile one-way. And to take advantage of this offer, you have to book by April 12 for travel through May 26. And you have to fly United. In coach. To and from destinations in the US and Canada. But it’s better than a stick in the eye!

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Spirit to Charge for Large Carry-on Bags

Via Upgrade: Travel Better, Spirit Air is introducing carry-on baggage fees. They say they’ll measure the size of carry-ons, and those deemed too big to fit under the seat will be charged a fee for use of the overhead. Presumably someone with a small enough carryon could still use the overhead space for free, even though the narrative is that it’s a fee for overhead space, in reality it’s a fee based on size of carry-on. Spirit claims they’ve more than offset this by lowering their airfares, but anyone who understands airline pricing understands that this isn’t a meaningful statement. Just another reason why Spirit is the most customer-unfriendly airline on the planet. Meanwhile, anyone who wants can have their checked baggage fees waived for a year on United, Continental, and others.

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Perrin Post/Competitours Business Class Tickets Giveaway

Wow, this is pretty cool. Two people whom I much like and respect — Wendy Perrin (Perrin Post/Conde Nast Travel) and Steve Belkin (Competitours) — are teaming up to give away 2 business class award tickets to anywhere in the world. To enter you just need to leave a comment over at Wendy’s blog with your best success story using miles or points, and the lesson you learned from it. All this is a great way that Steve is promoting his Competitours, an amazing race-style trip/competition that sounds like lots of fun.

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