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Beyond Airbnb: Capital One Introduces Short-Term Rentals With More Points And Stay Credits

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2024

Feb 27 2024

Marriott has their booking platform for short-term rental stays. They rebate part of the commission they’re generating in the form of points and elite credit. Hyatt is getting into this game as well.

Capital One now has an interesting play in the space. You can already redeem Capital One Venture and Venture X (and equivalent business card) points to pay for short-term rental stays (such as Airbnb). But they’ve got their own STR ‘collections’ now that come with enhanced earning and benefits.

British Airways Manager On The Run In India After $3.8 Million Asylum Scam Exposed

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2024

Feb 27 2024

A British Airways manager has reportedly fled to India following allegations that he orchestrated a $3.8 million immigration fraud, leveraging the airline’s check-in systems to facilitate illegal travel and allowing passengers to claim asylum in Canada when they weren’t eligible to fly there in the first place.

First Look: Langham Hotels ‘Brilliant’ Loyalty Program

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2024

Feb 27 2024

Langham hotels is launching a brand new loyalty program – Brilliant by Langham – and it’s a points program with a slate of new elite benefits.

Delta Air Lines Ending Checked Baggage Guarantee Program Next Month

by Gary Leff on February 27, 2024

When asked about an upcoming elimination of the checked baggage guarantee, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson responded simply, “We have not made any announcement about a change to our program.” (I said in response, “well, if you’d made an announcement I wouldn’t be asking!”)

Why Russia’s War With Ukraine Triggered Airline Lobbying That’s Driving Up Fares To Asia

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

china memorial

Feb 26 2024

U.S. airlines are lobbying against Chinese airlines’ restoration of pre-COVID flights to the U.S., hindered by Russian airspace restrictions and a complex web of political and economic factors, leading to strategic route squatting and financial losses amidst a slow restoration of flights between the two countries.

And This Is Why Pakistan International Airlines Is Banned From Flying To The U.S. And Europe

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

pakitstan international airlines

Feb 26 2024

In May 2020 a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 from Lahore to Karachi aborted its approach because of problems with the nose landing gear. When the crew read their landing clearance, master warning sounds were going off. During their go around they lost both engines and declared a mayday. They came down in a residential area, and burst into flames.

I’ve never seen an incident report so damning of the actions of pilots, ever. One of the things that was uncovered after this incident is that more than 30% of the airline’s pilots had fake licenses.

Cutting Corners: The Surprising Truth About First Class Service Flow On American Airlines

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

Feb 26 2024

An American Airlines flight attendant proudly shares how they deliver first class service on a short domestic dinner flight. What’s striking to me is a corner that they cut to get everything out to 20 first class passengers on the Airbus A321 – and that they’re proud of how they do it.

Viral Airplane Seatbelt Trick: Unpacking the Feet-Belt, Safe Hack or Hazardous Trend?

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

Feb 26 2024

Airline passengers have to wear their seat belts when the seat belt sign is on. Flight attendants on overnight flights often warn passengers that if they’re going to sleep, to make sure the seat belt is visible or else when the sign goes on they’ll need to wake people up to check that they’re belted. But do you really have to warn it “low and tight across your lap?” What about wearing it… on your feet?

Customer Service Crisis In The Making? American Airlines Restructuring Leaves Premium Passengers Uncertain [Roundup]

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

Feb 26 2024

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Vote For Your Choice Of March 1 Bilt Rewards Rent Day Offers

by Gary Leff on February 26, 2024

Feb 26 2024

The first of each month is ‘Rent Day’ with Bilt Rewards, and they offer several promotions – some of which have been the best one day offers we’ve seen like transfer bonuses up to 150% to Air Canada, Air France KLM, and Virgin Atlantic.

With March Madness coming they’ve created a bracket to determine the primary offer for this upcoming Rent Day, March 1st.

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.

Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »