Weapons would go to law enforcement, most items to government surplus agencies for auction. And liquids that don’t fit in your freedom baggie? The journey for shampoo and other liquids in containers larger than 3 ounces, which were banned on board in 2006 when terrorists attempted to use liquid explosives, is a short one. They are usually immediately disposed of through private waste contractors. After the TSA tosses them in a bin beside security, they throw them away via private garbage disposal. ‘Cause the liquids are dangerous. The War on Water continues, unabated, and without any sense of irony.
US to South Africa $675 including tax
Iberia has a fare, with decent availability on Orbitz and their own website from October through March, of $675 all-in from New York to Johannesburg via Madrid. From Los Angeles it prices out at $760. Should be available from Other Iberia destinations as well. Take, for instance, JFK-JNB from November 18 to 23 — $675 Or January 19 to 25 — $675. (Hat tip to Raffles longhaul.)
Priority Club 5000 Point New Member Referral Bonus
Priority Club is offering 5000 points after first stay for referring a new member, and that member will also receives 5000 bonus points once their stay posts. The stay must be completed within 90 days of enrollment. You have to be logged out of your account in order to see the offer on the Priority Club website.
Making International Cell Phone Calls from 8 Cents a Minute While Traveling
Using an unlocked GSM cell phone, a callback service, and a cheap SIM card, I make international calls from my cell phone from about 8 cents a minute while traveling abroad. AT&T gave me the unlock code for my cell phone just for asking. There are plenty of SIM cards issued by European providers that offer free incoming calls throughout much of the world. And using a callback service, you convert outgoing calls into incoming calls. When I call the U.S. from Spain with my cell phone, I pay about 8 cents a minute. Or at least I used to. My SIM card of choice was 09 Mobile from Iceland. But they became defunct. And I hadn’t been happy with the other SIM services out there. Yesterday I was offered the recommendation on Flyertalk for…
FTD: 30 United Miles per Dollar Plus 2000 Miles for Two Orders By October 31
FTD is augmenting their standard United miles offer with 2000 additional bonus miles if you make two purchases by October 31. At least that’s the offer I got by email yesterday — 25 miles per dollar plus 2000 if you make two purchases by October 31. So then I looked back in my archives and found a relatively recent 30 miles per dollar offer. And lo and behold it came up as 30 miles per dollar plus 2000 bonus miles for those two purchases by October 31. Take two $50 orders — that would yield 5000 miles, or 50 miles per dollar, exclusive of tax and delivery charges.
2000 Starwood Points for Adding Cardholders to Your Starwood Amex
American Express is offering 1000 bonus Starwood points for each additional cardmember you add to your account (up to 2). The additional cardholder has to spend at least $150 within the first 90 days to earn the bonus. Of course, you can add the cardholder, they mail the card to you, you spend the money yourself (perhaps shopping online, at gas stations, whatnot). And then cancel or stick the card in a drawer, you don’t have to give your friends and family true access to your credit line in order to earn 2000 Starpoints. Of course, if you don’t already have a Starwood Amex, you probably should… (Via Lucky.)
Southwest Double Credits Through October 31
Southwest is offering double credits through October 31 (registration required). Pair that with the current signup bonus and it should be possible to secure a free ticket after only four flight segments.
Double Goldpoints Through December 15
Goldpoints is offering double points through December 15. Registration required to earn double points at Radisson, Country Inns and Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza, and Regent Hotels.
500 Free Starwood Points – Become a Fan of the Westin Charlotte on Facebook
The Westin Charlotte is offering 500 Starpoints for becoming a fan of its Facebook page and emailing them to let them know (include your Starwood number) at 01383Reservations@westin.com. (Hat tip to this Flyertalk thread.)
I Loved This Paean to Me, Even If It Presaged a Critique…
Wing and a Prayer Blog began a post thusly: We here at WAAP love blogger Gary Leff, writer of View From the Wing, mostly because of his unapologetic commitment to the tony lifestyle, luxe hotel rooms, and the numerous shout-outs to the W Hotel line of bedding products couched as subtle reminders that, well, your bed is not as nice as his. Of course, as Keri so astutely observed, the point is not that my bed (or anything else) is nicer than your, but precisely that with a bit of attention paid your travels and other accoutriments can be easily as nice with little cost.
