To show just what a dork I am, last night I went to see Weird Al in concert at the Warner Theatre, and was surprised at just how much it’s possible to enjoy something while remaining ironic and detached. On Jenni‘s recommendation, I’ll go see Rocket Science this weekend, and really looking forward to it. Apparently it’s a better debate movie than the one my old coach consulted on. The Washington Post reviewed it today. Yoram Bauman, The Standup Economist has a new comedy routine up on YouTube. I loved his “Principles of Economics Translated”… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgB6mFmYEcM&e
Amex Platinum (and Centurion) adds American Airlines lounge access benefit
American Express and American Airlines have announced a deal where Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders can access American Admiral’s Club lounges (along with immediate family or up to 2 guests) prior to boarding American flights. This adds American to Continental, Northwest, and Delta in the stable of airline lounges accessible with a U.S.-based Amex Platinum card.With Continental, Northwest, and Delta all in the same alliance the Amex Plat was a slightly expensive way to get lounce access compared to buying a membership in one of those programs (which gets you access to all three programs’ lounges, without the limitation of flying on the carrier whose lounge youre using. So getting the card had to be justified by other benefits, such as the Fine Hotels and Resorts program… a valuable feature for those likely to make…
A New Take on Immigration
A colleague writes* I am on a Continental flight from Houston to Washington and — in the first class cabin — the majority language is Spanish. I am one of only four English speakers. Forget taking our jobs — they’re taking our upgrades! * for the uninitiated I suppose I must point out the tongue-in-cheeck nature of the missive.
Free Southwest Ticket for Credit Card Signup
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa now has an offer of 16 credits with signup ($59 annual fee). The signup bonus is enough for a free roundtrip ticket. The Small Business version of the card also offers 16 credits as a signup bonus and a $59 annual fee. I believe — though have not verified this myself — that the Southwest Visa can be churned (along with the British Airways Visa, Marriott Visa, and Priority Club Visa). Used to be that all Chase products could be signed up for multiple times, earning the signup bonus each time. That’s no longer the case with the United co-branded cards. But I don’t believe a lockdown on this has taken place with the other Chase products such as this one. Anyone with recent experience, please share in the comments.…
Search for Miles
Aug
10
2007
Via NotiFlyer, a new search engine is launching that’ll pay you miles (up to 1000 a month with your choice of Delta, Alaska, Midwest, Northwest, USAirways or Continental) for using it.Sign up at Zoomiles.com for an invitation when the site launches.I’m willing to try it, though I’m skeptical. Miles are enough to get me to try an alternative to Google, but 1000 miles a month aren’t enough to get me to accept an inferior alternative. So we’ll see.
2000 Free Delta Miles
Aug
05
2007
Earn 2000 free Delta miles in the SiteSeer Challenge. Very easy miles, you register at the website and then vote four times for 250 miles each. The trick is you have to return on different dates for the voting, so you’ll need to set an Outlook reminder or similar. Then if you vote all four times you get an extra 1000 miles for a total of 2000.Voting dates are August 6,7,8August 20,21,22 Voting September 3,4,5 September 17,18,19 The offer also includes double miles for Delta flights purchased at delta.com with any American Express Card between July 25 and September 19, 2007 for travel through September 30th. Check the box on the registration page to opt into this offer. (Another one thanks to Free Frequent Flyer Miles.)
250 American Airlines Miles
Aug
05
2007
From the August issue of Inside Flyer, AAVacations is offering 250 American Airlines miles for filling out a survey and agreeing to receive their emails.
250 Free United Miles
Aug
05
2007
Via Free Frequent Flyer Miles, United’s Mileage Plus Dining (the co-branded Rewards Network dining rewards program) is offering 250 United miles for creating an online profile by December 31st if you haven’t already done so.
250 Free Amtrak Points
Aug
05
2007
Via Free Frequent Flyer Miles, Amtrak’s Pick Your Partners Promotion offers 250 free Guest Rewards points for selecting preferred partners (very easy! Just log in and the offer is under Hot Deals) and then 500 bonus points for each of your first two transactions through September 30th.
1000 Free Air Canada Miles
Aug
05
2007
National Car Rental is offering 1000 free Air Canada Aeroplan miles for signing up for a free Emerald Club membership by November 30. There’s also an additional 2000 miles on offer for your first rental with National by November 30 — but the signup bonus doesn’t require renting a car.Looks like US and Canadian residents only.
