Not really my favorite Vegas property by a long-stretch, but admittedly Aladdin has a nice location and a good buffet. As discussed on Flyertalk, the Aladdin (‘soon to be Planet Hollywood’) is offering room rates starting at $49 with $10 in FREE SLOT PLAY or TABLE GAME MATCH PLAY 2-FOR-1 BREAKFAST OR LUNCH BUFFET (Offer valid Monday-Thursday only) 2 FREE SHOW TICKETS to a performance in the V Theater (Based on availability) Bookable online here. Nice thing is these rates qualify for Starwood stay credit and points, and elite benefits apply.
Amex transfer bonus to Aeromexico
Via the MilesLink Newsletter, through October 31st transfers from American Express Membership Rewards to Aeromexico Club Premier receive 25% bonus miles.
British Airways London On Sale
Sep
11
2006
British Airways has an interesting sale running from the U.S. to the U.K. (You may need to be logged into a British Airways Executive Club account to see the page.) Coach (“World Traveller”) from several cities for less than $400 roundtrip — okay, so far so good, this is frequently available in late October, November, and December (though the price cutting starts early this year). But perhaps more interestingly, World Traveller Plus — their premium economy product, think something like U.S. domestic first class — is available for about $585 roundtrip. That’s an upgrade that seems worth it to me. I’d guess the hassles flying in and out of London are affecting BA’s bookings…
Free Peachtree Accounting Software
Sep
10
2006
Through September 23, Staples is offering Peachtree Pro Accounting 2007 free after rebate — $140 minus a $140 rebate. Shipping is free. (Go to Staples via a cashback or mileage portal, Fatwallet is offering a 4% kickback.)
Positive Changes Coming to SAS Eurobonus
As occasionally happens, a frequent flyer program organizes a meet-up with members of Flyertalk.com. SAS Eurobonus hosted such a meeting, and reports of the event are here and here. Most important news: The program will introduce long-haul upgrades at time of booking for 30,000 points coming in June. (I’m no expert in the program, but I assume only certain fares will be eligible, hopefully someone can clarify). New awards will be introduced for the SAS Premium Economy product, priced at 70,000 points between the US and Europe. Silver members will get (3) lounge passes and in addition Gold members will get (1) vouchers for onboard purchases. They’re going to try to offer occasional complimentary upgrades for Gold members. This is in addition to ‘operational upgrades’ that occur moving folks from coach to business when the…
Incremental Improvements for the Starwood American Express
Starting October 1 two new benefits go into place: An additional point per dollar spent at Starwood properties (and more details to follow, but it appears as though Starwood retail outlets too – perhaps for example the Westin and W Hotel Online Stores)Gold status after spending $30,000 on the card in a year. The extra point per dollar is long overdue, as a rule across the board hotel-branded credit cards provide extra points for spending with the hotel chain — except, until now, Starwood. Gold status doesn’t mean much. The card already gets you ‘preferred plus’ status which has almost all the benefits of Gold (room upgrade generally limited to better view or higher floor, late checkout except at resorts). On top of Preferred Plus, Gold only gets you an additional point for eligible spending…
Testing Award Redemption
This month’s Inside Flyer cover story is about award redemption. They tested several airline programs across several routes, both online booking engines and call centers, at various points in time to get real data on how programs rank in satisfying member needs. A key takeaway is that the USAirways website is terrible, always call. But more generally, just because the web doesn’t show availability with any program, try the phone. Very few websites check more than the most traditional flight routings, and even fewer offer good details on partner award availability.American’s program fares well as it always does. United didn’t do as good a job at redemption as its results two years ago, which is consistent with my own experience as well (though nothing beats Star Alliance awards for Asia). Despite the article reporting some…
Restaurant Deals from Flyertalk
Flyertalk’s S.P.A.M. forum is home to discussion of off-beat or nontraditional loyalty programs, such as e-Rewards and other programs offering miles for surveys and clicking. Then there are also loyalty programs that have nothing to do with the travel industry. And sometimes freebies slip in. Some recent mentions there include restaurant offers — Red Lobster has a Overboard Club loyalty program, sign up and get a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of 2 adult entrees. McCormick and Schmick has a loyalty program as well. It costs $25 to join but you get a $25 dining certificate plus program benefits — Priority seating (call ahead for the next available, non-reserved table) For your birthday, you’ll receive a certificate for a complimentary entree Complimentary dessert with dinner (150 points) McCormick & Schmick’s…
Strange Travels
Truly poor taste but strangely enthralling, Jet Set Lara has photos of the Barbie Death Camp in Nevada, a barbecue joint whose motto is “We Put the Barbie in Barb-B-Q”…
150 Miles for Watching an Advertising Video
Sep
09
2006
Bose is offering 150 free American Airlines miles for watching a video about their headphones. Or you can just go to the page where you enter your American Airlines frequent flyer number. Points post relatively quickly. (Thanks to several readers for the pointer.)
