View from the Wing

United Restricts Access to Economy Plus

by Gary Leff on September 16, 2006

Sep 16 2006

I’ve been meaning to blog this but Upgrade Travel beats me to the punch: United is no longer allowing its partner Star Alliance Gold members to access economy plus seating (they’re not allowing full fare passengers access to these seats either, which is bizarre). Now economy plus is available only to United elites and those who ‘buy up’ at the airport. Economy plus is the same seat as coach with no additional services, just a few extra inches of legroom. It isn’t “premium economy” as the rest of the world understands it. But United sees the ability, presumably, to upcharge. Doesn’t make me happy one bit, even though it’s a seemingly small change.

Bangkok: Lounges for Everyone

by Gary Leff on September 16, 2006

I doubt this will live up to the Thai government’s expectations (I don’t see a 20% increase in connecting traffic through Bangkok), but it’s still an interesting development that the new Suvarnabhumi Airport includes a lounge for economy passangers — not just lounges for business and first. I’m not sure what the value of a lounge where you’re supposed to get away from the masses is. A lounge for everyone is just the main terminal, isn’t it? So there must be more to the story. But at least the list of available amenities is impressive. The lounge, he said, would include televised entertainment such as films, music videos, sports, documentaries and world news, in addition to Internet services. Passengers will also have a rest area that includes plenty of seating and showers in 18,000 square…

Continental Credit Card Offer: 15,000 miles and double points on spend through December ’06

by Gary Leff on September 14, 2006

Sep 14 2006

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m not a fan of Continental Onepass. The only thing it has going for it is airline partners where you occasionally have a chance to redeem miles. Alaska Airlines has generally good award availability. They’re in Skyteam, which opens up plenty of airlines, but almost across-the-board Skyteam members offer poor award chances. Continental is in my experience terrible at making seats available at the ‘normal’ mileage requirements on most routes and best flight times, and this is especially true in premium classes of service. So when collecting Continental miles, realize that they aren’t worth as much as American miles, for instance. (Though you can transfer Onepass miles to Amtrak, and from Amtrak to Hilton, and eventually get something for your points — though Amtrak places a limit for…

Ghetto Lattes: Getting Value Out of Starbucks

by Gary Leff on September 14, 2006

Why am I not surprised this is being discussed on Flyeralk? It isn’t miles and points, but it is getting the most for your buck at an upscale merchant. The Seattle Times reports on Starbucks patrons buying less expensive drinks and upgrading themselves at the condiments counter. If someone pays $2 for espresso, then fills half the cup with milk at the condiment bar, is that stealing? People are saving $1 to $2 a cup — sometimes more, if they use half-and-half or get extra shots — with creative ordering from the complicated menus of the coffee world. …There are lots of ways to save. In one scenario, using Starbucks pricing in downtown Seattle, customers pay $2.05 before tax for three shots of espresso over ice. The same beverage with milk — also known as…

There are so many comments on Amtrak here…

by Gary Leff on September 14, 2006

… but they’re all in really poor taste, I should just let this go unremarked on: An Amtrak passenger traveling with her ailing father waited nearly 23 hours and about 1,000 miles to tell authorities he had died so she could avoid the cost of shipping the body home, police said. The train had reached Chicago when Daniel Stepanovich’s daughter told officials that he had died in a sleeper car on Sunday evening, about the time the train was pulling into Glenwood Springs, Colo., said Chicago Police spokeswoman Jo Ann Taylor. … Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said he couldn’t recall a situation in which a passenger’s death went unreported for so long.

$49 rates at Aladdin

by Gary Leff on September 11, 2006

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

by Gary Leff on September 11, 2006

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

by Gary Leff on September 11, 2006

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

by Gary Leff on September 10, 2006

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

by Gary Leff on September 10, 2006

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…

United Restricts Access to Economy Plus

Bangkok: Lounges for Everyone

Continental Credit Card Offer: 15,000 miles and double points on spend through December ’06

Ghetto Lattes: Getting Value Out of Starbucks

There are so many comments on Amtrak here…

$49 rates at Aladdin

Amex transfer bonus to Aeromexico

British Airways London On Sale

Free Peachtree Accounting Software

Positive Changes Coming to SAS Eurobonus

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About Gary Leff

	Bilt Mastercard® Earn Points Paying Rent (up to 100,000 each year) plus earn 3x at restaurants; 2x on travel; as long as you make at least 5 purchases per month. No annual fee.
	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (See rates and fees)
	Citi® / AAdvantage Business^TM World Elite Mastercard® For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening. AAdvantage miles are the currency I've redeemed most.[See rates and fees]