Insane Hotel Deal: Capital One $200 Off $200 (Really, No Minimum Spend, $200 Off)

by Gary Leff

Nov 02 2023

Several readers let me know that Capital One Travel has a special $200 off offer for hotel stays in their ‘Premier Collection’ for Venture X and Venture X Business cardmembers. There is no minimum spend for the night. Book a $201 all-in room, and the cost will come to $1 for the night.

The offer was available in my account as well. If it’s targeted, it is widely targeted. Just go to Capital One Travel in the rewards section of your account and at the top of the page you’ll see ‘Offers’ highlighted by a light blue ribbon.

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Monopolies in the Making? Delta Pulls Strings Behind The Asiana-Korean Air Merger

by Gary Leff

korean air
Nov 02 2023

The Asiana-Korean Air merger is set to consolidate the two major Korean airlines, potentially affecting competition on key international routes, despite concerns from US and European regulators. Virgin Atlantic’s proposed Seoul route hinges on the deal’s approval, underscoring the complex interplay between airline alliances and market competition.

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Loyalty as the New Gold: How Reluctant Airlines, Like JetBlue, Are Changing Their Tune

by Gary Leff

Nov 02 2023

JetBlue, initially hesitant about its loyalty program, has significantly enhanced its TrueBlue program in recent years, especially in light of its partnership with American Airlines. Amidst the financial challenges faced by ultra-low-cost carriers and smaller airlines, many are realizing that loyalty programs, once viewed as cost centers, are now profitable avenues, with airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant doubling down on their loyalty initiatives.

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Marriott Suite Upgrade Benefit Changes For 2024: Don’t Expect To Stay In Suites

by Gary Leff

Nov 02 2023

Marriott is set to implement changes to their suite upgrade award process in 2024, transitioning from “Suite Night Awards” to “Nightly Upgrade Awards” and expanding the program to include more participating brands and room types. However, the new system will process upgrades only 3 days before arrival, and while there’s an increase in room inventory for upgrades, the focus will shift from guaranteed suite upgrades to a broader range of room types.

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Mom Sues American Airlines & Wins: Was Told Kids Aren’t Entitled To Seats, Can Get Kicked Off For Any Reason

by Gary Leff

Nov 01 2023

A mom flew American Airlines passenger from Portland to Dallas to Tallahassee with her two 18 month old twins. Since only one child can fly on her lap, she bought the other child their own seat using her miles, but a flight attendant refused to allow them to use it, saying children under two weren’t allowed in seats without a car seat. This was wrong. The passenger sued American because they wouldn’t refund the seat they’d purchased but weren’t allowed to use.

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Decoding Southwest: Redeyes on the Horizon & DFW’s 2025 Game-Changer

by Gary Leff

southwest plane
Nov 01 2023

Southwest Airlines is hinting at launching service to Dallas – Fort Worth by 2025 and has begun introducing overnight flight connections, foreshadowing potential redeye flights. However, constraints like the Wright Amendment and Southwest’s dominance at Dallas Love Field, coupled with a current shortage of pilots, play pivotal roles in shaping these future endeavors.

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Use Gift Cards To Top Off Hyatt Elite Status – For This Year Or Next

by Gary Leff

Nov 01 2023

Here’s the trick. Since these gift cards don’t expire, you can choose when you want future stays through the Mr. and Mrs. Smith group to count towards status.

If you need to top off status this year, buy gift cards now and hit your status goal Or get a head start on next year. If you qualify for status early in 2024, that status will count for the rest of 2024 and for 2025 (through end of February 2026).

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Airbnb Extortion: The Dark Side of Positive Reviews (Why Taking Videos Can Save You Hundreds)

by Gary Leff

Nov 01 2023

Airbnb hosts are employing scams where they extort additional money from guests after their stay, often backed by staged evidence and usually following positive reviews left by the guests. To counter such deceit, guests are advised to take videos and photos of their accommodations before checking out, as these recordings can serve as evidence in disputes, even though they are not foolproof.

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