A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
Smoke poured from an overhead bin after a lithium battery caught fire on board, sending passengers scrambling as flight attendants rushed in with extinguishers. The crew contained the blaze and the jet diverted safely after the dramatic in-cabin emergency.
Earn 165,000 IHG points by October 23 at 9 a.m. The $99 annual fee IHG Premier Card adds a free night every year plus Platinum status and fourth night free on redemptions.
American Express CEO Steve Squeri says Platinum card growth has surged to record levels, generating $10 billion a year in fees. He also hinted that Amex may soon introduce an even more exclusive ultra-premium card.
A United flight from Denver to Los Angeles diverted to Salt Lake City on Thursday. The airline reported that flight 1093 made the decision to address a crack in one layer of its windshield. But, based on a photo shared by aviation watchdog JonNYC, was the plane actually hit by space debris?
United Airlines is reviving debit card rewards as its next major move to expand MileagePlus profits. After years of focusing on credit cards with Chase, United appears ready to tap into everyday debit spending. It’s a return to an old idea—but one that could reshape loyalty economics.
Citi finally nailed the premium card formula. The credits alone outpace the fee. Year one value is borderline absurd.
A first class passenger has come forward describing how an American Airlines flight attendant barricaded herself in the galley, refused service, and called police on calm travelers — leaving officers baffled.
A Marriott guest prepaid $1,000 for a stay—only to arrive and find the hotel closed. Customer service admitted they don’t know where the money went or when it will be refunded. It’s a harsh reminder that “pay now” rates aren’t guaranteed when hotels go bankrupt.
Most cards chase broad appeal and end up generic. The real winners double down on status, invest asymmetrically, and serve customers who matter most.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
