Hotel Chains And Online Travel Agencies Rethink How They Work Together

Nov 17 2022

Expedia spends a lot to acquire one-off customers. They’re realizing it can be cheaper to sell subsequent trips to people that have already purchased from them (loyalty matters) and they’ve gutted their loyalty program throughout the years.

Meanwhile if Accor is ‘early in’ with this partnership they may gain higher purchase likelihood from Expedia’s eyeballs than other chains.

Continue Reading »

It Turns Out To Be A Very Bad Time For An Airline To Issue Its Own Cryptocurrency

Nov 17 2022

Northern Pacific Airways is promoting that its Flycoin frequent flyer currency “is honored to be named one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023.” Because what could be more right now with FTX imploding; crypto exchange Gemini – founded by the Winklevi – facing pressure; Terra and Luna showing that stablecoins aren’t so stable; and 3AC collapsing?

Continue Reading »

Frontier “All You Can Fly” Pass – Even Better Than It Seemed At First

frontier
Nov 16 2022

Frontier Airlines is offering its “GoWild!” unlimited flying pass for $599 the first year. If you don’t cancel it will auto-renew for $1999 the second year. It’s a brilliant way for the airline to monetize seats that are otherwise-likely to go empty, and can be a great deal for travelers living in major Frontier cities like Denver, Orlando and Las Vegas.

This lets you buy an unlimited number of domestic U.S. flights, booked the day prior to travel, for just $0.01 in airfare plus taxes and fees (or in most cases less than $15 per flight).

Continue Reading »

American Airlines Is Expanding Use Of Trip Credits, Now Valid For Some International Destinations

airline ticket
Nov 16 2022

In many ways the American Airlines move to ‘trip credits’ and away from ‘flight credits’ has been great. When you have a travel credit with the airline you can use it for your own future travel – or to book travel for someone else.

The change has been a gradual one over several years, and American has implemented the next phase of the change: International Expansion – Phase 2, according to an internal document reviewed by View From The Wing.

Continue Reading »

Barstool Sports Founder Brags To Rite Aid Cashier About His 44 Million Amex Points

Nov 16 2022

The founder of Barstool Sports, David Portnoy, flexed on social media showing himself buying a pack of gum with a Black Card for $1.59 – and the terminal displays his available Membership Rewards balance of 44,403,931 points.

Sure, you can use Amex points at Rite Aid. It’s a poor value, but it’s an opportunity to show the balance in an ironic setting. The employee comments “you probably could go on a trip” and Portnoy boasts “I’ve gotta be a league leader with points.”

Continue Reading »

Marriott Raises Spend Requirement For Ambassador Status, Will Bring Back Personal Ambassadors

Nov 16 2022

Marriott has the most exclusive top elite tier with published earning criteria. The Ambassador level requires not just 100 nights in hotels but also a minimum of $20,000 in spend, nearly impossible to achieve in many parts of the world with low hotel rates. Marriott is keeping the 100-night level, but increasing the spend requirement to $23,000 for 2023.

With that they are bringing back dedicated Ambassadors.

Continue Reading »