While travel shaming may have been understandable at the start of the pandemic, and getting out into the world may make sense for many that have been vaccinated, this is a time for tolerance of others’ risk profiles and preferences since we’re in an ‘in-between space’ where there’s still virus spreading and still people at great risk for it, even as an increasing number of people face very low risk to themselves and others.
Cardless gives us a glimpse into how FinTech can disrupt credit card rewards. There hasn’t been a new major issuer since 1994. Now it’s possible to issue cards with smaller brands at lower cost, and rebate more to the customer.
One of the ways that Hilton Honors award prices can vary is based on the number of guests in a room. Extra person charges for paid rooms are common in Europe but not in the U.S.
At Marriott, award nights include the cost of extra person charges (except for a handful of all-inclusive properties, since extra guests would be eating, etc.). Not so with Hilton.
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.
Hilton has confirmed 150,000 points as its new highest award level, but still seems to be charging 120,000 points by mistake for the Waldorf Astoria in the Maldives, when award nights are available.
United is usually among one of the tougher airlines when it comes to finding business class award space on their own flights. It’s notable when that space opens up, and it’s done so just as there’s a lot more interest in crossing the Pond which is great news.
There’s saver award space on United’s transatlantic flights for four or more passengers both for summer and for the start of 2022.
Amazon has brought back a great deal: 40% off if you pay with American Express points for your purchase. The trick here is you only need to use 1 point to get 1 cent off your purchase total in order to qualify for the deal.
There’s amazing business class award space on American Airlines right now between Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and London and even more – for four passengers or more in business class. This space is throughout the year from New York but in general as we approach the end of 2021 and into 2022.
United MileagePlus began as Mileage Plus with a space between the two words in May, 1981 – days after American AAdvantage launched the first mileage-based airline program offering free flights. Learning that American AAdvantage was about to announce its program, United pulled off the launch of Mileage Plus in just 10 days.
Frontier Airlines won’t offer you business class award tickets to the Seychelles. But if you live in a Frontier Airlines city, and you’re reasonably likely to fly them, the credit card can be a great deal because every purchase on the card counts towards elite status with $1 of spend earning 1 elite qualifying mile.
And Frontier’s elite program offers real benefits – top tier 100,000 mile flyers see no fees at all, which is impressive with a fee-based ultra-low cost carrier.
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 »
