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.
Bilt has expanded its ecosystem beyond rent, letting members earn rewards when ordering everyday essentials through Gopuff. Whether it’s snacks, cleaning supplies, or a late-night beer run, every delivery now earns points on top of your regular credit-card rewards. It’s the newest way Bilt is turning everyday spending—and now home delivery—into a loyalty win.
Hyatt just supercharged its credit card. New cardmembers can earn double elite nights through January, unlocking faster Globalist status and suite upgrades.
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.
JetBlue is revamping its Mosaic elite program for 2026 — adding new ways to earn status through your kids’ travel while trimming perks for lower tiers. Expect fewer free drinks and checked bags, even as top elites gain lounge access and extra upgrade certificates.
United Airlines’ CFO says AI is already replacing 8% of the airline’s management (non-union) staff — and warns more cuts are coming. From finance to scheduling and loyalty marketing, here’s who gets cut next as automation takes hold across the industry.
American Airlines is replacing its much-maligned Fresh Brew with Lavazza coffee across all cabins and lounges starting next year. The move signals more than a caffeine upgrade — it’s a deliberate step toward rebuilding a premium experience for flyers. Better coffee means happier crews, fewer Starbucks detours, and a long-overdue end to bad brews at 35,000 feet.
With $2,800+ in usable credits, 175,000 bonus points, and unrivaled lounge perks, here’s how the American Express Platinum Card® an easily outweigh its $895 fee—and whether it makes sense for you.
United just told Wall Street it can double profits by 2030 — not from flying, but from loyalty. CEO Scott Kirby says the MileagePlus program will be the airline’s growth engine for the next decade. It’s an audacious claim — and one that deserves a closer look.
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 »
