Aug
29
2015
Data for 2015 is available and I find it fascinating what the 15 airline routes with the greatest capacity are for the year.
The 15 Busiest Airline Routes in the World. None are in the US or Europe.
ASIA
Search Results for "ASIA".
40% Bonus on Alaska Miles Lets You Buy Emirates First Class at a Deep Discount
Aug
27
2015
Alaska Airlines is offering up to a 40% bonus when you purchase or gift miles.
That’s actually a pretty good deal compared to other airlines with similar bonuses, because the starting price on their points is lower.
Earn Miles at Amazon, 20% Off Cathay Pacific Awards, and 1000 Free Miles
Aug
25
2015
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
How Long It Takes to Transfer Starwood Points to New Partner Korean and Korean’s Astounding Award Hold Policy
Aug
24
2015
Starwood now lets you transfer points to Korean Air, which is an amazing partner for first class awards, Europe business class awards, and Hawaii awards. Chase transfers to Korean are usually instant. In my first test Starwood took between 4 and 5 days. But that’s ok — because of Korean’s incredibly generous ‘hold’ rules.
Was American Airlines Pressured By Qatar to End Israel Service?
Aug
24
2015
Several readers e-mailed me with a rumor that American Airlines’ decision to end Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service was driven by American’s Middle East partners. Israel’s Haaretz has picked up the story. It makes absolutely no sense.
What are the Biggest Risks to United’s MileagePlus Program?
Aug
22
2015
A reader asks, “Gary, what do you see as a big risk to UA’s program going forward? They’ve made many redemptions pricey compared to peers, and earning much harder now.”
Star Alliance Gold Status for $2200, No Flying Required
Aug
22
2015
Star Alliance member Avianca outright sells elite status in their LifeMiles frequent flyer program. It’s $1200 for Silver elite and $2200 for Gold. Avianca’s Gold status is Star Alliance Gold.
The End of Airline 800 Numbers Could Be a Marketing Gold Mine
Aug
20
2015
Last week I noted that Frontier Airlines is getting rid of its 800 number and should save $2 million a year.
As I wrote at the time, this seems totally reasonable to me. When is the last time you paid for domestic long distance? (I haven’t even had a home land line in ~ 15 years.)
In fact getting rid of 800 numbers are a huge marketing opportunity that airlines could jump on.
Starwood Points Just Got More Valuable With Addition of New Airline Transfer Partner
Aug
17
2015
Starwood’s Starpoints are already the most valuable loyalty program currency.
They have the most airline transfer partners where points transfer 1:1 and of course when you move Starwood points into 20,000 miles you get 5000 bonus miles. That gets you effectively a 1:1.25 transfer ratio with most airline partners.
Now, Starwood has added a new transfer partner and it’s a really useful one: Korean Air Skypass.
Loyalty Programs Are Complicated. A Good Consumer Advocate Helps Educate You on How to Win!
Aug
16
2015
Christopher Elliott argues in the Washington Post that rewards credit cards aren’t worth it because of the ‘headache’.
He doesn’t just think you should avoid loyalty programs and credit card benefits (his usual tact). He thinks the government ought to step in (“it’s time for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to say, “Enough is enough.”).
