amex

Tag Archives for amex.

American Express Denies New Access Rules for Centurion Lounge Access, Limits Imposed During ‘Busy Periods’

by Gary Leff

lounge door
May 29 2018

Just a few days ago I asked if Centurion lounges have gotten so crowded no one goes there anymore. The lounges are nice, an improvement on their US airline lounge alternatives. They’re stylish spaces with decent food and beverage programs.

Ultimately there are too many people who have been eligible to use the lounges, who have wanted to use the lounges, relative to the size of the lounges. There’s only so much they can do to expand capacity in the airports they work in (and larger lounges are going to attract more people who still stay longer, since currently some people – like me – often stay away precisely due to the crowding).

Continue Reading »

I Don’t Get It, Why Are People Still Collecting SkyMiles?

by Gary Leff

delta program
May 26 2018

When a loyalty program becomes less rewarding, it moves the needle with consumers less. That’s a fairly basic proposition.

It’s not any different than the idea that if you raise prices consumers buy less of your product. There are exceptions of course, where some goods become more desirable because they’re expensive, but those are real outliers. This works fairly consistently and reliably.

Continue Reading »

Marriott’s Timeshare Business Buys Hyatt Timeshares and the Starwood Timeshares Marriott Didn’t Want

by Gary Leff

aerial beach ocean shot
Apr 30 2018

Shortly before Starwood announced a deal to be acquired by Marriott it agreed to spin off its timeshare business into a separate company, Vistana, which it sold to Interactive Leisure Group or ILG. ILG now holds the vacation ownership businesses of Hyatt, Sheraton and Westin.

Marriott Vacations is now buying Interactive Leisure Group for $4.7 billion. So an affiliate of Marriott will wind up owning the Starwood timeshare business Marriott itself was believed not to want two and a half years ago as well as Hyatt’s timeshare business.

Continue Reading »

Cheap Air China Roundtrip First Class 75,000 Mile Award Tickets Going Away Tuesday

by Gary Leff

temple
Apr 28 2018

That’s literally a 114% increase for business class and 167% increase for first class.

Search Air China award space on the United, Aeroplan, or LifeMiles sites and then ring up Virgin to book. Have them set up the award over the phone and then transfer points online while you wait with the agent to issue tickets. I’ve only ever booked roundtrip but reportedly one ways are now possible.

Continue Reading »

Yes, the Starwood Amex Really Will Stop Taking Applications Next Year, Bet On It

by Gary Leff

looking down at credit card
Apr 20 2018

As a short hand expectation many people figured that would mean that applications for the Starwood Amex product – the one I’ve had for 17 years – would cease August 1. American Express, though, says “the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Consumer card will continue to welcome new Card Members now through August 2018, and beyond.”

Many people believe that means the card will continue to be offered indefinitely. I’m quite certain this is not the case.

Continue Reading »

New 100,000 Point Offer Coming: Details of New Marriott Cards From Chase and American Express

by Gary Leff

looking down at credit card
Apr 16 2018

Marriott did a deal with both Chase and American Express for credit cards. Chase gets the bulk of the personal business, but American Express gets to issue a premium personal card. American Express gets the small business cards. And cardmembers keep their legacy products.

Both banks are issuing new products, and making changes to existing card products too. So in addition to speaking with Marriott about the changes I reached out to Chase and American Express as well to learn more and they were both forthcoming.

Continue Reading »