A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today: Delta Air Lines will arm flight attendants with Nokia Luminas to “improve the customer experience.” FAs will be able to process onboard credit card purchases in real-time, including on the spot upgrades to Economy Comfort. American Airlines and US Airways got another kick in…
Mileage Run Opportunity: $224.40 Nets 6,590 United Premier Qualifying Miles
United this morning matched a Delta base fare of $88 one-way in the New York to San Jose market, but act RIGHT NOW if you’re interested as Delta has already pulled the fare. I wouldn’t expect United to keep its fare live beyond an hour or so today. Here’s the nitty-gritty and an example itinerary.…
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: August 21, 2013
A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today: Delta Air Lines is planning new Seattle service to Seoul and Hong Kong beginning in June 2014. The new Hong Kong flight will bring back a U.S. gateway, as Delta currently only flies to Hong Kong from Tokyo after previously ending Detroit-Hong Kong service.…
Hotel Review: Washington Dulles Marriott Suites
I’m beginning to alter my hotel selections since I’m no longer gunning to earn elite status in any one particular chain (sorry, Hilton). And earlier this year I spent two nights at the Washington Dulles Marriott Suites. It’s a property I hadn’t been back to in a decade, and with a $50 off discount code…
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: August 20, 2013
A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today: Allegiant Air announced huge expansion plans today, with a total of 18 new routes and 10 new cities. While a lot of the new service focuses on smaller airports surrounding larger communities (Allegiant’s overall strategy), it’s certain to get the attention of legacy airlines.…
Using Premier Accelerator as a Fast Track to United Elite Status
As I mentioned yesterday, I’ll be about 11,000 Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs) short of Platinum status for 2014 after flying what I have booked for the rest of the year. And I’m currently debating whether to go for Platinum, or settle with lifetime Gold. At this point, my travel plans on United Airlines and Star…
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: August 19, 2013
A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today: After Friday’s edition of Notable News went out, L.A. Airspace reported that Delta Air Lines will begin chauffeur-driven apron service for its VIPs at LAX airport, a similar perk offered by the airline at Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta (ATL). Spirit Airlines will begin new seasonal…
Pondering United Premier Platinum Over Gold for 2014
“To Plat or not to Plat, that is the question.†I started pondering this last night after updating my mileage spreadsheet to see that after flying what I have booked for the rest of the year, I’ll be about 11,000 miles short of Premier Platinum next year. I had long resigned myself not to go…
United Swaps Out 747 for 777 on Australia Flights, Plus More Route Changes
United Airlines has made several adjustments to its international flying schedule beginning at the end of March 2014, including the re-introduction of 747 flights out of Chicago O’Hare and swapping out 747-400s for three-class 777-200s on Australia-bound flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco. The schedule changes are appearing online as of this morning. Highlighting…
Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: August 16, 2013
A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today: Earlier this week, American Airlines offered a fast-track to elite status that was quickly removed by the airline after it became apparent that many non-targeted travelers were successful in registering for the campaign. AAdvantageGeek got the lowdown on whether those who signed up will…