Airbnb Introduces Split Payment Option by Sam Helmy January 20, 2018 30 Airbnb has introduced the ability to split your payments for a stay. The new system, called “Pay Less Upfront”, came into effect January 15, 2018. According to the Airbnb press release, the functionality comes in response to the fact that 40% of its customers opted to use this option in testing. Most of those who opted for a split payment also opted to take up higher priced bookings when making a split payment.
Changes Coming To Hilton Honors In 2018 by Sam Helmy January 12, 2018 48 Hilton Honors has brought in 2018 with a slew of changes to their reward program. While in 2017 Hilton brought in some valuable changes (the ability to pool points), and some which were pretty worthless (using Hilton points to shop at Amazon), the changes in 2018 are more sweeping and adds value to those loyal to the program.
Redeem IHG Points and Certificates for Stays at Kimpton by Sam Helmy January 11, 2018 36 Realizing IHG’s announcement in late 2017, you can now book Kimpton properties using IHG Rewards. In light of the recent price hike of IHG redemptions, this is good news, since it adds a portfolio of over 60 boutique hotels to the IHG property list, increasing your choice and options. You can also use your IHG Free Night certificates awarded from the IHG Rewards credit card at Kimpton properties.
Register for the 2018 SPG Status Challenge by Steve Deal January 10, 2018 17 Starwood Hotels has renewed its 2017 Status Challenge program for 2018, allowing some members to earn Gold or Platinum status with significantly fewer nights. Though not everyone is eligible for the program, it's an excellent opportunity for those looking to jump on the elite bandwagon who qualify.
Unadvertised Booking Discounts with Hyatt Points + Cash by Steve Deal January 9, 2018 13 AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.Booking with Hyatt Points + Cash allows...
Delta Domestic Award Sale – Book by January 9, 2018 by Howie Rappaport January 7, 2018 41 Delta has launched a 3-day award sale for SkyMiles redemptions booked by January 9, 2018, on award travel through the continental 48 U.S. states from January 27 through March 7, 2018.
Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton at 1:2 by Sam Helmy January 5, 2018 66 American Express has announced that as of January 1, 2018, the transfer ratio for Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors is permanently increasing to 1:2. For every 1,000 Membership Rewards you transfer, you'll receive 2,000 Hilton Honors points.
IHG Adds 70,000-Point Per Night Redemption Reward Level by Sam Helmy January 3, 2018 45 IHG has brought in 2018 just like it did 2017, with adjustments to its award chart. 2018 adjustments impact hundreds of properties across the world, with most increasing in cost by 5,000 to 10,000 points. In addition to adjusting the rates at properties, the more significant impact is that IHG has added an additional level, increasing the maximum cost per night at some of its properties from 60,000 points per night to 70,000 points per night.
Your Driver’s License Is Still Good for Air Travel by Howie Rappaport December 28, 2017 35 If you see signs at the airport indicating you may not be able to travel domestically as of January 22, 2018, you can safely ignore them. As for when you need to be concerned, at this point, we wouldn't bother wasting another second thinking about if you need to replace your current form of ID with something REAL ID compliant.
Discover Ends 5 Card Benefits as of February 28, 2018 by Howie Rappaport December 26, 2017 30 As of February 28, 2018, Discover has ended Extended Product Warranty, Return Guarantee, Purchase Protection, Auto Rental Insurance and Flight Accident Insurance as card benefits. However, price protection remains.
JetBlue Award Chart for Flight Redemptions on Hawaiian Airlines by Howie Rappaport December 25, 2017 29 JetBlue has published economy, and business class award charts for redeeming TrueBlue points on Hawaiian Airlines operated flights. While you've been able to redeem TrueBlue points for Hawaiian flights, the price was correlated to the cash cost of the ticket, much like how a JetBlue award is priced, and you'd need to call up get the exact price.
Singapore Changes to Fares Types – January 2018 by Sam Helmy December 23, 2017 15 Singapore has announced changes to its fare bundles, which come into effect as of January 20, 2018. The new changes see Singapore introducing new types of fares for different classes of travel as well as tinker with baggage allowances, seat allocations, and mileage earning.
Hyatt Introduces 48-hour Cancellation Policy by Howie Rappaport December 22, 2017 36 As of January 1, 2018, the default cancellation policy for Hyatt reservations changes from 24 to 48 hours. Word of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members will still be able to cancel within 24 hours, with certain exceptions.
Delta Mileage Upgrade Awards Available on Aeromexico by Sam Helmy December 21, 2017 7 Delta has announced that Mileage Upgrade awards are now available on Aeromexico flights. This move further deepens the partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, which comes as no surprise really since Delta already owns 49% of Aeromexico. Unfortunately, as with everything Delta, the devil is always in the detail with this enhancement.
How to Buy Back Expired Hilton Honors Points by Sam Helmy December 19, 2017 40 Hilton has updated the terms and conditions of the Hilton Honors program to officially recognize the ability to purchase expired Honors points. Historically Hilton may have allowed you to have points restored with a stay challenge, however, now it appears you can simply buy them back.
