Why Now is a Great Time to Book a Dream Trip to French Polynesia by Patrick Stouffer October 15, 2020 18 While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make traveling difficult, one dream destination has already re-opened its borders to all travelers. If you've ever heard of Tahiti, Bora Bora, of French Polynesia, chances are you've dreamed of vacationing there. Thanks to significant safety precautions and generous award availability, now could be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. We will show you how to do so in this post.
Hyatt Postpones Program Updates, Tweaks Hotel Award Categories, Extends Point and Award Validity by Patrick Stouffer October 8, 2020 10 Hyatt just announced even more program updates. Thankfully, most of them are positive for World of Hyatt members. First, Hyatt further paused point expirations and further extended all Free Night, Club Lounge, and Suite Night Awards. Second, Hyatt postponed the introduction of peak/off-peak award pricing (again) and will only make changes to award pricing at 16 properties between now and 2022.
American Airlines Just Improved Basic Economy Fares for Elites and Non-Elites by JT Genter October 1, 2020 20 As part of announcing the elimination of change fees, American Airlines teased improvements to basic economy fares. Starting "this fall", elite members would get upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and even same-day flight changes. Without fanfare, these changes took effect overnight. Here's what you need to know about the changes to American Airlines basic economy.
Delta Removes Change Fees From Some Awards, Extends Card Benefits and Lounge Memberships by Patrick Stouffer September 24, 2020 10 Delta just announced several major SkyMiles program updates. And, that good news is it's all positive. The airline is extending Sky Club memberships, Medallion status perks, and co-branded credit card benefits. In addition, Delta is permanently slashing fees and restrictions on many domestic award tickets. But, unfortunately, there are some notable exclusions.
American Airlines Extends Award Change and Cancellation Fee Waiver by JT Genter August 10, 2020 61 Good news AAdvantage® members! American Airlines just adjusted its award cancellation policy for the better. Now, members can cancel and refund award flights booked by December 31, 2020 without fees. Here's what you need to know about this policy change.
AA Simplifies Online Award Cancellations, Expands Automatic Mileage Refunds by Patrick Stouffer July 25, 2020 51 American Airlines has updated its cancellation policy to offer automatic mileage refunds for more award bookings. Getting your miles back may no longer require a phone call! Has AA made the painful process of canceling an award booking any easier? We're walking you through the process to find out.
ANA Slashes Surcharges, Drastically Reducing Out-Of-Pocket Costs on Award Tickets by Patrick Stouffer June 12, 2020 23 All Nippon Airways (ANA) has drastically lowered the surcharges imposed on tickets to and from Japan and several other regions. While this won't necessarily make cash flights to Japan cheaper, it significantly reduces the out-of-pocket costs on award tickets. That makes already lucrative award bookings even better!
Emirates Skywards Slashes Award Fees by Over 90% by Patrick Stouffer May 26, 2020 24 Emirates offers some of the best onboard products in the sky. But booking these aspirational seats can be expensive—even on award redemptions. Perhaps not anymore. Recent searches on Emirates' site are displaying a massive drop in carrier surcharges across the board. We are seeing some cuts to out-of-pocket costs as great as 90%!
IHG Rewards Extends Elite Status and Free Night Certificates by Michelle Molloy May 2, 2020 28 IHG Rewards Club members should be pleased to hear that IHG is extending elite status for elite members through January 2022. Plus, IHG has reduced elite status requirements, extended Ambassador membership, extended free night certificates, and more.
American Airlines Adds Automatic Mileage Refunds on Certain Award Cancellations by Patrick Stouffer April 26, 2020 34 Canceling an award trip is not something that anybody enjoys doing, especially when the process can be challenging and complicated. American Airlines seems to have recognized this and has recently made the process of canceling (some) award trips much simpler—now no longer requiring a phone call.
[Expired] Chase Automatically Extending Sign-Up Bonus Spending Period for Some Cardholders by Michelle Molloy April 25, 2020 13 There isn't a lot of great news in the travel world these days but Chase has some for new cardholders. Following the lead of American Express, Chase is extending the deadline to meet the spending requirements for new cardholders approved earlier this year.
American Airlines Increases Checked Baggage Fees in the Midst of COVID-19 by JT Genter April 21, 2020 41 Less than a week after announcing $5.8 billion in emergency aid from the U.S. Treasury, American Airlines has increased bag fees by $15 each way on certain routes. The change is effective immediately for new tickets issued as of April 21, 2020.
Marriott Extends Elite Status, Further Extends Points Expiration by Michelle Molloy April 10, 2020 18 Marriott is back with more changes to its policies due to COVID-19. Following in the footsteps of many other hotel brands, it's extended elite status for all current elites. Plus, you won't have to worry about your points expiring anytime soon.
Marriott (Finally) Giving Travelers the Option to See All-In Price by Michelle Molloy April 8, 2020 21 Marriott customers have long been frustrated that the price shown in search results can jump 10%, 20%, or more on the final booking page when all taxes and fees are included. In a win for transparency, Marriott has added a new option to see rates that include all taxes and fees in search results. Here's how to select this option.
Marriott Extends Flexibility for Reservations, Pauses Points Expiration, Extends Benefits by Michelle Molloy April 6, 2020 28 The big travel brands are issuing policy updates every week or so these days. While most updates apply to all travelers and loyalty program members, Marriott is a good news/bad news story. Marriott extends flexibility for new and existing reservations. However, the benefits available to Bonvoy members vary depending on where you live.
Hilton Extends Elite Status, Suspends Points Expiration Due to COVID-19 by Ross Denkin October 29, 2023 32 Hilton is continuing to do the right thing for its customers. Hilton recently extended the terms of free weekend night certificates. Now, Hilton has announced even greater flexibility for Hilton Honors members in three categories: status, points, and reservations.
(Expired) Choice Hotels Suspends Points Expiration, Provides Flexible Cancellation Policies by Michelle Molloy March 28, 2020 16 COVID-19 continues to create chaos in the travel world. To help, Choice Hotels is offering travelers flexible cancelation policies—both for existing and new reservations—and pausing points expiration. However, there's no word yet on how the hotel loyalty program will adjust elite status for 2020.
Hyatt Suspends Points Expiration, Delays Peak Award Pricing, Provides Cancellation Options by Michelle Molloy March 21, 2020 31 Hyatt is rolling out policy changes that can help with existing travel plans and provide flexibility around future reservations. Peak and off-peak pricing is postponed, most category changes are on hold, and some World of Hyatt elites are getting a status extension.
U.S. Airlines Temporarily Improve Change Fees Due to COVID-19 by Skye Class March 5, 2020 81 As the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) spreads, several U.S. airlines have improved their change and cancelation policies to accommodate travel arrangements impacted by the virus.
Major Overhaul of Delta Cards for 2020 by Jess Farley October 22, 2019 73 Delta has announced sweeping changes to its co-brand card lineup for 2020. We cover all the details in this comprehensive guide.
Hawaiian Airlines Launches Basic Economy Fares by Skye Class October 2, 2019 45 Hawaiian Airlines is set to launch basic-economy fares, starting with three of its routes to California. For around $30 less, you can opt-out of benefits like seat selection, upgrades, and the ability to change or refund your ticket. Here's everything you need to know about the new offering.
Citi Increasing Signup Bonus Restriction to 48 Months by Sam Helmy December 22, 2023 37 Citi has made a move to restrict welcome offers on the AA family of cards to one bonus every 48 months. While this could be bad news for some, the new rule may actually end up giving you more options for your next Citi card.
Bank Of America Adds 24 Month Restriction to Card Applications by Sam Helmy July 9, 2019 52 Bank Of America has quietly implemented a new restriction on credit-card applications. The terms and conditions for popular cards have been updated to state that you will not be eligible if you've had the card in the past 24 months. Here's our recap of the current rules.
Delta Mileage Upgrades Now Available Online by Sam Helmy December 26, 2018 58 Delta has introduced a new option to upgrade existing reservations on its website. The upgrades can be purchased using cash or SkyMiles for any flight segment operated by Delta Airlines.
Chase Expanding 5/24 Policy to Additional Co-Brand Cards by Jess Farley December 10, 2018 64 Recent reports from around the points and miles community suggest that Chase may have expanded its 5/24 policy to include co-branded cards that were previously exempt from the tighter application rules.
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