Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week. If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly. Delta SkyMiles Members Can Now…
Let’s be honest: We’d all fly first class if we could. We don’t, of course. And it’s not because we can’t. I could charge a $12,138 first-class flight to Tokyo on any of several credit cards in my wallet, and pay it off over time. So could you. We don’t, because it’s a bad deal.…
In yet another sign that the mainstream travel industry is slowly recognizing (if not wholeheartedly embracing) the sharing economy, Delta this week began awarding frequent-flyer miles for Airbnb stays. Effective immediately, Delta SkyMiles members can earn one mile per $1 spent on Airbnb stays booked through deltaairbnb.com. New Airbnb customers who book via the dedicated…
There’s an ongoing debate among travel junkies concerning what’s commonly referred to as premium economy. Specifically: When does an airline’s coach product legitimately deserve to be called premium economy? Is a couple of extra inches of legroom enough to qualify for the “premium” designation? An upgraded inflight entertainment system? Better meals? Priority boarding? More frequent-flyer…
Carlson’s latest promotion may appeal to points-seekers or to those aspiring to elite status. But it’s one or the other, not both. Offer Details Between November 1 and December 31, 2016, Club Carlson members can choose to earn one of two available bonuses for stays at participating Carlson Rezidor hotels: Double points Double elite-qualifying nights…
Do your Thanksgiving travel plans include flying? Here’s what to expect, and how to cope. Airlines for America, the trade group representing the interests of U.S. airlines, today released its forecast for the Thanksgiving travel period, between November 18 and November 29. The big picture: U.S. airlines are expected to carry 27.3 million flyers over…
If you’re among the privileged few whose pocketbook or corporate travel policy allows you to fly business class, you’re in for an upgrade. The Big Three full-service carriers have all recently introduced new international business-class services, including seats and associated amenities. Bloomberg, which reviewed the new business products, characterized them as “glossy offerings that can…
IHG Rewards, the loyalty program of the InterContinental Hotels Group, yesterday released its latest list of PointBreaks hotels that are available for booking for just 5,000 IHG Rewards points per night. Offer Details Beginning on October 31, IHG Rewards members can book award nights for 5,000 points at 127 participating hotels, for stays through January…
Enter the Carlson Hotels “Trip of a Lifetime” sweepstakes by November 30, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a 10-day trip to India, including air to and within India, hotels, ground transportation, tours, some meals, and a check for $2,200. To enter, provide the requested contact information (name, email, etc.) on the…
If you’re among the many air travelers who believe that the airlines have conspired to keep airfares high by restraining capacity growth, you’re about to have that suspicion reality-checked in a court of law. Late last week, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., overruled objections by the airlines and gave the go-ahead to a class-action…
Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week. If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly. Do We Need Kids-Free Seating…