Starwood’s Fall Promotion: Double or Triple Points

So far, this fall’s hotel promotions have been mostly unimpressive. Starwood’s is no exception. Offer Details Between September 12 and December 18, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn double points for weekday stays of two or more nights or triple points for weekend stays of two or more nights. Related: Is It Time to Reconsider…

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Today’s Computer Meltdown, Brought to You by British Airways

Earlier this summer, two of the world’s most financially and operationally sound airlines, Delta and Southwest, were forced to delay and cancel thousands of flights due to problems with their respective software systems. It would be comforting to think those disruptions were one-offs, exceptions to the rule of reliability that most travelers depend on. But…

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Reliable Air Transportation: What Will It Take?

Adding to the already-high levels of stress associated with air travel, systemwide computer outages have become an increasingly common occurrence, raising the prospect of not only a cramped, uncomfortable flight, but a cramped, uncomfortable flight that is delayed or cancelled. On July 20, a computer meltdown at Southwest resulted in more than 2,000 delayed or…

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Hyatt’s New Promotion: Up to 75,000 Bonus Points

Hyatt’s latest points offer is a repeat of the bonus promotion in place earlier this year. For frequent travelers, that’s a good thing. For infrequent travelers, not so much. Offer Details Between September 1 and November 30, Gold Passport members can earn up to 75,000 bonus points for multiple stays, as follows: 5,000 bonus points…

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From Hilton: Double Points Through the End of the Year

Hilton’s next points promotion is an extension of its current promotion, which was highly rated for simplicity but offered mediocre value. Offer Details Between September 1 and December 31, Hilton HHonors members can earn double points for every stay at every hotel in the HHonors portfolio. Registration is required. Related: Marriott’s New MegaBonus Promotion: Something…

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2 Airlines, 2 New Presidents, 1 Mystery

Yesterday, two of the world’s largest airlines got new presidents. What’s less clear is how, and why. First up, United: United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) today announced that Scott Kirby has been named president of United Airlines. In this newly created role, Kirby will assume responsibility for United’s operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and…

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American’s New Ads Target ‘World’s Greatest Flyers’

They walk faster in airports than anywhere else. They like babies, but bring noise canceling headphones. They know their mood contributes to the mood of the flight. They pack like they’re solving a jigsaw puzzle. They always ask before they raise or lower the window shade. They know they have a limited time on earth…

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Win This: a 5-Night Trip for 2 to Maui

Enter the AFAR Media “Win a Trip to Maui” sweepstakes by September 7, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a five-night trip for two people to Maui, including hotel, one chef-curated private dinner, $900 to cover airfare, and a subscription to AFAR Magazine. Related: Win a 4-Night Trip for 4 to Oslo,…

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Do You Tip at Hotels? Should You?

Expedia’s recent Hotel Etiquette Study focused mainly on the effects of travelers’ behavior on their fellow hotel guests. But there was a section of the survey that shone a light on travelers’ hotel tipping behavior as well. 30% don’t tip at all. Of those who do, 46% tip the housekeeper; 40% tip the room service…

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