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Unite Here, a national labor group representing hospitality workers on strike in various U.S. cities, has called for state attorneys general to investigate hotel loyalty programs. The group claims these programs engage in deceptive practices and devalue rewards.
When The Points Guy's senior writer, Ben Smithson, informed a colleague about Air France-KLM Flying Blue's July Promo Reward sale, offering flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Europe starting at 15,000 Flying Blue miles each way, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. This particular deal was noteworthy because such offers typically depart from either the East or West Coast, and the individual in question is based in Colorado.
American Airlines has initiated a limited beta test for online redemption of systemwide upgrade certificates, fulfilling a promise made earlier this year. The trial began on Monday and is available to select AAdvantage members who were notified via email. This test will last two to three weeks and aims to assess the need for adjustments before broader implementation.
Alaska Airlines offers two cobranded credit cards that appeal to loyal customers: the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card. Both cards, issued by Bank of America, cater to different types of users while providing similar benefits.
Due to rising costs in Hamburg, Condor has announced adjustments to its summer 2025 flight schedule.
Delta Air Lines is set to expand its international reach in 2025 with the introduction of two new routes, enhancing connections between the United States and both Europe and Asia. The airline will launch a nonstop service from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark. This move aligns with Delta's recent codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which transitioned from the Star Alliance to SkyTeam.
Ritz-Carlton is set to make a comeback in Cancun with a new property opening in 2027. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc will be situated just ten minutes from the airport and will feature 131 rooms and suites along with 126 branded residences. This development is a collaboration between FibraHotel, Fibra Danhos, and Beyond Ventures.
Etihad Airways is set to reintroduce two more Airbus A380 aircraft into its fleet as part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy. The sixth and seventh A380s will return in February and June 2025, according to Arik De, the airline's chief revenue officer. These planes will service routes to Singapore and an undisclosed destination.
Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program has emerged as a preferred choice for many travelers within the Star Alliance network. Despite not frequently visiting Canada, some travelers find Aeroplan's benefits appealing.
Royal Caribbean has announced an increase in its automatic service charge, a fee added to passenger bills, effective from November 1. This adjustment will see the daily gratuity charge rise to $18.50 per person for most cabins and $21 for suites. The current rates are $18 and $20.50, respectively.
Alaska Airlines has announced the termination of one of its recent routes from Seattle Paine Field International Airport. The route, which connected Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska to Paine Field in Everett, Washington, was last operated during the summer season ending on August 19, 2024. Initially planned to resume on May 15, 2025, the service will no longer be reinstated.
Apple AirTags are currently available at a reduced price on Amazon as part of the final day of Amazon Prime Day. A four-pack is priced at $79.98, down from the regular retail price of $99. Single AirTags can be purchased for $24.99 each.
Skiing has often been associated with affluence, especially since its early 20th-century introduction to North America. Traditionally, the sport was accessible mainly to those who could afford costly trips to renowned destinations such as Colorado, Idaho, and New England. This trend continues today, with skiing expenses having increased significantly over time.
Disneyland has increased its ticket prices for most types by up to $12 per day, with the changes taking effect immediately. The entry-level ticket price remains unchanged at $104 per day. This move follows similar annual increases over the past few years.
Construction on Brightline West's high-speed rail line, which aims to connect Las Vegas with Southern California by 2028, is progressing. The private rail operator has recently provided a preview of the interior of its upcoming trainsets.
Royal Caribbean has announced plans to develop a new private beach resort in Mexico, called "Perfect Day Mexico." This new venture will be similar to the company's highly acclaimed Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. The development will cover approximately 100 acres of land at the port of Costa Maya, as confirmed by Kara Wallace, Royal Caribbean's chief marketing officer.
As the year draws to a close, many travelers are reviewing their travel rewards to avoid losing value when points, certificates, vouchers, and credits expire at midnight on January 1, 2025. A look into popular loyalty programs reveals varying expiration policies.
Delta Air Lines is set to inaugurate its second Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this Thursday. This new addition, located in Terminal 3, follows the launch of a similar lounge at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) earlier this year. The LAX facility spans just over 10,000 square feet and aims to provide premium travelers with a range of amenities including an exclusive check-in experience and a dedicated Transportation Security Agency checkpoint.
Renting a car with a debit card can be more challenging than expected. Caroline Tanner from The Points Guy shares insights on the process, emphasizing that rental policies vary by company and location. She advises contacting rental locations in advance to confirm their specific requirements.
United Airlines is set to expand its domestic network with the introduction of four new routes. The Chicago-based airline has announced plans to add flights from its hubs at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.