Research News
Singapore Airlines has introduced its latest monthly Spontaneous Escapes, offering discounted award deals available for booking through August 31 for travel in September.
Radisson Hotels in the Americas has joined Choice Hotels, while the international Radisson chain remains separate due to concerns over Chinese ownership and control of U.S. data.
On August 15, 2024, an increased initial bonus offer for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card was announced. This offer allows cardholders to earn up to 75,000 bonus points and runs until September 26, 2024.
Phish is performing at a massive festival in Delaware, and hotels are canceling reservations to re-sell the rooms for higher prices.
Hilton Honors has announced a new promotion offering 2,500 bonus points per stay from September through December 31, 2024. Registration is required to participate in this promotion. Previously, Hilton ran a double points offer from May 2 to September 2, 2024. While the double points promotion generally provided better value for most customers, the current offer is capped at the first $250 spent.
A passenger on board United Airlines' flight 939 from London Heathrow to San Francisco engaged in behavior that raised concerns among fellow travelers. According to a reader, identified as Dan P, the passenger "made sure to touch everything with her bare feet" during the flight on Monday. Dan P shared photos showing the individual propping her feet up on the seat’s television, standing on the seat cushion, and resting her feet directly on the seat.
American Airlines has announced that it will now award miles and status credit when customers purchase a cabin upgrade. This change addresses the increasing difficulty of securing complimentary upgrades due to fuller planes and more passengers holding elite status.
Qatar Airways has historically offered favorable award pricing for short-distance travel on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with points that are relatively easy to acquire. The airline has a U.S. credit card and is a transfer partner of American Express and Citibank. Additionally, points from British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair, and Iberia can be moved into Qatar's program, allowing for transfers from Chase, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Bilt through these intermediaries.
When Alaska Airlines agreed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend their review period, it indicated a potential government approval for the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The extension reflects ongoing negotiations and suggests a deal may be imminent.
Starting today, American Airlines' Gold members and above will receive free checked bags when flying with Gol, their exclusive codeshare partner in Brazil. This new benefit extends to members of both airlines' loyalty programs, who already enjoy reciprocal mile earning and redemption privileges.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently addressed employees, outlining the competitive landscape of the airline industry. The video, reviewed by Live and Let’s Fly, painted a mixed picture of United's performance and future prospects.
Alaska Airlines flight attendants have voted against a contract negotiated by their union, which would have provided an immediate 18% raise followed by annual 3% raises. The agreement also included boarding pay and retroactive pay dating back to 2022. The vote concluded with a decisive 68% against and 32% in favor.
News and notes from around the web:
A Budget Rent a Car customer had their Chrysler Pacifica confiscated by police, who claimed it was unregistered and had fake plates. The family was left on the side of the road for hours.
NBA star Steph Curry was seen flying business class on Air France instead of first class, despite recently winning an Olympic gold medal. Nicole Perlroth tweeted, "Steph Curry rolling into his Paris —> SFO nonstop Gold Medal on… #NightNightpic.twitter.com/IhK6DIpA5V."
Brian Sumers of The Airline Observer has provided insights from Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson regarding the airline’s Hawaii operations. The discussion focuses on their inter-island flights, which despite poor performance, remain strategically important.
An American Airlines passenger was prevented from flying from Albuquerque to New Orleans in June after being added to the airline’s banned customer list for past behavior. The passenger, who identifies as a lesbian, disputes the airline's claim that she had drunken sex with a man on a previous flight.
Hotels.com had a compelling reward proposition, though it had been devalued over the years. You earned 10% of your room rate back, redeemable after every 10 nights.
News and notes from around the internet:
American Airlines has reached an agreement with its flight attendants union on a new contract, which includes immediate raises of 18% to 20%, full retroactive pay, and boarding pay that the union states averages to an 8.5% raise.