Best use of Hyatt free night certs?
If you recently made a move to sign up for the Hyatt credit card before the "2 free night" version of the sign up bonus...
[Expired] Fast-track to A-list [Targeted?]
I received an interesting email today from Southwest Airlines with what I assume is a targeted offer for double points and fast-tracked A-List status. If...
Bye bye Fairmont card. I hardly knew ya…
Chase has begun sending letters to Fairmont credit card holders stating that the Fairmont card will be replaced with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card...
Fine Hotels & Resorts + Points
As part of our son's high school graduation trip, my family of three spent the first two nights of Memorial Day weekend in San...
Booking a luxury trip with points and deals
My son has just completed high school and will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall to study computer science. Early in...
Is the Andaz 5th Ave overrated?
I recently spent a weekend at the Andaz 5th Ave in New York City. I was excited about this stay; not only had I...
Amex Platinum for Less (2017 edition)
The Amex Platinum card comes with a slew of useful benefits such as lounge access (Centurion Lounge, Delta SkyClub, Priority Pass Select lounges, etc.);...
Family mileage running for Star Alliance Gold
In the post "Hunt for Star Alliance Gold" I described why I wanted Star Alliance Gold status (lounge access!), and I told the story...
Rocking Fairmont credit card free nights and elite benefits
Chase's Fairmont credit card is no longer available to new applicants, but I know that many readers signed up for the card in January...
No, Delta didn’t add limits to earning status through spend (myth busted)
Last week, Rene's Points announced that Delta had implemented new restrictions to how many MQMs (elite qualifying miles) could be earned through credit card...
Hunting for Star Alliance Gold
On March 1st, my free status match to Copa Platinum status went kaput. When Copa first created their own loyalty program there was a...
Marriott Mobile Check In: Does it help or hurt upgrade chances?
During a recent trip to Austin, I had the chance to try out Marriott's new mobile app. My family of three had booked a...
Delta companion tickets and awards now upgradeable
Beginning today, April 6, Delta companion travel has become more attractive for Delta elite members and their companions. Companion certificates previously were not upgradeable...
Investing in change: Marriott / SPG / Ritz new program opportunities
Airline and hotel mergers are often bad for consumers since they result in less competition. That said, mergers also create lots of change. And...
