Learning Scuba and feeding fish
While I puked off the side of the boat, someone was kind enough to hold onto the air tank strapped to my back. Air tanks are heavy. The guardian angel at my back lifted...
How bad were my 2015 predictions?
I probably should have just swept these predictions under the rug and forgotten about them. In January, I published my predictions for 2015. Every one of my 2014 predictions had come true, at least...
My final AA mileage run involved actual running. Here’s the story.
In the recent post, “How I screwed up my end of year AA mileage run,” I told the story of what I thought would be my last mileage run. I had calculated my last...
The best way to use Chase points to book hotels
A reader recently asked me about booking a hotel with Chase Ultimate Rewards points. She had found a Marriott property that had good reviews and was available for a free night award for 30,000...
To Heathrow and back — AA vs. BA business class. Which was better?
The weekend before last, I flew to London Heathrow airport on Saturday and returned home on Sunday… on purpose. My goal wasn’t to visit London (which is a great city to visit, by the...
Buy Avios for as little as 1.04 cents each
Via Flyertalk, Groupon.es is offering Avios for as little as 1.04 cents each.
The Groupon offer (found here) shows the following options:
2000 Avios - 19 € (65%)
4000 Avios - 49 € (46% off)
8000 Avios -...
How I screwed up my end of year AA mileage run
Flight deals, especially the really great ones, rarely last long. Once a great deal is publicized, it’s a race against the clock to find and book the deal before its too late. Often, I...
How much are those 100,000 Crystal Visa Infinite points worth?
On October 1, we published a Quick Deal for a 100K credit card signup offer: New Crystal Visa Infinite Offer – 100K Points, $250 Airline Credit, Free Lounge Membership & Waived 1st Year Annual...
How to upgrade AA coach to business class, in advance
One of the best features of the American Airlines AAdvantage program, in my opinion, is that they allow upgrades from coach to business class, or business class to first class on all fares. This...
How to book US Bank Club Carlson e-cert free nights (it may be harder...
The Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa and its business card twin used to be among my favorite cards. In fact, I have one of each, and my wife has the personal card. Until May...
Surviving end of year miles, nights, and savings
End of year projects, holiday shopping, in-laws… Many things contribute to end of year stress, but frequent travelers have additional headaches. December travel marks the last possible time to re-qualify for elite status with...
AccorHotels to acquire Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel
AccorHotels has issued a press release stating that they will acquire the collection of hotels that include Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel.
You can find the full press release here.
No word yet on how this will...
SPG Nights & Flights vs. Marriott Travel Packages
When Marriott announced their acquisition of Starwood Hotels, most SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) loyalists were not happy. Where SPG is often regarded as one of (if not the) best loyalty programs, Marriott’s program is...
Should you transfer Chase points to Amtrak?
Monday December 7th will be the last day to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Amtrak Guest Rewards. Should you transfer? If so, how much?
Are you planning an Amtrak bedroom or roomette trip? Can...
