Live And Let's Fly: "United has struggled to fill planes to the South Pacific, with flights to Auckland, New Zealand averaging a load factor of 68% and flights to Brisbane only 58%. While United will not pull out of either city, it will attempt to stop the bleeding by suspending both routes from Los Angeles and consolidating service from its other hub in California, San Francisco."
One Mile At A Time: "Historically, Alaska hasn’t put much effort into selling first class upgrades in advance, prior to check-in. However, that appears to have changed, as Alaska is now consistently encouraging passengers to pay to upgrade to first class."
"This was only recently implemented, and as of now there are more questions than answers. It would appear that for the most part, the upgrade cost is simply the fare difference between economy class and first class. This is good news for those looking for a complimentary elite upgrade, and bad news for those looking to pay to upgrade."
Disclosure: I serve on a Bilt advisory board and may earn a commission if you use the links below.
Update: As of today, you can earn 3x on rent with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card. Details below.
In the nearly nine years I've been involved in the points and miles community, I have heard countless people say they want Alaska Airlines to become a partner of a transferable points program. Well, it's finally happened.
Today, Bilt Rewards added Alaska Mileage Plan as a transfer partner.
With Alaska miles, you can book flights on Alaska Airlines, oneworld partner, or non-oneworld partners such as Aer Lingus and Condor.
While many people were sad to see Bilt and American Airlines announce that they'll be parting ways in June of this year, the addition of Alaska Airlines lessens the blow as its another strong oneworld member.
Earn 3x Alaska Miles On Rent
Later this year, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature cardholders will be able to pay rent with their card and earn 3x Alaska miles on up to $50,000 in rent each year. Unlike paying rent with Bilt, there will be a 3% processing fee. However, I'm sure some will find earning 3x more than offsets the fee.
There's a targeted Chase Offer for 10% back at Hilton brands up to $32 back. The offer expires June 19, 2024.
What I like about this offer is that it doesn't restrict you to specific brands which means you can use it at Conrad, LXR, and Waldorf Astoria properties. This means you can take advantage of Hilton Impresario benefits such as:
One Mile At A Time: "The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is currently expected to open in late 2024, though isn’t yet accepting reservations. The hotel will be located in Kuala Lumpur’s new Merdeka 118 building, which isn’t only the tallest skyscraper in the city, but the tallest building in all of Asia-Pacific."
Points Wire Note:
Traditionally, luxury properties in Kuala Lumpur have some great rates. I'll be curious to see how the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur compares. It certainly has the potential to be a great Hyatt Privé option for cash stays!
Danny the Deal Guru: "Resy has a new offer for the Amex Gold Card which is better than the current public offer. The official offer currently is 60,000 Membership Rewards points. However, you can probably get a 90,000 points offer through some referrals. But this Resy offer will get you 75,000 points plus up to $350 back for dining purchases, which is also a category that earns 4x with the Amex Gold Card."
Points Wire Note:
The 90,000-point welcome bonus offer will be best for many people. However, if you're able to pull up the offer 75,000 Membership Rewards points + up to $350 back at restaurants, that might be a better option.
Loyalty Lobby: "Best Western Rewards members can earn a 10,000 bonus every three nights for up to 20,000 bonus points after six nights. Members will then receive an email invitation to register for an additional promotion for double or triple points."
Stays between May 20 and September 2, 2024 are eligible.
Thrifty Traveler: "After a major (and majorly unpopular) overhaul nearly doubled the annual spending requirements, earning Delta Medallion Status isn't right for everyone. But a brand new promotion from Delta could make it a bit easier."
"For a limited time, booking hotels, vacation rentals, or rental cars through Delta's dedicated travel site for a trip this summer will add to your balance of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), the critical spending requirement you need to hit to earn or requalify for status with the Atlanta-based airline. Each $1 you spend on lodging gets you 1 MQD."
Market Watch: "Hyatt Hotels plans to open more than 30 new hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America through 2027 as it seeks to grow its presence in holiday destinations across the region."
"With openings planned in the beach town of Miches, Dominican Republic, and on the island of St. Lucia, the company said Friday it's tapping into strong travel demand across all customer segments"
View From The Wing: "IHG’s One Rewards loyalty program isn’t nearly as profitable as Hilton’s and Marriott’s. They’re working to change that."
"However IHG has negotiated changes to it’s “System Fund” that allow it to keep part of the revenue from points sales while owners will pay less into the program."
"At the end of the day, hotels spending less on the program and IHG taking more money out of the program, probably shouldn’t be encouraging from a member perspective."
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