Travel on Points: "Just when I thought the 250K Amex Business Platinum welcome offers were the craziest thing I have seen in miles and points, American Express may have outdone itself. We are now seeing reports of a 150K Amex Business Platinum retention offer being given out. This retention offer blows my mind even more than the 250K welcome offer. For once a bank is giving out what they do to new customers to retain customers."
Brazil has again delayed the reinstatement of visa requirements for Americans until April 10, 2025.
AFAR: "Four years after Brazil waived visa requirements for some travelers, including those from the USA, the South American country announced it is changing course. Starting January 10, 2024, nationals from the United States, Canada, and Australia will be required to come equipped with an e-visa to enter Brazil."
"The new e-visa will cost $80.90 per person and is available online at brazil.vfsevisa.com. Once obtained, the electronic visa will be valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, and for 5 years for Canadian and Australian visitors, allowing for multiple entries within that time frame."
Upgraded Points: "To qualify for the bonus miles, log into your AAdvantage Dining account, find a restaurant that accepts OpenTable reservations, book the reservation, show up for your reservation and enjoy your meal, and then pay with your linked credit card to earn up to 5 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent and the 150 AAdvantage bonus miles."
You can earn a bonus once per day and up to eight times per month.
One Mile At A Time: "For the past few years, higher tier Mileage Plan elite members have also received some international upgrade certificates for travel on American. These have just been sent to members for 2024. Unfortunately it has also been announced that this perk will be discontinued as of next year."
Loyalty Lobby: "ANA Business Class passengers on international flights can enjoy complimentary in-flight WiFi starting this coming summer (the service has been complimentary for first-class passengers)."
"Premium Economy and Economy class passengers will be eligible for complimentary messaging on international flights by March 2025."
The Mile Lion: "One of the hardest KrisFlyer awards to book is the Star Alliance Round-the-World (RTW) award, but when the stars align just right, it can be magical."
"Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines has announced that it will be eliminating this award type from 1 May 2024, though there’s still time to book one now if you don’t mind doing the (not insignificant) legwork!"
View From The Wing: "Delta Air Lines is moving from ‘branded boarding’ to having 8 boarding zones starting May 1, although things are even more complicated than that because there are still groups that are called to board before and in the middle of those zones."
"This is supposed to streamline boarding and be better for customers by… copying American and United, and copying Delta itself from 2017."
Head for Points flagged that British Airways has launchd a status match - really, a status challenge - for residents of the US and Canada. You can match your status from seven airlines including:
Depending on your status with these airlines, you can match to BA Silver or BA Gold. Both provide lounge access on domestic flights operated by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. Additionally, you can choose Main Cabin Extra seats on American.
You must apply for the match by May 7, 2024. You'll need to upload proof of an eligible status level with an eligible airline. Approval can take up to five days.
The Status Challenge
Your new status is only valid for six months unless you meet certain benchmarks to extend.
Specifically, you need to book a round-trip transatlantic business or first class cash ticket that is marketed by British Airways that originates in the US, Canada, or Mexico.
The flights must be operated by BA, AA, Iberia, or Finnair. You must book and complete this round-trip ticket within six months of registering for the match.
Points Wire Note:
I've had BA Gold for several years and BA Silver before that. I've often called BA Silver the sweet spot for many oneworld flyers in the US who don't fly enough for work to earn top-tier status with American or Alaska. If you're unlikely to get upgrades, you might as well get lounge access (including Flagship lounges).
Live And Let's Fly: "In what appears to be a change to longstanding policy, United Airlines is no longer making all of its “saver level” award space available to members of partner frequent flyer programs. If this is indeed a new trend, it will certainly impact the usefulness of partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles for many US-based travelers."
Points Wire Note:
My hope is that this isn't a policy change. I've seen United restrict business class award space to their own MileagePlus members at times in the past, but it's always come back. We'll see how things go this time!
View From The Wing: "Between late check-out rules and housekeeping costs, some Marriott employees cop to lying to guests and saying there are no suite upgrades available – since it’s costly and operationally difficult to honor the benefit."
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