JetBlue Adding Flight Between Boston And Paris

JetBlue: "JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced it has expanded its Paris service with its inaugural flight from Boston, which departed today from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). JetBlue’s new flight between Boston and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) follows the successful launch of service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) last summer and further builds on its transatlantic offering from its Boston focus city. In addition to Paris, JetBlue offers daily service to London, Amsterdam, and most recently initiated seasonal service to Dublin from Boston."

Turkish Airlines Adding Flights To Denver

One Mile At A Time: "As of June 11, 2024, Turkish Airlines will be launching 3x weekly year-round flights between Istanbul (IST) and Denver (DEN). The flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, in each direction."

Points Wire Note:

If you're using points and miles to book, Avianca LifeMiles is your best bet. After that, United Mileage Plus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Turkish Miles & Smiles will be your best options. Keep in mind that Turkish Miles & Smiles passes the carrier-imposed surcharges to you so the total taxes/fees are a bit steep. The other options do not pass on the surcharges. However, Turkish sometimes gives its own members access to more award space than it does to partner airlines.

Minneapolis Delta Sky Clubs Offers Best Way To Redeem SkyMiles

A Redditor flagged that Sky Clubs in Minneapolis (MSP are offering 50% off premium drinks when your redeem SkyMiles. As View From The Wing has noted, that means a bottle of Bollinger Special Cuvee (~$70 retail) will cost 4,600 SkyMiles instead of 9,200 SkyMiles. Considering how badly Delta has devalued SkyMiles over the years, this is actually one of the best value redemptions available.

Air India Revamps Loyalty Program

One Mile At A Time: "As the latest step of its transformation, Air India has reimagined its Flying Returns frequent flyer program, which is the first major change we’ve seen to the program in over a decade."

"Air India Flying Returns isn’t just going revenue based when it comes to earning points, but also when it comes to redeeming points. The program now has fully dynamic award pricing. "

Hilton Acquires Luxury Lifestyle Brand NoMad

The Bulkhead Seat: "Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced today that it’s purchasing NoMad Hotels to enter the luxury lifestyle hotel market. While NoMad currently has locations in Las Vegas and London, Hilton projects over 100 new hotels under the brand umbrella with 10 already in the works."

Points Wire Note:

This seems to be Hilton's attempt to compete with luxury lifestyle brands such as EDITION and W from Marriott and Andaz and Thompson from Hyatt.

British Airways Executive Club: Aer Lingus Flights Now Earn Tier Points

Travel Dealz flagged that Aer Lingus flights are now eligible to earn Tier Points toward elite status with British Airways Executive Club. While BA and Aer Lingus are both owned by IAG, you haven't been able to earn Tier Points on Aer Lingus flights until now.

I'll note that BA Sliver (oneworld Sapphire) and BA Gold (oneworld Emerald) status can often be more useful for Americans than the equivalent status with Alaska Airlines or American Airlines. Specifically, if you'd rather have lounge access on domestic flights than upgrades, BA status can be useful.

Global Entry Application Fee Increased, Minors Now Free

Skift: "The Global Entry application fee will be $120, a 20% increase from its current $100 cost, CBP said Tuesday. Global Entry allows pre-approved travelers expedited entry into the United States. Programs designed to ease crossings at the Mexican and Canadian borders — SENTRI and NEXUS — will have the same price tag. The fee for NEXUS will see a steep 140% increase from its original $50 cost."

"There is one bright spot: Minors will no longer pay an application fee for these programs, as long as their parent or legal guardian is already enrolled or actively applying."

Points Wire Note:

Many credits cards offer a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Hopefully, the reimbursement for Global Entry will be adjust to cover the increased application fee.

JetBlue Raises Checked Bag Fees Again

NerdWallet: "Less than two months after JetBlue Airways rolled out a baggage fee price increase, the airline has added another wrinkle. JetBlue hiked baggage prices again with dynamic “peak” and “off-peak” pricing — essentially surge pricing for luggage."

"The cost of checking one bag on most JetBlue flights during peak travel dates is now $5 higher, at $40, while the cost of checking a second bag has risen $10, to $60 each way. And those are the prices if you check a bag more than 24 hours before departure. Wait until you get to the airport during peak travel days and you’ll pay a whopping $50 for the first checked bag and $70 for the second checked bag."

Bulgaria and Romania Join Europe's Schengen Area

Loyalty Lobby: "Romania and Bulgaria have joined the EU’s Schengen area today, meaning there are no border checks for those traveling by air or sea from another Schengen country. However, passport or ID checks are still in place for land border traffic from these two countries."

Capital One Transfer Bonus To Virgin Atlantic

Capital One is running a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club until 11:49pm ET on April 30, 2024. 

Award flights on Virgin Atlantic have steep carrier-imposed surcharges which means brutal high taxes/fees. However, Virgin points can be quite useful for booking partners such as Air France, KLM, and ITA Airways to Europe standout.

Delta is another great option to Europe (not to/from the UK) and  All Nippon Airways (ANA) is always great if you want to visit Japan - though, award space can be tough. You can even use Virgin points to fly Air New Zealand.