Flying Blue Can Now Book EL AL Flights

Upgraded Points: "EL AL, the flag carrier of Israel, has launched partnerships with several airlines over the past year. The latest partnership lets you redeem Flying Blue miles for flights on EL AL, and the rates are quite appealing."

"Even better, you might even pay less for business class than premium economy on some routes."

Virgin Atlantic To Open Clubhouse Lounge At LAX

One Mile At A Time: "There are plans for a Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse to open at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 4,401 square foot lounge will be located in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), on level six. Specifically, Virgin Atlantic will take over the space of the former Etihad Lounge, which closed during the pandemic, when Etihad discontinued flights to the airport."

"While the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse LAX will likely be restricted to eligible premium passengers ahead of Virgin Atlantic departures, I would guess that this lounge will be open to Priority Pass members over other hours, as that’s the case with other Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse locations in the United States. So this should add a much needed Priority Pass option in the terminal."

ITA Airways Status Match Promo

Loyalty Lobby: "SkyTeam member airline ITA (former Alitalia) has launched another status match campaign valid for new applications through August 19th, 2024."

"The ITA Airways – Volare Summer Status Match 2024 promotion is running from July 16 2024 until August 19 2024 and a list of specific competing elite customers can apply for a match with the Italian carrier."

Use this link to see the airline statuses that you can match to ITA Airways.

Direct link to promo

Flying Blue X Uber: Earn Miles in France And The Netherlands

Skift: "Uber users in France and the Netherlands can now earn points for flights with Air France-KLM."

"Residents and visitors in France and the Netherlands can now get one mile with the airline company’s Flying Blue loyalty program for every €1 spent on Uber rides. That becomes two miles for every €1 spent when users take at least four trips per month. Users can link their accounts in the Settings page of the Uber app to begin earning miles."

IHG Americas Summer Sale: Save Up To 25%

IHG is running a sale for stays in the Americas through October 12, 2024. The member discount is 20% or 25% depending on the days you stay. You must book by July 29, 2024.

Please note that these are advance purchase rates (non-refundable, non-cancelable).

Direct link to promo

Card Spotlight: Wells Fargo Choice Privileges Cards

Danny the Deal Guru: "Choice Hotels revealed last year a multi-year agreement with Wells Fargo and Mastercard to launch a new cobranded credit card program. Now the two credit cards have best ever bonuses. The no-fee Choice Privileges Mastercard has a 70,000 points bonus and the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard has an offer for 100,000 bonus points.

British Airways Devalues Award Rates For LATAM Flights

Head for Points flagged that British Airways devalued award rates for LATAM flights. You might recall that British Airways just recently increased award rates for flights on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.

New Economy Award Rates By Flight Distance

• Up to 650 miles: 8,500 Avios, up from 6,000 Avios
• 651-1,150 miles: 13,500 Avios, up from 9,000 Avios
• 1,151-2,000 miles: 15,500 Avios, up from 11,000 Avios
• 2,001-3,000 miles: 17,000 Avios, up from 13,000 Avios
• 3,001-4,000 miles: 31,250 Avios, up from 20,750 Avios
• 4,001-5,000 miles: 41,250 Avios, up from 25,750 Avios

I would imagine business class award rates have been devalued as well, but I haven't had a chance to dig into it yet.

How To Get Around An American Airlines Award Glitch

JT Genter from Award Wallet flagged that American AAdvantage continues to have issues including with award tickets that include a partner airline and a connection on American Airlines itself.

If you try to pay the taxes/fees for an award ticket to complete the booking but get an error, put the award on hold instead and call American to complete the booking. Once you reach an agent, let them know you put the award on hold after the payment would process and ask them to help you complete the booking.

American AAdvantage allows you to hold an award ticket for five days if the flight is at least 15 days from departure. Within two weeks, you can hold a ticket for one day. Regardless, I would call right away if you can.

Earning Avios On Emirates Flights Comes To An End

I know many people only earn points and miles via credit cards these days, but it's always a good idea to be aware of clever opportunities to earn. Unfortunately, in this case, we're looking at the end of one such opportunity.

Head for Points flagged that you can no longer earn Avios on Emirates flights marketed by Qantas.

"Qantas was the only oneworld airline where you could earn Avios and BA tier points if you travelled on a codeshare flight operated by a non-oneworld airline." Unfortunately, the terms have changed and no longer allow this.

New Lifemiles x Gol Smiles Partnership

View From The Wing flags that you can now transfer lifemiles to Gol Smiles at a ratio of 1:3.

"This creates interesting arbitrage opportunities – with occasional American Airlines flyers having the ability to move points into a Star Alliance program (Lifemiles) and occasional Star customers being able to credit to LifeMiles and have the opportunity to redeem with American. This is in some ways similar to the role that Aer Lingus played as it partnered with both United and British Airways."