Cathay Pacific Removing First Class From Boeing 777-300s

Executive Traveller: "Cathay Pacific will remove first class from its 777-300ER fleet, replacing the dated suites with its all-new high-privacy business class pods in a move which will eventually make first class exclusive to the Boeing 777-9 jets, which are due to arrive in 2025 with a luxurious new first class design."

Points Wire Note:

While Cathay's first class suites don't have doors and haven't been refreshed in years, they still provide a lot of privacy and are absolutely massive. Plus, with the bedding, they provide one of the most comfortable places to sleep in the sky. I would have liked to see them refresh the first class product just a little and kept it on the Boeing 777-300. Hopefully, they'll take delivery of the Boeing 777X next year, but the aircraft has been plagued by delays.

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.

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.

Alaska Mileage Plan Removes Ability To Link Preferred Loyalty Account

Loyalty Lobby: "Alaska has made a small but significant change for Mileage Plan members with frequent flier status with any of their Oneworld partners. You can no longer switch the frequent flier number on Alaska awards issued using Mileage Plan miles for benefits purposes."

23 New Premium Cabin Products In The Works

In the coming months and years, many airlines are set to introduce new business and first class products. Some are exciting, some less so, but they all bring an improved inflight experience. Naturally, I'm hopeful that many will be bookable with miles (at reasonable rates). One Mile At A Time has done a nice job putting together a comprehensive list of the new first class and business class products that have been announced as well as their expected launch timelines.

460+ Delta Short-Haul Economy Flights Bookable With 7,500 Virgin Points

Delta SkyMiles is notorious for not publishing award charts and for having some of the worst award rates in the industry. However, you can sometimes book Delta flights with Virgin points at reasonable rates. Business class to Europe (not the UK) is one of the best sweet spots.

However, you can also use Virgin points to book short-haul flights on Delta in economy. Award Wallet flagged 462 routes on which you can use 7,500 Virgin points for a one-way economy flight on Delta.

Whether you're booking a short flight for a vacation or to position for an international trip, these could come in handy.

Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Citi points can be transferred to Virgin Atlantic.

You can find the best credit card welcome bonus offers here.

Book Preferred Hotels Online With Choice Points

Frequent Miler: "Choice Privileges has long partnered with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and it has previously been possible, but usually very, very difficult, to book participating Preferred hotels with Choice points. Not anymore! It’s now very easy! You can now book Preferred hotels online with your Choice points!"

Points Wire Note:

You can transfer Citi ThankYou Points and Wells Fargo points to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio.

If booking a cash rate at a Preferred Hotels & Resorts property, you can book with Preferred Platinum Partner benefits via select travel advisors - click here to book. Benefits can include daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), and more.

15% Off Point.me Award Booking Service

Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you use the links below. I always appreciate your support!

If you don't have the time or energy to search for award space and you need to travel on specific dates, Point.me is running a 15% discount on their concierge services. They'll search for award space on your behalf and take care of booking your award tickets for you.

The usual price is $200 per person, but the 15% discount brings it down to $170 per person. The best part is that you don't have to use the service immediately. These credits can be used in the future when you're ready to book. You can buy up to four concierge bookings at the discounted rate.

Link to promo