Monkey Miles: "Southwest is running another Companion Pass promotion ( they just had a flash promo ) on their much desired Southwest Companion Pass where you can nominate another person to fly with you and just pay the taxes and fees on their ticket. This time around it’s a trial Companion Pass that lasts for a couple months as long as you buy a roundtrip, or two one-ways, in the next couple days."
Important Details
If you complete the necessary steps, you'll get the Southwest Companion Pass between August 5 and October 2, 2024.
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.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you use the links below.
One Mile At A Time: "Frontier Airlines is launching service to New York Kennedy, and is returning to Newark. The airline is seemingly doing this with one goal — serving San Juan, with two daily flights from each airport. These are already very crowded and competitive markets, with fairly low fares. I’m curious to see if Frontier can make these routes work, or if this is an experiment that lasts for a few months."
Marriott announced a new partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM. You will be able to earn Marriott Bonvoy points via the BetMGM app.
"Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program, and BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, today launched an unprecedented rewards collaboration in the online sports betting and iGaming industry, giving fans an extra stake in the game."
"Players in licensed states can link their Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM accounts and earn BetMGM Rewards points when they wager using the BetMGM sports betting app or play at the award-winning online casino. They can then exchange BetMGM Rewards points for Marriott Bonvoy points, up to 100,000 points annually, which they can then use to redeem extraordinary experiences, including future free nights with Marriott Bonvoy's more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations globally."
JetBlue is cutting a third of its routes from Los Angeles, several routes from Fort Lauderdale, New York (JFK) to Detroit, and Tampa to Aguadilla. Additionally, they're cutting all flights to Bogota, Lima, Kansas City, and Quito.
View From The Wing had this to say: "Their West Coast operation performs poorly. It was logical to cut. JetBlue needs to build back Boston. They’ve allowed Delta to grow as they focused on New York during the time of their American Airlines partnership. They should clearly re-engage American Airlines on a partnership, pull back from the West Coast, and focus on the Northeast – a return to their roots."
Hilton Impresario often runs third or fourth night free promos at many of its properties. Fortunately, many of these offers have been extended through March 2025.
If you know how Impresario works, you can go ahead and book here.
Hilton Impresario Brands
Only three brands can be booked via Impresario:
Hilton Impresario Benefits
What Rate Does Impresario Book?
Hilton Impresario books the Flexible Rate. The third and fourth night free promo is based off of the Flexible Rate. Impresario does not book member rates and/or advance purchase rates.
Do You Earn Hilton Points?
Yes. In fact, you earn double Hilton points.
Do You Earn Hilton Elite Nights?
Yes
View From The Wing: "Alaska Airlines elite frequent flyers are eligible for upgrades when flying American Airlines. The two carriers have a much tighter relationship through their ‘West Coast Alliance’ than just as oneworld airline partners."
"There’s now even a new improvement to the reciprocal upgrade benefit. Alaska Airlines passengers flying on American are now eligible for upgrades even when buying American’s basic economy fares."
One Mile At A Time: "Qatar Airways is planning a new business class product for its wide body jets, which is currently being referred to as Qsuites 2.0. Qatar Airways’ new CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, has stated that this product will be revealed at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, so we’re just months from seeing what the airline has in store for us."
Frequent Flyer Bonuses: "Receive a $20 Best Western Bonus Card for every $100 Best Western Travel/Gift Card you purchase. The bonus card is awarded on purchases of up to 5 gift cards. Purchase cards by Mar 18, 24. Bonus cards expire on Aug 31, 24."
The Bulkhead Seat: "The Confidante Miami Beach is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, but it might be most famous for being the setting of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” video. I stayed at the hotel last year and found the experience a mixed bag. It’s perfectly located for enjoying the beach, but service and elite benefits were spotty at best. I’m happy that it’s getting a huge renovation and reopening as an Andaz at the end of 2024."
Points Wire Note:
I booked several clients at The Confidante via Hyatt Privé a few years ago. Many of my clients had similarly mixed feelings about the property. Hopefully, the rebranding as an Andaz will mean a nicer and more consistent experience when the property reopens later this year.
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