Qatar Airways Brings Caviar To Business Class

Executive Traveller: "Private business class suites with sliding doors which become double beds, a restaurant-grade à la carte menu featuring ‘dine on demand’ meals, Taittinger and Gosset Champagne… there’s no doubt that Qatar Airways has elevated the business class experience of new heights of luxury."

"And soon the Gulf airline will add even more lustre to its five-star crown by serving caviar in business class."

Singapore Airlines Ends Houston To Manchester Flight

One Mile At A Time: "Unfortunately the sector between Manchester and Houston will be suspended as of April 1, 2025. While it’s not being marketed as a permanent cut, there’s no indication of if or when the route will return. The route between Singapore and Manchester will continue to operate as before."

Points Wire Note:

It's a sad day for those of us who love flying fifth-freedom routes.

Travel Tip: Make Sure You Call The Right Airline Phone Number

View From The Wing: "Beware Googling airline phone numbers because scam travel agencies have corrupted the results. You call thinking you’re reaching your airline, but the person on the other end charges you for changes you are entitled to for free – like a new flight when yours is cancelled, or seat assignments."

"Scam travel agencies buying Google ads to appear that you’ve found the airline’s phone number. They’re doing this with United Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian and others. You get connected to an agency with a one star and an F rating from the Better Business Bureau."

Always use an airline's website to get the correct contact number.

Capital One To Cover Increased Global Entry Fee Of $120

Capital One will now now cover the increased Global Entry application fee of $120.

When it was announced that the application fee would increase from $100 to $120, Citi quickly adjusted the benefit on the Citi Prestige and Citi AAdvantage Executive cards to cover the new fee. American Express and Chase followed shortly after them.

It took a bit, but it's great to see Capital One has joined the party.

Capital One Cards that cover the Global Entry application fee include:

• Capital One Venture
• Capital One Venture X
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Is JetBlue Launching Domestic First Class?

The Points Guy: "Speculation on the topic gained momentum last week when the New York-based carrier reported its quarterly earnings, with executives using the occasion to lay out a far-reaching plan it's calling "JetForward" — a strategy meant to return the carrier to profitability for the first time since before the pandemic."

Fiji Airways To Launch A Flight To Dallas

One Mile At A Time: "As of December 2024, Fiji Airways plans to launch 3x weekly flights between Nadi and Dallas, and flights are now on sale. This comes as Fiji Airways is becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance, and is also adopting American AAdvantage as its own frequent flyer program."

Lufthansa Makes Economy Light Even Worse

Travel-Dealz: [translated from German by Google] "Lufthansa is always finding new ways to generate additional revenue. It is also cutting back on services that were previously taken for granted. Until recently, checking in on time guaranteed a free choice of almost all available seats. Two years ago, this option was removed: Anyone who booked the Economy Light fare within Europe is now assigned a fixed seat - and has to pay for every change."

"Now this unpopular rule is being expanded again. From August 13th, it will also apply to all long-haul flights with Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian. Anyone who has booked the Economy Light fare will be allocated a seat by the system at check-in - and anyone who is not happy with this will have to pay at least €28 for a change. Only from the Economy Basic fare (including baggage) is a free seat selection at check-in possible."

This applies to existing bookings.

Emirates Getting New Business Class Tomorrow

One Mile At A Time: "At the beginning of July 2024, Emirates announced that it would shortly be introducing a new Boeing 777 business class. This product is now expected to enter commercial service tomorrow, though we still don’t know what it will be like, oddly. "

"The carrier’s Boeing 777s are a totally different story, as most of these jets have angled flat business class seats that are in a 2-3-2 configuration. "

"The good news is that this will finally be changing. Emirates is in the process of retrofitting 191 of its planes to update the passenger experience, including introducing premium economy. While the airline started reconfiguring A380s over a year ago, the airline has just started reconfiguring 777s. The very first jet with new interiors has the registration code A6-EQH, and it’s about to enter service, after being in the hangar for over a month."

Southwest Airlines Flights Now Show In KAYAK Searches

One Mile At A Time: "Southwest Airlines has long been focused on direct bookings, and historically hasn’t partnered with online travel agencies or third parties when it comes to promoting its flights. That’s slowly starting to change. Recently, Southwest started displaying flights on Google Flights, and you’ll now also find the flights on KAYAK."

Thailand Looks To Use Casinos To Boost Tourism

Skift: "Thailand is on its way to legalizing casinos, a move seen as crucial to revitalize the country’s tourism sector and attract substantial foreign investment."

"Thailand’s Council of State has unveiled a draft bill, inviting public feedback until August 18. The draft bill’s next steps involve cabinet approval, parliamentary debate, and potential amendments. The 22-page document outlines plans to integrate casinos into large entertainment complexes, echoing a model used successfully in Macau."

Points Wire Note:

This comes on the heels of the UAE announcing plans to legalize casinos.