View From The Wing: "Star Alliance member Asiana is offering free lounge access to all coach passengers transiting through Seoul for all of 2024. Anyone with an airport transit of less than 24 hours booking their flights through a travel agent can take advantage of access to a Plaza Premium lounge at the Incheon airport."
Points Wire Note:
Many of us in the points community take a DIY approach to booking travel, but there are some perks available to travel advisors/agents. This is the first I've seen like this, but there are tons of perks available on hotel bookings (cash stays only).
Great news for anyone wanting to try Emirates business for first class on their Airbus A380!
Emirates is bringing the A380 back to its fifth freedom route New York-JFK to Milan starting March 31, 2024. The return of the A380 means a much better business class experience compared to Emirates' Boeing 777. Plus, you can enjoy the inflight bar at the rear of the business class cabin on an A380.
For first class passengers, it means you'll be able to take a shower in the sky.
Points Wire Note:
This is your best bang for you buck/points if you want to fly Emirates business or first class. Unlike flights to Dubai (or connecting in Dubai), the fifth-freedom routes have reasonable award rates and don't include steep surcharges which make the taxes/fees rough.
Brazil has again delayed the reinstatement of visa requirements for Americans until April 10, 2025.
AFAR: "Four years after Brazil waived visa requirements for some travelers, including those from the USA, the South American country announced it is changing course. Starting January 10, 2024, nationals from the United States, Canada, and Australia will be required to come equipped with an e-visa to enter Brazil."
"The new e-visa will cost $80.90 per person and is available online at brazil.vfsevisa.com. Once obtained, the electronic visa will be valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, and for 5 years for Canadian and Australian visitors, allowing for multiple entries within that time frame."
Sign up for free flight alerts or upgrade to Straight To The Points Premium.
Premium members even get text alerts when there are great opportunities to book business and first class flights!
To make choosing your next card a bit easier, we've ranked the best credit card offers to help find the best bonuses.
Whether you need help figuring out the best ways to earn or redeem points and miles, I’ll work with you to create a personalized strategy that’s easy to follow.
In August 2018, I started the Straight To The Points flight alerts newsletter with the goal of making it easier to book business and first class flights with points & miles and fare deals.
I started Points Wire to make it easier for you to keep up with the news you need to know without all of the fluff.