The Mile Lion: "The Grand Hyatt Singapore closed in September 2022 to undergo a comprehensive renovation, originally announced in 2021 as part of the hotel’s 50th anniversary celebrations."
"Well, the Grand Hyatt Singapore is now taking reservations from 1 August 2024, in what will be the first stage of reopening. Guests will initially be accommodated in the Terrace Wing, with the Grand Wing following later in 2025."
Points Wire Note:
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Singapore in June 2022. I enjoyed my stay, but am glad to see it's getting a refresh. As a Category 5 property, you'll need 17,000, 20,000, or 23,000 points per night on off-peak, standard, and peak dates respectively.
You can also book via Hyatt Privé to get VIP perks such as a room upgrade (subject to forecasted occupancy), daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, early check-in, and a welcome amenity.
The Bulkhead Seat: "Virgin Atlantic announced yesterday that it will be returning to Canada after a decade of not flying to the country. Flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2025."
Loyalty Lobby: "Cathay Pacific is quietly implementing a check-in deadline change that affects all flights departing from June 25, 2024, with few exceptions."
"The check-in deadline for using self-service machines or manned desks and dropping luggage is 60 minutes before the prior scheduled departure time."
Skift: "The issues the U.S. Department of Justice raised with Marriott weren't particularly unique to the hotel operator and are actually pretty common in the industry. This deal might lead to sector-wide change regarding accessible rooms."
One Mile At A Time: "We know that Southwest Airlines is planning some major changes to its business model. While nothing is set in stone yet, I have some insights as to what could be changing at the airline, and it represents a major departure from the way the company currently does business."
A few potential changes:
Head for Points: "From Sunday, the old liquids rule is back."
"You will not be allowed to take any liquid of over 100ml in your hand baggage, irrespective of the type of scanner being used."
"Liquids can remain inside your hand baggage whilst being scanned at airports with the new equipment."
"(EDIT: it seems there is some confusion about this, and that liquids may need to be removed from bags. Be prepared!)"
The Hyatt Regency Tokyo has long been a popular base for Hyatt fans visiting Tokyo. Loyalty Lobby flagged that "Hyatt Regency Tokyo has now released more information about its renovation schedule, which began this week and ends on May 31, 2025."
Points Wire Note:
For those booking cash rates, you can book via Hyatt Privé to get VIP perks such as daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), etc.
If using points, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a Category 4 property that can be booked for 12,000, 15,000, or 18,000 points on off-peak, standard, and peak dates, respectively. You can also use a Category 1-4 free night award.
One Mile At A Time: "Hyatt Studios is Hyatt’s new extended stay brand, which is described as Hyatt’s entry into the upper-midscale lodging market."
"The major catch is that points earning at these properties has been reduced by 50% compared to Hyatt’s existing brands. You’ll only earn 2.5x points per dollar spent at Hyatt Studios properties, rather than the usual 5x points."
Prince of Travel: "As of June 5, 2024, all Air Canada passengers travelling in economy will enjoy free premium snacks from its recent updated offerings, as well as complimentary beer and wine on domestic and transborder flights."
Oman Air
Oman Air is set to join the oneworld alliance by the end of 2024. While Oman first mentioned its plans to join oneworld in 2021, it's nice to see it coming together.
If they open up business and first class award space to partners, that would make this even more exciting. I'll be curious to see what happens to their Aeroplan partnership. Of course, Aeroplan hasn't had access to business and first class award space for a while.
Fiji Airways
While Fiji Airways is currently a oneworld Connect member, they're planning to become a full oneworld member in the next 12 months. This will mean more oneworld partners will have reciprocal benefits with Fiji Airways.
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