Saturday, January 10, 2015

Earn Miles While You Can

My miles earning ability will be severely curtailed this year.  My first problem is I will be dropping in United status from Platinum to Gold on February 1.  Gold members used to earn a 100%, but since the Continental merger, it now earns a paltry 50%.  Then on March 1, United will award miles based on fare price, not distance.  This will take the fun and value out of mileage runs (flying just to collect miles).  It will also remove value from cheap flights over long distances.  Lastly my credit card portfolio is weighted to cash back rewards. This can change, but I enjoy 2% back or more on my spending.

I do have two mileage run trips booked this month with about 21,000 miles flown.   This will be a great last hurrah.  It will also get me a good start on 2015 status and closer to my million miller goal.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Destroying an Airliner

Here is a sad video of an airliner being dismantled in less than five minutes (the process takes slightly longer due to time lapse video tricks).  
The Crush from Sii on Vimeo.  Original video from Stewart Industries.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Best Starwood Preferred Guest – SPG – Awards in New York City

The most popular SPG point award in 2014 was the Sheraton NewYork Times Square Hotel and I’m disappointed to hear that.  I stayed there once and did not care for it.  The hotel is huge, but the rooms are tiny. They were so small; I had to use the bed to get from one side of the room to the other.  The dresser and bed left space too narrow to roll my bag through.  The club lounge was closed when I visited and lines were everywhere.  I felt cramped everywhere I went.  I hate to think this hotel is the aspirational award most redeemed in the SPG program.
Delta Departing LGA
The Sheraton Times Square is 12,000 points per night.  The new Element New York Times Square West and newer The Westin New York Grand Central are both 12,000 points and much nicer properties.  New York is spread out and easy to get around, so there’s no need to stay close to Times Square.  The Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel is another great 12,000 point option in a relaxed area.
United Departing LGA
It is good value to spend points rather than money in New York because the hotel rates, plus 15%ish tax, are exorbitant.  2 to 3 cents cash value per point is available at almost every hotel.  I’m sure the travelers spending points are seeing a good return at whatever hotel they select; I just hope next year they try to find a better hotel.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 - Year In Review

My travel in 2014 did not go as planned.  I only flew 41,274 paid miles and was able to grab United Gold status.  The downgrade from Platinum will be rough, upgrades are uncertain for all but 1K's, soon I'll be surprised to see any.  I did keep SPG Platinum and get closer to lifetime Platinum status (500 nights AND 10 years as Platinum) and Hertz likes me too.  I'm still hurting from the points inflation in 2014 and hesitant to burn miles at what I think are exorbitant rates.  
2014 Paid Travel - gcmap.com
2014 Total Travel - gcmap.com
Here's some highlights from 2014:
T-6 Texan
O'Hare Airport
I Love the 757
Sunset in Portland

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Leaving Las Vegas Seat Suggestion

Grab a window seat on the left side of the aircraft for afternoon and evening departures from Las Vegas (LAS).  You'll be treated to a great view of The Strip on the way up and then great mountain views; maybe a lovely sunset too.
The Strip
Mountains on the Climb Out
Sunset Over the Clouds

Friday, December 26, 2014

New Southwest Airlines Look

It doesn't look so bad at this angle.  I still think they should have stuck with the original tan paint scheme, but I lost that battle a long time ago.
New Southwest Look 737

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Happy Holiday Travel

Remember to leave extra time and be patient with the amateur travelers.
Hope You Are Going Somewhere Fun