United A320's at Denver |
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Happy Travels
I hit my 2015 United status goal this week. It nice to know I can relax for two months before the race starts again.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Delta Checked Bags Guarantee Miles
I earned more Delta miles from my checked bag arriving late than from flying to JFK and back. My $410 flight, plus tax, yielded 2,050 miles while my bag arriving 25 minutes after parking at the gate earned 2,500 miles. Delayed bag miles don't post automatically, passengers need to submit a request at Delta.com/bagsontime. Free miles, so take them if you can.
We're committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That's why we're backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles. Just complete the below form no later than three days after your flight's arrival. Requests should only be submitted after your flight.
We're committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That's why we're backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles. Just complete the below form no later than three days after your flight's arrival. Requests should only be submitted after your flight.
Bags Are Always Slow at Denver |
Sunday, October 18, 2015
United Miles Buy Beer
0.7c per mile is not the best value available in frequent flyer programs. Even with recent devaluations, 6c per mile is possible without too much effort. To earn that high valuation, one needs 100,000 miles or maybe more. For those who earn from one or two trips a year, such a large balance is inconceivable. 1,430 miles is achievable, but award tickets usually start at 12,500 for a domestic one way flight. Rather than save for a few years, infrequent flyers can cash in their miles for a beer at Newark airport. This is a great way for people extract quick value from their flights. Just because it isn't the best value, doesn't mean it's not good value.
Lufthansa has been doing this for years with their WorldShop in Frankfurt Airport. They have good selection in store and let you order online for in store pickup. They'll also let you pay with a mix of miles and Euros. United isn't close to Lufthansa, but it's a start.
At Airport Merchandise Awards |
I Love Lufthansa |
Friday, October 16, 2015
New United CEO Has Heart Attack
New United CEO Oscar Munoz had a heart attack yesterday and is in a hospital recovering. I wish him well, but the company must be more of a mess than imagined.
United Airlines Jets at EWR |
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Picture Post Again
I'm writing a post about pricing, but it's taking a while. I'm going through my marketing textbooks even. Until then, enjoy a picture.
Landing at LGA |
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Turned Out Well
Newark is a miserable place, but at least something good came of my layover there.
I Like This Picture |
Friday, October 9, 2015
Window Seat Woe
I tried really hard to get a window seat on my flight to Australia. For almost 14 hours, I had a view of water or darkness. I still enjoyed it because I was able to scream "Land Ho!" in my mind like a sailor in Captain Cook's fleet. I also enjoyed the plane spotting on the ground. One of the requirements for window seat fun is a clean window. The CRJ-700 I flew last week into Charleston had filthy window and took some of the fun out of my flight. I did drink the aircraft out of Miller Lite. A minor accomplishment on a regional jet, but I am still proud.
Write a Maintenance Ticket for Cleaning |
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Bad Idea From United Airlines
United has had plenty of bad ideas since the Continental merger. In an effort to continue the trend, they offered me a 31 minute connection at EWR. This isn't their worst idea of 2015, but it's not close to a good idea.
Want a 31 Minute Connection at Newark? No. No I do Not. |
Friday, October 2, 2015
Book Now To Top Up 2015 Stats
If you aren't sure you'll hit your status goal in 2015, now is the time to book. Waiting will raise prices and decrease options.
Book Soon or Never See an Upgrade in 2016 |
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
United Airlines A320 First Class Breakfast
It took into September before I was upgraded and served a meal. Life is rough with United selling more and more first class seats. Tasty breakfast on an A320 to LGA. Nothing special on it's own, but very special to me.
Eggs and Sausage |
Friday, September 25, 2015
Denver Airport Beer Flights - Beer Garden
Munich Airport has an actual beer garden and they have a Lufthansa lounge that is similar to a beer garden. This isn't that. Denver's Beer Flights program features Colorado micro-brews and is a great way to kill 30-60 minutes outside security (sorry connecting passengers). There were no Oktoberfest style beers, soft pretzels, or white sausages. Still fun, $10 for a souvenir glass and 10 2oz pours.
Rules of the Game |
Airport Drinking That Isn't Cliched |
Ad Caught My Eye In Terminal |
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Trip From Bond Villain Island
United's new 787 Dreamliner flies from XXX airport to Houston. Shhhhh. This isn't on the route map, so don't tell too many people that United is flying a corporate shuttle for a Bond villain.
I Thought We Departed From Denver |
Friday, September 18, 2015
Denver Airport Distances
Ever land an wonder if you are in Kansas not Colorado? It happens all the time for me at DEN. Denver International Airport is one of the largest, by area, airports in the country, so you are right to feel like the taxi distance is absurdly long. A quick check of a map shows that DEN is completely inside Colorado and Wyoming is the closest state to the airport.
Still Feels Like Kansas |
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Big Bonus Miles on AA Credit Card
Note: I am NOT compensated for this post.
The Citi AA Executive card is offering a 75,000 mile sign up bonus. The card also comes with an Admirals Club membership, Global Entry fee waiver, and a slew of other perks. The card costs $450 a year. Also $7,500 in net spending is required in the first three months for the bonus miles. Not a bad deal for frequent American Airlines flyers who can put $2,500 a month on the card, but I'll pass.
The Citi AA Executive card is offering a 75,000 mile sign up bonus. The card also comes with an Admirals Club membership, Global Entry fee waiver, and a slew of other perks. The card costs $450 a year. Also $7,500 in net spending is required in the first three months for the bonus miles. Not a bad deal for frequent American Airlines flyers who can put $2,500 a month on the card, but I'll pass.
I'll Let This One Go By, View From 747-8 Top Deck |
Labels:
737,
AAdvantage,
American,
credit cards,
US Airways
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Odd Black Smoke at Denver Airport
I'm guessing it's just a diesel engine turning over, but billowing black smoke isn't something I want to see at the airport.
I Think The Black Smoke is Expected |
Friday, September 11, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Does This Count as Retro?
I doubt this counts as a retro paint scheme, but it's starting to feel that way.
Retro Jet Spotted in Denver Last Weekend |
Monday, September 7, 2015
Great View From Club Lounge Sheraton Tribeca
The 21st floor club lounge at the Sheraton Tribeca New York has an outdoor patio with an amazing view. This is the best view and light on the Empire State Building I've ever seen. The patio isn't a year round feature; when I was here in January, there was a foot of snow out there.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Chicago O'Hare Airport Construction
As part of the endless and boundless make work program that O'Hare Airport is for the city of Chicago, it's under construction. Again and forever.
Chicago: Ubi Est Mea - Where's Mine? |
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Lufthansa Miles and More Temptation
I’m a member of at least 15 airline frequent flyer programs. That sounds like a lot, but there are dozens of other programs I can join, but do not interest me. For a program to interest me it must meet one of these criteria:
1) Attractive Reward Value: Earning and burning points for general award travel. This is the core of my frequent flyer hobby. I don’t have anywhere in mind, but I have the miles to go anywhere I choose. United, American, Southwest, British Airways, and Delta (at least when I joined 8 years ago) fit this category.
2) Unique Redemption: Limited service markets I travel or want to travel. Alaska Airlines fits this category with their extensive network north of Seattle. Hawaiian, Iceland, and Singapore also fit this group.
3) Website Search Features: Most airlines websites are miserable for booking award tickets. Many only show availability one day at a time and can only search a limited set of partner airlines. I joined Qantas and ANA to search award space on their superior websites (space should be the same across all alliance members). Then I use that information to book with my preferred program.
4) Doesn’t Play Well With Others: Frontier and Spirit flights only credit to their own programs. I feel compelled to collect miles even if all I might earn is a magazine subscription. Southwest is like this too, except their miles have value on flights.
5) Just for Fun: Something somewhere grabs my interest and I join a program. Air Berlin has flight awards that start at 2,500 points and has many free point offers. 500 points here and there quickly earn a free flight. Qatar, TAP, and Etihad also were just for fun sign ups.
Lufthansa’s Miles and More program is now interesting. United’s most recent devaluation made first class on partners astronomically expensive. Also Lufthansa, like Singapore, has ample first class space for their members, but severely restricted space for partners. 85,000 points for a one way first class flight from Europe to North America is good value (United charges 110,000 points, the old price was 67,500). The First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is amazing and I want to return some day. There is also a good credit card sign up bonus offer available and Lufthansa is an SPG transfer partner.
Update: The 50,000 mile bonus is gone, so wait for it to return before signing up.
1) Attractive Reward Value: Earning and burning points for general award travel. This is the core of my frequent flyer hobby. I don’t have anywhere in mind, but I have the miles to go anywhere I choose. United, American, Southwest, British Airways, and Delta (at least when I joined 8 years ago) fit this category.
2) Unique Redemption: Limited service markets I travel or want to travel. Alaska Airlines fits this category with their extensive network north of Seattle. Hawaiian, Iceland, and Singapore also fit this group.
3) Website Search Features: Most airlines websites are miserable for booking award tickets. Many only show availability one day at a time and can only search a limited set of partner airlines. I joined Qantas and ANA to search award space on their superior websites (space should be the same across all alliance members). Then I use that information to book with my preferred program.
4) Doesn’t Play Well With Others: Frontier and Spirit flights only credit to their own programs. I feel compelled to collect miles even if all I might earn is a magazine subscription. Southwest is like this too, except their miles have value on flights.
5) Just for Fun: Something somewhere grabs my interest and I join a program. Air Berlin has flight awards that start at 2,500 points and has many free point offers. 500 points here and there quickly earn a free flight. Qatar, TAP, and Etihad also were just for fun sign ups.
Lufthnsa A320 |
Doesn't Play Well With Others |
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Football Season Is Here
I'm interested in baseball still, but a few people might be interested in the football season kicking off. To appeal to a wider audience, here's an NFL related picture.
Pity this year the Cubs would be the best team in the NL East or West, but are third in the Central division.
Carolina Panthers A319 |
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Booking United Flights With Global Premier Upgrades
Global Premier Upgrades, formerly System Wide Upgrades, permit upgrades without any miles or copay. The pre-merger United.com website had a search option for using a System Wide. The post-merger website has no comparable feature. This means users have to use the Advanced Search and search for fare classes W and V, the two cheapest fares that work with System Wides. Then there is no way to know if the upgrade will clear at booking. The best method for confirming upgrades at booking is making a reservation and then trying to apply the upgrade. The website will say if seats can be confirmed. If the flight is waitlist space only, cancel the reservation and try a different date. There’s no fee because you are cancelling 15 minutes into the 24 hour free cancelation window. United will put an authorization hold on the credit card used, so your available credit will be used up quickly.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
MileagePlus and Mercedes-Benz Offer
Wow, United actually has a great offer available. Most emails I've read recently are bad ways to acquire miles and worse ways to spend them, but the Mileage Plus Mercedes Benz offer is a great deal. The deal is run through TrueCar.com and starts with the best TrueCar prices then adds an additional discount ($500-$7,000) and bonus miles (up to 50,000). This is probably the best price on a new Mercedes publicly available. Now if only I had a spare $100,000 for a 577 hp station wagon.
Like 757's, Good Deals Are Harder to Find |
Monday, August 31, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
IHG Rewards Credit Card Extra Bonus Points
The IHG Rewards card I picked up earlier this year is still paying out bonus points. The sign up offer I received was for 80,000 points after $2,000 spent (any offer less than 70,000 isn't worth taking). IHG ran a promotion when I signed up that gave me an extra 2,000 bonus points for acquiring the card. All these points counted to status and I earned Spire Elite status which comes with 25,000 bonus points (or gift Platinum status). I thought 80,000 points was a good credit card bonus, but I actually earned 107,000 points. I wish other credit cards had extra bonuses like this.
I Have a Few Free Nights to Enjoy |
Friday, August 28, 2015
Visit Britain Shop Review
I'm excited for my trip to the UK and Ireland in October and I've started my planning. The British tourist board has a great website for exploring activities and a shop to buy travel cards, tourist cards, and maps. It's a top notch production and I ordered London transits cards and a map for my trip.
On Board Soon-ish |
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