Elite Status

We are about 3/4 of the way through the year which means now is a good time to look at where you stand for airline status next year!  I’m currently in between Platinum and Chairman,  so it feels like a waste NOT to go for full-fledged chairman status.  But I …

Back in May, I wrote about how US Airways is processing upgrades more times a day. This was great because it was making it more difficult for lower-elites to jump the queue. But US Airways may have fixed that issue completely. For how queue-jumping is done, check out my post …

How do you make the most out of US Airways Trial Preferred Status? A few months ago, I posted about my own adventures with a US Airways Preferred Trial.  However, the decisions I made were the result of me going for platinum last second after a lot of work-related flying.  …

Keri posted about the bonuses Top Guest can bring you with airport and hotel check-ins.  During my last visit to Las Vegas, I found another good use for Top Guest. I always forget to check into places for Top Guest benefits and Keri keeps (thankfully) reminding me.  I was booked …

I’m often suspicious when I receive emails from airlines about “improvements” to their elite programs.  US Airways seemed to actually come through this time: US Airways will be checking whether or not you qualify for an upgrade more frequently throughout the day. This is good news for elites, especially Golds, …

One mistake I’ve been making a lot lately is that I keep assuming people know the tools I use to organize myself with travel and where I find deals.  Someone recently asked me for advice on keeping track of loyalty program numbers.  I replied, “Oh, you don’t like Award Wallet?”   …

I just had a reminder on my calendar to register for Hyatt’s 90 day Platinum Trial for Visa Signature Card Holders.  (If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Freedom Card for example, you probably have a Visa Signature Card.  It will say on the logo.) Tomorrow is the last …

I received an email from US Airways letting me know that they will soon open up PreferredAccess lines to non-priority customers for a fee. I had a feeling this was coming. The access lines are pretty new, and as much as I wanted to believe it was just something the …

The United MileagePlus Explorer Card commercial gives us a Goofus and Gallant type situation regarding two travelers–coworkers, I assume.  One traveler clumsily navigates the airport process whereas the other knows a few shortcuts.  I cannot find the commercial online, so I’ll briefly lay out the commercial: Goofus avoids checking bags …

Below are our Freddie Awards ballots for general edification and mostly the amusement of our readers. Disclaimer: We don’t know about programs we haven’t tried. We mostly voted for the programs that made us feel special, not necessarily the ones who provided the most widespread value. YRMV. Best Promotion for Redemption …