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  • American Airlines Extends Admirals Club Access for JetBlue Flyers Amid Alliance Breakup

    American Airlines Extends Admirals Club Access for JetBlue Flyers Amid Alliance Breakup

    In the ever-evolving world of airline alliances and partnerships, it’s not uncommon to see relationships come and go. And while the breakup between American Airlines and JetBlue has been in the headlines for quite some time now, there’s a little nugget of good news for those of you who enjoy the perks of Admirals Club membership.

    First things first, if you’ve been living under a rock, you might not have heard that American Airlines and JetBlue are parting ways, thanks to a judge’s order that’s been on the books for a while. This Northeast Alliance divorce has been the talk of the town, but as they say, life goes on.

    Now, here’s where the good news comes in. American Airlines recently dropped an email bombshell, and it’s a classy move on their part. They’re letting their loyal Admirals Club members know that despite the turbulence in their partnership with JetBlue, they’re not leaving you high and dry. At least, not for a few more months.

    As of now, if you’re an Admirals Club member, you can still enjoy access to the Admirals Club lounges when you’re flying with JetBlue. American Airlines is keeping the doors open to their lounges for members ticketed on JetBlue-operated flights until January 31, 2024. So, if you’ve got some JetBlue flights on the horizon, you can still kick back and relax in the Admirals Club before your journey takes off.

    After that January 2024 deadline, you’ll need a boarding pass for a same-day flight on an eligible route to access the Admirals Club. What’s an eligible flight, you ask? Well, it includes any departing or arriving flight that’s either marketed or operated by American Airlines or any oneworld® airline. This isn’t exactly unexpected, and simply represents a return to the rules in place before the Northeast Alliance was announced in 2021. So, if you’re planning on traveling after that date, be sure you’re flying AA or one of their remaining alliance partners if you’re planning on stopping by the Admirals Club.

    In the world of airline partnerships and alliances, things can change faster than you can say “in-flight snack.” But for now, kudos to American Airlines for extending this courtesy to their Admirals Club members during this transitional period. It’s a nod to the loyalty of their passengers, and it’s always nice to see a little extra hospitality in the air.

    So, there you have it, folks. The AA-JetBlue breakup might be old news to most of you, but the Admirals Club access extension is a fresh reminder that even in the world of aviation, there can still be some pleasant surprises. Safe travels and enjoy those lounges while you can!

  • Hyatt’s Q4 Bonus Journeys Promo: A Mild Offer for a Busy Travel Season

    Hyatt’s Q4 Bonus Journeys Promo: A Mild Offer for a Busy Travel Season

    If you’re a loyal Hyatt enthusiast, you’ve probably got your sights set on their latest promotion, the Q4 Bonus Journeys. As the year winds down, Hyatt is offering a chance to score some extra points for your stays. Let’s dive into the details and see if this promo is worth your while.

    The Basics: Earn 3,000 Bonus Points for Every 3 Nights

    From October 6 to November 30, 2023, Hyatt is running the Q4 Bonus Journeys promotion. The concept is simple: for every three nights you stay at a participating Hyatt property, you’ll pocket an extra 3,000 bonus points. It’s a straightforward offer that can add some extra points to your World of Hyatt account.

    Extra Perks for Cardholders

    Now, if you’re a World of Hyatt cardmember, whether you have a personal or business card, there’s an added layer of icing on the cake. You can potentially snag an additional 1,000 bonus points for every three nights stayed at select properties. Crunch the numbers, and you could be looking at a grand total of 1,333 points per night if you max out the promo.

    Registration and Stay Details

    Before you rush off to book your Hyatt stays, remember that registration is mandatory. Make sure you sign up between September 12 and November 10, 2023. Bonus points will be earned on stays with checkout dates between October 6 and November 30, 2023. So, even if you don’t currently plan to take advantage of this offer, there’s no penalty for registering. We recommend everyone go ahead and register—you never know when your travel plans might align with the promotion.

    Where Can You Earn?

    Now, let’s talk about where you can cash in on this bonus bonanza. The main promotion covers stays at all Hyatt properties, including Small Luxury Hotels of the World locations and Lindblad Expeditions in Europe, when you book direct with Hyatt. However, the credit card promotion, with its extra 1,000 points, is only available at select properties. So, make sure to check the fine print.

    Pre-booked & Award Stays Count

    Good news for all Hyatt aficionados out there: every stay counts. Whether you booked directly with Hyatt, even before the promo started, or enjoyed an award stay, you’re in the game. The catch? Your check-out dates must fall between October 6 and November 30, 2023.

    Maximum Points and Room Limit

    Now, how much can you really rack up with this promotion? Well, the ceiling is set at 21,000 World of Hyatt bonus points on the base promotion, and 7,000 bonus points on the credit card promotion, for a maximum of 28,000 points. That’s good for a standard night at a Category 6 property, or up to 8 off-peak nights at Category 1 properties. To hit that milestone, you’d need to spend 21 nights at eligible hotels. Keep in mind, though, that only one room can qualify per stay. So, while you can earn points for multiple rooms, the bonus points are based on a single room.

    Final Thoughts

    In the grand scheme of things, the Q4 Bonus Journeys promo might not set the world on fire. It’s not the most dazzling offer we’ve seen from Hyatt, especially when compared to previous years. However, it’s essential to remember that the travel industry is on a rocket ship right now, with demand at all-time highs. So, maybe Hyatt doesn’t need to pull out all the stops to lure travelers.

    Nonetheless, in a world where every point counts, this promo is still a welcome addition for loyal Hyatt fans. It might not be the most extravagant offer, but it’s certainly better than nothing. So, if you’ve got some Hyatt stays planned for the Q4 period, be sure to register and make the most of those bonus points. Happy travels!

  • Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    Unlocking Elevated Travel: Exploring the 100K Bonus Miles Offer of the Revamped Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

    The revamped Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has certainly caused a stir in the miles and points community, and for good reason. While it’s true that the card’s annual fee has undergone an eyebrow-raising hike from $450 to $595, and some new fees for authorized users have crept in, let’s not jump ship just yet. This card has pulled out some tricks from its sleeve that could make it a compelling choice for frequent travelers, even despite the initial sticker shock.

    But first things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles on the table for those who manage to meet the minimum spending requirements. If that doesn’t immediately grab your attention, well, it should. This is a “best ever” bonus for this card, and given Citi’s 48-month rule on grabbing signup bonuses, the time to pull the trigger is now.

    Of course, the welcome bonus isn’t the only selling point here. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the tranquility and convenience of an Admirals Club membership, this card is waving that perk right in front of you. And while the increase in the annual fee might make you blink twice, consider this: the fee actually comes in cheaper than a standalone Admirals Club membership. Even in spite of recent fee hikes, this is still a great deal for regular AA fliers.

    But wait, there’s more. If you don’t yet have AAdvantage status, this card carries a bevy of status-like benefits, and the ability to defeat some aspects of basic economy. How about a complimentary first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation when you’re jetting off on domestic American Airlines flights? Plus, with priority check-in, security, and early boarding on the menu for American Airlines flights, you’ll be breezing through the airport like a seasoned traveler, leaving those long lines and hassles behind. If you’re working towards AAdvantage elite status, this is great way to gain early access to some of those perks & make your journey to status more comfortable.

    Oh, and let’s not forget those bonus Loyalty Points – a potential 20,000 of them a year, not tied to your spending. Rack up 50,000 Loyalty Points with AAdvantage and you’ll be showered with an extra 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points. And if you’re aiming even higher, hitting the 90,000 Loyalty Points mark will add yet another 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points to your stash. While not game changing by any means, it’s a nice little boost on your journey to the next tier of AAdvantage status.

    But it doesn’t stop there. The card is essentially throwing you an assortment of credits worth up to $360 annually. Whether you’re planning to hit the road with Avis or Budget, craving some Grubhub delights, or catching a Lyft, these credits have got your back. And if you’re a fan of smooth airport experiences, the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit of up to $100 every four years is a nice perk.

    New travel protections are woven into the card’s fabric too, covering everything from trip cancellations to rental car mishaps. This is one of the most interesting changes on the newly-revamped card; many of you will remember that Citi dropped most travel protections across their lineup of cards back in 2019. And for those looking to elevate their hotel and car bookings, earning 10x AAdvantage miles on eligible bookings through the card’s portals could very well be the icing on the travel cake – though even in light of this benefit, we still generally advise booking direct with hotels to receive elite benefits and avoid any mishaps with a third-party booking.

    So yes, the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card has morphed into something quite intriguing. While the $595 annual fee might make you raise an eyebrow, the multitude of benefits can easily turn that skepticism into intrigue. And if you’ve been eyeing this card from a distance, there’s no denying that this could very well be your moment to seize that 100,000 AAdvantage bonus miles offer and set off on a journey of extraordinary perks and possibilities.

  • American Airlines’ Stand Up to Cancer Campaign: Miles for a Cause, But Not for Status

    American Airlines’ Stand Up to Cancer Campaign: Miles for a Cause, But Not for Status

    American Airlines has once again caught our attention with their latest collaboration, once again partnering with Stand Up to Cancer for a charitable promotion that offers a unique way to give back while earning AAdvantage Miles. For those who frequently find themselves at 30,000 feet, this could be an opportunity worth considering. However, as always, the details matter, and it’s important to understand the nuances of this promotion before diving in.

    The heart of the promotion lies in the ability to earn up to 50x AAdvantage Miles for contributions to cancer research. Admirable, indeed. For donations of $25 or more, American Airlines is offering a respectable 25x AAdvantage Miles as a token of gratitude. But the rewards don’t stop there. If you’re wielding an American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard and your donation falls between the $25 to $10,000 range, you’re in for a treat – a whopping 50x miles.

    Now, before you whip out your credit card and start racking up those miles, there are some key points to consider. This promotion is live until September 30, 2023, or until the $3 million donation threshold for the 50x miles tier is reached. Be aware that patience is the name of the game – those hard-earned bonus miles might take up to twelve weeks to finally make their way into your account.

    Here’s where it gets interesting. While each AAdvantage Mile is valued at 3 cents for the purpose of charitable deductions, it’s worth noting that this could have implications on your tax deductibility. Now, I’m no CPA, but it’s probably a good idea to consult one before you start counting those miles as deductions on your tax return.

    One detail that’s of particular interest to the frequent flyers out there is whether these bonus miles contribute to elite status. Well, folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but these miles are firmly in the “bonus miles” category, and that means they won’t help you inch any closer to that coveted elite status level. Since rolling out Loyalty Points in 2022, AA has used the term “bonus miles” to indicate that you’ll accrue only redeemable award miles – not LPs. So, if you’re eyeing this promotion as a shortcut to elevate your loyalty, you might want to rethink that strategy.

    In the grand scheme of things, if you’re already considering donating to cancer research and have some spare change to throw in the ring, this promotion could be a nice little cherry on top. However, for those aiming to pad their loyalty points tally, it’s essential to recognize that these miles won’t pave the way to elite status. Like a good pilot, it’s wise to have a steady hand on the controls – in this case, a clear understanding of the promotion’s ins and outs – before you take off into the wild blue yonder of charitable giving and AAdvantage Miles.

  • Seeing Red: Startup Red Way Airlines Calls it Quits

    Seeing Red: Startup Red Way Airlines Calls it Quits

    Well, well, well, folks. In a move that has shocked absolutely no one, the airline industry is bidding adieu to the latest aspiring player on the field. Red Way Airlines, based out of the bustling metropolis of Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK) – because nothing screams “hub of the future” like Lincoln – has officially thrown in the towel after a staggering run of under three months.

    Remember that time Sir Richard Branson quipped, “If you want to be a Millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline”? Well, it seems like Red Way took that advice to heart. Back in June 2023, Red Way took to the skies with all the fanfare of a fireworks display in an empty field. Offering those sought-after point-to-point leisure flights, they surely had travelers on the edge of their seats… or maybe not. But hey, they managed to make headlines, so kudos to them for that.

    Oh, but let’s not forget their strategic choice of a hub – LNK. You know, the place that typically comes to mind when you think of global aviation hubs. Lincoln, where the international connections are rivaled only by the number of tumbleweeds rolling down its runways. But hey, maybe they were aiming for the elusive “quiet airport” experience sought after by the same type of passenger that insists Love Field is better than DFW. Bravo, Red Way, bravo.

    Now, here’s where things get interesting. Or not. Because as it turns out, Red Way was what industry insiders fondly refer to as a “paper airline.” Yep, those flights you thought you were booking with them? Well, they were actually being operated by charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines. But hey, details, right?

    According to them, being a small startup in the aviation world was a bit like trying to paddle upstream with a paper boat. Unsustainable costs, lack of resources – you know, the usual excuses. They did express their gratitude for the “opportunity” to serve customers and “connect people” for a brief flicker of time. Their press release states:

    It is with a heavy heart that we announce the decision to cease operations. After careful consideration and evaluation, we have come to the difficult conclusion that we must close our doors. The last day of operations for Red Way will be August 31st, 2023.

    Over our short time operating, we have had the immense privilege of serving our customers and connecting people across the US. We are immensely grateful to have had this time, and we know that demand exists strongly in Lincoln for expanded air service. However, we face insurmountable challenges as a small startup in our industry, and the compounding of costs and lack of resources have made it impossible for us to sustain operations. It is our hope that other carriers see the incredible potential, and with their economies of scale, are able to provide Lincoln with the service it is so worthy of.

    Press Release from Red Way Airlines

    Touching, really. Interestingly, their website is still live and makes no immediate mention of the impending closure of the airline.

    Now, don’t go rushing to book that farewell flight just yet. Red Way is offering flights until the end of August, but if you had big dreams of flying with them after August 31, think again. All those post-August bookings are being tossed out the window faster than you can say “refund.” Oh, and speaking of refunds, let’s cross our fingers and hope they actually materialize. If not, your credit card issuer probably won’t be much help; back in 2020, many issuers nixed protections against insolvency of a common carrier. So unless you’ve purchased a standalone travel insurance policy, you may just be on your own.

    So, why did Red Way’s grand plan nosedive faster than a lead balloon? Well, some speculate that their decision to solely operate out of Lincoln and focus on leisure flights might have had something to do with it. It’s almost like local government subsidies and all six of their leisure-seeking travelers weren’t enough to keep the dream afloat.

    And there you have it, folks. Another one bites the dust in the ever-dramatic saga of airline ventures. Red Way Airlines, we hardly knew ye – but then again, did we really need to? Until next time, keep your seat belts fastened and your expectations firmly grounded. After all, in the world of aviation, surprises are about as rare as a quiet day at… you guessed it, Lincoln Airport. Over and out.

  • Hidden in “Plane” Sight: Secret Planespotting Destination at OKC Airport

    Hidden in “Plane” Sight: Secret Planespotting Destination at OKC Airport

    Welcome to Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), a gem of an airport that often flies under the radar. If you’re a fan of aviation, especially the behind-the-scenes action that typically requires a boarding pass and a TSA search to see, then you’re in for a treat. Nestled within this unassuming airport terminal lies a spot designed with AvGeeks in mind, perfect for planespotting while you await an arriving passenger.

    As you step into the main atrium of WRWA, your eyes might catch a glimpse of an intriguing glass hallway on the level above. It’s a sight that’s common in many larger airports – reminiscent of the sterile passageways used to prevent comingling of international arrivals with TSA-screened passengers. Curiously, though, this airport doesn’t currently offer scheduled international passenger service. So why the setup?

    If you’re arriving on any of OKC’s zero weekly international flights, they’ve got a beautiful setup for you!

    The answer becomes apparent when you read between the lines. One can simply look at how that part of the terminal is laid out and easily conclude that this clever infrastructure was put in place to future-proof the airport, ready to welcome international flights whenever the time comes. A keen observer might note that several nearby gates are already set up to be closed off to funnel arriving passengers upstairs.

    But the airport wasn’t content with just letting that space collect dust in the meantime, so instead, they’ve done something really cool with it: amidst the ongoing airport remodeling, this hidden space was unveiled to the general public as an observation area. This unique space allows access to a vantage point typically reserved for ticketed passengers, while maintaining separation from the sterile area below.

    Now, here’s the kicker – almost nobody knows about this hidden treasure. It’s like a secret sanctuary for aviation enthusiasts, a space that’s camouflaged in plain sight. If you’re up for the adventure, here’s how you can find it: before heading through TSA, take a left and ascend the staircase in the glass lobby. Alternatively, you can reach it by an elevator located near the exit from the sterile area near gate 22 (press the button for level “M”). Once you’re on the upper level, follow the signs for the Mezzanine Observation Gallery. No, you won’t get in trouble for being up here, despite the off-limits feel to the place.

    Take that staircase, adjacent to TSA, upstairs to reach the observation deck.

    One level above the airside concourse, you’ll have your very own vantage point of the tarmac and two of OKC’s runways. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to relax or a quiet corner to catch up on work, the observation area has a variety of seating options to suit your needs. And the best part? You might just have the place to yourself. TWD has a video tour on YouTube. Bear in mind that all food and beverage vendors at WRWA are airside, so if you aren’t ticketed, it’s best to plan ahead on that front.

    For a public space, it feels nicer & more exclusive than some Priority Pass lounges!

    You can even wave (through the glass, of course) at your loved ones as they make their way through TSA – a rarity in a post-9/11 world. It’s a bit like discovering a hidden clubhouse, exclusively for AvGeeks who know where to find it.

    But, as with all good things, change is inevitable. If and when international service arrives at OKC, it’s likely that this area will be walled off, and transformed into the purpose it appears to have been built for. So, enjoy this spot while you still can, as it likely won’t be forever.

    As aviation enthusiasts, we often seek out the hidden gems. Will Rogers World Airport’s observation area is one such gem, a place where you can soak in the airport ambiance, watch planes take off and land, and wonder about the future of travel. So, next time you find yourself at WRWA, go upstairs and take it all in.

  • Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    Will Day Passes be Next to Go at the Admirals Club?

    As air travel has continued to regain its stride following the tumultuous wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one particular issue has reared its head more persistently than others: the challenge of overcrowded airport lounges. The eager influx of travelers newly armed with premium credit cards that grant them access to these sanctuaries of comfort has transformed serene lounges into bustling spaces, often marked by serpentine queues and an overwhelming demand for refuge from the terminal chaos.

    For those well-versed in the art of lounge hopping, the all-too-familiar sight of “the sign” at your nearest Admirals Club location has become a sign of the times – that one that informs you that day passes and complimentary entry for military personnel are not on the menu for the day. It’s a reality that we’ve grown accustomed to, and one we see more and more as time goes on.

    As a reminder, day passes are best procured on-site. When you purchase in advance, you always run the risk of arriving to the lounge only to encounter “the sign.” There are no refunds in this situation, so now you’re left with a lounge pass to find a use for by the expiration date – a feat that only seems to get harder by the week. For this reason, it’s best to wait and purchase day passes in-person. This is especially pertinent considering AA’s recent price hike for these passes. What was once a $59 or 5900-mile purchase has now been recalibrated to a steeper $79 or 7900 miles. It’s a clear indicator that American is striving to curtail the surge of visitors clamoring for entry.

    If the overcrowding quandary at select lounges weren’t self-evident through casual observation (seriously, just go to CLT and look around), American’s recent changes certainly paint a vivid picture. Recent measures put in place by AA include:

    • The cost of an Admirals Club membership has swelled to a whopping $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. This represents approximately a 31% increase from the previous fee of $650 or 65,000 AAdvantage miles. For existing members, these revised rates will only apply to membership renewals beginning September 10, 2023. We’d advise most readers to steer clear of purchasing a membership directly from AA, when it can be had at a significant cost savings through Citi. That being said…
    • The annual fee tagged to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has experienced an uptick from $450 to $595 per annum. For some, however, the real whopper lies in the fine print – the once-gratis Admirals Club access for authorized users has been rescinded. Instead, authorized users will now be subject to a fee of $175 for up to 3 users, with an additional $175 charge for each additional authorized user beyond the initial trio.

    Amid these changes, there may be some silver lining here. American Airlines has promised to invest in a series of lounge enhancements that will accompany this price surge. Notably, these improvements encompass an elevated selection of food and beverage offerings, signaling the airline’s commitment to justifying the augmented costs. Additionally, the stunning new lounge at DCA gives us a glimpse into the American’s vision for the future of Admirals Club facilities, with similar lounges opening at DEN and EWR later this year.

    But what could this domino effect of changes be foreshadowing for the Admirals Club and its patrons? To glimpse into a potential future, we need only peer across the industry aisle at other lounge networks that have embarked on similar journeys:

    • The revered AmEx Centurion lounges have implemented several measures. Access on arrival was removed several years ago, and an overarching 3-hour time limit has been imposed for non-layover visitors. And of course, back in February, complimentary guest access was nixed for many cardmembers.
    • Delta has taken the initiative to introduce stringent limitations on entry to their popular SkyClubs earlier this year. The sale of SkyClub memberships has been confined to Delta elites, while those flying on basic economy fares have been effectively barred. Of particular note, AmEx cardmembers with SkyClub access currently enjoy an exemption from these restrictions, though rumors are abound regarding potential amendments. As history often shows, airlines are often quick to mirror their competitors – could this be a hint for what’s to come at AA?

    The Admirals Club, even after the recent changes, still features one of the most lenient domestic access policies. While I’m not sure AA’s members have the appetite for some of the draconian measures Delta has taken, one has to wonder how long day passes will remain on the menu.

    Could we see this option eliminated altogether, or could American keep this option open to drive some extra revenue on slow days? Time will tell, but for non-members wielding a credit card with airline incidental credits to burn, day passes have previously been a great way to spend those. Before I picked up an Admirals Club membership of my own, I’d often use my incidental credit to buy a day pass when I got stuck for an extended period at an airport without a good Centurion or Priority Pass option.

    As the airline landscape continues to evolve, we’re left to ponder the next steps American Airlines might undertake. Will the allure of Admirals Club day passes be further tapered or replaced by access restrictions mirroring those of their peers? The tea leaves point to an industry-wide shift towards refining the exclusivity of these sanctuaries. Time will inevitably reveal the destination of this journey, but for now, the signs are clear: change is on the horizon.