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Tag: american airlines

  • What’s Going on with the Concourse C Admirals Club at CLT: Remodeling? Or Mold Infestation?

    What’s Going on with the Concourse C Admirals Club at CLT: Remodeling? Or Mold Infestation?

    Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has the distinction of being many travelers’ least favorite American Airlines hub. Despite its status as a “fortress hub” and being the second-largest in American’s network, the Admirals Club situation at the airport leaves a lot to be desired. Let’s dive into the latest update on the Concourse C Admirals Club and why it’s got people talking.

    The Main Club: Large but Lackluster
    The main Admirals Club on Concourse C is the largest in the airport. However, many seasoned travelers would agree that it’s also one of the least impressive Admirals Clubs in American Airlines’ entire network. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about.

    The Baby Admirals on Concourse B
    In contrast, the “baby Admirals” club on Concourse B may be smaller, but it’s significantly better, having undergone a full renovation in 2019. Many travelers prefer to trek over to Concourse B just to escape the underwhelming main club on Concourse C.

    Strange Bar Closure
    Now, the main club’s bar has suddenly closed for remodeling. The circumstances were indeed strange, with not much advance warning. A temporary bar has been set up using tables, and they are currently serving pre-packaged food only. Originally, it was supposed to be closed for just a week, but now there’s talk that it might be January before it reopens.

    Mold Infestation Rumors
    There’s been a rumor circulating on Reddit, shared by user monorail_pilot, suggesting that the bar and kitchen area of the main Admirals Club might have a terrible mold infestation. It’s been noted that the ceiling above the bar had been getting painted over every month or two. Initially, the expectation was to just replace drywall, but it now appears the issue is far more severe. While this information hasn’t been independently confirmed, the Redditor sharing it seems to be a reputable source based on their post history.

    Previous Closure for Fire Code Updates
    Some of you might recall that the main Admirals Club was closed for approximately six months in 2022 for fire code updates. During that time, sprinklers and what appears to be voice evacuation speaker-strobes for the airport’s fire alarm system were installed. However, apart from some restroom updates, no real remodeling was done. It seems that American Airlines missed an opportunity to improve the club while it was closed, because the City of Charlotte allegedly told them they’d have to foot the bill for fire code updates if any changes were made. This closure led to long lines at the “baby Admirals” club on Concourse B, as it was the only functional Admirals Club during this period.

    Independent Lounges Shine at CLT
    One unusual (and arguably backwards) aspect of CLT is that the independent lounges tend to outshine the airline-affiliated ones. Unpopular opinion alert: the Centurion Lounge at the C-D connector is one of my favorite domestic lounges – at least, that I’m in a position to use with any regularity. The layout feels more spacious than many other Centurion outposts, it generally has minimal wait times (unlike DFW where 30+ minute waits are the norm), and the quality food and beverage options exceed expectations for a domestic Centurion location. Even the airport’s Priority Pass lounge, The Club at CLT, while nothing spectacular, is better than either Admirals Club in the airport. What’s more, both independent lounges feature a shower suite, while the Admirals Clubs do not – a holdover from the US Airways era (thanks, Discount Dougie!).

    Future Plans
    Earlier this year, @xJonNYC uncovered plans for a new Admirals Club at CLT. While details are limited, the concept looks promising. However, it’s likely to be years before we see any significant changes or improvements.

    In the meantime, if you’re passing through CLT, you might want to consider alternative lounge options to avoid the main Admirals Club on Concourse C.

  • Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    Last Call: World of Hyatt Elite Members, Secure Your AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member and you haven’t heard about the American AAdvantage Instant Status Pass yet, you’re in for a treat. The clock is ticking, and there’s only one day left to take advantage of this fantastic offer. So, let’s get straight to the details.

    The AAdvantage Instant Status Pass

    If you’re a loyal member of both World of Hyatt and AAdvantage, you’re in luck. American Airlines is offering complimentary AAdvantage status to World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members. All you need to do is link your World of Hyatt and AAdvantage accounts and register for this promotion before October 12, 2023.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    1. Explorist Members: You’ll receive complimentary AAdvantage Platinum status.
    2. Globalist Members: You’ll be upgraded to AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.

    This elite status will be yours for four months after registration. And the best part? You can extend it for an additional four months through specific activity.

    Maintaining Your AAdvantage Status

    To keep enjoying your AAdvantage status, here’s what you need to do during the qualifying four-month period:

    • Explorist Members: Earn at least 25,000 Loyalty Points to maintain AAdvantage Platinum.
    • Globalist Members: Aim for at least 42,000 Loyalty Points to hold onto your AAdvantage Platinum Pro status.
    • If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even earn AAdvantage Executive Platinum status by reaching 67,000 Loyalty Points.

    The icing on the cake is the opportunity to extend your status for an entire membership year after completing three consecutive four-month “qualifying phases.”

    How to Register

    To get started, head over to the link provided on Hyatt’s official page to connect your Hyatt account to your AAdvantage account. If your accounts are already linked, check out the “Promotions” tab in your AAdvantage account for the registration details.

    Important Notes

    Before you jump in, take note of a couple of important points:

    • You can’t participate in an offer for the same or lower status during the same membership year. So, choose wisely.
    • If you’ve enrolled in the Instant Status Pass™ in the previous 24 months, you won’t be eligible for this promotion.

    A Growing Trend

    For those of you who’ve been in the loop, you might recall that AA and Hyatt ran a similar promotion last year, which gained significant popularity. It seems like more travelers have been targeted this year, so you won’t want to miss out. This joint promotion is an extension of a wider partnership between the airline and hotel group, allowing elite members in both programs double-dipping opportunities on revenue flights and hotel stays (the latter of which also counts towards Loyalty Points with AA).

    So there you have it, folks! The clock is ticking, and you’ve got just one day left to make the most of the AAdvantage Instant Status Pass. If you’re a World of Hyatt elite member, this is an offer that could elevate your travel game for months to come. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Register now and enjoy the perks of elite status. Safe travels!

  • Aviation News Roundup: Israel-Hamas Conflict Impacts Air Travel

    Aviation News Roundup: Israel-Hamas Conflict Impacts Air Travel

    On Saturday, a tragic turn of events saw Hamas launch an unprecedented attack on Israel, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives, countless more taken hostage, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring war.

    UA954’s Unexpected Detour: The whole world can change in an instant. UA954, a San Francisco to Tel Aviv flight, operated by a 777-300ER, found itself mid-air when the war began. The plane had to make a 180-degree turn over Greenland, embarking on a 13-hour “flight to nowhere” before landing safely back in SFO.

    Terrifying Moments at TLV: Passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) were subjected to moments of sheer terror as rockets were intercepted nearby, forcing some to abandon their luggage and take cover as air raid sirens rang out. Surprisingly, this only briefly disrupted airport operations.

    Ben Gurion Still in Business: Despite the perilous situation, as per FlightAware data at the time of writing, TLV has only seen 65 canceled departures (20% of the total) and 70 canceled arrivals (23%) for the day. This defied our expectations, considering the circumstances. Then again, Ben Gurion is considered by many to be the world’s most secure airport – if I were in Israel right now, even despite the airport being named a target by Hamas, I still think the airport is likely the safest place to be.

    U.S. Airlines Play it Safe: Most U.S. and Canadian airlines have cancelled all flights in and out of Israel, limiting the options of Americans already in the country & trying to escape. The Allied Pilots Association (union for American Airlines) advised its pilots not to operate flights, citing safety concerns, and Delta just announced the cancellation of all TLV flights for the remainder of October. President Biden has publicly called upon U.S. carriers to resume service and facilitate the return of American citizens, but it remains uncertain if this will materialize. Meanwhile, we’ve heard anecdotal evidence of AA rebooking its customers on alliance partner British Airways to get them out via Heathrow; it’s unclear if United and Delta are using similar tactics, but I imagine SkyTeam is struggling, with KLM following Delta’s lead in suspending flights.

    Brave AA Pilots Step Up: In a remarkable show of solidarity, American Airlines pilots went against the advice of their own union, in order to take care of their own. They operated a special flight, AA9602 from TLV to JFK on a 777-200, exclusively for crew members and non-revenue passengers. United operated a similar flight for their crew, though details are unclear – and perhaps that’s a good thing, in the name of OPSEC. (h/t @xJonNYC)

    European Airlines’ Mixed Response: IAG group airlines, such as British Airways and Iberia, and low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair, appear to be largely operating normally, with a few flights cancelled and others operating as normal. According to a post in an unofficial AAdvantage members group, BA was even still serving PDBs in Club World… and I think a PDB would be the least of my worries while trying to escape a warzone. However, some carriers, like KLM, have suspended all flights. It’s interesting to note that European carriers seem to generally have a much higher risk tolerance when it comes to flying into geopolitically unstable regions compared to their U.S. counterparts.

    Even TK is Out: Turkish Airlines’ decision to suspend flights to Tel Aviv comes as a sobering indicator of the ongoing security concerns in the region. In an aviation landscape where many carriers are altering their routes and schedules in near-real time due to geopolitical tensions, Turkish Airlines has been known for its resilience, continuing to fly to destinations within Russia even amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, the situation in Tel Aviv has forced the airline to make this difficult choice, underscoring the seriousness of the circumstances in the area.

    El Al Bringing People… In?: El Al (LY) emerges as a crucial player during this turbulent period. While other carriers are reducing their services, El Al is bringing many into TLV. Why? Many Israelis are returning home from abroad to serve in the war, as Israel calls up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists. It’s worth noting that El Al is the only commercial air carrier to equip its aircraft with missile defense systems. These systems, like Elbit Systems’ C-MUSIC, are designed to throw off heat-seeking missiles with infrared or flares, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

    As the situation unfolds, those wishing to leave the region should do so as soon as possible, by any safe means possible, and let your home country’s embassy know of your whereabouts. For American travelers, this means enrolling in the STEP program. It’s worth repeating – and I can’t stress this enough – if you’re an American or Canadian, and you want out of Israel, your best bet by far right now is to get yourself to Europe as soon as safely possible and figure it out from there. Despite Biden’s plea to the airlines, there is no guarantee we will see another commercial flight to the U.S. from TLV for the duration of the war. Could it happen? Yes, but I’d much rather be figuring out my next move from the safety of Heathrow than waiting for the federal government to figure things out.

    In these challenging times, aviation takes on a role beyond its usual purview, providing an essential escape route for individuals affected by the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, but we’ll continue to follow it and bring you info as we get it.

  • Qantas Club Membership Renewal for AA Flyers: A Steal at $260

    Qantas Club Membership Renewal for AA Flyers: A Steal at $260

    Last year, savvy American Airlines flyers leaped at the opportunity provided by Qantas, a member of the Oneworld alliance and AA’s strategic partner. For just USD $203, they secured Qantas Club memberships, which, in essence, doubled as quasi-Admirals Club memberships thanks to this alliance partnership. This unbeatable deal left many wondering if it would be just a one-time opportunity, but as it turns out, there’s more to celebrate for those who took the plunge.

    Renewal Reminder for Qantas Club Members

    If you were one of the savvy American Airlines flyers who seized the Qantas Club deal last year, it’s time to check your email. Qantas has sent out renewal notices, offering a fantastic deal for continuing your membership.

    Renewing your Qantas Club membership will only set you back AUD $410. As of this writing, that’s a mere USD $260, a fraction of the cost of an Admirals Club membership. What’s more, if you act promptly and renew before your listed expiration date, Qantas will waive the AUD $99 (USD $63) initiation fee, sweetening the deal even further. It goes without saying this fee should be paid with a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, even if the purchase is made from the US.

    Accessing the Admirals Club with Qantas Club Membership

    Although some Admirals Club agents may have initially scratched their heads at the sight of a Qantas card, the membership is valid for access to the Admirals Club when flying with American Airlines or Qantas same-day. This benefit drew many AA loyalists to purchase a cheaper Qantas Club membership. It’s worth carrying the physical membership card to help expedite your entry into the lounge – and remember, the IATA code for Qantas is “QF” if you’re ever asked.

    Bringing Along a Guest: Qantas Club vs. Admirals Club Membership

    One drawback of accessing the Admirals Club via Qantas is the reduced guest allowance. Qantas Club members can bring along one guest on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) when accessing the Admirals Club. This is in contrast to purchasing Admirals Club membership directly from American Airlines or Citi, which typically provides access for the primary member and up to two additional guests, regardless of whether they are on the same PNR.

    Oneworld Acceptance Varies

    While Qantas Club membership has been a fantastic deal for accessing the Admirals Club, it’s important to note that this reciprocity doesn’t necessarily apply universally among Oneworld airlines. The Oneworld Alliance is built on reciprocity, where member airlines collaborate to provide mutual benefits to their passengers. However, not all airlines within the alliance offer the same level of lounge access privileges. For instance, British Airways doesn’t sell paid lounge memberships to its own members, and therefore, they aren’t obligated to honor paid memberships from other Oneworld carriers. To access BA lounges, travelers typically need to be flying business class or hold Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. So, while the Qantas Club membership might grant you access to the AA’s lounges, it’s essential to be aware of the specific policies of each Oneworld airline when it comes to lounge access.

    Admirals Club Costs Soar

    While Qantas Club members are enjoying low renewal rates, American Airlines is heading in the opposite direction. The airline has recently raised the cost of an Admirals Club membership from $650 to $850 per year. Additionally, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which offers Admirals Club membership as one of its perks, has increased its annual fee from $450 to $595. To add salt to the wound, a new $175 fee has been introduced for up to three authorized users, a privilege that was previously free.

    Bottom Line

    For those who pounced on the Qantas Club deal last year, renewing your membership at just $260 is a no-brainer, especially when compared to the soaring costs of Admirals Club access through American Airlines. Keep an eye on your email for renewal notices, and don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to continue enjoying Admirals Club access at a fraction of the price.

  • DFW’s State of the Airport 2023: Terminal F and Terminal C Renderings Unveiled

    DFW’s State of the Airport 2023: Terminal F and Terminal C Renderings Unveiled

    Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been making headlines recently, and for all the right reasons. The 2023 State of the Airport event shed light on some exciting developments, including impressive economic impacts and tantalizing glimpses into the future of this bustling hub, including a clearer idea of what to expect from the long-awaited sixth terminal, and reconstruction of the aging Terminal C. Let’s dive right in.

    The Terminal C of the future is dramatically different than the one we know today. (credit: DFW Airport)

    DFW Airport has been a powerhouse, a critical economic engine for North Texas and the entire country, and the 2023 SOTA highlights just how significant its impact is. According to an updated economic impact study by the Perryman Group, DFW contributes a jaw-dropping $38 billion in direct and indirect payroll support, $24 billion in visitor spending, and $5 billion in state and local tax revenue annually. That’s no small feat, and it doesn’t stop there. The airport also supports over 634,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region. Impressive, right?

    Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson couldn’t have put it better: “DFW Airport is an incredible asset driving the economic activity for our entire metro area.” It’s a sentiment shared by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who emphasized DFW’s role as a job creator and economic engine, connecting the region to global audiences and enhancing opportunities for residents and businesses alike. “Airports are not just gateways to the world, they are gateways for our community’s prosperity and progress,” said Parker.

    I can’t tell if this is DFW or LaGuardia… and for the first time, that statement is a compliment to both (credit: DFW Airport)

    DFW’s CEO, Sean Donohue, expressed pride in the airport’s continued role as a Texas economic powerhouse and reaffirmed its commitment to growth and success. “We are proud to continue serving as one of the main economic engines not just in North Texas, but in the entire state of Texas,” said Donohue. The numbers don’t lie, and DFW’s impact on the local and state economy is undeniable.

    But let’s not forget what really piqued our interest during the SOTA event—those stunning new renderings of Terminal F and the much-needed reconstruction of Terminal C.

    DFW is rapidly evolving into a world-class airport, a standout among U.S. airports. In fact, it’s now the second-busiest airport on the planet, with the 10 busiest travel days in DFW history all happening this past summer. Moreover, during the tumultuous shutdowns of 2020, DFW briefly held the title of the world’s busiest airport. It appears poised to regain that position permanently in the coming years.

    DFW also already contains one of the highest lounge densities in the Western Hemisphere, with Chase set to open a new Sapphire Lounge in Terminal D next year. This is in addition to a bevy of quality dining and shopping options throughout the terminals (Pappasito’s, anyone?). Personally, it’s one of the few airports where I prefer longer layovers.

    Now, onto the star of the show—Terminal F. The renderings are nothing short of breathtaking, and this terminal promises to be a game-changer for transit passengers. However, it may pose some challenges for origin and destination (O&D) travelers due to its unique design. With just 15 gates, Terminal F will be the smallest of DFW’s terminals and breaks from the traditional horseshoe layout of the others. Interestingly, Terminal F’s construction was always part of DFW’s master plan, with the Express South parking lot making way for its future location.

    Then there’s the much-anticipated reconstruction of Terminal C, which was initially slated for demolition and was therefore left out of the initial round of renovations. However, based on these renderings, the newly reimagined Terminal C will be worth the wait, going from one of America’s worst hub terminals to one of the best. Parts of the terminal have shown their age, but the renderings give us a glimpse of its future – and futuristic it is! What’s unique about this project is that it’s being reconstructed piece by piece in a modular fashion—a first for a U.S. airport. These modular components are so massive that they’re being constructed on-site in a remote part of the airfield. Gates C35-C39 are already open, so if you want to see the future in-person, stop by on your next visit!

    Terminal C Midpoint (courtesy: DFW Airport)

    DFW Airport is soaring to new heights, not only in terms of economic impact but also in the quality of its facilities. While U.S. airports typically lag behind those in other countries, I firmly believe DFW has the potential to hold its own against major hubs around the globe. The renderings of Terminal F and the reconstruction of Terminal C are tantalizing teasers of what’s to come, and it’s clear that DFW is making strides to solidify its position on the world stage. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments as DFW continues to evolve and transform.

  • Indefinite Closure of MIA’s SkyTrain Leaves Passengers with a Long Hike Ahead

    Indefinite Closure of MIA’s SkyTrain Leaves Passengers with a Long Hike Ahead

    Miami International Airport (MIA) has long been a hub for American Airlines and for years, passengers have relied on the SkyTrain to ease their journey through the infamously large Concourse D. However, in a new development, this convenient mode of transport has been indefinitely sidelined due to structural concerns. Let’s dive into the details.

    The SkyTrain: A Brief Introduction

    The SkyTrain has been a fixture at MIA since 2010, part of a massive $3 billion expansion project that consolidated four concourses into Concourse D. This ambitious endeavor was aimed at optimizing space for planes, with the drawback of increasing walking distances for passengers. For the past decade, the SkyTrain has been a lifeline for travelers, ferrying them across the sprawling concourse and mitigating the additional distance between gates. The service, operated by Crystal Mover Services, a subsidiary of Japanese train-maker Mitsubishi, has been the go-to choice for those looking to traverse the expansive concourse with ease.

    The Abrupt Closure

    Early in September, engineers working on behalf of Miami-Dade County stumbled upon what they called “accelerated deterioration” in several concrete structures supporting the SkyTrain tracks. Specifically, Pier 106 displayed significant structural issues, with extensive cracking along the pier cap perimeter. Faced with this alarming discovery, Miami-Dade County took immediate action and decided to halt the SkyTrain operations indefinitely.

    Greg Chin, an MIA spokesperson, shared that the analysis of the problem alone is expected to continue until at least mid-October. After that, MIA decision makers will have to pore over the findings and determine the best path forward. Given the gravity of the situation, it’s probably safe to assume that the SkyTrain may remain non-operational through the rest of 2023, if not even longer. While not everyone can easily avoid MIA, if you’re booking new reservations for the next several months (or can easily rebook existing ones without a huge fare difference), you might give some thought to connecting at other AA hubs like CLT or DFW (where it makes sense to do so) if you’re not prepared to walk significant distances.

    Questions Remain Unanswered

    One pressing question remains: why were these cracks not addressed earlier? Miami-Dade County has not yet released the inspection report from HNTB or provided an explanation for the delayed repairs. According to Chin, the SkyTrain structure undergoes inspection every two years, in accordance with Florida transportation regulations. Minor cracks in the three piers in question were identified during the 2021 inspection but were merely monitored.

    It was during a subsequent May inspection that the issues seemed more significant, leading to the in-depth analysis by HNTB and, ultimately, the shutdown in September.

    The Long Walk Ahead

    For now, passengers in Concourse D find themselves without the SkyTrain as their trusty ally. The closure has left most travelers with no choice but to resort to the traditional method of walking. With each end of the concourse separated by over a mile of terminal space, this could be quite a trek for many.

    MIA has introduced a limited alternative: two six-seat golf carts that run between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Passengers in need can flag down one of these carts to assist with their journey, but the availability is extremely limited. These carts aim to help those who might struggle with the extended walking distance.

    Bottom Line

    The unexpected and indefinite closure of the SkyTrain at MIA’s Concourse D is undoubtedly a significant inconvenience for travelers. With the analysis alone expected to continue through mid-October, it’s clear that we’ll have to do without this automated mover for the foreseeable future. If you’re planning to pass through MIA, it might be wise to prepare for a long walk ahead, especially if your journey extends into 2023 and beyond.

    Source: Miami Herald

  • Terrible: Longtime AA Flight Attendant Found Dead in Airport Hotel

    Terrible: Longtime AA Flight Attendant Found Dead in Airport Hotel

    A 66-year-old American Airlines flight attendant was discovered lifeless in her Philadelphia Airport Marriott hotel room during an overnight layover. The circumstances surrounding her death have raised many questions, and left her colleagues traumatized.

    The veteran flight attendant, who had dedicated 25 years of service to American Airlines, had been on a domestic work trip, sharing the journey with the same crew for a couple of days. They arrived in Philadelphia for a brief overnight stay. However, when she failed to check out on time, the situation took a distressing turn.

    Housekeeping staff made the grim discovery a whopping two days after her expected departure, prompting concerns about the delay in checking on her well-being. While investigators found no signs of forced entry or struggle in her room, they did uncover ‘numerous’ medication bottles. Additionally, a sock was found in the woman’s mouth, raising additional questions as to the circumstances of the death.

    The entire crew, deeply affected by the tragic loss of their colleague, faced an agonizing dilemma. Despite concerns for her safety, they were required to board a flight without first ensuring her welfare. One crew member made two calls to the hotel to check on her but was unable to return to the hotel due to flight procedures and minimal crew availability.

    A heartfelt social media post from a crew member as reported by Paddle Your Own Kanoo shed light on the harrowing experience: “First of all, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of our dear coworker! My heart goes out to the family and any loved ones. It is midnight, and I cannot sleep, and cannot stop thinking about it! At this moment, my heart is pounding, and I can’t express how I feel. I am just as shocked as everyone.”

    The post also pleaded for understanding, stating, “Please, please do not blame the crew. We were on the crew, and we are more traumatized than you can imagine.”

    While the circumstances are indeed tragic, the airline and hotel are facing scrutiny for the amount of time it took to check on the flight attendant’s welfare. Authorities are treating the incident as suspicious, and an autopsy is pending.

    In an internal memo, American Airlines expressed its condolences and emphasized the importance of the well-being of its team members: “The well-being of our team members is our top priority, and we will ensure that all those affected by this tragic loss have the support they need.”

    This incident sheds light on the challenging and often stressful conditions that flight crews can face during their duties. It highlights the need for better protocols and support for these dedicated professionals. It’s even more shocking that despite calls to the hotel from the woman’s colleagues, it took two days for someone to go and perform a wellness check. American definitely has a lot of room to do better in handling situations like these.

  • 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!

  • 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.