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  • Unthinkable Mid-Flight Scare: Pilot’s Attempt to Shut Down Engines Leads to 83 Counts of Attempted Murder

    Unthinkable Mid-Flight Scare: Pilot’s Attempt to Shut Down Engines Leads to 83 Counts of Attempted Murder

    YIKES! It’s not every day you hear about a pilot attempting something as harrowing as shutting down the engines mid-flight. But that’s exactly what happened on Horizon Air flight 2059 (a regional carrier for Alaska), flying from Everett (PAE) to San Francisco (SFO) with an Embraer E175. In an alarming turn of events, an off-duty pilot, Joseph David Emerson, found himself in the jump seat, that seat inside the cockpit reserved for deadheading crew or other authorized individuals.

    Emerson allegedly made a run for the engine shutoffs in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft with everyone on board. Luckily, the flight ended up diverting safely to Portland International Airport (PDX), and the situation was brought under control. It’s unclear who subdued Emerson, but given that the cockpit door is locked from the inside, it’s likely the on-duty captain and first officer played a crucial role in containing the situation.

    If you’re curious to hear just how it went down, there’s an audio recording available on LiveATC. At 10:56 on the recording, you can hear the captain notifying air traffic controllers that the pilot in question had been subdued and was now located in the back of the aircraft. They also requested law enforcement to meet the flight upon landing.

    Upon landing, Emerson was promptly arrested, and the charges against him are nothing short of jaw-dropping. According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office website, he’s facing a laundry list of legal troubles:

    • 83 felony counts of attempted murder
    • 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment
    • 1 felony count of endangering an aircraft

    Alaska Air Group issued a statement, thanking their crew for professionally handling the situation. They also expressed their appreciation for their passengers’ calm and patience throughout the event. Kudos to the crew for keeping their cool during this extremely tense situation.

    The crew secured the aircraft without incident. All passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight. We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event.

    Statement by Alaska Air Group

    This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring that those with cockpit access are trustworthy beyond reproach, and there’s not even an appearance of a doubt as to their trustworthiness and professionalism. Will this alarming episode prompt changes in the industry to prevent similar incidents in the future? It’s a question worth pondering.

    One possible outcome could be the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reevaluating the use of jump seats and perhaps even banning nonessential personnel from occupying them. This, however, would likely require airlines to remove one seat from their inventory on all future flights, potentially resulting in some involuntary rebookings for passengers who already had their tickets. And let’s face it, this could lead to a rise in airfares – but safety is the #1 concern, always.

    In the wake of such a shocking event, we can only hope for a thorough review of security measures and procedures to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of those entrusted with the lives of passengers. After all, the skies should remain the last place we expect such chilling surprises.

    h/t Running with Miles, KATU Channel 2

  • Breaking: JetBlue A321 Tips Backward at JFK

    Breaking: JetBlue A321 Tips Backward at JFK

    Just in, a surprising incident at JFK airport has caught the attention of aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike. Thanks to @xJonNYC, we’ve got a glimpse of the startling situation. Here’s what we know so far.

    Aircraft Information: The aircraft in question appears to be a JetBlue Airways Airbus A321, with the tail number N959JB. It had recently arrived from Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI).

    The Incident: What makes this situation intriguing is that the aircraft appears to have tipped backward while at the gate. This type of incident is relatively rare, and is sure to raise questions about what caused it. One possibility is that the center of gravity shifted to the aft, causing the aircraft to tilt. While the A321 rarely tips backwards like this, this issue is significantly more common with the Boeing 737-900, prompting the use of tail stands to prevent an incident like this.

    Passenger Situation: As of now, it’s unclear whether passengers were still on board the aircraft or if deboarding was in progress at the time of the incident. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like there were any reported injuries, but we’ll have to wait for more information to confirm for sure.

    Ongoing Investigation: Many details surrounding this incident remain unclear, and it’s essential to exercise caution before jumping to conclusions. The FAA will undoubtedly conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent such occurrences in the future.

    Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing event.

  • Why You Shouldn’t Use “Lord” or “Lady” on Your Frequent Flyer Accounts: TSA Doesn’t Find It Amusing

    Why You Shouldn’t Use “Lord” or “Lady” on Your Frequent Flyer Accounts: TSA Doesn’t Find It Amusing

    In the world of travel, we’ve all witnessed our fair share of unique requests and peculiar passenger stories. From passengers trying to bring emotional support peacocks on board to the endless battle over reclining seats, the airline industry is a treasure trove of oddities. But here’s a tale that takes the cake – a traveler’s decision to flaunt his recently acquired title of “Lord” led to some unintended consequences with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

    You see, thanks to the magic of the internet, you can now purchase a minuscule plot of land in Scotland or Ireland, measuring just one square foot, and be dubbed a “Lord” or “Lady” for the princely sum of approximately $35-50. The idea might sound like harmless fun, but when you decide to incorporate that honorary title into your frequent flyer account, you’re playing with fire.

    One adventurous American gentleman, whom we’ll call John Doe for the sake of anonymity, thought it would be a splendid idea to adopt the title of “Lord” on his British Airways Executive Club profile. BA, being the good sport it is, accepted this grandiose moniker as the man’s title/salutation without a fuss. However, when Mr. Doe encountered the TSA, they weren’t quite so accommodating.

    The TSA, renowned for its ironclad adherence to security theater procedures, wasn’t quite amused by the passenger’s newfound nobility. This seemingly frivolous title had created a mismatch with his Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck. On his boarding pass, he appeared as “John Lord Doe,” and the TSA, well, they don’t appreciate any deviation from the script. Your name on the ticket must be an exact match with what you submitted when applying for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, as well as a match to government-issued ID. Even if you don’t use these programs, the new credential authentication (CAT) machines at the airport likely won’t be able to locate your reservation when your ID is inserted.

    What followed were hours of phone calls and negotiations with British Airways to rectify the situation. All for a fanciful title that probably had the opposite end result of what he intended.

    But here’s the kicker – these purchased titles of “Lord” or “Lady” may not hold much, if any, legal weight at all. The scheme has drawn the scrutiny of members of the Scottish Parliament who are quick to point out the sheer absurdity of it. As former Green Party Member of the Scottish Parliament, Andy Wightman, eloquently put it, “First and foremost, you are not the owner of any land in Scotland despite what this company might have led you to believe. You have also not been given any right to style yourself Lord or Lady of Glencoe. Highland Titles has no authority or power to bestow such a title on you.”

    Highland Titles, one of the companies behind this entertaining charade, insists that purchasing a plot of land grants you a “personal right” to that land, claiming it’s a “settled legal position.” However, with the backlash and the fine print now being amended on their website, they describe the whole affair as “harmless fun.” Over 300,000 “Lords and Ladies of Glencoe” exist, each having paid at least £30 (a little over $36 USD at time of writing) for their square foot of land in Scotland.

    So, while you’re welcome to play the lordly game and acquire your own square foot of Scottish soil, it’s probably best to leave your noble title off anything official enough (like an airline reservation) that might cause you unnecessary headaches with security or immigration.

    In the world of travel, the creative things people will try know no bounds, and this title fiasco serves as a humorous reminder that when it comes to air travel, simplicity (and humility) are often the best policy.

  • Flight Attendants Advised to Gear Up for Bedbug Hunt: United Union’s Unusual Travel Advice

    Flight Attendants Advised to Gear Up for Bedbug Hunt: United Union’s Unusual Travel Advice

    Amidst a bedbug infestation in France that’s sent shockwaves across Europe, the AFA-CWA, the union representing United flight attendants, is offering some rather unorthodox advice. They’re suggesting flight attendants pack disposable latex gloves and a flashlight for an unexpected mission – the hunt for bedbugs in hotel rooms. While it might sound like a scene from a horror movie, there’s a method to this madness, and it’s not just about avoiding bringing these creepy crawlers home; there’s an unspoken concern here – preventing bedbugs from hitching a ride on commercial aircraft.

    In a recent press release, the AFA-CWA points out that bedbugs can be anywhere, anytime. These pests are notorious for their ability to hide in the tiniest of spaces and their stealthy nocturnal feeding habits. Plus, not everyone reacts to their bites, making it challenging to spot an infestation until it’s too late. Aside from the physical discomfort, bedbugs can take a heavy emotional and psychological toll on their victims, between loss of sleep and scarring.

    While some hotel chains have better housekeeping protocols than others, even the most trustworthy hotel chains aren’t 100% immune to bedbugs. Earlier this year, a friend of mine encountered an infestation at a Hyatt-branded property in the U.S. – a chain many of us (myself included) place an extremely high degree of trust in. To be completely fair, the staff handled the situation very appropriately, even laundering their clothes at no charge – which is exactly what you’d expect from a brand like Hyatt. I won’t disclose the name of the specific property, as they handled the situation well, and clearly had robust protocols in place to deal with such a situation.

    So, what can you do to protect yourself from these unwelcome roommates? Here are some key takeaways:

    1. Pack disposable latex gloves and a flashlight to inspect your hotel room thoroughly. Bedbugs love to hide in cracks and crevices.
    2. Opt for luggage with smooth, hard surfaces. Fabric, pockets, seams, and flaps provide hiding spots for these tiny invaders. I exclusively use hard-sided luggage, and this is one of many reasons why.
    3. Keep your luggage away from sleep and rest areas in the hotel room. Glass tables and luggage racks are your friends, and plastic is better than wood.
    4. Inspect the mattress and box spring for signs of bedbugs, such as tar-like splotches and shed skin fragments. Pay close attention to the corners, seams, and labels.
    5. Notify hotel staff ASAP if you suspect an infestation and take photos for evidence. The union even suggests bagging and keeping the pests in case you need additional evidence later… I’m not sure I have enough faith in Ziploc to put that into practice, but you do you.
    6. If you’re bitten or find bedbugs, get out of that room immediately. If changing hotels isn’t an option, move as far away from the infested room as possible.
    7. Upon returning home, unpack your luggage outside or on a garage floor and inspect your belongings carefully. Wash anything washable in hot water and dry at a high temperature. For extremely frequent travelers, you can purchase a unit to bake your luggage and its contents at a high temperature to ensure it’s clear of pests.
    8. Remember that eliminating an infestation can be a long process, and you may need multiple pest control visits. Bedbug-proof mattress encasements can help salvage infested bedding.

    This advice isn’t just for flight attendants; it’s sage wisdom for all travelers, particularly those visiting Europe, where bedbug incidents are on the rise. Fortunately, the situation may not have as much of an impact in the United States due to more modern building structures and our tendency to drive places in our own cars.

    However, if you’re considering heating your luggage to eliminate any potential bedbugs, here’s a crucial warning: Remove any lithium-ion battery packs before attempting it. We’re after bedbugs, not fireworks displays.

  • Advertising Company Issues Apology for “Horrendously Bright” Screen at Scotland Marriott Property

    Advertising Company Issues Apology for “Horrendously Bright” Screen at Scotland Marriott Property

    It appears that the installation of an eye-catching digital display at a Marriott property in Edinburgh’s city center has stirred quite the commotion. This monumental screen, which has been hailed as the largest in all of Scotland, now graces the exterior of the Omni Center, a multifaceted complex that houses a mix of retail, a movie theater, various dining establishments, and the elegant Glasshouse Hotel, affiliated with Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

    While the screen is angled away from guestrooms, the sheer luminance of this mammoth display would likely reflect off nearby buildings and back into guests’ windows, not to mention generally ruining the charm of the immediate area. To give you a sense of the scale, one glance at a snapshot shared by @SuperStevie268 on X (formerly Twitter), and you’d swear the entire square was in daylight at midnight – a sight that, to be fair, isn’t uncommon in the summer months at such a high latitude.

    https://twitter.com/superstevie268/status/1713254761649013130?s=12&t=isyeqGxyE4FmZN92RT-zGw

    Thankfully for the hotel’s occupants, the good folks at The Glasshouse Hotel seem to have had the foresight to furnish their guestrooms with blackout curtains. After all, Scotland’s summer sun, with its penchant for lingering late into the evening, is an old acquaintance for those familiar with the region.

    Having checked in at this establishment just a month prior to the screen’s installation, I can vouch for its charm and sophistication, frequently commanding rates north of GBP £300 per night. Nevertheless, the promise of the impending Hyatt Centric Edinburgh Haymarket would likely prevent me from needing to stay with Marriott on future visits to the Scottish capital. A comprehensive review of The Glasshouse is in the pipeline, so stay tuned for that (UPDATE: review now live).

    News has reached us that an investigation is now underway by the council, thanks to the diligent reporters over at EdinburghLive.co.uk. The seemingly audacious screen has raised enough questions to warrant official scrutiny, and rightly so.

    GEM Display, the company behind this luminous spectacle, had boasted about their creation, describing it as “Scotland’s largest” and the “first large format digital display within Edinburgh’s World Heritage zone in the city center.” Well, it appears they’ve certainly accomplished their mission of being unmissable, but perhaps they didn’t factor in the sleep patterns of the hotel’s guests, or the fact that it’s in, well, a World Heritage zone.

    It’s safe to say that this larger-than-life display isn’t going unnoticed, and its brightness is, well, certainly hard to miss. We’ll be keeping an eye on how this situation unfolds, but for now, all we can say is, sleep tight, guests of The Glasshouse – and don’t forget to pull those blackout curtains!

  • U.S. State Department Issues Worldwide Caution Against International Travel

    U.S. State Department Issues Worldwide Caution Against International Travel

    The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution against international travel on Thursday, citing increased tensions in various locations around the world and the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. While this advisory might raise some eyebrows, it’s worth noting that the advice given isn’t a huge departure from what the Feds typically advise even in “normal” times.

    The backdrop for this alert includes a series of events that have shaken the international community. First and foremost, Israel finds itself in the midst of a conflict with Hamas following an unprovoked attack that saw terrorists rushing Israel’s border fence with Gaza. Tragically, this act of aggression resulted in the killing and kidnapping of thousands of Israeli civilians and numerous tourists from the U.S. and Europe. The gravity of the situation was highlighted when President Joe Biden, in only his second address to the nation during his presidency, discussed these hostilities in the Middle East.

    The situation in the Middle East isn’t the only cause for concern. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine continues to simmer, further adding to the global unease. While these conflicts may feel far away, they contribute to the overall atmosphere of uncertainty that prompted the State Department’s caution. I’d be primarily concerned about this if I were traveling to regions like Poland or any of the former Soviet states.

    In addition to these international conflicts, tourist attractions in France have been routinely evacuated in previous weeks due to threats of terrorism. Iconic sites like the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles have not been immune to these evacuations, underscoring the need for vigilance in crowded tourist areas. Additionally, flights in/out of Hamburg (HAM) were halted for several hours due to a threat against an aircraft inbound from Iran.

    So, what should you make of the State Department’s worldwide caution? Well, it’s not a call to cancel your international travel plans, but rather a nudge to exercise a little more caution than usual. Here are some steps to consider:

    1. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): If you have upcoming international travel, it’s a good idea to enroll in this free program. It can provide you with valuable information and alerts and make it easier for the U.S. government to locate you in case of an emergency overseas.
    2. Do Your Homework: Before traveling, research the situation on the ground at your destination. Stay informed about local news and any travel advisories specific to that area.
    3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When you’re abroad, always keep an eye on your surroundings. The old adage, “If you see something, say something,” holds true. Reporting suspicious activity to local authorities can contribute to your safety and the safety of others.

    This advice is roughly equivalent to a “Level 2” travel advisory – the same level assigned to many traditionally “safe” countries like the UK and Germany just prior to the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It shouldn’t scare you away from travel, but you should do a little more homework and exercise a general sense of awareness of your surroundings. What I probably wouldn’t do is go make a bunch of new bookings more than a few months into the future; the situation is constantly evolving, and I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a bunch of non-refundable reservations if things go south in the coming months.

    The State Department’s worldwide caution is a reminder that, while international travel is still very much doable at this juncture, it’s essential to be vigilant and prepared. Keep a watchful eye on the global situation, stay informed, and take sensible precautions to ensure your safety while abroad. Safe travels, and stay informed.

  • American Express “Refreshes” the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, Removes Key Benefits

    American Express “Refreshes” the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, Removes Key Benefits

    Today, we’re diving into the recent changes to the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. Unfortunately, I have to start by saying that these changes are, overall, less than thrilling, especially when we consider the devaluation of Hilton Honors Diamond status in recent years.

    Annual Fee Hike
    First up, the annual fee has undergone a substantial “refresh,” but it’s not the kind we typically celebrate. It’s shooting up from $450 to $550, marking a whopping $100 increase. This increase is already in effect for new applicants, and existing cardmembers will start feeling the pain from renewals on or after February 1, 2024.

    Priority Pass Lounge Access, Gone
    Perhaps the most significant loss with this refresh is the removal of Priority Pass membership. If you enrolled or renewed your Priority Pass membership before January 31, 2023, it’s valid until January 31, 2024. For those who did so between February 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, your membership extends until October 31, 2024. Lounge access is a key feature many seek in a premium card, and it’s quite disappointing to see it go at this price point. Comparing this to its competition, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, also from AmEx, still offers Priority Pass membership. When consumers are paying $500+ a year for a credit card, they tend to expect some form of lounge access. Admittedly, just like Hilton’s domestic properties, Priority Pass lounges within the U.S. just aren’t up to par with the competition; regardless, Priority Pass is about the lowest common denominator of most $500+ cards, so seeing even that getting the axe is very disappointing.

    Resort Credit Expansion, with a Catch
    On the bright side, the resort credit has nearly doubled in size, going from $250 to $400. But, here’s the catch – it’s gotten more difficult to use, as it’s now split into two parts: $200 for January-June and another $200 for July-December. I hear Hilton’s resorts have really good towels, so there’s that.

    Changes in Airline Credits
    Starting on January 1, 2024, the card will no longer include the $250 airline incidental fee credit. Instead, it’s replaced by a $50 quarterly airfare statement credit, which you can already utilize for eligible flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com. While this change doesn’t bode well for many, there are a couple of silver linings. You can use this credit with various airlines throughout the year, and it now seems to cover airfare, not just incidental fees.

    Extra Free Night Reward – at a Cost
    Cardholders now have the opportunity to earn a third annual free night reward, in addition to the ones upon renewal and after spending $60,000 in a calendar year. However, the opportunity cost of spending that much money on the Aspire card is quite substantial. The return on basic spend isn’t exactly anything to write home about; I value Hilton Honors points at around 0.5 cpp (cents per point), meaning at 3x for non-bonus spend, you’re pulling about 1.5% in return. Unless you’re finding redemptions with serious outsize value (likely international + using 5th night free), chances are even your local credit union’s cashback card provides a similar return, and we’d venture to guess they don’t charge $550 a year for it.

    CLEAR Plus Membership Credit
    This card offers a CLEAR Plus membership credit of up to $189 a year, enough to cover the annual membership for one person. It’s a nice perk but not groundbreaking, as several cards offer similar benefits. While CLEAR Plus can be useful at times and it’s nice to have options, oftentimes the standard TSA PreCheck line is shorter, and you’ll still need a PreCheck or Global Entry membership to avoid taking off your shoes or removing laptops and liquids. I do have a CLEAR Plus membership, as my AmEx Platinum includes it as a benefit. However, I wouldn’t get a card solely just to have CLEAR, nor would I spend my own money on a membership.

    Emerald Club Executive Status
    Like the Surpass Card, which also underwent a refresh, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card now comes with Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental. It’s a decent perk, but it’s likely a duplicate benefit for many of us, as many credit cards already offer this perk. You’ll get upgraded to a better rental car, usually an SUV. At airport locations with an Emerald Aisle, you’ll have more choices. That’s about it.

    New Design, Transition to Metal
    The Aspire card is getting a fresh makeover, shedding its old plastic attire for a sleek, new metal design. The previous blue and purple design left much to be desired, making this shift a small yet appreciated change.

    New Mobile Phone Protection
    There’s new mobile phone protection for cardmembers. You can get reimbursed for the repair or theft of a device, up to $800 per claim, when the wireless bill for the specific cellphone line is paid using the Hilton Aspire card. Keep in mind there’s a limit of two approved claims within a 12-month period, and each claim carries a $50 deductible. This benefit could be of limited utility, given some U.S. mobile carriers’ reluctance to accept credit card payments.

    Hilton Honors Diamond Status
    The card still includes complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status, and that’s a perk that’s remained constant. However, Hilton has been steadily devaluing this status, making it less of a standout feature. During the pandemic, Hilton gave the axe to some key Diamond benefits, like free breakfast at domestic properties and late checkout. It’s worth considering this before grabbing the card solely for Diamond status, unless you’re heavily into international travel where Diamond status still holds some value.

    No “Waterfall” Language – Yet
    AmEx is spreading its “waterfall” lifetime language to various card families, though Hilton cards have managed to escape unscathed, at least for now. However, it’s prudent to be strategic when it comes to the order and timing of your credit card applications, as the impact on Hilton cards may not be far off.

    Bottom Line
    All in all, it’s a tough sell to justify the higher annual fee with arguably fewer worthwhile perks. Unless I were just a die-hard Hilton loyalist, I’d be canceling the card if it were me. It’s essential to assess and evaluate what aligns best with your own travel habits and preferences. If you do decide to cancel the card, don’t forget to inquire about a retention offer to potentially squeeze out one more year of value.

  • Changes to the Hilton Honors Surpass Card: a Mixed Bag

    Changes to the Hilton Honors Surpass Card: a Mixed Bag

    Big news for fans of Hilton Honors and American Express – the Hilton Honors Surpass Card has recently undergone some significant changes. Some of these updates are positive, while others may leave you wondering if it’s still the right card for you. Let’s dive into the details.

    Annual Fee Increase; Quarterly Credits Added

    First up, the annual fee on the Surpass Card has seen a notable increase, jumping from $95 to $150. While this might seem like a step in the wrong direction, there’s a silver lining. AmEx is offsetting this fee hike with a $50 quarterly Hilton statement credit, which can be a boon for those who frequently do revenue stays at Hilton properties.

    Saying Goodbye to Priority Pass

    One significant change that might disappoint some cardholders is the removal of Priority Pass as a card benefit. Previously, you could enjoy up to 10 Priority Pass visits per year, with the option to purchase additional visits for $35 each. While many of us have a Priority Pass from other cards, a second Priority Pass could be used to bring additional guests into a lounge, extend your time at Minute Suites, or burn your one free annual visit to the Chase Sapphire Lounge network. It’s worth noting that the card’s big brother, the Aspire Card, has also lost Priority Pass access. This was one of the most economical ways for a points & miles beginner to dip their toes into lounge access for a low cost of entry, so it’s sad to see this removed. Notably, this was the only U.S. card from a major bank to offer a limited Priority Pass subscription.

    Exciting Welcome Offer

    Now, let’s talk about the good news. The Hilton Honors Surpass Card has launched its best-ever welcome offer. Earn a whopping 170,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in the first six months. Keep in mind that the once-in-a-lifetime rule applies, and AmEx has been on a roll adding “waterfall” language to other card families, so make sure you time your application strategically.

    Earning Potential and Point Valuations

    The card has also upped its game when it comes to earning points. You’ll now earn 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x points on U.S. restaurant, supermarket, and gas station purchases, and 4x points on U.S. online retail purchases. However, it’s worth noting that the value of Hilton points is relatively low (I value them around 0.5 cpp), which makes the 4x earning on online retail purchases less appealing when compared to other cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited – even without a bonus category. Personal valuations vary, but it’s something to consider.

    National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Status

    The Surpass Card has also thrown in National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status as a new benefit. While it’s a nice addition, it’s worth mentioning that several other credit cards also offer this perk, especially if you’re already carrying something like the AmEx Platinum.

    Aesthetic Upgrade

    One thing that’s not just about numbers and benefits is the new card design. Let’s be fair; the new look is a welcome change and a visual upgrade from the previous design. The odd blue/purple design never did much for me, but the new design is vaguely reminiscent of the Marriott Bonvoy cards (in a good way).

    Elite Status and Spending Thresholds

    For those looking for elite status benefits, the Surpass Card offers Gold status for being a cardmember and an upgrade to Diamond status if you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. Keep in mind that Diamonds aren’t promised suite upgrades or guaranteed late check-out. Additionally, spending $15,000 on the card in a year will earn you a free night certificate, which is a nice bonus.

    My Change in Perception

    Now, I have a nostalgic connection to this card as it was my very first travel rewards credit card and my gateway into the points and miles game. I still keep the card to this day, primarily to anchor my Average Age of Accounts, but its value to me has shifted over time, and it’s been largely relegated to my sock drawer.

    I used to champion the Surpass as one of the best starter cards for beginners – admittedly this was a rather contrarian opinion, but one I stood by at the time. It offered mid-tier elite benefits at Hilton properties (including breakfast at every single property which is no longer a benefit domestically), a substantial number of Hilton points, and a respectable return on everyday spending. Unfortunately, the landscape has changed, with Hilton cutting back on elite benefits and domestic service quality taking a hit. And while the earn rates remain the same, we’ve seen fewer good stackable promotions from Hilton, and the points have been devalued to the point where I wouldn’t actively chase after them anymore.

    Who Should Consider the Surpass Card?

    Despite the changes, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card still has a place for certain groups of people. If you already have Priority Pass through another card and will genuinely use the quarterly $50 Hilton credits, it’s worth considering. Also, if you can take advantage of the fantastic new signup bonus, it might be the right card for you.

    The Hilton Honors Surpass Card has evolved. Whether it’s a better fit for your wallet depends on your travel habits, elite status preferences, and how you plan to maximize the new benefits. The landscape of travel rewards cards is continually changing, so doing your research and staying informed is key to making the best choices for your wallet.

  • Delta SkyMiles Rollbacks: A Step in the Right Direction, but Is It Enough?

    Delta SkyMiles Rollbacks: A Step in the Right Direction, but Is It Enough?

    Last month, Delta Airlines made some significant changes to its SkyMiles program that left many frequent flyers less than pleased. The alterations included a shift to fully revenue-based status, imposing steep thresholds for Medallion status, and severe restrictions on SkyClub access. Unsurprisingly, the blowback from Delta’s loyal customer base was swift and severe, with many elites defecting to rival airlines; American reported record cobranded card signups on their earnings call, while requests for United status matches have gone up “dramatically,” presumably driven by disgruntled Delta elites abandoning ship.

    CEO Ed Bastian’s Acknowledgment

    In the midst of this intense backlash, Delta CEO Ed Bastian, now often not-so-affectionately referred to as “Fast Eddie,” admitted that the airline might have gone too far. He hinted at potential rollbacks to the contentious changes. While these changes didn’t come to light during Delta’s recent investor call, it turns out that my predictions about some adjustments were quite accurate.

    Adjustments to Elite Status Requirements

    One of the most significant SkyMiles changes was the switch to a fully revenue-based system, with Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) as the sole qualifying metric. However, Delta has now reduced the initially announced steep thresholds for the 2024 membership year, though they’re still a far cry from what customers were used to:

    • Silver Medallion: Reduced from $6,000 to $5,000 (compared to $3,000 in 2023).
    • Diamond Medallion: Reduced from $35,000 to $28,000 (compared to $20,000 in 2023).

    SkyMiles Credit Cardholders Catch a Break

    While the MQD earn ratio on co-branded AmEx cards remains unchanged, SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cardholders (both personal and business variants) will benefit from a $2,500 MQD boost per card. Holding two of these cards is now an efficient way to attain Silver Medallion status immediately, and holding all four would grant Gold Medallion (though the opportunity cost would be significant, taking most of your “slots” with AmEx). Those signing up for new Delta AmEx products should be aware of new “waterfall” restrictions and plan application strategies accordingly.

    SkyClub Reprieve for AmEx Cardmembers

    SkyClub access for AmEx cardholders will still transition from unlimited access to a capped system, but the caps on visits have been raised slightly:

    • Delta Reserve cardmembers now get 15 visits per year, up from 10.
    • AmEx Platinum members now enjoy 10 visits annually, up from 6.
    • After reaching the visit limit, travelers can purchase additional visits for $50 per day. Previously, this was not an option.
    • A subtle yet significant change is that a subsequent same-day entry to a club no longer uses up a “visit.” Instead, each visit allows unlimited entries for 24 hours after the initial entry, a boon for those on connecting itineraries through multiple airports.

    Enhancements to Lifetime Status

    To retain lifetime status members, Delta is improving lifetime status-earn and making it a more significant upgrade tie-breaker. The new thresholds for lifetime status now align more closely with United:

    • 1 Million Miles: Lifetime Silver (matching United).
    • 2 Million Miles: Lifetime Gold (matching United).
    • 3 Million Miles: Lifetime Diamond (matching United).
    • 5 Million Miles: Lifetime 360 Status (United offers Global Services at 4 million).
    • Million miler levels will be calculated using flight miles going forward, but they’ll honor existing totals earned via qualifying miles.

    Looking Ahead to 2025

    For 2025, Delta has announced new Choice benefits, including the ability for Diamonds to pick $2,000 MQDs and for Platinums to choose $1,000 MQDs. This should make earning status a little easier in the absence of other benefits. Additionally, Diamonds can again select Sky Club membership for two choice selections.

    Assessing my Predictions

    Many of my predictions about the SkyMiles rollbacks were quite close, with MQD thresholds dropping between 16.67% and 20% (I predicted between 20-30%) and visit allowances increasing by 50% and 66.67% (my prediction was 40-60%). As predicted, the $75,000 spend threshold for unlimited visits remains intact. While I partially got it wrong about the MQD earn ratio on cobranded AmEx cards being upped, cardholders of select cobranded products are getting a flat boost of 2,500 MQDs annually.

    Delta’s Uphill Battle

    Despite these rollbacks, Delta still faces an uphill battle to win back the trust of its elite customers. CEO Ed Bastian even hinted when the initial changes were announced that more could be on the horizon. Many have already jumped ship to competitors American and United. As the future remains uncertain, loyalists to the airline will continue to closely watch the evolving landscape of Delta’s SkyMiles program.

  • Marriott and MGM Resorts Partnership Delayed Until 2024

    Marriott and MGM Resorts Partnership Delayed Until 2024

    Marriott Bonvoy members have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to start earning and redeeming points at MGM Resorts properties. The hype around this partnership escalated when MGM Resorts made the significant move to sever its ties with Hyatt in favor of embracing a broader, more extensive collaboration with Marriott International. The possibilities seemed endless, spanning not only the realm of hotel loyalty but also branching out into online betting and hotel branding. This announcement angered Hyatt loyalists, who had previously used Vegas as an all-you-can-eat buffet of cheap elite nights.

    A specific launch date remained shrouded in uncertainty. While October 1st had been casually tossed around as a potential start date, the situation took a sudden turn when MGM Resorts faced an unprecedented cyberattack last month. The fallout from this event cast doubts on the partnership’s commencement. Now, we have official word from both companies that Marriott and MGM Resorts have decided to postpone the launch to sometime in early 2024.

    In a joint statement, the companies expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the vision they have for their collaboration. “Marriott International and MGM Resorts International are creating an extraordinary experience for our loyalty members with the introduction of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy,” the statement read. “Our two companies are excited to deliver world-class offerings and benefits for our guests. We look forward to debuting MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy by early 2024.”

    Despite the anticipation surrounding this partnership, neither company has commented on the specific reasons for the delay. However, considering the recent cyberattack on MGM Resorts, it’s not entirely surprising that the launch has been pushed back by a few months. Cybersecurity concerns are no small matter, and both companies likely want to ensure the utmost security and readiness before introducing their collaboration to the world.

    As we wait for the dust to settle and the partnership to take shape, many details about the specifics of this collaboration remain to be announced. While the delay may be a tad disappointing for Marriott Bonvoy members eager to explore the offerings at MGM Resorts properties, great things are worth the wait. Let’s hope the extra time gives the companies the opportunity to refine and enhance the offerings they plan to bring to the table.