Last year, my husband and I splurged on round-trip first-class tickets on Japan Airlines from San Francisco to Tokyo for $13,474 each. We reserved them in February for an October flight through American Express Travel. On the same day, I also bought business class tickets for a couple who was traveling with us at $8,429 apiece. In September, Amex notified me that we had been downgraded to business class for the return flight. JAL’s conditions state that we would receive “the difference between the normal fare amount of original class of service and for the normal fare of lower class of service.” To me that means that since the difference between our first class seats and our friends’ business seats was $5,045 each, we should be refunded about half of that — around $2,522 per person — for the second leg. But we got only $941 each. I contested this with Amex Travel, but they rejected our claim. Can you help?
First look: Etihad quietly reopens revamped Dulles lounge, collaborating with Chase
15.03.2024 - 12:07 / thepointsguy.com / Airlines / Dulles
There's a newly reopened upscale lounge option for passengers flying out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C. It's now available, free of charge, for travelers who carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card.
Last week, Etihad Airways' Dulles lounge quietly reopened following a major face-lift — one that appears to bring it into Chase's growing portfolio of Sapphire Lounges.
Officially, the club remains known as an Etihad Lounge. The airline's logo remains on prominent display as you enter the space along Dulles' A concourse.
But Etihad's website notes the space is a collaboration with JPMorgan Chase and airport lounge operator Airport Dimensions.
Throughout the two-level facility, you'll find plenty of similarities to other clubs in Chase's Sapphire Lounge portfolio, from impressive food and drink offerings to a family room and reflection space.
In fact, the front desk itself is adorned with a logo that says "Sapphire Lounge by The Club." This is the official name of some other Chase lounges, such as the ones at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
In an unusual twist, though, this lounge opened with little fanfare and no formal announcement from Chase, Etihad or Priority Pass.
So, last weekend, I shuffled my travel plans and booked a flight through Dulles to check out the space for myself.
Here's what I found.
The new Etihad-Chase collaboration lounge is in Dulles' Terminal A — specifically, near Gate A14.
After you clear security and take the AeroTrain to the terminal, the lounge is just to the left as you enter the concourse.
The lounge's location puts it in close proximity to many international carriers' gates at Dulles.
You should also be able to reach the lounge within minutes if you're departing from a B gate on another U.S. carrier like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines or JetBlue.
Notably, the lounge is quite far from a majority of the gates used by United Airlines, which operates a hub at Dulles.
You can technically move between all Dulles gates airside, but it'll be more of a hike to get to the lounge from terminals C and D, where a majority of United's gates are.
The lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
As with the other Sapphire Lounge locations, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive unlimited complimentary access for themselves and up to two guests per visit. Just make sure you've activated your Priority Pass membership through this card, as that's what they'll check to admit you to the lounge.
You'll also get access if you're flying in business or first class on an Etihad flight or if you have Gold or Platinum elite status with Etihad Guest.
Additionally, travelers who earn Priority Pass
AA loosens rules for flyers with pets
American Airlines has loosened its rules for customers to carry on a pet.
JetBlue Just Changed Its Bag Fees Again — This Time With Peak and Off-peak Pricing
JetBlue increased baggage fees for the second time in a couple months, introducing a new peak and off-peak pricing structure.
American Airlines Just Made It Easier and Cheaper to Fly With a Pet — What to Know
American Airlines is making it easier to travel with pets, changing its policy to allow travelers to bring a free carry-on bag in addition to their furry friend.
This Airline Wants to Set You Up With a Fellow Passenger
Romance is in the air — literally — thanks to Icelandair’s newest plan to set passengers up on in-flight dates.
Airbus flew its first 'Beluga Transport' mission to the US, using a freighter designed to carry oversized cargo like engines, tanks, and even other aircraft. Take a look.
In 1994, Airbus built a mammoth aircraft called the Beluga "Super Transporter" to support the assembly of its line of commercial airplanes.
First look: Tulum's new airport finally welcomes US flights — and it's no Cancun
There's a new airport option for U.S. travelers hoping to make the trek to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula — one that doesn't involve the packed terminals and dense crowds of Cancun.
There's a New Airport in Tulum—With Nonstop Flights From the US
This week, US airlines are launching their first nonstop flights to the new Tulum airport—meaning it's about to get a lot easier for Americans to visit the ever-popular Riviera Maya destination on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.
Solar Eclipse 2024: Flights That Overlap with the Path of Totality
April 8 is shaping up to be a busy day for US airlines, as travelers chase the total solar eclipse sweeping across the nation from Texas to Maine—a rare event that won’t be visible from the contiguous US again until 2044.
What Do Airlines Hope To Accomplish in Meeting With Boeing?
Airline executives are looking to meet with Boeing management, possibly as early as this week, to discuss safety concerns and production delays.
American upgrades NYC-to-Rome route with first class
If you're looking to get to Italy in style this summer, American Airlines has a first-class option for you.
Southwest Airlines to offer first red-eye flights in coming years
Southwest Airlines is preparing to launch a travel option common throughout the airline industry — but one not in place at the Dallas-based carrier.