It's been a good week for business-class deal hunters. We saw incredible Air France Flying Blue business-class award space earlier this week and then stumbled upon first-class flights to Hawaii as low as 40,000 each way.
06.05.2024 - 20:25 / cntraveler.com / Marriott Bonvoy / Airlines
It’s almost summertime, and those family vacations aren’t going to plan themselves. If you are hoping to earn points and miles for upcoming trips to sunnier (or cooler) climes, there are some travel promotions that can double or triple those loyalty program earnings. And for the jetsetters who want to redeem those hard-earned points and miles, now is the time to start looking to find the best deal.
But those deals are often changing. For example, United MileagePlus just quietly implemented a devaluation to their award chart without notice to members: They almost doubled the number of miles necessary to book intra-European business class flights with partner airlines like Lufthansa, and doubled the miles cost of first class flights on partner airlines for travel between the US and parts of Asia. That’s a major blow for those who have been saving miles for an upcoming trip.
To help you keep the flow of points and miles coming to offset devaluations like United’s, these are some of the best deals to keep in mind this spring.
Hilton Honors members will really rack up points after registering for a summer double points promotion for stays between now and September 2. There’s no limit to the number of points members can earn, and hotels around the world are eligible, including newly opened properties like Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which appears on our 2024 Hot List of the best new and reimagined hotels and resorts all over the world.
Marriott Homes & Villas is Marriott’s luxury collection of residences where guests can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay. To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the brand is offering bonus points for Marriott Bonvoy elite status members. Until May 10, elite travelers can earn 50,000 bonus points when booking a two-night stay for rates starting at $2,500 for dates before the end of the year. Be sure to register for the promotion before your stay. Not a Marriott Bonvoy elite member? You can get instant elite status when getting approved for several Marriott co-branded credit cards.
The GHA Discovery loyalty program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its own bonus promotion, includes an array of almost 40 hotel brands like Anantara Resorts and Tivoli Hotels & Resorts—and the goal for travelers is to stay with as many as possible. The program awards “Discovery Dollars” as points, which can be redeemed for future stays. When staying with at least three of the program’s brands on stays valued at $600 or more, members would receive $300 bonus Discovery Dollars. Staying at four brands would yield $400; staying at five brands earns $500—it goes up to $1,000 in bonus dollars for staying at ten brands. All of these can be redeemed at properties
It's been a good week for business-class deal hunters. We saw incredible Air France Flying Blue business-class award space earlier this week and then stumbled upon first-class flights to Hawaii as low as 40,000 each way.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers frequent travelers several ways to add elements of luxury to their travel plans. From flight discounts to hotel elite status and a comprehensive airport lounge access benefit, the Amex Business Platinum Card delivers unparalleled travel perks that you can only find with a premium travel rewards card.
Southwest Airlines recently announced the launch of its new Orlando – Nassau route. Daily nonstop flights will connect Central Florida’s metropolitan hub with The Bahamas’ capital city at the height of the summer months. The Orlando – Nassau flights will operate from 4 June to 4 August, with departures from Orlando and arrivals in Nassau. “The expansion of Southwest Airlines’ Central Florida route map to include a new daily service to Nassau is another testimony to the government’s efforts and commitment to grow air stopover arrivals throughout our 16-islands destination aggressively,” says the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation.
Major US airlines sued the Department of Transportation on Friday over a rule that requires upfront fee disclosures for costs like baggage and itinerary changes.
Artificial intelligence might take your job. But at least you'll be less likely to miss a connecting flight.
J.D. Power just released its 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, and while some airlines shone, others are clearly not prioritizing customer service. As domestic air travel continues to rise (with passenger volume increasing by 9.4% compared to the previous year) airlines find it challenging to maintain customer satisfaction amid crowded gates, overflowing overhead bins and rising ticket prices. However, the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, released on May 8, shows that some airlines are responding to these challenges by focusing heavily on staff training and doing what they can to improve the overall flight experience through friendly and attentive service. These efforts are paying off, allowing some airlines to deliver exceptional customer experiences despite the growing number of travelers.
Last night, I returned home to Miami after spending a bit longer than I had anticipated in San Diego, where I had been attending the Spring meeting of the International Aircraft Dealers Association, also known as IADA. In fact, I wasn’t supposed to be at home today.
A new report is revealing that there actually is rhyme and reason for scoring a cheaper flight when booking on a certain day.
Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. Under normal circumstances, they’d all be scrambling to rebook.
If the summer travel seasons of 2022 and 2023 left you thinking airports couldn't possibly get any busier, think again.
With the recent Boeing safety scare on every traveler’s mind, choosing an airline can feel daunting. WalletHub, a financial and consumer website, recently released its study of the best airlines for the coming year, including the safest option for fliers.
What’s the best airline in 2024? It depends on the cabin you fly. Delta Airlines comes in at top for both first-class travelers and those who fly in premium economy, according to J.D. Power’s newest 2024 customer satisfaction survey that ranks North American airlines.