Sites like Expedia and Orbitz make it so easy to search for travel, don’t they? But, they’re not a replacement for a real travel agent. Nor are they a replacement for common sense. A recent situation yields some tips for how to protect yourself from issues booking with an online travel agency.
Looking forward to 2017? So am I. I asked a bunch of fellow travel bloggers what their resolutions were for 2017, and shared my own.
The Southwest Airlines companion pass remains one of the most valuable benefits of any airline loyalty program in the US. Timed correctly, you can get 2 years of free flights for your companion. Southwest is changing the rules for how you earn a companion pass. This one’s gonna sting a bit.
The true value of elite status comes from how often you can use the benefits. If you never earn a first class upgrade on an airline, getting them for free as a benefit is pretty useless. Similarly, if I don’t get suite upgrades from a hotel chain, the free upgrade benefit is kinda like a pet rock.
One of the most valuable benefits of the SPG program is the transfer ratio to many airlines. Because of the transfer ratio between Virgin America and Alaska Airlines, there’s an opportunity right now to earn a 60% bonus on your Starpoints. That will be going away shortly.
Housekeeping standards vary widely in different hotels. Heck, sometimes even in the same hotel. I’ve had housekeepers put away the iron and ironing board after I use it while others leave it out. Some put a towel under my toiletries, some don’t. But, I thought there was a fairly consistent standard on bed making.
The Best of the Rest is my effort to summarize all the travel/miles & points stories that interested me on a daily basis but didn’t have time to write about in length. Culled from over 100 blogs/authors I follow, some are passed along without comment, while I add my analysis to others. This is your shortcut to find out what’s going on in the travel world without having to read dozens of travel blogs to get all the best info.
I got a chance to be on TV twice last week. We covered holiday travel, the future of loyalty programs and how Alaska Airlines might be the right airline loyalty program for you.
There are a million top 10 lists out there. If you’re traveling this holiday season, my 10 thoughts on how to navigate a packed airport may help make things a bit less stressful.
Jump on this sale from WOW Air that expires today. There are a limited number of seats being offered at 50% off for travel over the next few months. Details on how to book…..