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Back To The Future: United Finally Implementing Higher Status Requirements, With Some New Twists

November 8, 2022By Edward Pizzarello2 Comments

Back in 2019 the airlines were gearing up to thin their elite ranks. Travel was booming, though not the unbelievable demand we’re seeing this year. Late in 2019 United announced a pretty significant revamp of how customers would earn elite status. Just a few months later, the reality of COVID-19 caused the airlines to rapidly change direction. In essence, the tougher qualification requirements wouldn’t see the light of day in 2020. Nor 2021 or 2022. As we head into 2023, United has announced that they will be adopting the increased […]

50% Transfer Bonus From Ultimate Rewards To Marriott

I logged into Chase Ultimate Rewards today to make a transfer and noticed a new item at the top of the transfer page: I hadn’t seen this elsewhere so figured it was worth mentioning. True to form, the T&C show that you can receive a 50% transfer bonus when you transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy right now. There doesn’t appear to be a limit to the number of points you can transfer. The bonus runs through May 15th, 2023. Is It Worth It To Transfer Ultimate Rewards Points […]

The Curious Case Of United’s Edible Catering

In the early days of the pandemic airlines scrambled to find ways to save money. One cost-cutting method that the airlines have relied on frequently over the years is to reduce catering options onboard planes. Catering cuts are likely centered around the belief that customers choose an airline based on route, timing and price; that they’ll be forgiving if any of the soft touches are absent during their trip. It was understandable in the early days when such things as catering took a serious hit. Customers continued to be understanding […]

Need A Lyft? Earn Up To 5 Flexible Points Per Dollar With Bilt’s Newest Partner

I earn affiliate credit if you sign up for the Bilt Rewards Mastercard using links in this story. Bilt Rewards announced a new partnership today that should be rewarding for anyone who uses rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber. The best part of this new partnership is that you don’t need to hold the Bilt Rewards Mastercard to earn bonus points (though you can earn even more if you are a cardholder). I actually learned about this new partnership yesterday morning recording my podcast with Richard Kerr and Zach […]

The Easiest Way I’ve Seen To Earn The Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of my all-time favorite benefits from any airline loyalty program. The Companion Pass allows the holder to bring someone along for virtually free (just the taxes and fees, which on most flights are just $5.60). You get a free companion ticket on every flight regardless of whether you pay cash or use Rapid Rewards points for your ticket. And, right now you can earn a Companion Pass for almost a year without ever stepping foot on a plane. My podcast co-host Richard actually […]

Check Your United Account. United Handing Out Shortcuts To Elite Status

United Airlines is depositing Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) into elite member’s accounts, labeled “Starter PQPs” after raising elite status requirements late last year.

I Flew Frontier, Saved $400 And Didn’t Die. My Frontier Airlines Review

Those low-cost carriers always have very appetizing fare sales. Who wouldn’t want to pay $20 to fly somewhere? But, what does $20 really buy you? I found out exactly what Frontier does (and doesn’t) offer customers on my first flight with them recently.

How To Use New Metro Silver Line To Get Between Dulles and Reagan National Airports

People talk about how bad the traffic is in places like Los Angeles with plenty of adjectives. And, it is quite bad. But, the traffic in DC is what I refer to as “stealthy bad”. It doesn’t get the same press that LA traffic does, but a trip that normally takes an hour can easily turn into a 3-hour ordeal. With visiting dignitaries, protests and construction as variables, weather can also wreak havoc on a system that consistently backs up during rush hour. For those of us that live in […]

Update: American Airlines Variable Choice Plus Pricing A Feature, Not A Bug

I have to admit, I was pretty pleased with the original announcement that American Airlines was creating bundled pricing that included change fees at a lower apparent cost. Things got a little better when American also announced they were expanding the timeframe you could request a same day change to your flight. And, then things started to get a bit screwy. It started with just one flight I couldn’t get to price right with Choice Plus as an add-on. But, then I did a bit more digging and found out […]

A Summary Of United Airlines Global Services Benefits

As travel has gotten more stressful the benefits of elite status are even more valuable. In some cases, what used to be free for everyone is now only free for those customers that fly most frequently. I value my American Airlines Executive Platinum status more highly than any status I’ve earned, including 1K service with United Airlines. However, Global Services is another matter. For those not aware, Global Services is an invitation-only status level that United bestows on their best customers. What defines a best customer? Well, United doesn’t list […]