Apr 19 2019

Since I offer advice on earning frequent flyer miles, often with credit cards and sometimes other financial techniques, I think it’s only fair to take an ‘open kimono approach’ with my own strategies.

And the best way to do that is to share with you my wallet. Because that will shows you what I carry with me through my daily life, and is a great opportunity to explain my thinking about each choice I make — a choice that’s constrained by space and so reveals a lot about me.

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Apr 19 2019

Plenty of reporters will be covering the United Airlines first quarter earnings call, but largely focusing on the airline’s revenue performance and questions about the fleet – especially the 737 MAX.

My interest is largely focused on customer experience – product, fares, and the loyalty program – and that’s something that gets discussed but not nearly as widely picked up in the coverage. So these are the things that struck me as interesting during United’s earnings call.

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Apr 19 2019

Award space between the US and Tahiti is as tough to get as any route in the world.

Right now Air France business class has some availability for two passengers a few days each month. That’s better than I’ve seen it, whether searching in November or February or April.

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Apr 18 2019

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

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Apr 18 2019

Qatar Airways owns a 49% stake in Air Italy and is attempting to revive what was once Meridiana into the dominant airline in Italy. With Delta partner Alitalia struggling, that seems possible. Although given Alitalia’s challenges, draining subsidies from Air France and then Etihad and the government of Italy the Italian aviation market isn’t a place that’s likely to produce profits. Delta sniffed around looking to invest in Alitalia, but no deal has been done.

US airlines don’t want to compete with Air Italy, though. They don’t want to compete with anyone, and there’s always a chance to go to the administration and complain about foreigners.

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Apr 18 2019

The JetPrivilege program has value. Last summer investment group Blackstone looked at buying it outright.

Indeed the frequent flyer program has been preparing to operate independently of Jet Airways.

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Apr 18 2019

When American Airlines launched their ‘web specials’ they were discounted awards, for less than the cost of a saver award. These awards allow no changes versus traditional awards which permit date changes free of charge and routing changes for a fee.

Now though these non-changeable web specials appear to be offering fully dynamic pricing.

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Apr 18 2019

There’s no easier way to earn a large amount of miles quickly than with a new credit card. Here are the best cards with initial bonuses well worth getting a card for, each one with a bonus of at least 60,000 points. And that’ll boost your account balances quickly.

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Apr 18 2019

British Airways appears to be testing a redemption option to spend more points on an award ticket in exchange for reducing or eliminating taxes and fees.

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Apr 18 2019

Back in January there was a ‘bad passenger’ story so terrible and disgusting that it reverberated on both sides of the Pacific.

A man insisted that EVA Air flight attendants provide assistance to him in the bathroom — assistance he may not have needed, but apparently enjoyed. The airline’s flight attendants union demanded changes at the Taipei-based carrier.

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