Almost every major domestic airline operates a separate program for businesses and business travelers. These may include additional loyalty benefits, special discounts, or just ways of tracking and monitoring your business travel. Some of these airlines are also including international partners to expand their reach. My own small business (this blog) has been able to earn one free domestic round-trip each … [Read more...]
The Complete Guide to Same Day Change and Standby Rules
There are always times when we wish we'd booked a different flight. Maybe you want to get home earlier, or you need to spend a few more hours visiting a client. Sometimes changing a flight can mean earning more miles or a better chance at an upgrade. Or you just booked the cheapest flight and hoped to change it later. I've explained several reasons why you should request a same day change before. But the rules for … [Read more...]
Are Loyalty Programs Without Blackout Dates Always Better?
Why don't airlines like Southwest and JetBlue have award charts that spell out the cost of their frequent flier awards? Charts make it easier to determine the cost of an award redemption: for example, knowing that you'll need 60,000 miles for a roundtrip economy ticket from the U.S. to Europe. The reason is Southwest and JetBlue, along with a few other airlines, operate what are commonly known as "fixed-value" … [Read more...]
25% More TrueBlue Points for Transferring Membership Rewards to JetBlue
Membership Rewards announced a transfer bonus today if you want to move points to the TrueBlue loyalty program operated by JetBlue. You can get 25% more points when you transfer to your TrueBlue account by September 15. Although American Express has clamped down on people transferring points to other individuals' accounts, this is still possible if you add that individual as an authorized cardholder. 250 … [Read more...]
Virgin, Southwest, and JetBlue Fare Sales This Week
Several low-cost carriers have announced fare sales this morning. Nothing quite as amazing as last week's 40% off sale from Southwest that many carriers tried to match, but still worth looking into if you have upcoming travel. Southwest - Carving 10 Days of Deals Southwest may have one of the most generous sales, in terms of restrictions and fares. Book now through October 25 for travel bewteen October 26 and … [Read more...]
Choosing an Airline Loyalty Program
Because elite status is so critical to making air travel enjoyable, not just on mileage runs but on mandatory vacation/business trips, too, I think it is worth spending some time discussing how to choose an airline loyalty program with which you will accrue that status. However, I won't be spending too much time on the actual benefits of elite status. This is partly because the benefits of lower tiers just aren't as … [Read more...]
