There have been quite a few bits of news that have rolled out in the last few days in the world of travel, miles, and points. Here is a quick rundown on some of the noteworthy points.
Free GoGo WiFi In-Flight Sessions For American Express Business Platinum Holders
Shortly, American Express Business Platinum cardmembers will be able to use their card to access 10 GoGo sessions per year. Session fees run all the way up to $16 each, so this new perk could be worth as much as $160. That will go a long way towards hacking into the annual fee of $450! – Read more – Doctor of Credit
IHG Acquires Kimpton Hotels For $430 Million
The Kimpton hotel chain is a very unique program for frequent stayers as they have a very generous program. Kimpton hotels are very nice and comfortable for guests. I have only stayed at a couple of Kimptons but they were great stays. Well, they are about to become part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) with this brand new acquisition on the part of IHG. It will be interesting to see the Kimpton hotels become bookable with the IHG Reward points! – Read more – View from the Wing
American Airlines Rewards Elites Buying Premium Class Tickets
While American Airlines has said that their merging of programs with US Airways’ Dividend Miles program will stay as a mile-based earning program (as opposed to revenue based like Delta and United), they did announce a move that is meant to reward their customers who purchase the premium tickets. For Executive Platinum/Chairman’s Preferred members flying on First Class/Business Class tickets over 3,000 miles, they will earn 12,000 AAdvantage miles on top of their regular mileage earning. For shorter haul flights, they will earn an extra 1,000 miles. This is a nice attempt to keep their big dollar flyers happy, but on many of the international routes, it is still going to be more rewarding to fly and pay with Delta or United. The good part is that AA miles are worth more for partner premium cabin redemptions. – Read more – View from the Wing, Wandering Aramean
Milepoint’s 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway
The Milepoint folks are giving away a lot of stuff for the 12 days of Christmas. We are already a few days in, but you have a lot left to enter to win! Go here to enter each day.
Delta Elites Now Have Hertz Elite Status
Following up on the partnership with United and Hertz in November, Delta is taking a page out of United’s book (for a change – normally it is the other way around). Delta elite members will now have elite status with Hertz’s car rental program. Delta’s Diamond and Platinum members will receive Hertz’s President’s Circle status and Delta’s Gold members will receive Hertz’s Five Star status. Delta’s Silver members get nothing in this little status gifting. Read more – Delta
Earn 100,000 Skymiles And $100 With 2 Delta Cards
As I wrote about on Sunday night, Delta is running a limited-time offer on their Delta Gold Amex cards. The personal and business cards are each offering 50,000 miles after spending $1,000 per card. This offer runs out December 21, so sign up for it before it is too late! Read more – Great Deal: Delta Amex Gold With 50,000 Mile Bonus and $50 Statement Credit (Both Business and Personal)
