Weekly Review: February 16, 2019

Hello from New York! I’m exclusively traveling domestically for a few weeks, and am spending the weekend in New York. I’m grateful that the weather is at least nice, because I’m not sure I would have fared as well a few weeks ago.

On the points & travel front, this week the Waldorf Astoria Maldives became bookable with points, the Marriott Bonvoy program finally launched, several airlines offered Valentine’s Day fare sales, Etihad announced they’ll fly the A380 to Incheon, and more.

With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:

Featured Stories

When Do Airlines Open Award Seats?

There are many aspects to redeeming miles efficiently. In addition to knowing which programs have the best redemption rates, it also makes sense to understand how you can actually snag the award seats that are available.

Part of that is understanding when airlines open up award seats. In this post I wanted to compile a master list of some of the most popular frequent flyer programs, and how early you can book mileage tickets.

So let’s get right into it, and then below I’ll also share some context for the significance of these timelines.

The Best Hyatt Privé Free Night Offers For Park Hyatts

There are all kinds of programs out there available exclusively to travel agents in order to drum up more business. The idea is that many hotel brands have developed special partnerships with select travel agencies, so that they can offer their guests more perks when staying at their hotels.

Last year Hyatt Privé was launched, which is Hyatt’s version of that. Hyatt Privé offers special privileges at over 200 Hyatt hotels around the world. This includes all Park Hyatt and Andaz properties, as well as select Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Regency, Thompson, and The Unbound Collection hotels.

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Today: What Does That Mean?

While Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood closed several years ago, Marriott has taken a (mostly) slow and steady approach to integrating their loyalty programs. Prior to today there were technically three loyalty programs — Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest.

In reality the three programs were more or less combined in August 2018, when they created aligned benefits across all programs, and a single points currency.

However, in order to do things in stages they didn’t actually rebrand the programs at that point. So in August there was one program for all practical purposes, but it was really marketed as three different programs.

This week begins the formal rebranding of Marriott’s loyalty program, where all 100 million plus members are part of the same program.

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Last Day For Awesome Southwest Credit Card Companion Pass Offers
The Best Hyatt Privé Free Night Offers For Park Hyatts
British Airways Selling Avios With A 50% Bonus
Review: Avianca LifeMiles Credit Card
Which Hotel Programs Let You Earn Points & Elite Nights For Multiple Rooms?
Earn 250 Starbucks Stars With Free Spotify Trial
Great Qatar Airways Qsuites Fares From LAX
Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex: New 100K Welcome Offer
10 Best Credit Card Offers For February 2019
La Compagnie Valentine’s Day Sale: $1,250 Roundtrip Business Class To France
Spectacular KLM Business Class Fares From The US To Bangkok
Alaska Offering Valentine’s Day BOGO Sale
New Hyatt Promo Offers Up To 1,500 Bonus Points Per Night
My Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card 100K Upgrade Offer
Marriott Offering Free Night After Two Stays For New Members
The 25 Credit Cards In My Wallet Right Now
14 Hotel Credit Cards Offering Free Nights

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

Marriott’s Sneaky Points Advance Policy Change
How Long Do Amex Membership Rewards Points Transfers Take? [2019]
How Long Do Citi ThankYou Points Transfers Take? [2019]
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Now Bookable With Points!!!
World of Hyatt’s MASSIVE 2019 Hotel Category Changes
You Can Lock In Marriott Stays At Old Rates Using Points Advance
When Do Airlines Open Award Seats?
How Long Do Capital One Mileage Transfers Take? [2019]
Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes: Long Haul Business Class From 28K Miles

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

American Flight Attendant Credit Card Sales Pitches: A Different Take
Garment Bag: Carry-On Or Personal Item?
Why I Order Kosher Breakfasts On American Airlines
I’ve Never Been This Excited About An Airport Hotel Before!

NEWS & Updates

Virgin Atlantic Launching Flights To Israel As Of September 2019
British Airways Suspends Pilots Over Racist & Pornographic Emails
Etihad Will Fly The A380 To Seoul Incheon
More Details About SilkAir’s New 737 MAX Flat Beds
Aer Lingus Starts Selling A321LR Shorthaul Business Class
Surprising: Christoph Mueller Leaving Emirates
EL AL Launching Flights To Orlando
What’s Going On With Delta’s Flight To India?
Cathay Pacific Closing Toronto Crew Base
Norwegian Ending All Caribbean Flights
Refreshing: Alaska’s Honest Email About Saver Fares
IHG Acquires Six Senses
SeaTac Airport Gets A Priority Pass Restaurant
Airbus Could Announce End Of A380 Production Tomorrow
Marriott Bonvoy Launches Today: What Does That Mean?
Qatar Airways Reveals A380 Retirement Plans
Testing Out American Airlines’ New Amenity Kits
A380 Production Ending In 2021, As Emirates Orders A330s & A350s
Ouch: Etihad Cancels Most Of Their Widebody Plane Orders
Hilton’s CEO Thinks They’ve Benefited From Marriott Bonvoy
Waldorf Astoria Maldives: Transfer Costs, Breakfast, Upgrades, And More
Ironic: Qatar-Funded Air Italy Sponsors Toronto Pride
KLM’s CEO Is So Popular With Employees That It’s A Problem
Outrageous: The Conrad Maldives Is Letting A Cruise Ship Use Resort
Cute: British Airways Upgrades 100 Passengers From Economy To First Class
Norwegian Adds New York To Athens & Chicago To Barcelona Flights
Ryanair Launches New Annual Membership
Japan Airlines Will Open Reservations 360 Days In Advance
Vietnam Gets Category 1 FAA Rating
Istanbul New Airport Transition Rumored To Be Delayed Again
New: Check If You Were Impacted By The Marriott Data Breach
Flybmi Ceases Operations

I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!