Weekly Review: December 12, 2020

The information and associated card details on this page for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by OMAAT and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far, and a good December, as we near the end of the year.

On the points & travel front, this week American AAdvantage announced new elite choice rewards, Alaska Mileage Plan announced updated 2021 elite qualifications, the 737 MAX restarted commercial flights, Cathay Pacific’s A321neo interiors were revealed, Breeze Airways’ controversial pilot pay was exposed, and more.

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

Featured Stories

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Has So Much Potential

I’ve been following travel loyalty programs for about 15 years. I have to say that I don’t think there’s a loyalty program out there with more untapped potential than Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Qatar Airways is recognized by many as being one of the all-around best airlines in the world. The airline operates an incredible global route network, and has an excellent onboard product, including its Qsuites business class.

Why You Should Consider Applying For The Hilton Aspire Card Now

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (review) is my favorite hotel credit card. The card has a steep $450 annual fee (Rates & Fees), but has perks that more than offset it, in my opinion.

Some people might read about the card and think “well, it sounds great, but I’m not traveling much right now, so I’ll hold off.” In this post, I wanted to lay out why I think the current circumstances are all the more reason to pick up this card sooner rather than later, even if you’re not traveling much right now.

Alaska Mileage Plan Changes How Status Is Earned

Alaska Airlines has just adjusted how status in the Mileage Plan program can be earned in 2021. For most people this will make it easier to earn status, but not for everyone.

Alaska Airlines is changing its 2021 elite qualification, which applies to those looking to earn status for the 2022 program year. I’d assume there are a few reasons status qualification is being adjusted …

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

IHG Credit Cards Offer Best-Ever, Limited Time Bonus
Hyatt Credit Card $15K First Year Sweet Spot
Best-Ever Chase Ink Cash & Ink Unlimited Bonus: 75K Points Or $750
16 Best Credit Card Offers December 2020
Earn 500 Bonus World of Hyatt Points For Meditating
World of Hyatt Selling Points For 25% Off
Buy Etihad Guest Miles, Earn Bonus Miles & Status
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go Offering Status Match
United MileagePlus Selling Miles With 100% Bonus
IHG Rewards Club Selling Points With 75% Bonus
Hilton Honors Diamond Members Can Gift Status
Why You Should Consider Applying For The Hilton Aspire Card Now
9 Reasons To Get The IHG Premier Card

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

Hyatt Credit Card Elite Nights: Complete Guide
Revealed: American AAdvantage Elite Choice Rewards
Hyatt Launches “Pay My Way” Booking Feature

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

Alila Hinu Bay: The Hyatt I’m Most Excited About
What Is Hyatt’s Mysterious Courtesy Card Status?
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Has So Much Potential
What Are The Benefits Of American Concierge Key?

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

World of Hyatt Credit Card Review (2020)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card Review (2020)
Review: Andaz Munich, Germany
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card Review (2020)
Capital One Venture Card Review (100K Bonus Miles)

NEWS & Updates

Gulf Air Will Fly To Israel, Partner With EL AL
American’s New Seattle To Bangalore Flight On Sale… Again
Which Amex Centurion Lounges Have Reopened?
Yay: Hyatt Expanding Significantly In Europe
Revealed: Emirates’ New Premium Economy Seat
Creative: The Hyatt Regency Bangkok “One Million Baht Club”
Ukraine’s Windrose Airlines Will Fly To New York
Qatar Airways Will Fly To Seattle, Partner With Alaska
JAL Now Lets You “Ethically” Skip Inflight Meals
Virgin Australia “Restructures” 737 MAX Order
Hawaiian Airlines Will Fly To Austin & Orlando
Lufthansa Miles & More Changes Postponed Indefinitely
Brazil’s GOL Becomes First Airline To Resume 737 MAX Flights
Delta Air Lines Permanently Eliminates International Change Fees
Bankrupt Thai Airways Getting New 777s
American Airlines’ Dallas To Tel Aviv Flight On Sale (Again)
Russian 737’s Phallic Flight Leads To Firing
Breeze Airways Wants To Pay Pilots How Much?!
American AAdvantage Platinum Pro Upgraded To Oneworld Emerald
Flight Attendants In China Told To Wear Diapers
Aer Lingus’ Manchester Transatlantic Routes Revealed
Cathay Pacific’s A321neo Business Class Revealed
Southwest Launching Flights To IAH & ORD (Routes Revealed)
Alaska Mileage Plan Changes How Status Is Earned
Thai Airways Selling Boeing 747, Airbus A380 Fleet
United Kingdom Reduces Self-Quarantine To 10 Days

I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!

The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees).

Conversations (2)

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Write a comment

Sneeze Guest
December 13, 2020, 2:34 am

@ Ben,

Please correct me if I am wrong but I cannot recall seeing the review of your trip from the US to Europe with your lovely dog Winston.

It would be great to read it (hopefully Winston did not suffer from jet lag...).

Helpful

Cind Member
December 12, 2020, 8:52 pm

Eventless week.

Helpful

Featured Comments

View all comments (2)

Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

Sneeze Guest

December 13, 2020, 2:34 am

@ Ben, Please correct me if I am wrong but I cannot recall seeing the review of your trip from the US to Europe with your lovely dog Winston. It would be great to read it (hopefully Winston did not suffer from jet lag...).

Cind Member

December 12, 2020, 8:52 pm

Eventless week.