I hope everyone is having a good weekend so far! I’m grateful to be spending time with my family.
On the points & travel front, this week the new Chase United Quest Card was introduced, IHG Rewards Club devalued, the value of redeeming Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles on ANA got even better, Avelo Airlines began selling flights, JetBlue revealed its transatlantic economy product, and more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
“Quarantine-Free” Flights Are Kind Of Deceiving
What is it with both airlines and all kinds of media outlets promoting “quarantine-free” flights in a way that’s unhelpful at best, and downright deceiving at worst?
I’m writing about this now because I’m currently sitting outside at a coffee shop, and I overheard a lady telling her friend how she’s going to Italy next month. “I thought Europe was closed?” “No, we’re going on one of the quarantine-free flights.”
That’s not how that works!!
Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands (Stay Away)
Oh, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Come for the views, stay for the… well, maybe don’t stay.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
Chase Sapphire Preferred Vs. Capital One Venture: Which Is Better?
New IHG Premier Card Bonus: 125K Points + Free Night
Fantastic United Quest Card Offers Up To 100K Bonus Miles
InterContinental Ambassador Enrollment Offer: Free Night After One Stay
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
The World’s Best Award Redemption Just Got Better
Booking ANA First Class With Virgin Atlantic Miles: An Incredible Value
Awesome Promo: Transfer 250K Bank Points To Singapore KrisFlyer, Earn Star Alliance Gold
Disappointing: Huge IHG Rewards Club Devaluation
How Can Hyatt Club Access Awards Be Used?
IHG Rewards Club Dials Back Devaluation
How Long Do Capital One Mileage Transfers Take? (2021)
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
My Streak Of Bad Luck With Hyatt
Greece Claims Its Opening To All Visitors May 14, And I’m Skeptical
“Quarantine-Free” Flights Are Kind Of Deceiving
Will Masks Be Required On Airplanes Forever?
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Grand Hyatt SFO (Amazing Airport Hotel)
Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands (Stay Away)
Review: Big Sur Suite At Alila Ventana
Review: Alila Ventana Big Sur All-Inclusive Dining
Alaska Airlines First Class Impressions
Review: Thompson Hotel Chicago
GUIDES & Programs
How To Access Delta SkyClubs (2021)
Capital One Miles: Everything You Need To Know
How To Access United Airlines Clubs (2021)
Capital One Showdown: Venture Vs. VentureOne
NEWS & Updates
Delta Pilot Shortage Leads To Canceled Flights, No Seat Blocking
American Airlines Will Fly Boeing 787-9 To Alaska
Oops: Ethiopian Airlines 737 Lands At Wrong Airport
Ugh: Awful New Marriott “Contactless” Features
Finally: Australia & New Zealand Launch Quarantine-Free Travel Bubble
Impressive: JetBlue Reveals Transatlantic Economy Experience
Kudos: United Airlines Sets New Diversity Goal For Pilots
Details: Avelo Airlines, New US Budget Airline
Coming Soon: New Radisson Rewards Americas Loyalty Program
American Offers Long Haul Upgrades To Alaska Elites, But In An Odd Way
Cool: Singapore Airlines On Spotify
Wow: Amex Cutting Centurion Lounge Guest Access
Lufthansa Cuts First Class On All US Routes Until June 2021
Alaska Lounge SFO Opening Summer 2021
Alaska Lounge Membership Cost Increasing
Rumor: Big Amex Platinum Card Changes Coming
American Improving Domestic First Class Catering
Ouch: LATAM Retiring Entire Airbus A350 Fleet
Oops: Title “Miss” Causes TUI 737 To Take Off Overweight
Uh Oh: Electrical Issues Ground Boeing 737 MAX
Finally: The Andaz Bali Is Now Open
Turkish Airlines Resumes Full Onboard Dining Service
American Removes First Class Espresso Machines From Planes
Pakistan Airlines Tells Crews Not To Fast When Flying During Ramadan
Hawaii Plans To Exempt Vaccinated Travelers From Testing
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
How will Prince Harry fly back for the funeral ? American flagship first LAX-LHR ?