I’m back in the US for the weekend. This past week I traveled to Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Kosov, and this week I’ll finally be headed to Lebanon, which I’m looking forward to, as it’s my first time.
On the points & travel front, this week Istanbul’s new airport became fully operational, Hilton launched a great new promo on purchased points, Virgin Atlantic revealed their new Upper Class product, JetBlue announced that they’ll finally start flying to London in 2021, Jet Airways canceled all international flights, and more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
Istanbul’s New Airport Is A Hot Beautiful Mess
Skipping ahead on my current mini-trip report series, I wanted to share my thoughts on the new Istanbul airport, which just opened over the weekend.
I spent Monday night at the airport, as I landed at around 11PM and departed around 7AM. I was curious to check out the new Istanbul Airport, given how often I had used the old Ataturk Airport.
Let me note that I’m exclusively reviewing the transit experience at the new Istanbul Airport. I didn’t clear immigration, so I can’t speak as to what the arrivals or check-in experience are like.
That being said, boy do I have a lot to say about the new terminal, because I’m confused.
How To Redeem Avios On Air Italy
Last year I wrote a guide on how to redeem British Airways Avios on Air Italy, but I figured it was time for an update. This is both because Air Italy’s route network has grown significantly, and also because redeeming Avios on Air Italy works differently than in the past.
In addition to the changes with Air Italy and British Airways, my colleague Jordan has added his insights into using the Iberia Avios program, so there’s lots of new information in this post.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
My 10 Favorite Credit Card Bonus Categories
New Airline Shopping Portal Mystery Bonuses
Buy Iberia Avios With A 50% Bonus (1.35 Cents Each)
The Ultimate Guide To Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: The Best Starter Travel Rewards Card
Chase Ink Card Extended Warranty Protection
IHG Premier Card 120K Bonus Ending Soon
Buy Hilton Points With Up To A 100% Bonus
Is The Chase Freedom Unlimited Right For You?
Flash Sale: United Offering 100% Bonus On Purchased Miles (Yes, Right After They Devalue Miles)
Is The 40k Bonus On The Alaska Airlines Credit Card Worth It?
Bank Of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: Up To 2.625% Cash Back On All Your Spending
10x Points At Hotels.com With The Capital One Venture
The One Credit Card I Want But Can’t Get (For Now)
Paying Taxes By Credit Card: How To Come Out Ahead
When Should You Buy Hilton Points?
Last Chance: Transfer Citi Points To Qantas With A 25% Bonus
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
How To Redeem Avios On Air Italy
American’s Awful New Award Search Tool Hints At AAdvantage Changes
Problems With Etihad Transfers From Amex & Citi (Partially Resolved)
The Alaska Companion Fare: Everything You Need To Know
Are Alaska Mileage Plan Awards On Singapore Airlines Imminent?
My Dad Made An Unforgivable Points Mistake (But I Love Him, So I’ll Forgive Him… I Think…)
Airline Fuel Surcharges: Everything You Need To Know
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
Marriott Spa: “Release Your… Feelings!”
Adria Airways’ Response To My Bad Flight Explains Everything
Should I Have Reported This Passenger To Immigration?
American Priority Boarding: Why Are There So Many Groups?
Should You Tip Hotel Housekeeping?
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Visiting Ljubljana, Slovenia: My Experience
Adria CRJ900 Business Class: Was It Any Better?
Visiting Skopje, North Macedonia: One Statue At A Time
Istanbul’s New Airport Is A Hot Beautiful Mess
Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge New Istanbul Airport
Day Trip To Kosovo From Skopje: SO COOL!
Croatia Airlines Business Class: Surprisingly Good
Turkish Airlines’ Spectacular Short Haul Business Class
Turkish A330-300 Business Class To New York: Flawless
NEWS & Updates
CLEAR Increases Membership Costs For SkyMiles Members
Report: Etihad Seeking $600 Million Loan
Oops: Flight Attendant (Accidentally) Spills Tray Of Drinks On American CEO
Turkish Airlines’ Move To Istanbul’s New Airport Is Complete
New Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Seat Being Revealed Today: What We Know So Far
Korean Air CEO Dies Weeks After Being Kicked Off Board
LOL: Emirates Will No Longer Display Expensive Drinks At First Class Bar
Words Fail: New Iran To Venezuela Flight Starts Today
Virgin Atlantic’s Cabin Refresh: No Business Class Doors, But A Swish On-Board Lounge
Qatar Airways Delays Qsuites Flights To Philadelphia
Big JetBlue Announcement Today: What We Know So Far
Dr. Dao Appears In First Ever TV Interview
London Calling: JetBlue Flights To London Start In 2021
Marriott Bonvoy’s “Surprise And Delight” Campaign For Elite Members
Virgin Atlantic Reports Loss For 2018 — What Happened?
ZIPAIR Tokyo Reveals Livery & Uniforms
Jet Airways Fighting To Stay Alive As 90% Of Fleet Grounded
Etihad’s Heathrow Airport Slot Conundrum
Delta Reducing Seat Recline On A320s
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
Given how many articles you devoted to WOW, you should do a follow-up to what is happening with Jet Airways...things have gotten even worse for them (their fuel company cut off service, workers are demanding to get paid 3 months salary owed to them, a plane was seized at Amsterdam airport...).