I hope everyone is having a great (hopefully long) weekend so far!
On the points & travel front, this week Alaska Airlines joined oneworld, a Boeing 787 operated a 20+ hour nonstop flight, American Airlines adjusted its lounge access policies, the CDC revised its guidance for vaccinated travelers, the Capital One Venture Card got a big new welcome bonus, and much more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
14 Best Credit Card Offers April 2021
Every month I make a post with what I consider to be the best credit card offers at the time, with a particular focus on the best travel credit cards.
It’s 2021, and for many of us there’s a sense of hope. People are getting vaccinated, and by May all American adults should have access to a vaccine. It’s looking like summer isn’t totally canceled. That’s exciting, and it’s a great reason to start getting your points earning strategy in order, so you’re ready to plan your dream trip when the time is right.
Does Incidental Hotel Spending Earn Hyatt Points?
Here’s a rabbit hole I’ve found myself going down lately. I wanted to share what I’ve learned, including why I’ve had to follow up after the fact for many of my Hyatt stays lately.
Just to be clear upfront, I’ve had similar experiences with other hotel groups, but I’ve found myself staying primarily at Hyatts recently, which is why this post is focused on World of Hyatt.
Chase Extends “Pay Yourself Back” Feature
We’ve seen credit card issuers add all kinds of limited-time perks in light of the current pandemic, which has greatly changed consumer behavior.
In May 2020, Chase initially introduced the “Pay Yourself Back” feature on Sapphire cards. The perk was initially valid through September 30, 2020, then it was extended through April 30, 2021, and now it has been extended through September 30, 2021.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
United MileagePlus Selling Miles With 85% Bonus
Chase Sapphire Adds Peloton Credits, 10x Points
World Of Hyatt Selling Points For 25% Off
Chase Freedom Flex 5x Points Categories Q2 2021
Awesome: Amex Platinum $30 Monthly PayPal Credit
Save On Hilton Hotel Stays With Amex Offers
IHG Rewards Club Selling Points With 75% Bonus
Southwest Rapid Rewards New Member Bonus
14 Best Credit Card Offers April 2021
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Chase Extends “Pay Yourself Back” Feature
Redeem IHG Points At Six Senses Resorts
Redeem British Airways Avios For Alaska Airlines Flights Online
Disappointing: Huge IHG Rewards Club Devaluation
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
Does Incidental Hotel Spending Earn Hyatt Points?
United Airlines First Class Impressions
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Thompson Hotel Dallas
Review: Thompson Hotel Nashville
Capital One Venture Card Review (Up To 100K Venture Bonus Miles)
GUIDES & Programs
How To Access Alaska Airlines Lounges (2021)
How To Access American Airlines Admirals Clubs (2021)
NEWS & Updates
Wow: How Lions Are Transported By Plane In South Africa
Serbia Vaccinating Some Visitors For Free
Taiwan Applies For US Pre-Clearance Facility
Hah: Albawings Flies Staff To Serbia To Get Vaccinated
Mysterious Boeing 787 Flies 20+ Hours Nonstop
Southwest Airlines Places Huge Boeing 737 MAX Order
Emirates Operating A380 Flight To Nowhere For Vaccinated Travelers
100-Story Waldorf Astoria Coming To Miami… Eventually
Etihad Airways Unveils New Safety Video
New Air Canada Aeroplan & Air Dolomiti Partnership
Aer Lingus Launches Manchester Transatlantic Flights
AMAZING: Alaska Airlines Safety Dance Gets A Oneworld Twist
Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status Easier To Earn In 2021
Awww: Southwest Airlines Pilot Gets Married Inflight
Delta’s Georgia Voting Bill Disaster
Adorable: Air North Launches Dog Charter Flights
All Nippon Airways Turns Parked 777 Into Restaurant
Live: American’s New International Lounge Access Policy
New York Ends Domestic Quarantine Requirement
Will American Airlines Change How Elite Upgrades Work?
Finally: CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Travel
Major: Air Canada & Air Transat Call Off Merger
United Airlines Improves No Change Fee Policy
Hilton CEO Warns Hotel Service Cuts Are Permanent
Louis Vuitton’s Bizarre $39,000 Airplane Bag
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
Good weekend.