Hello from Slovenia! I’m loving Ljubljana and the surrounding areas, though unfortunately the weather hasn’t cooperated, as it has rained almost nonstop. I’m in the midst of a review trip, as I’m briefly visiting Slovenia and North Macedonia, before visiting Istanbul’s new airport, which will become fully operational this weekend.
On the points & travel front, this week United announced radical changes to their MileagePlus program, Alaska launched a double miles promotion, Air Italy announced improvements to their onboard product, Delta revealed their disappointing new 767-400 business class, Oman Air made it easier to earn status, and more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
All Of The Alliance Airlines I Haven’t Flown
Here’s a post that may only be appreciated by my fellow airline geeks. As most of you are probably aware, there are three major global airline alliances — oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance. Between them, they have nearly 60 member airlines.
That got me wondering how many airlines that belong to the “big three” global alliances I haven’t flown. I figured it was an average of 1-2 airlines per alliance, but I was surprised to find that the number was higher.
United MileagePlus Abolishes Award Charts
United will be making some massive changes to their MileagePlus frequent flyer program.
At the time of writing, they haven’t formally announced these changes, but rather have just talked to some bloggers. Since they didn’t contact me, I’ll just go off what other bloggers have shared.
These changes are awful.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
TravelCon 2019: Last Day For EarlyBird Pricing (Plus Save $50)
Now Live: Chase Freedom Q2 2019 Bonus Categories
Save On Qantas Flights With Amex Offers (Targeted)
Alaska Airlines Launches Double Miles Promotion
Buy IHG Points With 80% Bonus
Great Deal: 10% Cash Back On Marriott Stays
Save 15% At Hyatt With Chase Offers (Targeted)
Is This The Right Time To Sign-Up For The Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Last Chance: Generate LifeMiles For 1.2 Cents Each (Or Less) Using Transfer Bonus
One Week Left: Buy Flying Blue Miles With A 75% Bonus
Applying For Chase Ink Business Cards: What You Need To Know
Targeted Amex Platinum 100K CardMatch Offer
Earn 130K+ American Miles With Citi AA Card Welcome Bonuses
Alaska Offering Double Miles For Travel On Qantas
New Chase Freedom Unlimited Bonus — Up To 3x Points
Good Emirates First Class Fares From Colombo To Singapore (The Long Way)
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
When Transferable Points Don’t Transfer
New Flying Blue Promo Awards For April 2019
Etihad Offering 20% Bonus On Hotel Points Transfers
Warning: Problems With Etihad Transfers From Amex & Citi
Alaska Mileage Plan Increases Award Costs On Icelandair
Wyndham Rewards’ New Award Pricing Is Live
United MileagePlus Abolishes Award Charts
American AAdvantage Improves Etihad Award Routing Rules
Massive United MileagePlus Devaluation: My Thoughts
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
All Of The Alliance Airlines I Haven’t Flown
I’m Going To Slovenia & Macedonia!
Royal Air Maroc’s Mystery Shopper App
What’s It Like To Visit Brunei?
Adria Airways Business Class: Comically Bad
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Japan Airlines First Class 777 Tokyo To Chicago
Introduction: Sri Lanka Beyond The Airport
Review: Japan Airlines Business Class 787 Dallas To Tokyo
Review: ANA Crowne Plaza Narita Airport
Review: American Admirals Club Tokyo Narita Airport
Impressions Of Royal Air Maroc’s New 787-9 Business Class
Review: Qantas Lounge Tokyo Narita Airport
Impressions Of Royal Air Maroc’s 737 Business Class
NEWS & Updates
Trial: Narita Airport Eliminating Security For Some US Passengers
Emirates Introducing Chauffeur-Less Drones With First Class Suites (April Fools’)
EPIC: WestJet Announces Flyre Festival
Hainan’s New 787-9 Business Class & Premium Economy
Boliviana De Aviación’s Mysterious 767s
Is This United Airlines’ New Livery? (No)
Revealed: Hawaiian Airlines’ New 787 Business Class
Virgin Atlantic Replaces Flying Lady With “Flying Icons”
Amex & Delta Renew Partnership Through 2029
Air India Reduces Baggage Allowance To Prevent Fuel Stops
JAL Reveals New Narita First Class Lounge
Former United Exec Wants To Launch Low Cost Carrier
Air Italy Introduces Dine On Demand In Business Class
This Might Be Emirates’ New Premium Economy Seat
Delta’s New 767-400 Business Class Isn’t What I Expected
Oman Air Makes It Easier To Earn Status
RwandAir’s Guangzhou Flight Now On Sale
Ethiopian Airlines Adds Houston Flights As Of June 2019
Please No: WOW Air Founder Wants To Resurrect Airline
Delta’s London Gatwick Announcement: Am I Overthinking This?
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
Agree on Vigo, however, Romantica is great as well. Also- beautiful pics of Lake Bled! We were there a week ago, and thoroughly enjoyed Slovenia.
Bonus: Look up Lectar in Radovlijca and Podvin restaurant - Both amazing!
Lake Bled!!
What a beautiful place!
Enjoy!!
Debit,
Why do you always have these cornball statements? Sounds like you have been really been hurting for a long time.
Thanks for your posts, Ben.
Dear Ben,
From the picture it seems that you visited Bled in Slovenia! Great choice! Try then also Ohrid after visiting Skopje. You might be luckier with the weather over there.
Enjoy the travel discovery!
Don't forget to try Vigo ice cream in Ljubjana. Maybe the best ice cream I've ever had worldwide.