I hope everyone is having a nice (and safe) weekend so far. I’ve had a great week, as my parents got vaccinated, and I’m thrilled about that. While it’s obviously still a tough time, the light at the end of the tunnel at least feels real.
On the points & travel front, this week Qatar Airways announced it would retire half of its A380 fleet, Norwegian decided to end long haul flights, the US added a new coronavirus testing requirement for international travelers, several hotel groups announced 2021 promotions, and more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
Strategies For Easily Earning Hyatt Globalist Status
World of Hyatt Globalist is my favorite hotel status out there, and in 2021 it’s easier than ever before to earn that status. There are so many different promotions right now that it seems to be causing confusion among some members.
In this post I wanted to recap the promotions that make it easy to earn World of Hyatt status, and then talk about some of the best strategies for getting to Globalist status. I first wrote about this a month ago, but wanted to update that post to reflect what has changed since then.
Surreal: My Parents Have Been Vaccinated
My gosh, I woke up yesterday morning thinking a Starlux Airlines gift would be the most exciting thing to happen. Little did I know that within 24 hours we’d go from no expectations of vaccines for our parents in the immediate future, to having all of them vaccinated. I can’t even begin to explain how elated I am.
Earn Bonus Miles With New Airline Shopping Portal Bonuses
Online shopping portals can be a great way to pick up additional miles & points for purchases you’d make anyway. Just for following a specific link you can earn bonus points in addition to the ones you’d earn for credit card spending.
The number of bonus points you earn per dollar spent varies greatly by retailer, though in addition to those variable bonuses, there are often promotions that are available on all purchases.
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
Strategies For Easily Earning Hyatt Globalist Status
9 Reasons To Get The IHG Premier Card
Earn Bonus Miles With New Airline Shopping Portal Bonuses
New Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Status Match Offer
Wow: Positive 2021 Marriott Bonvoy Changes
Major: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Adds 100K Elite Tier
Details: Marriott Bonvoy Double Points & Double Elite Nights Promo
Marriott Bonvoy Reinstates Elite Guarantees
Seven Amazing Credit Card Offers Ending Wednesday
Radisson Rewards Offering 20% Off Award Nights
Choice Privileges Promo: Earn Double Points
IHG Promo: 2K Bonus Points Per Stay, And More
Southwest Airlines Selling Points With 70% Bonus
Does Four Seasons Have A Loyalty Program?
Radisson Rewards Selling Points With 50% Bonus
American Selling AAdvantage Miles For 40% Off
Save $60 At Hyatt With Amex Offers (Targeted)
Southwest Airlines Extends Companion Pass, Makes It Easier To Earn
What To Do When You Get Your Amex Platinum Card
Four Seasons Bora Bora Promotions (2021)
Amazing American Business Class Fares To South America
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Devalues Delta Awards, But Not As Bad As Feared
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
The 26 Credit Cards In My Wallet Right Now
Starlux Airlines’ Awesome Gift For Insighter Members!
Surreal: My Parents Have Been Vaccinated
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Four Seasons Surf Club Surfside (Miami)
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Card Review (2021)
Citi Double Cash Card Review: Earn 2x Points Everywhere
Chase Ink Business Cash Card Review (2021)
Review: Starbucks Rewards Visa Card (2021)
Amex Business Gold Card Review (2021)
Amex Business Platinum Card Review (2021)
NEWS & Updates
Marriott Takes A Stand On Political Donations
EGO Airways: Italy’s Newest Airline
Video: Sobbing Rioter Finds Out He’s On No-Fly List
Emirates Increasing US Routes & Frequencies
A Look At The New JetBlue Airbus A220-300
Report: United States To Require Coronavirus Testing For International Travel
Details: American & JetBlue Strategic Partnership
CNN Airport Network Ending March 31, 2021
The Andaman Langkawi (Marriott) Destroyed In Fire
WOW: The Private Island At Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Qatar Airways Will Retire (At Least) Half Of Its A380 Fleet
Airbnb Cancels & Blocks All DC Inauguration Reservations
22 US Hyatt Place Hotels May Become Sonestas
Norwegian Air Ends Long Haul Flights, Dumps 787
United Airlines Delays Return To JFK
FAA Threatens To Jail & Fine Disruptive Passengers
American Airlines Bans Alcohol On DC Flights For Inauguration Week
Now Open: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Alaska Airlines’ Strange New DC Flight Bathroom Rule
Marriott Cuts Personalized Ambassador Elite Service
US & Canada Border Closure Extended (Again)
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
But let's not forget the *real* reason you had a great week... Insighter status swag FTW! ;)