Weekly Review: January 31, 2015

Hello from Abu Dhabi! I am here with my mom, and it has been a fun and relaxing trip so far!

I can’t wait to share her thoughts and reactions with you guys in the coming weeks. Let’s just say she may still be recovering from a hangover after our Emirates flight. 😉

Featured Stories

British Airways Executive Club Program Changes 2015

British Airways has updated both the earnings and redemption rates for their Executive Club program beginning in April of this year. This post has all the details on the new charts, and what you need to know going forward!

How To Consistently Sit Next To An Empty Seat On A Plane

You might not spend much time thinking about this, but what if you could have a near-guaranteed empty seat next to you on almost every flight?

On a long-haul international flight, a strategically “placed” empty seat between various members of a family can give you the opportunity to stretch out. To get comfortable. To lie down and get proper sleep. It truly can be poor man’s business class.

There’s a formula, and it’s easier than you might think!

 My Best Award Ticket Ever: Canceled

For the first time I can remember, I just wasn’t feeling excited about a trip. Traveling and flying are my life, so I wasn’t sure why, exactly. I’d love to explore Australia more in-depth, but I was also just exhausted and drained. The past two months of travel have possibly been the craziest of my life, as I don’t think I’ve ever been in so many time zones and taken so many 3AM flights as I have over that time period.

I asked you guys what you would do, and the feedback was fantastic. It ranged from “of course you should take the trip, stupid, it cost just 140,000 miles and you’ll never be able to do it again,” to “don’t do it, you’re burned out.”

So while my decision might surprise some, I was ultimately happy with it.

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Uber $30 First Ride Bonus Is Back
Hilton Honors Changing The Way They Do Promotions
My 2015 Credit Card Strategy (And Why It’s Different From Ben’s)
1,000 Free Points For Joining Hilton HHonors
Should You Transfer Amex Points To British Airways With 40% Bonus?
Starwood Introducing Alternative To Platinum Suite Night Awards
My Newest Credit Card: Easy 50,000 AAdvantage Miles

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

Alaska Airlines Now Blocking Emirates Business Class Awards?
How To Still Get Emirates Chauffeur On Alaska Award Tickets
Why You Should Always Wait To Transfer Points
Update Regarding Emirates First Class Awards Using Alaska Miles
How To Consistently Sit Next To An Empty Seat On A Plane
Etihad Is Changing Their Schedule For US Flights As Of March 29, 2015
Qantas Lowering Fuel Surcharges On Award Tickets
ANA First Class Awards Wide Open To Seattle And Singapore
British Airways Business Class Awards Available Over Summer
Korean Air SkyPass Transfers Have Returned To Ultimate Rewards!
US Airways Awards Not Bookable On British Airways’ Website
American’s Dallas To Beijing Flight Is Now Bookable

TRAVEL With Lucky

Guide To The Emirates A380 First Class Shower Suite
My Mom And I Are Presently On A Flight To…!
Proactive Customer Service Or Polite Way To Tell You To Bugger Off?
My Best Award Ticket Ever: Canceled

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

Introduction: South America Via MileagePlus
Best Trip Ever: Dad’s Thoughts
Review: Park Hyatt New York
Review: Qantas Business Class 747 Los Angeles To New York

NEWS & Updates

SimplyCash Business Card: Last Day To Select 3% Cash Back Category
Next Asiana A380 Destination: New York JFK
Qatar Airways Buys 9.99% Stake in British Airways Parent Company
Last Call: United Global Entry Fee Payment Code
British Airways Reduces Award Fuel Surcharges… Slightly…
Qantas Introduces Ridiculous First Class Inflight Entertainment
United Diminishes Partner Mileage Earnings Rates
Will British Airways Adjust Avios Earnings Rates On Partner Airlines?
Iberia’s Devalued Avios Program Has A Bright Spot
The Search For MH370 Isn’t Over
British Airways Executive Club Program Changes 2015
Amazing Video Of Plane With Parachute Ditching Near Hawaii
What Is Hyatt Centric?
Alaska Doesn’t Want To Pay For Delta’s Growth In Seattle
What Are Hotel Butlers Good For?
Implications Of Aer Lingus Being Taken Over By British Airways
The Best Flight To South America Gets Downgraded
Required Sunday Viewing: The Airport Of Smiles
Malaysia Airlines Website Hacked — OUCH!

This is going to be an exciting week on the blog as I celebrate seven years of blogging here at One Mile at a Time! There will be giveaways and prizes every day, so make sure you’re following along!