I just wrapped up a great four country trip earlier today, where I visited Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Kuwait. The trip was incredible — especially Bhutan — and I was happy to try some new airline products. I’m hopping around North America for the next couple of weeks, so am looking forward to being on a consistent schedule for a while, and hopefully catching up on sleep. I’m undecided as of now about what my next longhaul adventure will be, but I’m sure I’ll decide soon.
On the miles & points front this has been a fairly slow week. We saw some good airfare and also a few promotions, but nothing terribly exciting. More than that we’ve seen some minor updates, like Etihad changing where they’re operating the A380 to, Marriott and United introducing reciprocal benefits for invitation only elite members, etc.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
Is There No Limit To How Expensive Basic Economy Fares Get?
American, Delta, and United all sell basic economy fares. Delta pioneered this concept back in 2012, and in the past couple of months American and United have started selling these fares as well.
The restrictions associated with these fares vary by airline. They all don’t let you select seats and upgrade on these fares, while American and United don’t even let you bring on carry-on bags when purchasing these fares.
Impressions Of Dhaka, Bangladesh
We’re slowly headed back to the U.S. from our incredible trip to Bhutan, and on the way back planned a one night stopover in Dhaka, Bangladesh. That was my first time visiting Bangladesh, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
A (non-Bangladeshi) friend recently told me that Bangladesh is his favorite country in the world. Not the city of Dhaka as such, but the countryside.
Meanwhile I’ve had others tell me that Dhaka is a horrible place. So I was curious to find out for myself. We were only there for a day, so we arranged for a five hour city tour. That doesn’t make me an expert on the place, but that won’t stop me from sharing my first impressions.
What did I make of Dhaka?
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
Should You Buy Hilton Honors Points With A 100% Bonus?
Limited Time: Earn Double Plastiq Referral Credits
Register To Earn 5x Points At Grocery Stores And Drugstores
Will The Bonus On The Ink Business Preferred Card Be Increased?
The Cheapest Fares I’ve Ever Seen In The Etihad Residence
Transfer Hotel Points To Aeroplan And Get A 30% Bonus
Last Chance: Register To Earn 5x Points On Uber, Lyft, Gas Stations, Etc.
What’s The Best Credit Card For Buying JetBlue Tickets?
~$1,100 Roundtrip Qatar Airways Business Class Fares From Cairo To The US!
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Marriott Now Lets You Redeem Points For TSA PreCheck (But Don’t Do It)
Air France/KLM FlyingBlue Improves Their Mileage Expiration Policy
Brazil Eliminates Their Ban On Airline Fuel Surcharges
Alaska Mileage Plan Cuts JAL Premium Economy Awards
Delta Flash Sale: Save On Award Tickets To Europe This Summer
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
Nerd Alert: Airline Management Simulator Games
I’m Having A Glass Of Wine On A “Dry” Airline…
Why I Love Flying In The “Developing World”
Impressions Of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Why Bhutan’s Insanely High Tourist Fee Is A Good Thing
I’d Like To Visit Mongolia (I Think)
How Many Devices Should Be Included With “Free” Hotel Wifi?
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Kuwait Airways’ New 777 Business Class In 10 Pictures
Review: Philippine Airlines Business Class 777 New York To Vancouver
Review: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Review: Prince De Galles Hotel Paris
Review: Alitalia Lounge New York JFK
Review: St. Regis Maldives Overwater Villa
Kuwait Airways A330 Business Class In 10 Pictures
Review: Trans Maldivian Airways Flight
Review: St. Regis Lounge Male Airport
NEWS & Updates
U.S. Airline Unions Do Support Subsidies… When It Benefits Them
2 Great New U.S. Airport Lounge Options For Priority Pass Members
Bad News For United’s New Polaris Seat — Expect Big Delays
Marriott & United Add Reciprocal Benefits For Invitation-Only Elite Members
Details Of LEVEL, IAG’s New Transatlantic Low Cost Airline
President Trump Wants To Eliminate The Essential Air Service Program
Did WestJet Have A “Near Miss” In St. Maarten Last Week?
Delta Increases Their Same Day Flight Change & Standby Fees By 50%
Alitalia Will Shrink Fleet, Cut Free Food & Drinks, And More
Video: Celebrities Go Undercover As British Airways Employees
An Easy Way To Thank Starwood Employees Who Go Above And Beyond
Etihad A380 Service Changes: Hello Paris, Goodbye Mumbai
Awesome Video: The Economics Of Airline Classes
Is There No Limit To How Expensive Basic Economy Fares Get?
American Is Adding Free Meals In Economy On Select Domestic Flights
The Opening Of Abu Dhabi Airport’s New Midfield Terminal Is Delayed By 2 Years
3500+ Flights Cancelled Due To Winter Storms
An Unusual Way Hilton Is Discriminating Against Elite Members
Two U.S. Airlines Are Cutting Flights To Cuba Altogether
GIVEAWAY: Two Free Nights At Any DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel
I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
@lucky About a next longhaul trip, I have an idea for United Polaris, EL AL, Hong Kong Airlines and Air China.
So you start in Newark, probably in early may, when Polaris Seats debuts to Tel Aviv. You Take United Polaris from Newark to Tel Aviv, stay a few days in Tel Aviv, I heard there is a W there. After Tel Aviv, you would take the El Al First Class to Hong Kong...
@lucky About a next longhaul trip, I have an idea for United Polaris, EL AL, Hong Kong Airlines and Air China.
So you start in Newark, probably in early may, when Polaris Seats debuts to Tel Aviv. You Take United Polaris from Newark to Tel Aviv, stay a few days in Tel Aviv, I heard there is a W there. After Tel Aviv, you would take the El Al First Class to Hong Kong on the 777 for about $3000, not too bad. Hong Kong Airlines operates A330s with staggered seats in business class to Beijing, but only in the mornings, so you have to stay a night near Hong Kong Airport. But in the morning, you go to Beijing on a fully flat Hong Kong Airlines A330, and to finish Air China First Class to either Montreal or New York.
How do you organise getting the visas yay need!
Want to be referred for a Delta Platinum Skymiles card? Earn 35,000 miles plus $100 credit after first purchase. Need miles to fund trip to see grandchildren:) send email to [email protected].