British Airways Devalues!!!

The best value on the British Airways award chart was short distance direct flights around the USA.  4,500 and $5 would buy a trip from DC to New York.  British Airways agreed that this was good value and decided to eliminate it.

We’re going to be making a change to the Executive Club pricing structure for shorter reward flights originating or terminating within the United States of America. From 2 February 2016, reward flights will start from 7,500 Avios, instead of 4,500 Avios, plus taxes, fees and carrier charges (“TFCs”) from $5.60 USD.

Only those reward flights that currently cost 4,500 Avios for a one way flight in Economy, 9,000 Avios for Business Class and 18,000 Avios for First Class plus TFCs will increase; to 7,500 Avios, 15,000 Avios and 30,000 Avios plus TFCs respectively. All other Avios reward flight pricing will remain the same as it is today.

International Hotels

A mark of a good international business hotel in Europe is more than just the local outlet type available at the desk.  The Sheraton Edinburgh has US, UK, and EU style plugs available.  They also have a 5V USB outlet too.  

Scotland Is Still Part of the UK, So This Works

Plane Spotting at London City Airport

Heathrow and Gatwick aren't the only two commercial airports in London; there's London City too.  All three airports serve quad jets too, pretty cool.  The Arvo is much smaller than an A340, but both are fun to watch on take off.  There's a park by Royal Albert DLR stop that provides some excellent spotting opportunities too.

Quad Jet Leaving London City

Happy Travels

I hit my 2015 United status goal this week. It nice to know I can relax for two months before the race starts again.

United A320's at Denver

Delta Checked Bags Guarantee Miles

I earned more Delta miles from my checked bag arriving late than from flying to JFK and back. My $410 flight, plus tax, yielded 2,050 miles while my bag arriving 25 minutes after parking at the gate earned 2,500 miles. Delayed bag miles don't post automatically, passengers need to submit a request at Delta.com/bagsontime.  Free miles, so take them if you can.

We're committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That's why we're backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles. Just complete the below form no later than three days after your flight's arrival. Requests should only be submitted after your flight.

Bags Are Always Slow at Denver

United Miles Buy Beer

0.7c per mile is not the best value available in frequent flyer programs.  Even with recent devaluations, 6c per mile is possible without too much effort.  To earn that high valuation, one needs 100,000 miles or maybe more.  For those who earn from one or two trips a year, such a large balance is inconceivable. 1,430 miles is achievable, but award tickets usually start at 12,500 for a domestic one way flight.  Rather than save for a few years, infrequent flyers can cash in their miles for a beer at Newark airport. This is a great way for people extract quick value from their flights. Just because it isn't the best value, doesn't mean it's not good value.

At Airport Merchandise Awards

Lufthansa has been doing this for years with their WorldShop in Frankfurt Airport. They have good selection in store and let you order online for in store pickup. They'll also let you pay with a mix of miles and Euros. United isn't close to Lufthansa, but it's a start.

I Love Lufthansa

New United CEO Has Heart Attack

New United CEO Oscar Munoz had a heart attack yesterday and is in a hospital recovering. I wish him well, but the company must be more of a mess than imagined. 

United Airlines Jets at EWR

Picture Post Again

I'm writing a post about pricing, but it's taking a while. I'm going through my marketing textbooks even.  Until then, enjoy a picture.

Landing at LGA

Turned Out Well

Newark is a miserable place, but at least something good came of my layover there.

I Like This Picture

Window Seat Woe

I tried really hard to get a window seat on my flight to Australia.  For almost 14 hours, I had a view of water or darkness.  I still enjoyed it because I was able to scream "Land Ho!" in my mind like a sailor in Captain Cook's fleet.  I also enjoyed the plane spotting on the ground. One of the requirements for window seat fun is a clean window.  The CRJ-700 I flew last week into Charleston had filthy window and took some of the fun out of my flight. I did drink the aircraft out of Miller Lite.  A minor accomplishment on a regional jet, but I am still proud.

Write a Maintenance Ticket for Cleaning

Bad Idea From United Airlines

United has had plenty of bad ideas since the Continental merger. In an effort to continue the trend, they offered me a 31 minute connection at EWR.  This isn't their worst idea of 2015, but it's not close to a good idea.

Want a 31 Minute Connection at Newark? No.  No I do Not.

Book Now To Top Up 2015 Stats

If you aren't sure you'll hit your status goal in 2015, now is the time to book.  Waiting will raise prices and decrease options.

Book Soon or Never See an Upgrade in 2016