I Finished Grad School

I finished school and can travel any time now, not just between Friday and Monday so I don't miss class.  I can go anywhere, but don't have any pressing plans.  I'm still limited by my 10 days of PTO too.

Ready To Go

Hilton HHonors Points Inflation

If Zimbabwe can function after hyper inflation Hilton HHonors can too.   Hilton is changing their award chart by adding three new categories so the most expensive hotels go from 50,000 points to 95,000 points, 90% inflation.  They adding a fifth night free bonus like SPG, but that doesn't take out the sting of hyper inflation.  The changes go into effect March 28th, so book now at the old prices.  There may be some better values at road side Hampton Inns, but the fun of points programs is the aspirational aspect of awards, not general discounts.   

Hilton Vienna, Nice Hotel

Southwest Fighting In Denver - Status Match

Southwest is trying to steal elite flyers in Denver from Frontier (this happened last year) and United.  This is a big move to take on United on their home turf.  I can't wait for fare wars out of Denver to start.  United will match Southwest fares everywhere Southwest flies and I can grab some cheap miles and vacations.  Competition rocks!

Southwest 737 Heading for Battle

Here are the offer details:
We have an exciting opportunity for Colorado Rapid Rewards® Members who have elite status through the United Airlines MileagePlus® or Frontier EarlyReturns® programs!  Through April 30, 2013, MileagePlus Premier® and EarlyReturns Ascent or Summit members can get complimentary Rapid Rewards A-List Membership!

To take advantage of the status match offer, just send an email (make sure your Rapid Rewards state is CO first):

To:  RapidRewards@wnco.com
Subject:  Colorado Status Match Offer
Body:
1.  First Name:
2.  Last Name:
3.  Rapid Rewards(r) account number:
4.  Phone number:
5.  Attach a copy of your current, valid United MileagePlus(r) Premier(r) or Frontier EarlyReturns(r) Ascent or Summit membership card or statement.
6.  Enter "Colorado Status Match Offer" in the subject line.

To avoid delays, please ensure that your request includes all of the above information.  Please note that your e-mail submission cannot exceed five megabytes (5MB).

Frontier Airlines March 2013 Coupon Code

Use promo code SPRING5 and take 5% off your next fare. Buy by 3/18. Fly by 6/8/13. Happy travels.

Frontier Jets Ready to Go

Good Morning

It's (always) a great day to fly.  I'm grounded this weekend until finals are over.

Sunrise at DEN

Star Alliance Lost Another Airline

The Star Alliance has lost two airlines in the last two months (though they don't leave until 2014).  US Airways bought American and is going oneworld after the merger and today it was announced that TAM, as part of their merger with LAN, is going to be a oneworld carrier too.  This new (though not shocking) development will limit awards in South America, especially to small and medium cities.  Star Alliance is still my favorite for awards, but it's not the far and away winner any more.

TAM 777 Landing at FRA

I'm not counting Blue1 in this because it was disbanded by SAS.  The biggest loss is that their airplanes looked outstanding.  They also good availability (all coach carrier) around Scandinavia.  Spanair (also tied to SAS) stopped flying last year, complicating trips in southern Europe.  I enjoy connecting in MUC and FRA, but I do miss the flexibility.

Guess Which One I Flew

Guess which of these was my aircraft this weekend.  Yup, the CRJ.  I was connecting in SFO and saw about a dozen planes that made me think 'oh, I want to go on that one.'  The CRJ did not evoke a similar reaction.

British Airway 747 Looks Great