Alaska is Making Things Simpler

Alaska Airlines learned for others' mistakes in making their Virgin America acquisition. Their goal is to make things simple and transparent. I like that.

I Love the New Look

Allegiant Departs Hawaii

Flying a dense 757-200 to Hawaii on Allegiant was too miserable, so the company pulled out. They won't be missed.

Awful Way to Start a Holiday

United Lifts Then Crushes My Spirits

I was on the United event awards page and saw a complementary happy hour event I could attend. Except I wasn't invited. An IT error showed me, a lowly Gold member, an event exclusively for lofty Global Services members. Cool to know these events exist, though shrinking travel budgets at work won't even get me to 1K.

As a member with United Global Services® status, you and a guest are invited to a complimentary private cocktail reception at International Smoke.

The night will include a few words from United's Executive Leadership, time to network with your fellow United Global Services members, and passed hors d'ouevres and drinks. Each guest will also leave with a commemorative gift. See below for package details and instructions. 

As one of our most valued members, we hope you join us for a night to say thank you!   

Please note:

• This listing page does not serve as your ticket or entry to the event. Please select one package from the drop down menu and follow the prompts to check out. If the order was successful you will receive an email confirmation within moments. If you did not receive a confirmation email this means your transaction was not successful and you will not be granted access to this event.  Please call us directly at 312-###-#### if you have any questions.
• Space is limited and only ticket holders will be allowed entry. We recommend registering for a ticket as soon as you can.
• This complimentary offer is to United Global Services members (and one guest per member) and is by invitation only. This is a shared experience. Limit one package per person. One package includes two tickets.
• Each guest must be at least 21 years of age
• Attire is business casual

This experience includes*:

• Two tickets to attend a cocktail reception at International Smoke on Wednesday, April 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. pacific time 
• Passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations
• Open bar including beer, wine and spirits
• Commemorative gift

US Airways vs. American

I prefer the US Airways colors on CRJ's. Rumor has it that US Airways interiors are still on the inside.

US Airways CRJ-900

AA CRJ-700

Starwood/Marriott Grounds Delta Partnership

As part of a detailed program update, Marriott/SPG announced they are ending the Delta partnership. I liked having the free checked bag, but the closest to an upgrade I saw was being first to not clear.

Sorry Frequent Delta - SPG Customers

Yesterday, SkyMiles partner, Marriott, announced a series of changes to the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) and Marriott Rewards programs. 

As a result of these changes, please be informed that:  
The Crossover RewardsTM program will continue through July 15, 2018, with all current benefits being honored through that date. We expect to have more to share on this program before July 15. Visit SkyMiles News and Updates for more details.
Starting in August 2018, SPG and Marriott Rewards will implement a new structure for earning airline miles on stays and converting points to miles.

Lifetime Starwood SPG Platinum Kit

My SPG lifetime platinum kit arrived from FedEx! I earned my status about 3 months ago. My accomplishment was confirmed on the website, but the kit took a little while to ship. It had some standard SPG copy on platinum status along with two cool items.

1) A map of all my credited stays. Stays paid with points before those counted to elite status are not included. Still cool to look around the globe at my past 10 years.

2) A metal SPG membership card.

Tour The New United Polaris Lounge at SFO

Never mind, that sold out in about 10 minutes. I didn't ever catch the price. I guess I'll need to fly business class on United later this year to have a look.

Star Alliance Premium Cabin Can Access Too