Negative 19 Minute Connection Confuses United.com

I made a negative 19 minute connection in Houston this week.  My flight from EWR was 37 minutes early and the next flight to Denver was a 4 minute jog away.  Even with the lackadaisical nature of people deplaning in front of me, I made it to the Denver flight before the paperwork was finished.  I was added to the flight in seat 2A; happily a first class passenger didn't make it and his seat hadn't been filled by someone else.  I saw on United.com that their IT didn't quite know how to show a negative connection time.

Yes, I Did Make This Connection

Alaska Airlines' New Logo

I don't like it.  Alaska Airlines is now just Alaska and I think the new logo and branding loses some of the brand's charm.  The new logo is bolder (typographically not emotionally), drops "Airlines," and changes K to not overlap the final A.  It's easier to read, but is missing something.

I Don't Like It

Southwest A-List Status for $275

The Southwest fast track to A-List status offer I received got me thinking.  I only need four flights and I can go to OKC for $69 each way.  Elite status for less than $300 is very tempting.  Add in that I've never been to Oklahoma, so I get to check off another state (I'm at 42).  I might spend a little more if there isn't much to see in Oklahoma City; MCI, SEA, LAX, SLC, and PDX are all less than $100 each way.

Southwest Moving In On United

Southwest Status Offer for Denver Flyers – 2015

Southwest Airlines is offering a fast track to elite frequent flyer status for Denver area flyers in 2015.  Six one way flights, rather than 25, and you are set.  This is a good way to boost ticket sales originating in Denver and will likely tempt low level United elites and demoralized Frontier regulars.  Southwest is the second largest airline in Denver and they are still pushing to gain market share.  This promotion lowers the switching costs to flyers with elite status on competitors and cheaply creates new Southwest regulars.  I doubt United or Frontier will match.  A-List status would cost less than $400, so I'm tempted to take them up on the offer.

Sun Rising On Southwest Travel

Fine print: Only the Rapid Rewards Member who received this offer from Southwest Airlines® is eligible for this promotion. Offer is nontransferable. Member must register for this promotion between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015 to quality for promotional A-List status and must do so prior to commencement of travel. Member must either complete three qualifying roundtrip revenue flights (or six one-way revenue flights) or earn 8,750 Tier Qualifying Points between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015. Qualifying three roundtrips (or six one-ways) must be booked between January 22, 2015 and April 18, 2015.

San Francisco Approach

I had a great view on my 6am flight to SFO this weekend.  I witnessed an amazing sunrise on the snow covered mountains. Even with the free DirecTV in United Airlines first class, I enjoyed the window view more.

View From 3A

Extra United Miles From Marriott

Sign up for Marriott's bonus miles promotion here: http://www.marriott.com/rewards/promotion.mi?promotion=MM15.  Your profile needs to be set to earning miles rather than points to participate.  This deal is good enough to merit a switch in earning preferences.

Easier Miles Than Flying A Turbo Prop

Simpler Hotel Program

The Omni Select Guest program is now Discovery.  Simpler name and a simpler program.  The Discovery program covers several high end hotel chains around the world and is shift their focus from rebates to value adds.  Traditional loyalty programs give rebates in the form of rewards.  Discounting is easy and easy to mimic, so it doesn’t foster the strongest loyalty with customers.  Higher end chains eschew discounting and prefer to focus on creating powerful and memorable experiences as a path to loyalty.  This strategy is difficult and does not scale well, but can create very strong relationships that are hard for competitors to challenge. 

Better Customization On Long Trips

Airlines, NetJets excluded, have too large a scale and too few chances for customization, so they rely heavily on discounting, like free upgrades, fee waivers, and the miles currency to buy discounted services.  Airline discounting is being reduced as award programs change and try to increase margin.  It’s refreshing to see some programs are adding value even with reduced rebates.