Educational Posts on Loyalty Programs

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Routehappy: Shop for Flights Based on Amenities and More

If you have to fly from Point A to Point B—whether for business or for pleasure—wouldn’t you like to be comfortable doing so? While a first-class or business-class ticket may score you a wider, more cushiony seat and extra legroom along with perks like pre-flight drinks and meals served with actual metal utensils, they also carry a hefty price tag. So, what’s an economy flyer with a limited budget to do?

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Tips for Booking Alaska Companion Tickets on Virgin America

The merger between Alaska Airlines and Virgin America continues to create new opportunities. The most recent announcement is that companion fares are now eligible to be redeemed on Virgin America flights. In this post, we will explain the process for booking companion tickets, give some useful tips, and talk about new possibilities that the Virgin America merger makes possible.

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Living Life On The Road: An Interview With Shannon O’Donnell

Would you to pack up and move your life to a completely different location? Many people travel for leisure and business, but there are those for whom travel is a way of life. These adventurous individuals must surely face many hurdles given the costs associated with such a style of living.

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AutoSlash Your Rental Car Rates Automatically

car rental

Did you know that unlike airlines and most hotel chains, car rental agencies do not penalize you for canceling and rebooking? A website called AutoSlash takes advantage of that phenomenon by checking your booking information multiple times per day, looking for a better rate from virtually all rental agencies and if it finds one, automatically rebooks for you.

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The Rundown on Ultra Low-Cost Carrier Fees

It doesn’t always make sense to use miles or points for a domestic ticket. You have to compare the price of the ticket to the amount of miles you would have to use for the same route. But beware of the extras you would have to pay if you are comparing the price of a ticket on one of the legacy carriers to one of the ultra low-cost carriers (ULCCs).

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Luggage Forward: Enjoy the Journey as Much as the Destination

luggage service

Do you hate lugging heavy bags to and from the airport? Are you tired of hauling luggage while wrangling your children? Have exorbitant baggage fees decimated your travel budget? Have you ever spent half of your vacation waiting for lost suitcases to arrive? If so, it might be time to turn the tables and let your luggage wait for you instead.

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Umapped Simplifies Itineraries for Customers

It can be certainly be argued that the digital age is one of simplification, where individuals literally have the world at their fingertips and possibilities are endless.

However, sometimes clutter can intensify. That is where companies like Umapped form a bridge between information, global industry brands, travel advisors and their customers.

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Talking Travel Rewards Credit Cards with Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly

If you had a chance to meet two of the world’s most famous astronauts, what would you talk about? On the Thursday before the Super Bowl last month, I was invited to attend the NFL Player’s Association VIP party at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Among the hundreds of attendees were dozens of current and former players, who easily stood out because of their size.

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Kind Traveler: Make a Donation and Score a Discount

If you’re like most of us these days, you probably enjoy saving money on travel. After all, discount booking and rate comparison websites abound to help us do exactly that. But what if you could make the world a little better while scoring an exclusive deal? You actually can—if you use Kind Traveler.

RewardExpert recently spoke with Jessica Blotter (CEO) and Sean Krejci (COO)—Kind Traveler’s co-founders—about the inspiration behind the give-and-get hotel booking platform and how you can use it to save money on your next vacation.

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American Follows Delta’s Lead on Free Premium Transcon Meals and Marriott Top Elites Get Free Star Alliance Gold Status

Marriott is now giving its Platinum Premier members free United Premier Gold status. Find out how to get it (and corresponding Star Alliance Gold status), plus which routes are now eligible for free economy class meals when flying domestically on American and Delta in this week’s roundup.

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Traveler’s Joy: Skip the Blender and Make Memories Instead

According to industry powerhouse The Knot, the average U.S. wedding costs $35,329—including $16,107 for the venue, $2,783 for a photographer, $1,245 for a deejay, $582 for a cake and $278 for an officiant. That’s an astounding outlay for a one-day celebration, and it is amazing that any of today’s couples have money left over for their honeymoons at all.

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Introducing the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an amazing airplane and it keeps getting better with each new release.  The latest iteration from Boeing is the 787-10. This version will hold more passengers due to its length. It can hold 330 passengers as opposed to the 787-9 which carries 290 and the 787-8 which holds 242. Note that seat configurations will vary by airline.

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Planning The Perfect Trip With Triphobo

Have you ever shown up in a foreign destination and not known what to do? Doing research ahead of time can certainly help, though you might end up sorting through a sea of endless sponsored ads and hackneyed tourist traps.

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The Future of Business Class for U.S. Carriers

Domestic airlines have long lagged behind their international competitors when it comes to providing a luxurious and comfortable premium cabin experience on long haul routes. American currently has the best offering of the three legacy carriers with the bulk of its international long haul fleet featuring private reverse herringbone seating in a 1x2x1 configuration.

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Blacklane: Chauffeur Service to and from the Airport

You have your plane tickets, your luggage and you’re  ready for takeoff. The only issue is, who will get you once you arrive at your destination?

That’s where companies like Blacklane come into play. The professional driver service company covers the first and last miles of your journey, which are usually rides to and from the airport.

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Qatar Airways Introduces an Awesome New Business Class

Qatar Airways has been hinting for a while that they would be revealing a brand-new business class product. They were promising that new product would be revolutionary, and for once the reality lived up to the hype. The new seat is called the QSuite and will be accompanied by enhancements to the soft product as well.

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Homestay.com: Experience Local Culture While Saving Money

For the millennial generation, cultural immersion is an important part of any travel experience. According to one survey of individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, 86 percent said the desire to experience a new culture was their strongest travel motivator. If it’s also yours—and you want to eat local foods, experience local activities and get to know someone who actually lives there while on your next vacation—you should consider Homestay.com.

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Philadelphia Gets More Lounge Access and Qatar Unveils New Business Class

Qatar Airways is planning to introduce a new business class seat with doors that close and fully flat beds. The Q Suites will begin flying this summer. Learn which flights will have them plus more of the latest in miles and points news.

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Stitch Is Helping Seniors Find The Perfect Travel Buddy

There are lots of services these days all designed to help plan that next trip, from accommodations to transportation and sightseeing.  Yet, what are your options when it comes to finding a travel buddy? Well there’s Stitch for folks over 50 looking for people to explore the world with.

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Amex Announces Big Changes to the Platinum Card

Ever since Chase released the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Amex has been playing catch up in the premium card market. Amex’s first response was far less than hoped for – they added 5X earning on airfare to the personal card and the ability to receive a 50% points rebate for premium cabin booking to the business card.

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