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.

Priority Pass offers Minute Suites access in PHL

Not only is a new Centurion Lounge coming to Philadelphia, but Priority Pass is finally setting up shop at the airport. It comes with access to a private room at the Minute Suites for an hour plus a discounted rate for longer stays. While there are no drinks or snacks included, it does feature free wireless Internet and cable TV plus a private place to relax. For many people, this might even be more enticing than a standard lounge given the quieter space. Don’t forget that many credit cards offer free Priority Pass membership including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Doubletree by Hilton celebrates 500th hotel with free cook-“ie” book

If you’re a big fan of the famous, warm chocolate chip cookie provided as a welcome amenity at Doubletree by Hilton properties worldwide, this new electronic cook book is just for you. The Doubletree by Hilton brand is celebrating its 500th hotel opening, and it has created this online cook-“ie” book with recipes on how to create delicious meals and snacks using cookies. In fact, Doubletree gives out 75,000 warm cookies daily around the world; see what you can do with them at home from smores to a cookie burger! Each recipe comes from one of the chain’s hotels around the world.

IHG and Shell Fuel Rewards forge partnership

If you buy your gasoline at Shell, there’s a chance to save some money just for being a member of IHG Rewards. Club and Gold Elite members that have connected their accounts can purchase gas at a discount of 5 cents per gallon while Platinum Elite members can save 6 cents per gallon while Spire Elite members can save 7 cents per gallon. This is on top of the few cents’ discount already provided to members.

American Express Centurion lounges limit guests

Instead of a more lenient policy to permit immediate families, the American Express Centurion lounges are reportedly going to a guest policy with a maximum of two people per cardholder (including children). It is expected to go into effect March 30 and means that cardholders will have to pick two family members if they want to access the lounge for free.

Qatar Airways announces new business class

Qatar Airways has recently unveiled its next generation business class, which it expects to roll out this June when the airline takes delivery of its new Boeing B777-300ER aircraft. The new QSuites have doors that fully enclose them and flat-bed seats and will launch on the Doha to London Heathrow route. QSuites will be available on all Boeing B777 and Airbus A350 aircraft in the future by next year. Boeing B787 and Airbus A380 planes will offer a modified version of the QSuite.

Hilton Honors Diamond members might be eligible for status extension

If you’re one of Hilton Honors’ Diamond members that has held that status for at least three years and has stayed as many as 250 lifetime nights (or earned 500,000 lifetime base points), you might be able to hang on to Diamond status for a little longer. This is a one-time offer for members that might not have had enough stays in a year to requalify, but have demonstrated lifetime loyalty to the brand. To request the status, an online application is available, but must be completed before Diamond status expires.

Alaska and Virgin America offer more reciprocal benefits

While not formally announced, plans are in the works to offer free checked bags for each other’s elite members as well as free upgrades to preferred seating. It is expected to be available by late summer with a formal announcement coming soon.

American Express Business Platinum card getting new benefits

Much like the The Platinum Card® from American Express, which is getting a big fee hike, but also new perks, the Amex The Business Platinum Card from American Express is getting an upgrade, too. Luckily, there will be no uptick in fee, but cardholders can earn 5x points per dollar spent on travel and pre-paid hotels on amextravel.com. The card comes with Priority Pass Select membership, and now travelers using the lounge card can bring in two complimentary guests (previously, any guest required a fee). These take effect on March 30.