In the interests of full disclosure, OMAAT will receive a referral bonus for anyone approved through some of the links below. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) we’ve found for any product or service. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, hotel chain or product manufacturer / service provider and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these companies. For more information on our partners, see our Advertiser Policy. Thanks for your support!
The International Airline Program (IAP) is one of the lesser known benefits of the Amex Platinum Card and offers discounts on premium international cabin flights. In some cases, the savings can be huge and more than justify the annual card fees. In this post, I wanted to cover everything you need to know about the program. What is the Amex International Airline Program?With the Amex International Airline Program you can receive exclusive discounts when booking via American Express with selected airlines. There are a few basic things to keep in mind:
Which airlines qualify for the Amex International Airline Program?The Amex International Airline Program applies to selected itineraries of the following 25+ airlines:
How do I book tickets for the Amex International Airline Program?There are two ways to book a ticket through the Amex International Airline Program – you can either call Amex or book through the Amex Travel website. To book by phone, call Amex Travel at one of the following numbers (note that there is a ticket fee of $ 39 per person for bookings by phone): I prefer to book online as it’s easier to compare options and not have to pick up the phone. To find and book Amex International Airline Program fares, simply go to amextravel.com and then log into the account associated with your Amex Platinum. At this point, find a suitable international itinerary. After you start your search, you will find that some results have “International Airline Program Platinum Card Benefit” at the top and these options are discounted. The original price of the ticket is crossed out and then the “cheaper” price is displayed. For example, if you look at an Air France first class non-stop ticket between New York and Paris, the fare is reduced by around $ 1,000. You’ll also see the option of redeeming Amex points for a cent each for these tickets, although we’ll talk a little more about that below. Of course, it goes without saying that a non-stop, round-trip first class ticket for more than $ 7,000 may not be the cheapest option under the program. There are definitely better deals out there, even if the savings aren’t always that big – the more expensive the ticket, the greater the savings. For example, the program allows you to book a round-trip flight in Virgin Atlantic Business Class from New York to Delhi for $ 2,198, saving around $ 180 off the regular price of $ 2,379. There are many ways to sort the results on the Amex website and you can narrow them down by airline, travel time, number of stops, etc. Combine the Amex International Airline Program & Amex Pay with pointsAs you can see above, the Amex Pay With Points program allows you to pay for an Amex IAP ticket in whole or in part with points (but you must redeem at least 5,000 points). On the surface, both the Amex Personal Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card offer a value of one cent on the ticket price. That means a $ 2,000 ticket would cost 200,000 Membership Rewards points, which is not very good business. Fortunately, the business version of the card offers a 35% discount on this feature, with a few caveats:
In other words, when you redeem 200,000 Amex points for $ 2,000 worth of travel, you get 70,000 points back. So you’re essentially paying 130,000 points for a $ 2,000 flight worth ~ 1.54 cents per point. Getting 1.54 cents worth per Amex point and saving money on your ticket at the same time is a pretty great combination. Earn 5x points for Amex International Airline Program ticketsAnother great thing about booking through the Amex International Airline Program is that you collect 5x Membership Rewards points when you pay for your ticket with the Amex Personal Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card. This is because both cards offer 5x points on the flight price booked through Amex Travel. I rate these points at 1.7 cents each, which corresponds to a return of 8.5% for these purchases. In addition, both versions of the Amex Platinum offer travel protection in the event of irregular operations, including travel cancellation, delay or interruption. So if you use one of these cards you will not only collect 5x points, but you will also get valuable coverage. Do you earn miles for Amex International Airline Program tickets?Tickets booked through the Amex International Airline Program are entitled to collect miles, regardless of whether you pay in cash or redeem Amex points using the “Pay with Points” function. This is because this is and is considered a fully paid ticket. You can expect to earn miles and receive all of the elite perks as you normally would if you booked directly. The only consideration would be that if you fly an airline with a revenue-based frequent flyer program, you may be earning miles at a slightly different pace than usual. American Airlines, for example, has a special mileage accumulation table for “special tariffs”, which often also includes bookings by third parties. This allows you to earn miles as a percentage of the distance flown, based on your fare class. In some cases this can even be an advantage. What about the Amex Insider tariffs?Since these are discounted Amex flight tariffs, I think the Amex Insider tariffs are also worth mentioning, which in some ways are similar but ultimately different. What are Amex Insider Tariffs?
This is important to be aware of because if you search the Amex website, some may show up as Insider Fares and others as part of the International Airline Program. My strategy with the Amex International Airline ProgramWhat is my strategy for using the Amex International Airline Program? In many cases, airlines are pricing international premium cabins cheaper than ever because they are geared towards private travelers. So even though I have a lot of miles to spend, I often search Google Flights looking for well-paying first and business class fares. Whenever I find a fare to book I always go to Amex Travel and see if there are discounts available through the International Airline Program, and often there are. In this case, booking through the program is a breeze, so I can also earn 5x points when I buy, and even get great travel coverage. For those with the Amex Business Platinum Card, I think it might also make sense to use the Pay With Points feature as in the end, each point could bring in 1.54 cents towards the purchase of a premium cabin fare, which is solid.Bottom lineThe Amex International Airline Program is one of my favorite perks of both the Amex Personal Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card. If you fly Premium International Cabin any frequency, the savings from the program can be huge, paying your annual fee over and over again.When preparing to book a premium international cabin ticket (even if it’s Premium Economy), I always recommend taking a look at Amex Travel to see what type of fare is on offer. What is your experience with the Amex International Airline Program? Have you used it before
Via https://globalconnekt.com/amex-international-airline-program-iap-guide/
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Diwali Celebrations You can only submit entirely new text for analysis once every 7 seconds. 5 Tips to Have a Great Time With Your Party BusThe Railway Watchman and the Little Boy (Short Story) Vacation at Christmas? How To Get Fabulous January Umrah Packages to UK Muslims The Key to Getting the Best Bus Charter Company Choosing an Ideal Bus Charter The Safest Bus Charter Companies 10 Tips To Choose A Charter Bus Service Via https://globalconnekt.com/this-meal-cost-me-3315-korean-air-business-class-food-review/ She is cheeky, a little cheeky, sometimes relaxed, often loud, but above all, Virgins Scarlet Lady is always fun. She also has an uncanny ability to delight and surprise in so many twists and turns and could very well be the first cruise ship to sail the seven seas with an onboard tattoo and piercing parlor, a boxing ring, and an eyebrow box full of sex toys inside her honors bedrooms. Die-hard cruisers who have had fixed seating times in the main dining room will confuse you. It offers none of this traditional structure unless you book in one of the specialty restaurants, whose fare is included in the fare, unlike other cruise lines. To really enjoy them, it is best to be open-minded, be cheerful and find out what you like; it’s somewhere on the ship. Then just relax into the experience. Anders Karlsson, Vice President Hotel Operations at Virgin Voyages, put it this way:
Anyone who has been double stabbed and is ready to be tested (for free) is welcome aboard this mammoth pound cruise ship with 17 decks valued at £ 500 million. Around 2,700 “sailors” (also known as passengers) can be looked after in various rooms and served by a stately 1,600 crew members, more than enough to ensure that everyone gets the scruffy “Ahoy, beautiful sailor” at least once. AmbienceWhatever state of mind you step aboard, Scarlet Lady will seduce you into relaxation one way or another. Each room has its own energy, which is able to change your mood through the clever use of decor and color, atmospheric light and music. And there is always music, even if it is ambient like in the disco lookalike lifts.
In the Razzle Dazzle restaurant, for example, with its strong, shrill lines and block colors and fast-paced music in the areas of energetic games, you can experience a high level of energy. Then you can slow down everything in the quiet bar areas and several nooks and crannies with meditative music, weak lighting and soothing sounds. Once you meet the Scarlet Lady it is your turn to choose your pleasure. accommodationMy room 10174A is equipped with a makeshift wardrobe, chair and table, and plenty of power outlets so that all the technology can be supplied with power. The double bed is more than comfortable, and if we had wanted we would have converted the bed into a sofa during the day to create extra space. There is also a little balcony with a cute red hammock that I would have spent more time on if only it hadn’t been so cloudy. The shower room was actually more of a cubicle, but when you turn the shower on it is a happy, powerful rush of rain. It can be said that the rooms are more than adequate, with a little surprise and delight in the form of a little blue box of sex toys and a bag of massage oils. For real luxury, you need to check into one of the many styles of the Rockstar Rooms on Deck 15. These rooms are equipped with well-stocked bars with gins, champagne and vodkas, classy fittings and classy marble bathrooms. Some even have a terrace with a hot bath and a freestanding bathtub. I admit having a very serious fit of space envy, but that’s just not very rock and roll, is it? Eat DrinkThere are five must-book specialty restaurants that serve food designed by Michelin chefs. There is no additional charge and each has a unique interior design and kitchen. My favorite was Gunbae, a Korean restaurant that cooked at the table but also enjoyed the inventive cuisine in the Test Restaurant. Another 15 or so restaurants are located in The Galley, a room that spans both sides of Deck 15. This is a casual pick-n-mix affair where you can sip tacos with a variety of fillings, some sushi from one part, the noodle bar for pasta, pizza take away or something vegetarian from another. You can be as creative as you want. Or simply use the table service. The burger bar offers an Impossible burger; it’s vegan and still tastes like a meat burger. Desserts are plentiful and, oh, the ice cream parlor. entertainmentPart of the surprise and joy of just being on board is the spontaneous singers who sing and then disappear, magicians who mingle, and the countless mini-concerts on the itinerary. There are some pretty good shows too. Duel reality, a contemporary circus aerial combat show, was inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The acrobatics and the trapeze show this touching love story beautifully. A quick chat with star show Charlotte O’Sullivan revealed how difficult it is to bend like a pretzel in the air while the boat moves with the waves of the ocean. Other shows included a sexology show “Never Sleep Alone”, a comedy show “The Thing” and the magician “The Nerd”. All of them were fun, if a little cheesy. Oh, and there is bingo. After dark, a Las Vegas-style casino comes to life, DJs pumping energy onto the dance floors – there was a good turnout of sailors wearing red for the Scarlet Night Disco in the Red Room one night – and a lively Manor nightclub . Many tired-eyed sailors were looking for a very late breakfast after bedtime at 3am. Away from the nightlife, there is a swimming pool, hot tubs and whirlpools, and luckily plenty of beds, cabanas, and sun beds. The beautiful spa offers peace and quiet with different types of steam rooms, saunas, pools and a steam room, as well as a variety of beauty treatments. There is also a retail deck full of shopping. verdict
Will Virgin’s New Approach to Cruises Attract New Audiences? We shall see, but it bodes well. What I can tell you is that I got my hair done at the hairdresser’s and joked with a Mavis, a 92-year-old sailor who wanted to “Get upset when your husband wakes up” then googled late into the night with sexy young guys strutting their things on the dance floor. In essence, Scarlet Lady is a rock chick with finesse. For some traditionalists, this could be sensory overload. For me, four nights didn’t seem enough. I want more. How much: Four-night crossings start at £ 1,235 for two people on full board in a Sea View cabin. This includes food and basic drinks. Coffee specialties such as double expresso and of course alcohol are chargeable. VirginVoyages.com
Via https://globalconnekt.com/why-virgin-voyages-new-cruise-ship-scarlet-lady-is-making-waves/
In the interests of full disclosure, OMAAT will receive a referral bonus for anyone approved through some of the links below. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) we’ve found for any product or service. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, hotel chain, or product manufacturer / service provider and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these companies. For more information on our partners, please see our Advertiser Policy. Thanks for your support!
In early July we saw great new welcome bonuses for the popular Chase Freedom Flex with no annual feeSM Credit Card (verification) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (verification). I wanted to remind you because they are cards that are worth having for the long term and right now you can even pick them up with great bonuses. Earn 20,000 points plus 5x points for groceriesBoth the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer the same great two-part bonuses:
The first part of this bonus (20,000 points) is the standard offer while the second part of the bonus (5x points) is new and this is a really valuable offer. You can earn up to 60,000 points by spending $ 12,000 on groceries. Typical Chase usage rules apply, including the 5/24 rule. Note that Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited are considered separate products for bonus purposes so that you can both earn. You are entitled to the bonus on both cards as long as you do not currently have this exact card and have not received a new cardholder bonus for this exact card in the last 24 months. Why the Freedom Flex & Freedom Unlimited are awesomeIn my opinion, it makes sense to keep these two cards with no annual fee as part of a larger Chase credit card strategy. Chase Freedom Unlimited is the best Chase credit card for everyday use because it offers:
The Chase Freedom Flex is a great way to maximize your rewards because it offers:
As you can, these cards can be used to earn cashback. However, there is another way to use them. In conjunction with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card (verification), Chase Sapphire Reserve® card (verification) or Ink Business Preferred® credit card (verification), points accumulated on this card can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points and added to. the Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners are transferred. I value Ultimate Rewards points at 1.7 cents each, which for me increases the value of those rewards by 70%. Bottom lineThe Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer welcome bonuses of 20,000 points (or $ 200 cashback) when the minimum spend is met, as well as 5x points (or 5% cashback) for groceries in the first year. These are great offers. So if you are considering any of these cards but held back, I would seriously consider applying. And if you haven’t considered any of these cards but are committed to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, you’re missing out. Anyone planning on getting one of the Chase Freedom cards with this offer?
Via https://globalconnekt.com/chase-freedom-cards-with-a-large-shopping-bonus/ From the moment you step into the Qbic Hotel, you’ll feel like you’re in a love song to Manchester. At the entrance is the quote from Liam Gallagher in lights – “I take off my sunglasses every now and then and look at the world and see some nice things“- then there are the modern statues in honor of local heroes and the stylish meeting rooms named after the city’s most famous sons and daughters – and not to forget the super friendly and funny staff.
We arrived on a Friday night and the busy, high-octane atmosphere enveloped us like a warm slap on the back. There is no formal reception here – the staff stand around a round table and greet you directly in the colorful and whimsical bar and restaurant that occupies the ground floor. Whether you are sitting on the plush sofas, on one of the low velvet stools, or at one of the high tables, there is so much to see, from marveling at the towering high heels to noticing quirky art like the sculpture of a pug with headphones or the admire the magnificent parrot that happened to be visiting on our last morning. It’s the kind of place where it feels like anything can happen. If you are looking for a quiet, tranquil and stately place to stay, this might not be the place for you – at least not for a weekend – but if you fancy having a good time or watching young mancuners like them good time have time, then you will find your people here. For whom?On weekends, the Qbic Hotel is ideal for those who want to feel surrounded by life again after the pandemic and enjoy all that Manchester has to offer. The staff told us that during the week it is understandably quieter and the meeting rooms are perfectly equipped to hold the most technologically advanced business meetings. accommodationOur room was rated as cozy and although it was small it still felt luxurious thanks to the deep green walls, huge TV and extremely comfortable bed, although it was a shame the pillows were featherless. The well-designed wet room with Villeroy & Boch sink, stylish black-matt fittings and Faith In Nature products was a pleasure – especially the powerful rain shower. Larger rooms are available – such as the nine fancy rooms, which also have a seating area and a view of the city. There is a coffee station on every floor with a machine you can make yourself – and talk to the other guests as the mood takes you. to eat and drinkThe Motley Restaurant and Bar has its own entrance and is a fun place to stay whether you are staying at the hotel or not because of the delicious food and drink and the atmosphere. The antipode-style menu features small plates, full meals, burgers and flatbreads – we particularly enjoyed our Korean fried cauliflower – and a good selection of wines and cocktails. InvestmentsThe stylish and whimsical conference rooms are suitable for business meetings as well as for dinner parties, football demonstrations or even a karaoke night. A gym will be opening soon. How much?Double start from £ 63 per night. Book your room What’s aroundThe location of the Qbic Hotel on the main drag through Manchester city center – the mile-long Deansgate – means that it is perfectly located for enjoying the many shops, bars and restaurants in the area. It is also a short bus, tram or taxi ride from Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station.
Via https://globalconnekt.com/hotel-rating-qbic-hotel-manchester/ Although it was a difficult time for the aviation industry, we are seeing a surprising number of new airline startups. This spring, for example, we saw the launch of Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways. It looks like another airline may be just a few weeks away from starting operations, and that airline could even partner with American Airlines. I still find this new airline pretty weird, but let’s wrap up the latest on the concept as it seems the people behind it are pretty serious. The basics of Connect AirlinesConnect Airlines is a new North American airline that was officially announced in April 2021 and is scheduled to launch this fall:
Who is Connect Airlines?Connect Airlines is a new concept from Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA), a Boston-based FAA Part 135 jet charter operator, working towards acquiring an FAA Part 121 airline operator certification for scheduled flights. And yes, WMA is actually named after that Australian song … Waltzing Matilda Aviation’s CEO is John Thomas, who has been in the aviation industry for 35 years and was a former executive at Virgin Australia. As Thomas describes the plans for this airline:
This is a copy of Porter’s business modelSee, I have to say Connect Airlines has a really smart business model. I can’t believe that it has never occurred to anyone to use Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport as a hub for cross-border turboprop flights while offering a premium experience. ? Oh wait, that’s Porter Airlines’ business model. The airline operates from the same airport, with the same aircraft, to the same destinations and offers the same experience. Well, in fairness, Porter Airlines ceased operations in March 2020 due to travel restrictions and has still not resumed flights. That being said, the airline is undoubtedly making a return. In addition, Porter is pursuing a whole new additional business model in the coming years – the airline has ordered up to 80 Embraer E195-E2s, which will take off flights from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and beyond. Connect Airlines plans to partner with American AirlinesHere’s a fascinating angle. Regulatory records indicate that Connect Airlines has already entered into an interline agreement with American Airlines, and the two airlines are also working on a pre-launch codeshare agreement. With that, we could possibly expect:
I’m not entirely sure I understand what American Airlines is winning here:
I’m confused, excited to see how that turns outI don’t even know what to think of Connect Airlines. I am just confused. I don’t think we’ve ever seen such a blatant copycat startup airline in the history of aviation. The airline is replicating what Porter did and I’m not sure what exactly? Porter was also heavily geared towards business travelers, and with business travel likely to have declined for a while, as well as challenges with international travel, this seems like an odd time to start such an airline. Additionally, Connect has one downside compared to Porter – the airline won’t have that many slots, won’t have domestic connectivity within Canada, and won’t have that high profile or that wide network. Bottom lineConnect Airlines is a new airline startup set to launch in October 2021 that operates flights between Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport and points in the United States using Q400 aircraft (the airline may also operate some domestic flights within the United States, after all). The best I can say, Connect Airlines is hoping to essentially replicate Porter Airlines’ business model and capture the “business day trip” market which is, to put it mildly, questionable. What’s also interesting is that Connect Airlines allegedly intends to partner with American Airlines – at least the two airlines will be linked and are working towards a codeshare agreement. What do you think of Connect Airlines?
Via https://globalconnekt.com/connect-airlines-north-americas-weird-new-airline/
In the interest of full disclosure, OMAAT earns a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the below links. The information and associated card details on this page for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by OMAAT and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) that we have found for each product or service. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, hotel chain, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Please check out our advertiser policy for further details about our partners, and thanks for your support!
Using the right credit card for airfare purchases can help you rack up points quickly, especially if you’re anything like me, and spend a lot on air travel (at least in the long run). Over the years a lot has changed regarding the best credit cards to use for airfare purchases, so in this post I wanted to take a closer look at that. There are a couple of key things to consider when deciding which card to use for buying airline tickets:
Ideally you’ll find a card that ticks both of those boxes. With that in mind, let’s talk about the all-around best cards for purchasing your airline tickets. Best Personal Cards For Buying Airline Tickets As Of August 2021Below I’ll talk about what I consider to be the best personal cards for airline ticket purchases. With each card I’ll note the rewards points offered, how much I value those points, and the travel protection offered, if any. I’ll be sorting these cards based on my perceived value of the points offered, and then for those that are tied, will order them by the travel protection offered. Some cards also offer extra bonus points when you book through a credit card portal, so I’ll note when that’s the case (that has its pros and cons). Everyone will have to decide for themselves how much they value the travel protection in comparison to the rewards points offered. 1. The Platinum Card® from American ExpressReward for airline tickets: 8.5% (5x Membership Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) Currently, I consider the Amex Platinum to be the single best personal card for airfare purchases, as you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points while also getting great travel coverage. Read a review of the Amex Platinum Card (apply for the Amex Platinum). 2. Citi Prestige CardReward for airline tickets: 8.5% (5x ThankYou points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) In the past the Citi Prestige was my go-to card for airfare purchases, but unfortunately the card no longer offers travel protection, so I’m not using it anymore for those purposes. Read a review of the Citi Prestige Card. 3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®Reward for airline tickets: 5.1% (3x Ultimate Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an extremely well-rounded card for airfare purchases, thanks to the 3x points combined with the excellent travel protection. If you can book through the Chase Travel portal, you can do even better than that. Read a review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card (apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve). 4. American Express® Green CardReward for airline tickets: 5.1% (3x Membership Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) The Amex Green offers 3x points on airfare purchases, along with trip delay coverage, which is extremely solid. Read a review of the Amex Green Card (apply for the Amex Green). 5. American Express® Gold CardReward for airline tickets: 5.1% (3x Membership Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) The Amex Gold offering 3x points on airfare purchases, along with trip delay coverage, is a very good return. Read a review of the Amex Gold Card (apply for the Amex Gold). 6. Citi Premier® CardReward for airline tickets: 5.1% (3x ThankYou points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) The Citi Premier offers a good return on airfare purchases in terms of points earned, but doesn’t offer any travel protection. Read a review of the Citi Premier Card (apply for the Citi Premier). 7. Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardReward for airline tickets: 3.4% (2x Ultimate Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) Travel protection: the Sapphire Preferred offers good travel coverage, including coverage for delayed bags, lost luggage, trip cancelation and interruption, as well as for trip delays The Sapphire Preferred strikes an excellent balance between offering bonus points on travel, and also offering great travel coverage. If you can book through the Chase Travel portal, you can get an even better return on your airfare spending. Read a review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred (apply for the Sapphire Preferred). 8. Chase Freedom FlexSM Credit Card & Chase Freedom Unlimited®Reward for airline tickets: 8.5% (5x Ultimate Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) This is no doubt niche since you need to book through Chase Travel, but if you can, it’s great to be able to earn 5x points on airfare purchases with no annual fee cards. Just be aware of the lack of travel protection, plus the foreign transaction fees. Read a review of the Chase Freedom Flex (apply for the Chase Freedom Flex), read a review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited (apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited). 9. Citi® Double Cash CardReward for airline tickets: 3.4% (2x ThankYou points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) While the Citi Double Cash card isn’t specifically that great for airfare, it offers an excellent return on all spending, and that would include on airfare. However, ideally, I’d have a more rewarding card for airfare purchases. Read a review of the Citi Double Cash (apply for the Citi Double Cash). 10. World Of Hyatt Credit CardReward for airline tickets: 3% (2x World of Hyatt points, which I value at 1.5 cents each) The World of Hyatt Card is an especially good option for Hyatt loyalists, given the spending thresholds on this card, which can earn you bonus elite nights, an additional Category 1-4 free night certificate, and more. Read a review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card (apply for the World of Hyatt Card). Best Business Cards For Buying Airline Tickets As Of August 2021As you can see, there are many great personal cards for earning bonuses and getting travel protection on airfare purchases. Meanwhile, the number of business cards offering bonuses in these categories is more limited. Here are the best business cards to consider for your airline ticket purchases: 1. Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardReward for airline tickets: 5.1% (3x Ultimate Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) The Ink Business Preferred is the most well rounded business card out there, as it has a reasonable annual fee, huge welcome bonus, 3x points on all travel purchases, and also has good travel protection. Read a review of the Ink Business Preferred Card (apply for the Ink Business Preferred). 2. American Express® Business Gold CardReward for airline tickets: 6.8% (4x Membership Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) I wouldn’t get the Amex Business Gold solely for the bonus offered on airfare purchases, but this is a good card to use for those purchases if you have the card anyway, assuming it’s one of your top two spending categories. Read a review of the Amex Business Gold Card (apply for the Amex Business Gold). 3. The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressReward for airline tickets: 8.5% (5x Membership Rewards points, which I value at 1.7 cents each) While the travel coverage on the Amex Business Platinum is good, the catch is that you only earn 5x points on flights booked through Amex Travel, and I consider that to be a major restriction. Read a review of the Amex Business Platinum Card (apply for the Amex Business Platinum). Bottom LineWhen deciding on the credit card to use for airline ticket purchases, consider both the card that offers the most valuable rewards, as well as the card that offers the best travel protection. My top picks for airline ticket purchases are the: Of course, for many it won’t be worth picking up a card just because it offers a good return on airfare purchases, so you should balance the above advice with your current card portfolio. For example, I’d say the Chase Sapphire Reserve® strikes a good balance between offering a good return on airfare spending, while also having great protection. What card do you use for airline ticket purchases? The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees), American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees).
Via https://globalconnekt.com/which-credit-card-is-best-for-buying-airline-tickets/ Um nach Puerto Rico zu gelangen, flogen wir mit JetBlue von Tampa nach San Juan, und mein Gott, die Wirtschaftserfahrung von JetBlue ist unglaublich. Es ist Jahre her, dass ich JetBlue geflogen bin (einfach, weil ich in Miami lebe und den Flughafen Fort Lauderdale meide – zum Glück fliegt JetBlue jetzt nach Miami), und ich war wirklich beeindruckt, vor allem, weil ich einen A320 mit einem aktualisierten fliegen durfte Kabine. Wie ich unsere JetBlue-Tickets gebucht habeFord und ich begannen unsere Reise in Tampa (damit Winston einige Zeit bei seinen Großeltern verbringen konnte), und JetBlue fliegt bequem nonstop zwischen Tampa und San Juan. Wir haben den Flug B62751 gebucht, der um 9.30 Uhr in Tampa abfliegt und um 12.29 Uhr in San Juan ankommt (der Flug ist um 2 Std. 59 Min. blockiert). Ich habe eine Menge JetBlue TrueBlue-Punkte, also habe ich diese für unsere Tickets eingelöst. Das Ticket kostete etwas mehr als 10.000 TrueBlue-Punkte pro Strecke, da der Flugpreis etwa 150 US-Dollar pro Person betrug. Da ich die JetBlue Plus Card besitze, bekomme ich auch 10% auf eingelöste Punkte zurück. Wir zahlten auch 34 USD pro Person für ein Upgrade auf Even More Space-Sitze, die JetBlue-Economy-Sitzplätze mit zusätzlicher Beinfreiheit. Noch mehr Platz beinhaltet:
JetBlue Even More Space – Check-in und BoardingWir kamen gegen 7 Uhr morgens am Flughafen Tampa an, um um 9.30 Uhr zu fliegen (wir sind früh abgereist, um den Verkehr zu vermeiden, und dachten, wir könnten genauso gut vom Flughafen aus arbeiten). Wir hatten ein aufgegebenes Gepäck (nicht fragen), aber zum Glück gab es nicht viel Schlange, so dass wir unsere Bordkarten und unser Gepäck innerhalb weniger Minuten aufgegeben hatten. Dank der JetBlue Plus Card musste ich das aufgegebene Gepäckstück nicht bezahlen. Wir begaben uns zum A Concourse, wo wir innerhalb weniger Minuten die Sicherheitskontrolle passierten. Das Terminal war unheimlich ruhig, da ich das Gefühl hatte, dass die meisten Flughäfen in Florida ähnlich beschäftigt waren wie vor der Pandemie. Unser Flug startete von Gate A14 und das Boarding war für 8:55 Uhr geplant. Unser Flug wurde von N805JB durchgeführt, einem rund neun Jahre alten Airbus A320. Das Flugzeug kam gegen 8 Uhr morgens aus San Juan an, also lief alles nach Plan. Das Boarding begann um 8:55 Uhr, wobei Passagiere, die zusätzliche Zeit benötigen, zuerst zum Boarding eingeladen wurden, gefolgt von Mosaic-Mitgliedern, gefolgt von Even More Space-Kunden. Als ich das Flugzeug betrat, fand ich es interessant, wie prominent JetBlue Informationen über HEPA-Filter sowie Viasat Fly-Fi-Konnektivität am Rumpf anzeigt. JetBlue A320 neu gestaltetes Kabinenlayout und SitzeDies war das erste Mal, dass ich einen umgestalteten JetBlue Airbus A320 flog und ich war beeindruckt. Das Flugzeug verfügte über insgesamt 162 Sitze, verteilt auf 27 Reihen in einer 3-3-Konfiguration. JetBlue schaffte es, bei der Neukonfiguration dieser Flugzeuge zwei Sitzreihen hinzuzufügen, aber die Fluggesellschaft tat dies auf überraschend angenehme Weise. Sie können im Allgemeinen anhand des Sitzplans erkennen, ob Sie sich in einem renovierten Flugzeug befinden – wenn es 27 Reihen hat, haben Sie die neue Konfiguration, während Sie bei 25 Reihen die alte Konfiguration haben. Es gab sieben Reihen von Even More Space-Sitzen – die ersten fünf Reihen des Flugzeugs und dann die beiden Ausgangsreihen. Die Sitze von Even More Space vorne hatten einen Sitzabstand von 35 Zoll, sodass die Beinfreiheit ausgezeichnet schien. Die Sitzbezüge fand ich auch ganz nett. Sogar die regulären Economy-Sitze von JetBlue hatten einen Sitzabstand von 32 Zoll, was immer noch ausgezeichnet ist. Es gab vier Reihen dieser Standardsitze zwischen den ersten fünf Reihen von Even More Space-Sitzen und den Sitzreihen am Ausgang. Ich habe uns Sitze 11A & 11C zugewiesen, die Gang- und Fensterplätze in der zweiten Ausgangsreihe (mit Liege), links. Wir waren die einzigen Leute, die in der Ausgangsreihe saßen, und außerdem war der Flug leicht beladen, da er vielleicht zu einem Drittel voll war. JetBlue A320 noch mehr Platz-SitzfunktionenWie zu erwarten war die Beinfreiheit in der Ausgangsreihe ausgezeichnet. Obwohl JetBlue sich für dünnere Sitze entschieden hat (wie dies bei den meisten Fluggesellschaften der Fall ist), fand ich die Sitze überhaupt nicht unbequem. Sehr gut gefallen hat mir auch die Kopfstütze, die sich für zusätzlichen Komfort schön in eine „U“-Form verstellen lässt. Aber auch darüber hinaus bin ich vielleicht einfach zu viel mit American Airlines geflogen, aber es war so erfrischend, in einem schmalen Flugzeug zu sitzen, das tatsächlich ein ansprechendes Interieur hatte. An jedem Sitzplatz befand sich ein 10,1-Zoll-HD-Touchscreen-Fernseher. An jedem Sitzplatz gab es sowohl eine 110-V- als auch eine USB-Steckdose, damit Sie aufgeladen bleiben können. Die Rückenlehnentasche wurde funktional gestaltet – neben einer Haupttasche gab es drei kleinere Taschen, perfekt für Handy, Brille usw. Der Tabletttisch war ziemlich normal (dieser Fleck schien dauerhaft zu sein, es war also kein Mangel an Reinigung). Theoretisch schien es auch eine Art kontaktloses Bezahlen zu geben, wobei ich mir den praktischen Nutzen dafür nicht sicher bin. Die Dachkonsole hatte sowohl Leselampen als auch einzelne Luftdüsen. Die Kabine hatte auch eine blaue Stimmungsbeleuchtung, die beruhigend war. JetBlue-Unterhaltung an BordAn meinem Platz stand ein persönlicher Monitor mit einer unglaublichen Auswahl an Filmen und Fernsehsendungen. Sie können Ihr Telefon als Fernbedienung verwenden, sodass Sie den Bildschirm nicht berühren müssen. Das ist zwar ein cooles Konzept, aber ich dachte, das wäre letztendlich mehr Ärger als es wert war. Im Wesentlichen wird ein einfacher Controller-ähnlicher Bildschirm auf Ihrem Telefon angezeigt, und Sie können dann scrollen. Es sei denn, Sie haben größere Bedenken gegen Keime, ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob es die Mühe wert ist. JetBlue hat auch eine Anpassungsoption, die manche Leute mögen und andere vielleicht gruselig finden. Im Wesentlichen begrüßt Sie Ihr Bildschirm mit Ihrem Vornamen und fordert Sie auf, zu bestätigen, dass Sie es sind (falls Sie sich über den Namen wundern, Fords legaler Vorname ist John, und ich denke, wir hatten die Sitze getauscht). Wenn Sie bestätigen, dass Sie es sind, werden Sie aufgefordert, Ihren Nachnamen und Ihr Geburtsdatum einzugeben. Alternativ können Sie einfach als Gast fortfahren. Theoretisch kann ich den Wert der Personalisierung einschätzen, aber das Problem war, dass ich selbst nach dem Einloggen nicht sicher bin, was genau anders war? Wie auch immer, die Unterhaltungsauswahl von JetBlue ist einfach erstklassig. Zusätzlich zu DirecTV haben Sie eine endlose Bibliothek mit Filmen, Fernsehsendungen und mehr. Es gab auch die Airshow, die ich gerne für unseren 2h30min Flug im Auge behalten habe. JetBlue Fly-Fi Viasat Hochgeschwindigkeits-WLANJetBlue verfügt nicht nur über ein großartiges Unterhaltungssystem auf der Rückenlehne, sondern die Fluggesellschaft bietet auch kostenloses Highspeed-WLAN von Viasat, was vielleicht meine Lieblingsannehmlichkeit ist, die von allen Fluggesellschaften in den Vereinigten Staaten angeboten wird, da JetBlue die einzige ist, die kostenloses WLAN anbietet -Fi an alle Passagiere ohne Kappen. Ich liebe auch, wie einfach es ist, eine Verbindung herzustellen – Sie müssen nur Ihre Sprache auswählen und dann auf „Mit Fly-Fi verbinden“ klicken. Viasat Wi-Fi funktionierte sogar auf dem Überwasserteil dieser Route, was großartig war. JetBlue-Essen, Getränke und AnnehmlichkeitenJetBlue bietet kostenlose alkoholfreie Getränke, Wasser, Saft, Kaffee, Tee und Snacks. Der persönliche Unterhaltungsmonitor hatte eine vollständige Liste der verfügbaren Funktionen, was ein nettes Feature ist. Zum Trinken trank ich eine Tasse Wasser und einen Kaffee (JetBlue serviert Dunkin-Kaffee). Obwohl der Kaffee nicht so gut ist, wie man ihn auf dem Boden bekommt (nicht dass er großartig wäre, aber…), finde ich es toll, dass JetBlue ihn in einer Dunkin-Tasse serviert und einen Deckel darauf setzt. Warum können nicht mehr Fluggesellschaften Kaffee verschließen, insbesondere angesichts der Gefahr von Turbulenzen und Verschüttungen? Es gab ein paar Snacks zur Auswahl, darunter Chips, Cheez-Its und Schokoladenkekse. JetBlue bietet auch einen Buy-On-Board-Service an und Sie können Folgendes erwerben:
Wir kauften ein Kissen und eine Decke, beides, um es auszuprobieren, und weil Ford versuchen wollte zu schlafen. Ich weiß es zu schätzen, dass JetBlue diese verkauft, da andere Fluggesellschaften diese in der Regel nicht in der Economy-Klasse anbieten und auch keine Kaufoption haben. JetBlue A320-ToiletteWährend ich denke, dass JetBlue größtenteils mit erfrischenden Kabinen phänomenale Arbeit geleistet hat, gibt es eine Ausnahme – die Toiletten. Es gibt eine Toilette im vorderen Teil des Flugzeugs und zwei Toiletten im hinteren Teil des Flugzeugs. Ich vermute, dass ein Teil des zusätzlichen Platzes für das Hinzufügen von zwei Reihen von der Positionierung der beiden Toiletten auf der Rückseite herrührt, die winzig sind. Sie sind nebeneinander hinter der Kombüse, und sie sind nicht größer als die 737 MAX-Toiletten von American, und vielleicht sogar etwas enger? Das Badezimmer selbst ist winzig, ebenso wie das Waschbecken, und Sie können sich kaum die Hände waschen, ohne selbst zu spritzen. Wenn Sie die Toilette auf der anderen Seite benutzen, achten Sie beim Verlassen auch auf Ihren Kopf – ich habe meinen getroffen. Die Oberseite der Toilettentür ist gewölbt, und neben der Tür ist eine Art Haken, und ich schlug meinen Kopf dagegen, weil das Ganze so eng war. JetBlue-ServiceNormalerweise finde ich JetBlue-Flugbegleiter überdurchschnittlich (und Mint-Flugbegleiter sind durchweg phänomenal, da sie speziell ausgebildet und ausgewählt wurden). Nun, diese Crew war… nicht. Die Flugbegleiter waren nicht gerade unhöflich, aber es war klar, dass sie nicht dabei sein wollten und ihren Job nicht besonders genossen. Beim Boarding wurde mein begeistertes „Guten Morgen“ mit einem widerstrebenden „Hallo“ beantwortet und die Crew schien kein Lächeln zu haben. Als ich auf die hintere Toilette ging, standen die beiden Flugbegleiterinnen nur im Gang und plauderten (es gab keine Karren oder ähnliches). Eine hatte sie mit dem Rücken zu mir, also nahm ich Blickkontakt mit der anderen auf und dachte, sie würde ihre Kollegin bitten, zur Seite zu treten (schließlich wollte ich meine Stimme nicht erheben oder sie berühren). Nein, sie stand einfach nur da und sie setzten ihr Gespräch fort, und vielleicht 30 Sekunden später schlug sie ihrer Kollegin vor, zur Seite zu gehen. Von den JetBlue-Flügen, die ich auf dieser Reise gemacht habe, war dies die einzige Crew, die wirklich nicht gut war. Was schade ist, denn ansonsten war die Erfahrung großartig. Übrigens, obwohl mir klar ist, dass dies nicht die Schuld der Crew war, war die Anzahl der während des Fluges gemachten Durchsagen (sowohl auf Englisch als auch auf Spanisch) einfach darüber hinaus. Ohne zu übertreiben würde ich schätzen, dass die PA vielleicht 30 Minuten des Fluges in Gebrauch war. Ich wünschte wirklich, die Fluggesellschaften würden etwas nachdenklicher bei ihren Ankündigungen sein. Klatschen in Hülle und Fülle…Ich fand es entzückend, wie bei unserer Landung in San Juan die Kabine in Klatschen ausbrach. Es waren nicht nur ein paar Leute, die klatschten, sondern es müssen 80% des Flugzeugjubels gewesen sein. Es gab sogar Leute, die in der Kabine auf puerto-ricanische Flaggen verzichteten. Es gibt nicht viele Inlandsstrecken in den USA, auf denen man klatschen sieht, daher ist Puerto Rico ein ziemlich einzigartiger Ort. Interessanterweise wurde auch auf dem Flug von San Juan nach New York geklatscht, aber nicht ganz so viel. EndeffektJetBlue bietet ein phänomenales Passagiererlebnis. Es ist die einzige Fluggesellschaft mit einem inländischen Produkt, die mit Delta konkurrieren kann, und ich würde sagen, dass die Erfahrung von JetBlue besser ist. Die Fluggesellschaft verfügt über wunderschöne Kabinen mit toller Bordunterhaltung, kostenlosem WLAN, Steckdosen an jedem Sitzplatz und viel Beinfreiheit. Ich persönlich denke, dass sich Even More Space angesichts des relativ bescheidenen Preisaufschlags auch lohnt. Es ist traurig zu sehen, wie unterschiedlich die Erfahrungen zwischen American und JetBlue sind. Es ist nicht so, dass die Kosten von JetBlue für das Angebot der Fluggesellschaft wesentlich höher sind, aber es macht einen großen Unterschied in Bezug auf das Passagiererlebnis. Ich werde JetBlue in Zukunft öfter fliegen, weil dies wirklich eine schöne Art zu fliegen war. Wenn Sie in den letzten Jahren mit JetBlue geflogen sind, wie waren Ihre Erfahrungen?
Via https://globalconnekt.com/bewertung-jetblue-a320-noch-mehr-platz-fur-sitzplatze/ Luxurious Travel Guide for Iceland The quietude of the nation together with the wealth of all-natural marvels is unparalleled as well as remarkable. Extreme volcanic and also tectonic task that occurred in the previous progressively resulted in the formation of unique land types that are nowhere to be seen in any other part of this world. Oak Park in Chicago Offers an Insight of a Village, Yet Comprehends Parking RulesOak Park, preferably positioned along the western border of Chicago provides a fast trip through both CTA Eco-friendly Line pass and also Metra, using rail. It takes you magnificently via the centre of the village. This is a residential area as well as was Frank Lloyd Wrights and also Ernest Hemingways home. Reasons Why Travelling Is the Best HobbyGoing on a trip, discovering brand-new areas, cuisines and also discovering the culture does rivet you, right? After that yes, taking a trip is undoubtedly your pastime. You are a wanderlust as well as seek adventure. Astonishingly Designed Office Lobbies Around the World – No More Monday BluesMondays are generally one of the most annoying day of the week as well as nearly every one of us has actually really felt the awful feeling of Mondays. Also while loosening up on Sundays most of us have that feeling of sadness of returning to work the following day. This sensation is quite usual on every Sunday night however what happens if workplaces comes to be so welcoming as well as fascinating that operating in the office will certainly not make you really feel suffocating or choking anymore. Grand Golden Circle Day Trips in IcelandThe Golden grand Circle excursion takes one to the Iceland’s southwest parts and the popular attractions that are a component of it. The location supplies several of one of the most sensational views. Generally the separation for the trip occurs from the city of Reykjavik. Distinguishing An Average Minicab Service From One That’s A Cut Above The RestThere are a great deal of different minicab solutions around nowadays as well as initially a lot of them may seem the exact same. Customers of these services have a difficult time comparing which one is the very best versus which one is just cookie cutter. Well a great minicab solution can only be the very best if it’s prepared to provide customers various elements of value. How to Be a Digital Nomad in AustraliaDavid is a company expert from Sydney. He additionally likes to take a trip, write and also share his understanding concerning numerous organization strategies. He has invested a year taking a trip via Europe as well as functioning as an online company consultant. In his really own words- “On my voyage, I have actually collected a great deal of experience living as an electronic nomad – working in the on-line setting, fulfilling new individuals on a day to day basis.” So below we handover the baton to David who will certainly inform us concerning his experience of a digital nomad in Australia! UP For A Delish Japanese Food-Adventure?Japan is identified as one of Asia’s most dynamic nation where technique, tradition, food, technological developments are all strongly looped. This mixture of conventional and modern-day can be seen in every nook and also edge of the streets in kind of their food, be it in a fancy restaurant or road food stalls. Sushi with all its variants and also Benefit, a liquor are Japan’s trademark culinary gifts. Learning While Travelling Is An Everlasting Experience Of FunUnderstanding while Travelling is an eternal experience of enjoyable, you can additionally state that taking a trip is an addiction, which is hard to stop. Nonetheless, it provides you great deals of opportunities as well as chances to learn in your life and comprehend different points, which you were unaware of till now. Via https://globalconnekt.com/asias-bizarre-delivery-food-this-finally-made-me-sick/ The highly anticipated Four Seasons Napa Valley is currently taking reservations and will no doubt quickly become one of the top luxury hotels in the area. Foundations of the new Four Seasons Napa ValleyThe Four Seasons Napa Valley Resort & Residences is now accepting reservations for stays on or after November 1, 2021. The Four Seasons is located on the 400 Silverado Trail in Calistoga, at the foot of Mount Saint Helena. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards, the hotel will be the first Napa Valley resort to be housed in an active winery. The resort will only offer 85 guest rooms and suites, ranging from entry-level 480-square-foot resort rooms to 3,400-square-foot detached villas. As for the amenities at the Four Seasons, guests can expect:
Four Seasons Napa Valley Prices and How to BookAs you’d expect, the Four Seasons Napa Valley isn’t exactly cheap, reflecting the general state of the U.S. recreational hotel industry, particularly the luxury sector:
With that in mind, prices in the Four Seasons Napa Valley appear to start at around $ 1,800 per night. Personally, I wouldn’t expect prices to get much cheaper anytime soon as this is a boutique hotel and people are very willing to pay those prices. This price is equivalent to the fees charged by the Auberge du Soleil, which is otherwise considered one of the best hotels in the Napa Valley. If you’re looking to book the Four Seasons Napa Valley (or a Four Seasons), be sure to book through a travel agent affiliated with Four Seasons Preferred Partner. With this program, authorized travel agents can add value to your stay without incurring additional costs. You can add perks like free breakfast (including in-room dining), hotel credit, an upgrade based on availability, and more. The best part is that Four Seasons Preferred Partner can basically be combined with any plan that you can find directly on the Four Seasons website. Upgrades through this program also take precedence over upgrades through other programs, so you should choose Preferred Partners over programs such as Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. Ford will be happy to assist you with Preferred Partner bookings and can be reached at [email protected] This property looks really greatAlthough the Four Seasons Napa Valley is expensive, it looks like a beautiful property and I imagine it will do very well:
If the Four Seasons is out of your price range (as it is for most of us), consider the Alila Napa Valley, which can be booked with World of Hyatt points. This is a phenomenal property too, and a great use of points. For what it’s worth, the prices paid at this hotel aren’t much cheaper either – they start at well over $ 1,000 on most nights, and often a lot more. Bottom lineThe Four Seasons Napa Valley is finally taking reservations and will open in November 2021. The property looks spectacular – it will only have 85 rooms and will be the only resort in an active winery. When booking a stay at the Four Seasons Napa Valley, I recommend maximizing value by contacting a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agent. To Four Seasons fans, what do you think of the new Napa Valley property?
Via https://globalconnekt.com/four-seasons-napa-valley-opening-november-2021/ |
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