Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 Year End Miles/Points Summary and 2009 Plan

Here is my miles summary as of Dec 30st,2008

Airline:
United-1K: 300K
American Airline-Executive Platinum: 270K(still owe me 40K from Year end online mall)
Delta/Northwest-Gold(will drop to General Member next year) 745K(still owe me 255K)
US Airways-General Member: 90K
British Midland Airways-Gold: 150K
British Airways-20K
Czech Airline-General Member 40K
and more 200K in various airlines in China

Next Year Goal:
United-Plan to drop to Premier Executive
American Airline- plan to keep Exe Plat
Delta/Nowthwest-plan to get to Platinum
BMI-plan to keep Gold
All other programs will be remind as General member


Hotel:
Starwood-Platinum: 150K
Priority Club-Platinum: 500K
Hyatt-Platinum: 20K
Hilton-Gold: 350K
Choice Hotels-60K

Next Year Goal:
Starwood-Keep Platinum
Priority Club-Keep Platinum
Hyatt-Plan to get Diamond back
Hilton-Plan to keep Gold and working toward Diamond

All other programs will remain as General Member

Others:
80K Thankyou Network Points
$3400 AA Credit
2 SPG free weekend nights at any Cat 1-5 hotels
1 SPG free weekend at selected Asia Hotels
1 SPG free night at any Le Meridien
7 Unused Marriott nights at any Cat 1-5 properties
4 Hyatt free nights

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hilton up to 50% off sale

Must book by Jan 31st, 2009 for stay up to Aug 2009, up to 50% on weekends. the link is here

US properties are excluded from this offer.

Also, don't forget double points offer

Few more Hilton Resorst will be opened and some top Starwood hotels are heading to Hilton Chain

According to this website, Hilton will open 2 properties at French Polynesia in Feb 2009, one is Hilton Bora Bora Nui and another one is Hilton Moorea. Since there is no word of new construction of Hilton Properties, these two hotels most likely are taken over from Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort and SPA and Bora Bora Nui Resort and SPA.

Hilton has no blackout redemption like SPG chain and require much less points on these two properties, so this is actually a great move. However, I am sure New Hilton Bora Bora Nui will have similar retrictions on Elite benefits like Conrad Maldive when you reedem points, but it still a better value compare to SPG catergory 7 redemption. In addition, if you want to pay for the night, Hilton can get u to their Diamond tier by amount of spending($10000 in a canleder year), so a better option than SPG, where only nights/stays counts toward elite status.

Also, If I remember correctly, both hotels+St.Regis Bora Bora are owned by same person, so sooner or later St.Regis maybe rebrand to Hilton Family Hotels too.

Along with these two properties, the Westin Versailles in Paris will leave SPG and join Hilton as Waldorf=Astoria brand. It looks like Hilton is expanding its top chain to compete with others by offering lower Franchisee fees.

Start saving ur Hilton Points, you will have more better properties to use them.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Hilton, Marriott, Intercontinental, Starwood and Hyatt 2009 promotions are here!

Hilton Double Base points Q1 2009:

Earn double points btw Jan 6 and Apr 6th,2009 at participating properties worldwide, must register here.

Marriott Mega bonus Spring 2009:
Offer valid between February 1 and April 30, 2009, you need to login your account to see which one you got, no need to pay with Visa card Here are some of them
  • 2500 for each paid stay, beginning with the second stay. Max 25000 points
  • 35K for 20 nights up to 50K total for 25 nights
  • 25K for 15 nights up to 40K for 20 nights
If you are Gold member or above and do not like the promotion you received, you can call Marriott Reward desk to switch, as do it before promotion ends.

Intercontinental Priority Club up to 30,000 bonus points or 10,000 bonus miles:

From January 12 to April 30, 2009, earn 3,000 bonus points or 1,000 bonus miles for every 3rd qualifying night you stay, up to 30,000 bonus points or 10,000 bonus miles.

Starwood Night after Night:

Registration will be available on Jan 7th,2009. From Jan 7th to Apr 30th,2009. Earn 500 bonus points per night, and 5000 extra bonus for every 10th nights, no need to be consecutive and no upper limit for bonus.

Hyatt More Than a Bonus:
Between January 9 and April 30, 2009, up to 20000 bonus points

Stay two nights and earn 2,000 bonus points/miles
Stay four nights and earn an additional 4,000 bonus points/miles (totaling 6,000 bonus points)
Stay six nights and earn an additional 6,000 bonus points/miles (totaling 12,000 bonus points)
Stay eight nights and earn an additional 8,000 bonus points/miles (totaling 20,000 bonus points)

Registration link is not ready yet.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

UA 50% bonus to Hawaii on UA

This promotion was published on United.com few days ago, then they removed it because they decided not to do it. However, You can still register it by call United Airline Mileage plus customer Service, not reservation line.

Mention promotion code MPD698,

Offer valid for booking and travel btw Nov 13th to Jan 31st,2009 with blackout on Jan 2-5 and Dec 20th.

More discussion on this topic here

Hertz Free weekend day rental deal

Saw it from Gary's Blog, use PC code 127595, offer valid on Thursday, Friday and Sat until March 31st,2009.

No min days requirement. I just 1 day weekend rental at SNA for $4 total.

New York City, Hawaii, and Florida are excluded

Saturday, December 13, 2008

More reasons to drop UA from my first choice

I am in Flight from JFK-SFO on AA and using Gogo Inflight internet. With the promotion code they hand out, it only costs me less than $10 for entire Transcont flight. The speed is fast enough to do anything. Serivce is avaliable on flight JFK-SFO/LAX/MIA.

Delta will offer this service soon and Virgin America already launched service on most route.

With no Powerports, no internet service, no dish network TV and massive increase in award redemption level, it's hard to keep UA anymore.

Although UA are changing some of their International Business seats to 180 lie flat will be eventually on all flights, services to mainland China still use Old 747.

One more thing to add. although UA has elite bonus, it is only for travel on UA, US and LH transatlantic flights. DL, NW elite earn elite bonus on all Sky team partner flights, and AA elite earn bonus on almost all one world partners except BA and JL.

Double BMI miles on Hertz Rental is back

Book your car before 31 December 2008 for hire before 31 March 2009 and you can earn double miles, giving you 3,000 destinations miles for each Hertz car rental.

We'll give you 3,400* destinations miles for every Hertz booking you make through flybmi.com and you'll soon see the miles add up.

The problem is lots of US location is not working with PC #127186, you can give a try, it may work at ur Location

BTW, you can not have ur Hertz Gold attached on the booking in order to get bonus

Northwest New service Bonus from DTW-PVG

Current Financial Crisis and Economy Slowdown has made many carriers delayed their new service schedule or reduced frequency, but Northwest decide to launch DTW-PVG on time.

Nonstop service from Detroit to Shanghai begins March 28, 2009

You need to register here by May 31, 2009 and travel between March 28 and June 15, 2009.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

My marriott to Delta tranafer posted today

As I mentioned earlier, Delta said they will honor the bonus for MAX MILES promotion for whoever registered before Nov 21st. I transferred 235K Marriott points for 7 nights at Cat 1-5 hotels and 120K delta miles in addition to 40K SPG points.

The bonus will be posted 8-12 weeks after Dec 31st, so it is a waiting game now. Once all transfers and bonus posted, I will have close to 1 Million in my Delta and NW accounts. Enough for many trips abroad.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Skyrocket to Sextuple SkyMiles-Earn 6 times Delta miles per Hilton stay

you need to register first, then stay before Feb 29th. 2009, every stay must be two or more nights at participating Hilton Family hotels worldwide.

It is a Great promotion if you stay two nights per stay and NOT at Hampton INN properties or your stay is a very expensive, otherwise, stay with BMI miles would be a better option.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Transfer your Membership Rewards points to Virgin and earn 15% bonus.

transfer before Jan 31st,2009 and Earn 15% bonus on Virgin Atlantic.

British Airways Hotel Transfer Bonus

British Airways launched this promotion again this year,transfer your hotel points by 28 February 2009, and receive 30% bonus BA Miles.

Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt are on the list, but no starwood this year

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Found a website to search budget airline fare

http://www.skyscanner.net/

It includes lots of budget airlines. good option for a short haul flight

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I found changedetection to replace Changealarm

Changealarm is no longer working, I found a replacement.

Delta Partner Activities Bonus Promotion Updates

Delta has canceled the promotion on Nov 21st, but according to this internal memo,

"Customer who enrolled prior to cancellation may still earn bonus as noted"

So if you registered before Nov 21st, you should be able to get bonus as long as you complete activities by Dec 31st. bonus will be awarded 8-10 weeks after Dec 31st.

There is no way to confirm with Delta whether u have registered or not, if you did, u should get those bonus.

I am going to re initiate my SPG and Marriott transfers this weekend.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Just did some award redemptions today

I redeemed 60K miles for my mom and grandma in Business from PEK to DPS(Bali) next months, total taxes are $145 per person including $25 partner fees and $20 ticketing fees. Not too bad for a C-class award. Also redeemed 28K Hyatt points for 4 nights at Hyatt Regency Bali Club room.

did a last minutes first class redemption for my wife travel this weekend to Ontario,CA. Outbound on US airways and return on United. Total cost 45K UA miles + $10 taxes

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Delta has changed all rental car promotions

Since I was not in States during past few months, I have not aware the changes. Today when I tried to book a rental car for my wife, I noticed all deals are dead! It's time to credit those miles back to VS

Saturday, November 22, 2008

United Airline is no longer my first choice for travel and award accumulation

UA mileage program has always been my first choices since I played miles game 3 years ago because its low amount for premium cabin redemption to lots of places around the world with great *A network.

With changes on award redemption effective Jan 1st,2009, UA will be no longer my first choice for travel and award accumulation.

1 Award level jumps to high, by way too high. from 90K business to Asia to 125K, from 110K business to OZ and NZ to 135K, from 75K business Asia to Oceania and OZ to 100K, many intra zone business changes from 30K to 50K and many more.

2 United *A award doesn't allow any changes once trip begin, you either use it or lost it. Since my time has become very flexible with lots of last min changes, it's very hard for me to come up with a fixed return date.

Now which airline become my top choice?

AA, DL and BMI

It's hard to believe DL is on my list, right?

All three airlines programs have two same advantages, flexibility and lower rate.

AA only needs 110K in business to most Asia, even cheaper to Japan and Korea, and AA offers unbelievable cheap premium cabin travel from Most Asia to South Pacific and Middle east, 70K/90K, 60K/80K. no fee to change on award any time as long routing and carrier remind same.

DL needs 120K in business to Asia and 30K in business for intra-Asia and you can change any time you want with a fee of $100, waived for Platinum member. Yes, many people complaint about availability on Delta and its partners in Premium cabin, but did you try to look up Korean Air? It's easy to find Business award seats on Korean air.

BD will make up other regions with its C+P award and one way redemption. I know BD has been taken over by LH, but until LH releases BD program ending, I will still accumulate miles on it.

Someone asked me How did I get those marriott points even when I hate them so much

I am not big fan of Marriott, that's right,235K are all I have. I got most of those points(130K) in 11 months when I was working full time with a company 2 years ago, rest of them from online shopping, occasional stay with various bonus offers.

How to get Marriott points faster? bonus promotion is a key and also online shopping if you have large purchase. Before Marriott change its redemption policy on Jan 15th 2009, Travel package award will get points to miles on 1:1 ratio, which means online shopping bonus reward will be higher than most airlines.

Wait on Delta Promotion!

Delta has pulled the promotion page, so there maybe some changes to T &C, don't transfer anything until the promotion link back up again.

I canceled my SPG points transfer because I don't have time to fight for my bonus.

Shame on Delta.

Friday, November 21, 2008

US airways will give Elite Bonus and min 500 mils retroactively

Finally, people at Save DividendMiles made victory, US airway is bringing back Preferred bonus miles and 500 mile segment minimums for Preferred members.

I can't believe how US airways management can approve drop Elite bonus at first place, they are really "creative", first Major carrier charges almost everything, first carrier drops 500 segment bonus and first carrier drops Elite bonus. Yes, they were FIRST MAJOR CARRIER DROPPED ELITE BONUS ON EARTH and hope other carriers would follow.

They finally realized they are stupid.

One week only, British Airways Half Off Redemption.

Gary posted this deal on his blog, offer valid until Nov 28th GMT, here is highlight of T&C

-Reductions on redemption fares across all cabins
-Available on BA Miles only (not Part Cash Part Miles or Miles for Upgrade)
-Book between 21-28th November 2008
-No travel period restrictions
-Pre-registration not required
-Offer on all routes on BA mainline scheduled services with a BA prefix, but not on services operated wholly or partly by BA’s franchisees, codeshare partners or oneworld™ alliance members.

right now it's a great time to travel overseas

With current Financial Crisis, many countries currency drop significantly.

South Korea dropped from 1USD:900 Korean Won 3 years ago to 1:1450

Indonesia: dropped from 1:8000 to 1:12000

South Africa: dropped from 1: 6 to 1:10

and many more such as NZ, Iceland, it's time to go somewhere.

Some Updates on Delta Promotion

1 For SPG transfer, the best way is to transfer 20000 SPG to Delta per day
because DL system can not accept more than 32K Hotel transfer per
transaction, 20K SPG will get u 25K miles, which is the best value

2 AMEX credit card signup bonus may not count because those miles will be posted as Bonus.

3 AMEX MR transfer doesn't count

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Delta Partner Activities Bonus Promotion

You need to register here, then complete partner activities for up to 150% bonus.

Base Miles Earned Bonus Total Miles
1,000-4,999 50% 1,500-7,498
5,000-9,999 100% 10,000-19,998
10,000 or more 150% 25,000 or more

I have Marriott travel package waiting to cash out 120K miles to AA, but with this promotion, I decide to transfer to Delta instead. I will get 300K miles for this transfer. Madagascar, here I come!!

Ritz Carlton Sanya

The hotel is located on Yalong Bay Hotel zone in Sanya and it's the newest and last one open at Yalong Bay area.


Hallway



Room about 60 Sqm



View from room


Another one



Swimming Pool

Overall, the hotel is nice and good for couples, not good for group of friends because the swimming pool has no volleyball or basketball like Hilton or Sheraton. The price is RMB1800 all in for a deluxe Ocean view room from local travel agent, and 2100+15% on Ritz Carlton website. Since there is no points program at Ritz Carlton hotel, local travel agent will be a good option.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

$50 off per night for booking at HotelClub.com

Gary mentioned in his blog, you can get $50 off by sign up hotelclub.com, offer valid to Nov 30th.

one $50 off per account per email address, you can use diff email address to sign up and separate ur booking into multiple one night bookings.

I booked two nights at Omni Orlando for $76 per night, not bad

Qantas 2 for 1 sale to Australia

Qantas offer buy 1 get 1 free on selected markets for travel btw Feb 1st-Apr 30th,2009, the lowest avaliable from Feb16th-Apr30th, 2009, book by Nov 17th,2008.

Sample fare:

Honolulu Sydney from $1,658 $0 from $1,658*
Los Angeles Sydney from $1,838 $0 from $1,838*
Los Angeles Melbourne from $1,930 $0 from $1,930*
Los Angeles Auckland from $1,758 $0 from $1,758*
San Francisco Melbourne from $1,976 $0 from $1,976*
New York Brisbane from $2,330 $0 from $2,330*

Not a bad deal

Thursday, November 13, 2008

A good news here on Delta Award

Delta has removed its award chart for Non us departure long time ago and imposed a new three tier award system few months ago. The good news is Intra Asia Business class award still remind at 30K as I checked yesterday from PEK-DPS, so still a great value for DL miles.


BTW, I am too busy right now, so not as many update as before. hope I can write more in few weeks.

Friday, November 7, 2008

United Award level change effective Jan 1st, 2009

I think many people already heard the change on United award redemption level on Jan 1st, 2009, I have to say, this change put UA program redemption level worse than AA's chart now.

Lots of Business award at 30K level jump by 66% to 50K, and Business Class to Asia from N.A jump by more than 33% to 125K.

The only positive change I found is Business award btw North asia and South Asia, drop from 60K to 30K, in line with DL, NW

Cheap premium cabin award time is gone.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Lufthansa buys BMI!!!!

According to the news,

LH will buy BMI, so I am guessing BMI Diamond Club will be ended soon and become LH Miles and More program. It may not happen right the way, but it should happen eventually because lots of Europe *A carriers already use M&M program

We might have to start redeeming those Miles.

Monday, October 27, 2008

free 5000 BMI miles join before Nov 2nd

BMI is offering another signup bonus promotion, sign up here and earn 5000 bonus miles right they way.

want to know more about BMI click BMI Diamond Club, section on the right

Thanks Gary mentioned in his blog.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Delta/Northwest Reciprocal Upgrades is here, effective 10/28

Effective Oct 28, Elite member in both programs will be able to upgrade on each other flights. The Upgrade request will be based on

1 Elite level
2Fare class
3 Time of request

30% bonus for AMEX Membership reward transfer to Delta

Need to register here,

offer valid from Oct 20th-Dec31,2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

From Bad to Worse, Marriott Reward Program Changes

Just got this email, effective Jan 15th,2009, Marriott rewards program will do following changes

1 eliminating blackout date like SPG and hilton currently doing(not exactly, still have blackout)

2 5th nights free when u redeem 4 nights

3 50% bonus for Platinum member instead of 30%

Looking good? after I read the term more closely and have to say "the change is actually to WORSE, not BETTER."

Why?

1 Under new redemption term, no blackout date, BUT "Hotels may limit the number of standard rooms available for redemption on a limited number of days"

2
The current system of reduced points per night for longer stays is replaced by a system where every 5 night redemption gets one free night. You will not get any discount for a 2 or 3 night stay at one property. e.g currently, you can redeem 5 nights at Cat 7 for 130,000, but with the new system, you will need 140,000

3 Create a new Cat 8 level, so 14 Cat 7 Hotels move to here.

4 Increase Travel package award level. Currently 7 nights at Cat 1-5 + 120K miles is priced at 235,000 points, but after the change, it will become 270,000

Unbelievable, with other big names changing their program to better, Marriott is making the Program even worse, No wonder I keep telling people they are the worst for past few years and will be in the future too.

W Hotel Store Discount is Back!

Gary mentioned this sale in his blog, W store sale is back, use code WH4X5, you can get W bed at 40%off

7 day Fairmont hotels sale

Here is the link, but read the Term carefully, booking is non refundable

Sanya Yalong Bay Hotel Zone Impression

I came to Yalong Bay in 1994 for the first time and there was no hotel on the beach. The first 5 star hotel, Gloaria Resorts Sanya opened on the beach in 1995(if I remember correctly) and then next year, Horizon Resort Sanya opened at next door in 1996. At that time, there was no international brand hotel in entire Hainan Providance, Sheraton Sanya is the first international brand opened on the beach and the hotel has become one of the most succussful hotels in China right now.

Marriott, Hilton and another Chinese Brand Hotels Mangrove Resort joined the group and got a piece of cake. Intercontinental Group and Accor Hotels Group also wants to share the cake, but too bad, there is no more beach left, so Crowne Plaza Sanya and Pullman by Accor Hotels has to open on the opposite of those hotels.

Who got the last piece of cake on the beach? I thought it was Hilton, but today, on my 13th visit to these Area since 1994, I found Ritz-Carlton opened on beach side and I will check it out few days later.

Chinese Brand on beach side: Gloria, Horizon, Mangrove tree resort, no points Program except Gloria(own program)

Chinese Brand on Non Beach side: Villa5, a very nice Southeast Asia Villa style hotel with fairly priced rooms , each one has own swimming pool, but the downside is no beach. If you are tired of beach, you can try this hotel.

Traditional Upscale Brand on beach Side: sheraton,marriott and Hilton. The price at these three hotels almost identical, so brand preference is playing the role now. Sheraton is a very nice one, the hotel is well run by an Italian General Manager and rated as one of the top hotel in China for many years. Service is excellent 3 years ago, and I feel it's getting even better now. Marriott next door is not my preference at all, as some of you may know, I don't like marriott chain because its consistance on room design, this marriott is the same. If you have chance to compare travellers' photo(not those room photo taken by professionals) on Marriott Sanya and Marriott Aruba, you will know what I am talking about. Hilton is a newer hotel compared to other two, but I have not stay there yet, will stay there later and report back. From what I heard, this hotel is the No. 1 on beach side before Ritz-Carlton Open.

Traditional Upscale Brand on non beach side: Crowne Plaza and Pullman by Accor Hotels. Crowne Plaza opened three years ago and I have stayed there once for one night. Much cheaper than Beach side hotel, nice room with Plasma TV, but there is no beach, it's better to use as a business meeting hotel. Pullman by Accor Hotels just opened this year, the design is Southeast Asia style, and offers both hotel rooms and villa with private pool at moderate price.

Luxury Brand on beach side: Ritz-Carlton. the hotel just opened this year and also choose Southeast Asia style. Hotel has a luxury shopping area in the lobby. I will stay this hotel early next week and report back.

The consutruction of entire hotel zone is finished and I don't think there will be any new hotel open within this zone in the future. Haitang Bay will be the next develop area in Sanya, 14 hotels will be opened in next few years including Westin, Hilton and other international/dometic names. Also, one of them, Mangrove Resort, will be same standard as Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Venetian from $119 per night

Must book by Oct 20th, Here is the link

The $119 rate includes:

  • Luxury Suite at The Venetian
  • $50 in Slot Credits or Table Match Play for every night of your stay
  • LAVO Restaurant-Lounge-Nightclub:
    • $50 drink voucher
    • Complimentary admission and line pass for up to 4 guests

Earn Triple miles at Participating Hilton hotels In China

You need to register here, stay btw Nov 1st-Feb 29th, 2009 and earn triple miles on

"Air China, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines®, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines®, Northwest Airlines®, Singapore Airlines, THAI Airways International and United"

This means u will earn 1500 miles per stay on AA, DL, etc. A great offer for one night stay, but for longer stay, BMI is still the best option.




Another Easy 2000 BMI bonus miles

Update ur email here, you will get 2000 bonus miles. However, the offer is targeted,but it doesn't hurt to try and it only cost u less than 30 seconds.

Make sure to confirm the email in ur mailbox

join AA Dining network and get 1500 bonus miles after ur first Dine

If you are not member of AA dining network yet, here is a great opportunity to join. You will get 1500 bonus miles after ur first dine at participating restaurant before Nov 30th.

Delta 20K for Hair Loss Consultation posted

The miles for this promotion have posted to my and my wife account, it was very easy process. Check ur Delta account, it should be there now.

Friday, October 10, 2008

AA to start charging for challenges

According to One mile at a time, AA will start charging for challenges soon. $80 for Gold Challenge and $150 for Platinum

What is Challenge? It just a quick way to get AA elite status

check here

Le Meridien Shimei Bay Delayed Opening date!

Just got a email today from Revenue manager, the hotel opening will be delayed to Nov 7th due to Swimming Pool and water pressure issues and had re accommodate me to Sheraton Sanya with same rate. Too bad I don't have a chance to stay at this property on its opening day.

Shimei Bay is a newly developed hotel zone located 150km north of Sanya, there will be lot of hotels open in next few years just like Yalong Bay hotel zone in Sanya and the first The Luxury Collection hotel in China-The Alhambra Resort & Spa-Shimei Bay will be opened next year.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

TAM-Another Brazilian Carrier joined Star Alliance

Finally, TAM joined star alliance yesterday. After Varig went bankrupt and exited the star alliance few years ago, there was no south American Carrier in the Alliance, which made award redemption within south America on Lan airlines(one world) only. With this addition to the network, we will have more access to South American countries with our Star Allaince carriers miles

Great move!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Cash and Point redemption on SPG Specialty Rooms avaliable at selected locations

From now to Dec 21st, 2008, you can redeem Specialty Rooms including Suite at some SPG properties with Cash and Points option.

Here is the list of participating locations.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Hilton Rome Cavalieri rebrand Waldorf=Astoria Collection

Hilton Rome Cavalieri is one of the best Hilton hotel, although I have never stayed there, but I do heard so many good reviews for this hotel. Since the hotel rebrand as Waldorf=Astoria Collection, the points redemption will increase a lot. With old category 6, you only need 175,000 points for a 6 nights stay anytimel, but with Waldorf=Astoria Collection, you will need 265,000 for a 6 nights at this hotel during high season, which is from March 1st-Dec 31st.

Too bad I don't have chance to stay at this hotel at current rate.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

We took Airport Limousine bus from NRT to Park Hyatt Tokyo. The cost is 3000 Yen each, but for extra 100 yen, you can get 1 day metro pass, so make sure to ask NRT bus ticket counter Metro pass combo.

The bus dropped us off at front entrance, there were several hotel employees waiting, then brought us to the hotel lobby, which is located on 41st floor. From 2nd-39th floor are office building with separate entrance, and a Japanese restaurant on 40th floor.

Front Entrance

After exit the elevator, there was a Lobby Lounge, then pass another western restaurant and library, we arrived lobby. There were only three desks like concierge desk in the lobby, so check process completed while sitting there.

Library


Lobby Lounge

Our room is on the 47th floor, the view is overlooking Shinjuku Park.











Hotel has Free shuttle every 20 mins to Shinjuku Station, you can take subway/JR from there or you can walk to lots of great places around that area.

I did not eat in hotel restaurants. With so many great Japanese restaurant downstairs, why bother to eat in the hotel.

The service was great, I left 2 laptop on Airport Limousine bus, but the front desk people found back for me after 2 hours. I think this hotel provided the best value for my Hyatt special promotional free nights certificate.

JAL New Executive Class

I took JFK-NRT on JL 5 about 1 month ago and the flight used new Executive class seats, which is called Shell Flat NEO.

Check in process at JFK was quick, since there is no one at Executive class line. It took us 5 mins then we headed to JAL Lounge. The lounge is not big, and I was busy in the computer room, so I did not take any picture. My wife did bring me some nice snacks and small noodle dish. The lounge is for JAL flights use only in the morning, then after 1:45pm, Lufthansa airline passengers start to use it.

Boarding process is quick with separate Business Class line and cabin is only about 1/4 full. the new JAL business class seats design, monitor size and IFE system, all are similar to Air China new business class.




JAL does not serve Pre-departure drink, I feel so thirsty while flight was waiting on runway due to air traffic control. The IFE system has bird eye's view function, so you can see ground during takeoff /landing and view of city.






About 1 hour after departure, the lunch service started. I forget to grab a menu from the flight because I thought it will be available online. when I checked few days ago, online only has menu from Narita, not to Narita, here are some pictures.







The second meal on flight is also available any time after lunch service, choices include eel sushi, udon noodle, Soba, Pasta and more.Since I don't drink alcohol, I did not pay attention on Wine list. I think they had 3 red wines, 2 white wines and lots of other Japanese alcohol.

The movie selections were not so good, at least for me because I have watched more than half of them before.

The seat was not very comfortable, maybe because of that 10 degree angle to 180 or a day time flight, but the food was great and so delicious. I think it's still a great value for 180k miles for 2 people on their business class.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

United Airline increases Hawaii inter-island award effective Oct 15th.

United airline is the last carrier still offering 5K miles for an inter-Hawaii island round trip on Island air. However, effective OCt 15th, 2008, miles will increase to 10K for RT and 5K for one way.

Earn double Delta miles when you transfer btw accounts

Here is the link

"Between October 1 - 31, 2008, whenever you transfer miles to a friend or family member on delta.com, your recipient will receive a 100% mileage bonus. For example, if you transfer 10,000 miles, your recipient would get 10,000 bonus miles."

If you transfer 30K from your account to ur friend/family accounts, they will get 60K in total, then they transfer those 30K back to you, you will get 60K, so basically you are"buying miles" at 0.01 cent each+ $30 processing fee.

Up to 30,000 miles can be transferred per transaction, A maximum of 300,000 miles can be transferred into any individual SkyMiles account per calendar year. Up to 150,000 miles can be transferred from your account per calendar year.


Monday, September 29, 2008

I am still around~

Will have more update soon

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Continental Airlines restores 500 min miles earning for Elites

I got an email today Continental Airlines will still give Elite member 500 mininum miles earning on flight less than 500 miles. I hope UA will do the same soon.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

BMI 30 seconds survey for 2500 miles is here again

Check you junk mailbox, sometimes it goes to there.

the easiest 2500 miles ever. I have got 3 surveys so far this year. 2500 each

your BMI account has to accept special offer email in order to get this survey

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Earn double + 1000 Delta Miles on selected route

You must register here

then book and fly btw Sep 15th-Dec 15th

From: To:
Atlanta (ATL)Seoul (ICN)
Atlanta (ATL)Shanghai (PVG)
Atlanta (ATL)Stockholm (ARN)
New York (JFK)Amman (AMM)
New York (JFK)Edinburgh (EDI)
New York (JFK)Malaga (AGP)
New York (JFK)Shannon (SNN)

In addition, you can fly on AF or DL and earn double miles

From: To:
Los Angeles (LAX)London/Heathrow (LHR)
New York (JFK)London/Heathrow (LHR)
New York (JFK)Lyon, France (LYS)
Salt Lake City (SLC) Paris/De Gaulle (CDG)

If you book your flight on delta.com and originating your travel from US, you will earn 1000 extra.

Offer maybe targeted

Monday, September 15, 2008

SPG Q4 promotion is here

This time is totally different, you can select on your own from the list. You have 12 of them to select from.

Need to register before Nov 15th

Saturday, September 13, 2008

20% bonus for AMEX Membership reward transfer to Delta agian

Need to register here

Offer valid from September 11 and October 17, 2008

Friday, September 12, 2008

10% off Coupon on AA Domestic US/Mexico until Oct 1st.

go to www.aa.com/soccer

then skip the intro, on the right side, you will see a 10 off coupon

Valid on American Airlines® or American Eagle® between cities in the 48 contiguous United States and/or Mexico

From Aug 1st to Oct 1st


credit to this thread

Delta Double Miles Promotion

you need to register here,

then purchase the ticket at delta.com now through October 31, 2008 and complete your travel by January 15, 2009.

Must be on Delta-coded Flights(except Flights operated by Northwest and Continental Airlines)

It is targeted

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Double SPG points in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico

must register here, earn double points between now and December 31, 2008 at following properties:

Participating hotels and resorts:

COLORADO
Aspen
The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Avon
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon - Open 10/15/08

Denver
Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast
Sheraton Denver Hotel, Downtown
Sheraton Denver West Hotel
Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel
The Westin Tabor Center
The Westin Westminster

Steamboat Springs
Sheraton Steamboat Resort

UTAH
Salt Lake City
Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel

NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque
Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Priority Club Q4 double points promotion is here

You need to register here, use code 6963

Earn double points or double miles on each qualifying stay, beginning with your second stay. Valid from Sep 15th-Dec 15th,2008

Double SPG points in Missouri

must register here, earn double points between August 18, 2008 and December 31, 2008 at following properties:

Illinois
Four Points by Sheraton Fairview Heights

Kansas
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center, Overland Park

Missouri
Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport, Kansas City
Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis
Sheraton Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel, Kansas City
Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites
Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza
The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City
The Westin St. Louis

Earn double Wyndham rewards(Formerly Trip Rewards) points through Jan 8,2009

You need to register here, then earn double points/miles through Jan 8,2009

Saturday, September 6, 2008

My 2 nights stay at Westin Toronto Airport earning

I and my wife stayed at Westin YYZ airport last Sat and Sun, below are our points earning

First night under my wife name:

170 basic points
85 Gold bonus
500 CCC on-hold bonus
170 double points bonus for anniversary hotels
3000 points for each stay in Canada
888 points for a weekend stay
202 points for SPG credit card spending

Total 5015

Second night under my name

170 basic points
85 Platinum bonus
500 Platinum Amenity
500 CCC on-hold bonus
500 bonus for flyertalk member in Sep
170 double points bonus for anniversary hotels
3000 points for each stay in Canada
1000 points for midweek stay
202 points for SPG credit card spending

Total 6127

I spent $202 dollar in total for those two nights, and earned 11142 SPG points , this is how the points add up so quickly.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Starwood-Earning FREE weekend stay in Asia Pacific with 3 paid stays using MasterCard

You must register here first, then stay 3 times with you mastercard in Asia Pacific, get 2 free weekend gateway at any participating properties.

Here is highlight of T&C:

"Members must register no later than December 15, 2008

Bookings must be made between September 15, 2008 and December 15, 2008 and stays must be between October 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008.

Arrival date for eligible stays must be between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008.

Members may earn one (1) Free Weekend Award upon completion of three (3) eligible stays at a participating Hotel in the Asia Pacific region that are paid for with a MasterCard.

Members must quote "MFWFN" when calling to redeem the Free Weekend Award

Free Weekend Award is valid only for a consecutive Friday and Saturday night stay redeemable from November 1, 2008 and completed by January 31, 2009, in a single or double occupancy standard room, and includes the cost of the hotel room and room tax only.

Free Weekend Award is not transferable and may only be used at a participating Hotel in Asia Pacific
"

I am going back next week and will stay at SPG hotels anyway, a excellent promotion for me. those three eligible stays should cost me no more than $250

BTW, W Maldive is on the list.

hat's off to this thread

Continental Airlines Program changes

1 Effective today, Sep. 5, 2008 for travel on or after Oct. 7, 2008, CO will charge $15 for first checked bag. Elite member SkyTeam Elite members and anyone else eligible for EliteAccess (
including full-fare Y class and Chase Presidential Plus cardmembers) will be exempt.

2 For travel booked on or after Nov. 15, 2008 for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009, eliminating the 500-mile minimum earning.

3 Elite Bonus Mile Changes. We will continue to award Elite mileage bonuses, but will be making changes to the bonuses awarded to Silver and Platinum members.Effective for travel on or after Mar. 1, 2009, Platinum Elite members will earn a 100 percent mileage bonus (instead of 125 percent)and Silver Elite members will earn 25 percent (instead of 50 percent).

4 OnePass Reward Changes. We will be adjusting our reward levels for travel between Tel Aviv and North America (series 10B) and between Tel Aviv and Hawaii (series 10C). For these rewards, the SaverPass rewards for both cabins will increase by 20,000 miles and EasyPass Rewards will increase by 50,000 miles for BusinessFirst tickets.

Now one more airline eliminates 500 Min earning, I think soon, all North America Airline will remove this benefit. After NW and DL merge complete, The bonus elite earning will change to Delta level, 25% for Silver/100% for Gold and Platinum, so it's just a matter of time for all of them to change.

Earn Elite Qualify Miles with NWA Credit Card

Now, you can earn more EQM without flying

"WorldPerks® is pleased to announce an exciting new benefit for
WorldPerks Visa® Signature Cardmembers. Starting September 1, 2008, you
can earn up to 20,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) towards your WorldPerks
Elite status each calendar year.

When you spend $25,000 in net purchases in any calendar year on your
WorldPerks Visa Signature Card, you'll earn 10,000 EQMs. Spend a total of $
50,000 in net purchases in the same calendar year and earn another 10,000
EQMs!

Any EQMs earned via your WorldPerks Visa Signature Card between September 1,
2008 and December 31, 2008 will count as earned in 2008 towards your 2009
Elite year status which begins March 1, 2009."

However, I don't think spending $50000 for 20000 EQM is a good idea, not worth it.

one more credit card you should keep even with annual fee

Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Signature® Card,

even there is $85 annual fee, but the annual free night certificate for Category 1-5 is worth more than $85. Also as I mentioned earlier, the 10% off Marriott Gift card purchase via this promotion is counted as Marriott purchase, so you will also earn 5 points for each dollar on ur credit card.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

AA 10% off to China and Japan

I got this coupon code today in my email, valid from Chicago, New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Miami or Boston to Tokyo, Japan or Shanghai, China, for up to 6 passengers traveling in the same reservation. Tickets must be purchased on AA.com now through September 10, 2008, 11:59 p.m. (CT), and seven (7) days prior to departure. Begin travel on or after September 11, 2008, and complete all travel by October 31, 2008. A seven (7) day minimum stay is required and a thirty (30) day maximum stay is allowed

It's targeted, but you may be able to use it, send a email if you want the code.

Cheapest place to buy Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones

As a frequent traveler, you must own Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones, but Bose never gives discount on this product. I have found a place to buy this at lower price and no shipping, no tax(except Virginia).

The website is www.crutchfield.com, send me a email, I can send you a referral code, you can get $20 off on the Headphones and I will get $20 credit store in my account.

Once you get my referral code,on the third page of checkout process, where you enter ur credit card information, you will see a line Other Payment Methods, click it, then "Enter your friend's Crutchfield Referral Code", then click continute to finish your checkout process.

Your discount will not be reflected right the way and not in ur confirmation email either, but you will see that discount in shipping Email

Don't forget to use evreward.com to see what kind reward(cashback/miles) you want.

Reward Program affiliated Credit Card in China is a joke

I am about to go to China for an indefinite period, so I think I should get a credit card in China to earn some rewards like I do in the states.

I was in shock when I saw the earning ratio for credit cards. the "best" I found for airline program is you get 1 km for every 11yuan( 1.6USD) charged to the credit card and you get no signup bonus or very little like 1000km. In addition, most miles program have fixed expiration date and the redemption rate is horrible. For Air China program, a RT award ticket for flight less than 800km is 14000km, so I need to charge more than 20,000USD to get a free ticket I can buy for 40 USD. Unbelievable.

The only one card has so so earning rate is Priority Club Gold Credit card issued by SPD bank(上海浦东发展银行), you earn 10000 bonus after signup and 1 point for every 4yuan(.60 USD) charge to the card or double points on all Intercontinental hotels Group purchase. With point breaks award, I can get a free night for approx 3000USD. Well, better than nothing.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

two more delta bonus offers

-1 Earn up to 8000miles with budget from Sep1st-Nov 15th. when you

Rent an intermediate or full-Size — Earn 1,000 bonus miles
Rent a premium — Earn 2,000 bonus miles
Rent a luxury — Earn 5,000 bonus miles
Rent an SUV — Earn 7,500 bonus miles
Rent a specialty or hybrid — Earn 8,000 bonus miles

Detail is here, you can get very cheap SUV at some airports

-2 Earn up to 8500 miles with partner hotels

Stay at any SkyMiles partner hotel between 9/1/08 and 11/30/08
Earn 1,000 bonus miles for your first qualifying stay*
Earn 2,500 bonus miles for your second qualifying stay
Earn 5,000 bonus miles for your third qualifying stay

Virgin Atlantic Sign up bonus

If you are not VS member yet and will have a flight with them soon, send me a email, so we both can get bonus.

  • 2,000 miles are yours if they take their first round trip in Economy
  • 5,000 miles are yours if they take their first round trip in Premium Economy
  • 10,000 miles are yours if they take their first round trip in Upper Class

Here is the link

Virgin Atlantic Bonus Miles

Gary mentioned in his blog,

"Through November 30th Virgin Atlantic is offering 3,000 bonus miles for a roundtrip in coach, 6,000 bonus miles for a roundtrip in premium economy, or 9,000 bonus miles for a roundtrip in Upper Class."

You need to register, the offer is via hyatt gold passport, so if you are not member, you may need to get a Hyatt account.

250 free starwood points for complting a survey

mentioned in this thread, the link is here, should take you less than 1 mins to finish

BMI matched my status to Gold

This is actually my second status match request for BMI because I used UA for the first time and got reject due to *A partnership. I sent fax again with a copy of my AA membership card, last month online statement and a letter explaining the reason for match. 6 days later, my status changed to Gold(valid one year from today).

Fax number for status match +44-1623-724099

or via email diamond.club@flybmi.com

With BMI Gold, you can use lounge in North America even if you are flying UA doemstic, but the downsides are

1 You don't have free internet in UA loungue beacuse free internet only gives to RCC paid member. With BMI GOLD, you are considered as GUEST, therefore, no free internet access.

2 You can only bring one guest.

3 You can only use loungue when you fly UA, US or AC in North America, but if you are paid member of RCC, you can use any time. This is very helpful at aiports like LGA, SFO, where UA and AA in same terminal and not too far from each other.

I think if you are also 1K with UA living around airport like SFO, LGA, you should get RCC membership instead of using BMI GOLD. A full year paid RCC membership with spouse for 1K is only $350.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Starwood New benefit is not very good

When everyone was waiting for some kind of change on elite programs, they announced the new benefit today-SPG Flights. Nothing much to talk about here because the new benefit is a big waste points. You should never use this option.

Here is the redemption rate:

Ticket Price* Starpoints
up to $150 10,000
$150-$215 15,000
$215-$280 20,000
$280-$345 25,000
$345-$410 30,000
$410-$475 35,000
$475-$540 40,000
$540-$605 45,000
$605-$670 50,000
$670-$735 55,000
$735-$800 60,000
$800-$865 65,000
$865-$930 70,000
$930-$995 75,000
$995-$1060 80,000
Higher prices (examples)
$2,880-$3,140 235,000
$4,960-$5,220 395,000
$9,900-$10,160 775,000

Monday, September 1, 2008

Mountain of Miles-New Northwest Promotion

You must register first before ticketing, this is just like other points based bonus promotion for Flying activities that NWA runs every year.

Offer available only to member with mailing address in the 50 United States or Canada.

The best value for your hotel points

Here are some best ways to spend your hotel points

Starwood:

  • Cash + Points at any properties
  • Weekday or weekend nights at cat 1 or 2 properties.
  • Fifth nights free when you redeem at cat 3, 4, 5hotels.
  • Nights and flight awards, which you redeem 60000 SPG points and get 50K miles+ 5 free night at Cat 3 hotel or 70000 SPG points and get 50K miles+ 5 free nights at cat 4 hotels.
  • Transfer to Airline miles at 1:1 basis + 5000 bonus for every 20000 points transferred. However, this is only good when there is additional bonus on top of 5000 bonus, like BA did 30% more.


Redeem points at any Cat 7 hotel is a waste, unless you have tons of points and no where to spend them, don’t use them for cat 7 hotels.


Hilton:

  • Going Global Award (available for Silver member or above only): 175000 for 6 nights at Level 6 properties, 150000 for 6 nights at level 5 properties.
  • AXON (available for American Express Hilton Card member only): 125,000 for 4 nights at Level 5, 6 properties
  • Points Stretcher Award: Award at 40% off.

Marriott:

  • Travel package: 235,000,250,000, 270,000 points for up to 120,000 frequent flyer miles or 80 mileage credits, and 25% off Hertz car rental and 7 night at Category 1-5, 6,7 properties.
  • Point saver award at all participating properties and Ritz-Carlton Properties
  • Redemption at Level 1 or 2 properties.

Priority Club:

  • Point Breaks: 5000 points per night
  • Some High Price Intercontinental, Crown Plaza, Holiday inn and Holiday inn Express

Hyatt:

  • Redemption at level 1,2 are the best value, 3 is Ok too.
  • Fast Free night promotion


Radisson Gold Passpot:

  • Cash + points, However, Carlson Hotel group has a bad reputation of crediting points, I have heard lots of complain on missing credits, so not a program I would suggest.


All other Hotel programs are either not Points based like Fairmont, Swisshotel, Shangri-La, or pretty straight forward redemption like choice hotel, sofitel(new program launching on Sep 15th).