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News Roundup
This is a roundup of news and other interesting pieces that I’ve come across over the last few days.
Frequent Fliers Wonder: Is Elite Status Worth It Anymore?
Airlines, hotels and other travel providers initially made it easier to secure and maintain status in their loyalty programs in the wake of the pandemic. They granted free extensions to people who had high levels of status, with the number of fliers in elite tiers ballooning as a result.
Now, those extensions have largely come to an end. At the same time, many status perks—such as first-class upgrades or cashing in miles to book luxurious vacations—have become harder to secure.
American’s basic economy fares just got more punitive
As of June 7, basic economy flyers to and from Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand and Israel will now be charged a $75 fee to check their first standard-size suitcase. If you already purchased a basic economy fare on one of these routes, you’ll be grandfathered into the old policy, meaning you’ll still receive the one checked bag included with your ticket when it was purchased.
You can now bring your teens through TSA PreCheck
“Teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass,” the Transportation Security Administration announced in its statement. Check out all the credit cards that get you complimentary TSA PreCheck.
Warning! Airline scammers are posing as fake call centers
Mannino wanted to change an airline ticket from Washington, D.C., to Cork, Ireland. First, she called the British Airways 800 number and spoke with a representative who said she could make the change, but not now. She asked her to call back 72 hours later. “When I called back, I didn’t want to be on hold forever, so I searched ‘talk to a human at British Airways’ on Google,” she says.
Marriott Will Bring Aloft Hotels Brand to Singapore
Marriott International today announced it has signed an agreement with Hiap Hoe Limited, through HH Properties Pte. Ltd, to bring the design-forward Aloft Hotels brand to Singapore. Following a strategic conversion, the signing of the 785-room hotel expects to open in in Q3 2023, marking the Aloft brand’s debut in Singapore and the largest Aloft hotel in the world.
Aloft Singapore Novena will be comprised of two towers and is strategically located in Zhongshan Park, a mixed-use development in the cultural district of Balestier. This area is renowned for its rich heritage and is situated along the Balestier Heritage Trail, surrounded by an array of famous local eateries and linked to the integrated dynamic healthcare precinct, Healthcity Novena.
Guru’s Wrap-up
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