Join Us at Upcoming Reader Events, Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum, An Unpleasant Surprise From United and More
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven’t covered yet. If you’re an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here’s the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: Which is Better for Airfare Purchases?
American Express has responded to the entry of the Chase Sapphire Reserve on the premium travel card market by adding a bonus category to the Amex Platinum that awards 5x points on airfare purchases, versus the Sapphire Reserve's 3x for all travel purchases. Which card should you use when you book your next plane ticket?
United Surprises Members With Another Award-Pricing Change
After placing greater restrictions on its award-routing rules, United's made some changes to the way its website prices multi-city award tickets that comes as an unpleasant surprise to many flyers.
New TPG Reader Events in Boston, Philadelphia and Dallas
Join TPG for a night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and points and miles talk at reader events in Boston, Philadelphia and Dallas next week. One lucky attendee at each event will walk away with two free nights at any SPG property worldwide (up to SPG Category 6).
Delta Silver Medallions Now Eligible for Complimentary Upgrades on Award Tickets
Despite many instances of customer-unfriendliness, Delta is making a positive change for its lowest-level elite members. Silver medallions will now be eligible for complimentary upgrades to first class 24 hours before departure.
Wired Takes Viewers Inside the 737 MAX Test Plane
Check out a video from Wired showing the various tests Boeing's new 737 MAX goes through before it can be put into commercial service by an airline.
In Other News...
Construction Has Begun on Dubai's New Tallest Tower in the World
We've seen this before. Dubai will soon be home to the world's tallest tower — again. The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour designed by Santiago Calatrava will surpass Dubai's Burj Khalifa as the world's tallest tower. It's set to be completed by 2020, and while the exact height hasn't yet been revealed, it will have to be taller than 2,080 feet — the height of the Burj Khalifa.
Richard Anderson Resigns as Executive Chairman of Delta Air Lines
In a surprising development, Richard Anderson, former CEO of Delta Air Lines, resigned his position as Executive Chairman of the airline on Tuesday. Not much is being said on the reasoning for his abrupt departure, but stay tuned for any further updates.
Watch Two Pittsburgh Steelers Experience a Self-Driving Car
Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward of the Steelers took a ride in one of Uber's self-driving cars in Pittsburgh. Check out the funny — and actually very informative — video here.
Get Free Wi-Fi on Select ANA Flights Between New York/Chicago and Tokyo Haneda
ANA is offering free in-flight Wi-Fi for flyers traveling on the carrier's flights between New York (JFK) and Tokyo (HND) as well as Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) and HND. The promotion only applies to a very limited selection of flights and you must purchase a seat in the premium economy cabin or higher to be eligible.
Earn up to 10,500 United Miles With This Promotion From Hertz
Hertz is offering a great targeted offer for select Chase United MileagePlus Explorer cardholders. Not only will you save up to 40% off your next rental, but you can also earn up to 10,500 bonus miles when you rent a car twice between now and December 31, 2016.
