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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:
Amex and Uber Partner for Free Rides From Select Airports
American Express and Uber are doing their part to spread holiday cheer by providing travelerswith two free rides home (up to $65) from select airports when your Amex card is selected as the payment method. See if your airport’s on the list!
United Details Bare-Bones Basic Economy Fares
This week United released the details of its upcoming Basic Economy fares — and it looks like it’s going to something you’re going to want to avoid altogether.
7 of the Most Unique and Rewarding Credit Card Perks
It’s no secret that credit cards are great for earning points towards amazing travel experiences — but they can also give you access to much more. Learn about several of the most unique perks you can take advantage of through your credit card account.
The Ultimate (Rewards) Birthday Treat
One reader’s Chase Sapphire Reserve provided the opportunity to take an amazing, almost free trip to Japan, so when it came to celebrate his birthday, he needed the ‘ultimate’ treat — CSR cupcakes.
CLEAR Will Soon Expand to Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York
CLEAR is a biometric service that allows you to essentially skip right to the front of the TSA screening line. It’s been conspicuously absent at some of the country’s biggest airports but that’ll soon change when the service rolls out to Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York.
New Amex Offer: Earn 3x Membership Rewards Points at Amazon
From now through December 31, 2016, you can earn 3x points when you use an eligible American Express card for purchases at Amazon. Remember that you’ll need to add the offer to your American Express account before you can earn the bonus points.
In Other News…
Alaska Airlines Flies Commercial Flight Powered by Renewable Biofuel
This week Alaska operated a commercial flight between Seattle (SEA) and Washington, D.C. (DCA) that was powered by a 20% blend jet fuel made from forest residuals — the limbs, stumps and branches that remain after a forest is harvested for timber.
Amtrak Upgrades Wi-Fi On Board Acela Trains
In its current form, Wi-Fi on Amtrak’s Acela service is basically useless, however, that’s soon going to change. The train operator has revamped its onboard Wi-Fi system to provide a quicker, more stable connection — and it’ll now even support streaming.
Qantas Launches Virtual Reality App
Qantas has a new app called Qantas VR that’ll allow you to visit Down Under without having to leave the comfort of your home. You can go on guided tours of parks and important landmarks, but sadly you won’t get to hang out with any kangaroos or koalas in real life unless you actually visit the continent.
JetBlue Makes In-Flight Movies Free for All Passengers
JetBlue passengers already had access to free (basic) Fly-Fi internet and free TV, but now the airline is making another customer-friendly move by making its in-flight movies free for all passengers.
Featured image of the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
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