New Routes for November, Delta Bans Pro-Trump Flyer, Pay Your Taxes With the Amex Business Platinum and More

Dec. 03, 2016

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5 min read

New Routes for November, Delta Bans Pro-Trump Flyer, Pay Your Taxes With the Amex Business Platinum and More

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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:

Which new routes are you most excited for? Image courtesy of Aitormmfoto via Getty Images.

Exciting New Airline Routes for November 2016 and Beyond

Check out this recap of the most exciting routes that were announced or launched in November 2016 — from new domestic flights on Southwest to additional flights between the US and Europe on a variety of carriers.

Delta banned a passenger for life after he caused a disturbance on a recent flight.

Delta Bans Pro-Trump Passenger, Everyone Else Gets a Refund

One passenger on a recent Delta flight was banned from the airline for life after causing a politically charged commotion on board. The rest of the passengers received refunds on the cost of their tickets.

Pay Taxes With the Amex Business Platinum to 'Buy' MR Points for 1.25 Cents Each

The recent updates to the Business Platinum Card® from American Express make it an appealing choice for paying taxes. You'll effectively be able to "buy" Membership Rewards points for just 1.25 cents apiece if your tax bill is at least $5,000.

If you're planning on sneaking into the Polaris Lounge, you may want to think twice.

New Tech Helps United Combat Fraudulent Lounge Entry

United is using software called AIMS to help it detect when people are trying to fraudulently enter its new Polaris lounges. AIMs will identify those who use fake boarding passes or book a flight simply to cancel it once inside the lounge.

It's definitely worth familiarizing yourself with some of the lesser-known hotel programs. Image of Château D’Artigny courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The Most Undervalued Hotel Loyalty Programs

Learn about several hotel programs that don't get much press, but can provide great value if you know where to look.

In Other News...

Some Emirates flights will feature an even more exclusive vintage of Dom Pérignon for a limited time.

Emirates Ups Its First Class Champagne Selection on Some Flights

Emirates already has a reputation for serving incredible food and beverages to its first-class passengers, but some flights are going to get an even more exclusive champagne offering: Dom Pérignon Plénitude Deuxième 1998. It won't be served on all flights, but you can check if it will be served on yours through Emirates' site.

Get a $10 Best Western gift card after each stay through January 29, 2017.

Earn a $10 Gift Card With Each Stay at Best Western Hotels for a Limited Time

Register to receive a $10 Best Western gift card after each stay you complete from now through January 29, 2017. Note that you have to be a Best Western Rewards member to qualify for this promotion.

Air France is the next airline to take delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Image courtesy of Eric Piermont via Getty Images.

Experience Air France's New 787 Between Paris and London

After Air France takes delivery of its brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, it'll fly the aircraft between Paris and London six days per week before it enters long-haul service. The carrier is offering special introductory fares on the route, with round-trip business-class tickets from 249 GBP (~$317).

British Airways now has its own brand of gin for its Concorde Rooms. Image courtesy of the airline.

British Airways' Concorde Room Gets Its Own Unique Gin

If you're traveling in BA first class or are one of the airline's top customers and spend some time in the Concorde Room before a flight, keep an eye out for British Airways' own unique gin that'll be served only in the exclusive lounges.

The new concourse at LAX will cost upwards of $1 billion.

Check Out LAX's New $1.3 Billion Concourse

Take a video tour of what will become the Midfield Satellite Concourse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The $1.3 billion concourse will serve as an addition to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and is slated to open in late 2019.

Featured image by Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be very useful, especially if you earn the Companion Pass.