A Look Ahead: Inauguration, Citi-Virgin Transfers End and More
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Next week isn't just busy in the nation's capital, but around the points and miles world as well. Regardless of whether you'll be in the Washington DC area or traveling abroad in the next 7 days, there's a lot going on that you'll want to know about. So let's take a look at what's coming up in the week ahead...
Monday, January 16, 2017
Starwood, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are quickly becoming aligned in their business dealings, and their promotions have now aligned as well. As a result, starting Monday you'll be able to earn double points with stays at all three hotel chains during their intertwined spring promotion — variously titled SPG Double Take, Marriott MegaBonus, and double Ritz-Carlton rewards points. Each chain has a separate registration page, so make sure to register at all three ahead of any stays in order to pick up these free extra points.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
In October Virgin Atlantic Flying Club announced major changes to its loyalty program, and the portions related to redeeming awards and upgrades will go into effect on Tuesday. During the new off-peak sections of the calendar, redemptions will become significantly cheaper, though unfortunately those annoying "fuel surcharges" won't be going away. On the other hand, upgrades will generally get more expensive, with increased nuisance fees of their own.
Also on Tuesday, Singapore launches A350 service on its route between Houston (IAH) and Singapore (SIN) with a regularly scheduled stop in Manchester (MAN). A few months ago TPG Editor-in-Chief Zach Honig joined Singapore for an A350 delivery flight and pretty much had the plane all to himself for a good long stretch, so check out our tour of the Airbus model that will be newly flying this route.
Friday, January 20, 2017
It'll be a yuuuge day in Washington on Friday as the new president is inaugurated at noon. If you're traveling to the capital for this event, definitely check out our points and miles guide to Washington, D.C. And while it might be a little late for reservations on this busy day, you should peruse the first ever Michelin Guide for the city in which a total of 12 restaurants were awarded at least one Michelin star for their cuisine.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
While the peaceful transfer of power is always significant, for points and miles aficionados, Saturday might actually be the most important day of the week as it'll be the final chance to transfer points from Citi's ThankYou program to Virgin America. Since the SPG-Virgin partnership has already ended, this is your last opportunity to move points from elsewhere into the Virgin Elevate program. Even though the transfer rate isn't great, now that Virgin points can be advanced onwards to Alaska Airlines at a ratio of 1:1.3, it might be worth a look while it's still possible.
Safe travels this week, everyone!
