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New Signs of an Extended Electronics Ban, More Drama on US Airlines, Maximizing Avios and More

May 13, 2017
6 min read
New Signs of an Extended Electronics Ban, More Drama on US Airlines, Maximizing Avios 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:

Emirates-electronics-DXB-inspection

Spotted: First Physical Evidence of Extended Electronics Ban

Although nothing's officially been announced yet, Delta posted a sign informing passengers that, as of May 12, you can't bring any electronics other than a cell phone on board. The sign, which was posted at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), was later retracted by the airline.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 16: A United Airlines Embraer regional jet moves off the runway and to the B terminal at Denver International Airport on April 16, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. Located 25 miles from downtown, Denver International Airport, a United Airlines hub, has become one the largest airport in the United States. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Woman Allegedly Asked to Pee in a Cup on a United Flight

United was the subject of another outrage incident this week when news surfaced that a woman claimed a flight attendant made her pee in a cup. The woman said she had an overactive bladder but the flight attendant wouldn't allow her to use the lav because the fasten seatbelt sign was illuminated.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28, 2015: A Spirit Airlines passenger aircraft (Airbus A320) takes off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City, New York. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Spirit Cancellations Lead to Chaos and Arrests in Terminal

Spirit has been immune from the recent string of passenger-airline faceoffs — until this week. When multiple flights were canceled across the airline, frustrated travelers at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) took their frustrations out on one another and airline personnel. A chaotic scene ensued — and it was captured on video.

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Maximize the British Airways Executive Club Program in 2017

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There are differing opinions about British Airways' Avios currency, but if you know how to maximize the points, the Executive Club program can be very rewarding. Find out how to leverage your Avios.

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Get 100,000 Ultimate Rewards Points When Buying a Chase Mortgage

Think of all the things you could do with 100,000 extra Ultimate Rewards points. If you buy a mortgage through Chase Mortgage with your Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire card, you'll get 100,000 bonus points.

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Review: A Deluxe Guest Room at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Between its central location, amazing service and one-of-a-kind building, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a fantastic option in the City by the Bay. Check out this full review of a Deluxe Room at the property.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific is known for its fantastic hard product — especially in first class. But one of the things not so well known about the airline? Its loyalty currency, Asia Miles. Here's everything you need to know about maximizing the program.

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Get 50% off Spotify Subscriptions With Capital One Quicksilver

Love music? Who doesn't. Keep your Spotify Premium subscription going all the time with 50% off subscriptions when you use your Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card or Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Image courtesy of the Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso.
Image courtesy of the Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso.

Get a 75% Bonus When You Purchase Club Carlson Points

You have just a couple of days left to get a 75% bonus when you buy Club Carlson points. Through May 15, 2017, you can buy those discounted Club Carlson points through the program's website. This is the largest bonus on purchased points from the program since last year.

Alaska and Virgin America are bringing two very different planes to the merger. Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Named Best in Traditional Carrier Satisfaction for 10 Straight Years

The wins for Alaska Airlines keep rolling in. First, the carrier earned the top spot in our ranking of the best and worst airlines in the US, and now, it's been awarded the No. 1 spot in Traditional Carrier Satisfaction by J.D. Power. This is the 10th straight year Alaska's won.

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  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
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  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.