Qatar’s Conundrum, the World’s Longest Flights, the Future of SPG 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.
Flights Between Major Middle East Countries Suspended
Early this week, we learned of the somewhat shocking news that a coalition of nations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Libya, Yemen and The Maldives had severed diplomatic ties with the State of Qatar. The new reality in the region has created an enormous headache for flag carrier Qatar Airways, as it’s no longer allowed to fly over those nations airspace.
These Are the 10 Longest Passenger Flights in the World
The competition for the world’s longest passenger flight continues to heat up with multiple airlines vying for the bragging rights that come along with operating such a flight. Check out the world’s 10 longest routes for 2017 according to miles flown.
Marriott Expects Better Credit Card Deal and One Loyalty Program With SPG by 2018
This week, Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, delivered an update on the status of both the Marriott Rewards and the Starwood Preferred Guest programs. She said that she expects the two programs to be combined by the end of 2018 and she believes that Marriott will be in a position to negotiate a great credit card deal for consumers.
Top 10 Travel Rewards Credit Card Offers for June 2017
Find out which travel rewards cards are offering the best sign-up offers this month.
2017 Credit Card Inventory: Assistant Editor Nick Ellis
This week it was my turn to reveal which cards have a place in my wallet — find out how each one fits into my points, miles and travel strategy.
Flight Review: Qatar (A350-900) Business Class From Boston to Doha
Despite the diplomatic chaos in the Persian Gulf and Middle East, there are still plenty of reasons to fly Qatar, as TPG Points and Miles Writer JT Genter found out on a recent flight between Boston (BOS) and Doha (DOH). Its business-class product is one of the very best in the sky — and there’s usually excellent award availability as well.
Credit Cards That Get You Elite-Like Airline Benefits
Airlines are constantly making it more difficult for flyers to earn elite status, but these credit cards provide benefits similar to those of entry-level status tiers and don’t necessarily require extensive flying (or spending) with the airline.
New Targeted Fast Track to American Airlines Elite Status
This week, American Airlines sent out a new elite status fast track offer. This new offer allows qualifying AAdvantage members to fast track to any status — including the top-tier Executive Platinum status — starting at just 7,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQM) and $1,000 elite-qualifying dollars (EQD).
In other news…
Up to a 50% Bonus When You Buy TrueBlue Points
JetBlue has a new offer for purchasing TrueBlue points. Now through June 30, 2017, you can get up to a 50% bonus when you buy up to 30,000 points.
Earn 3x Etihad Miles on AirBerlin Flights (Targeted)
If you’ve got upcoming flights on AirBerlin, check your inbox to see if you’re able register for a 3x miles promotion when crediting these flights to Etihad Guest.
Featured image courtesy of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico courtesy of the hotel.
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Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.