Dining at United's New Secret Restaurant, Seeing the Solar Eclipse From 35,000 Feet, Mexico Warnings and More
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.
Review: Classified, United's Exclusive Invite-Only Restaurant at Newark Terminal C
Although it's called "Classified," United's new private restaurant isn't so secret anymore. Check out what it's like to get in and dine inside Newark Airport's (EWR) latest addition.
Here's What It Was Like to Chase the Solar Eclipse in an Airplane
There's no doubt the biggest phenomenon to come out of the week was the solar eclipse. We flew on a Southwest flight to see what totality would be like from 35,000 feet.
US Issues Travel Warning for Certain Tourist Areas of Mexico
The US State Department's new warning for Mexico focuses on the increased levels of violence and drug cartels in popular tourist destinations. Here's everything you need to know.
7'1" NBA Player Volunteers for Last Row of Coach to Prevent Flight Delay
An NBA player showed a bit of generosity on a recent United flight. Thon Maker of the Milwaukee Bucks jammed his 7'1" frame into a seat in the last row of economy to help a delayed flight take off faster.
Citi Adds Turkish Airlines as a ThankYou Transfer Partner
You can now use your ThankYou points for Turkish Airlines (and Star Alliance) flights. Find out what you need to know about Citi's new transfer partner.
5 Things You Need to Know About American Airlines AAdvantage
Since the AAdvantage program switched to a revenue-based earning system last year, there have been plenty of changes. Use this guide to learn five things about the program that are essential in order to get the best value.
WOW Air to Launch Service to Four Midwestern Cities With Fares From $99 One-Way
Good news for Midwestern flyers: You'll soon have new options for getting to Europe. Low-cost carrier WOW Air is launching service from Detroit (DTW), Cleveland (CLE), Cincinnati (CVG) and St. Louis (STL) to Reykjavik (KEF).
In other news...
Upgrade Your Turkish Airlines Flight for 7,500 Miles
Planning on flying with Turkish Airlines soon? You can upgrade your economy ticket to a higher class of service for 7,500 miles. The only major condition is that it must be between Istanbul (IST) and Europe.
EVA Air Retires Its 747, Introduces New Uniforms
This week, EVA Air retired its Boeing 747. And while the news was sad for aviation enthusiasts, the carrier also introduced new uniforms for its crew. The new uniforms will begin to roll out in November 2017.
Retirees Can Now Get a 10-Year Visa for Thailand
Retirees are now eligible for a 10-year visa to Thailand. If you meet certain requirements, such as having health insurance, you can get a visa to the country that's valid for 10 years.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
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- No foreign transaction fees
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
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- Terms Apply.