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Elite Status for Life, Join TPG and United in San Francisco, TSA Woes and More

Sept. 16, 2017
4 min read
United Polaris Business Review
Elite Status for Life, Join TPG and United in San Francisco, TSA Woes 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.

How to Earn Airline Elite Status for Life With Million Miler Status

Yes, there is a way to earn airline elite status for life. All you have to do is fly at least a million miles with either American Airlines, Delta or United. Find out what lifetime perks you'll receive on each airline if you're a very, very frequent flyer.

Giveaway: Join TPG for a Very Special United 747 Event in San Francisco!

At the end of next month, United's 747s will fly for the last time on a long-haul route. It's bittersweet for us, as the airline has much newer aircraft that offer a superior experience, but, of course, there may never be another bird that matches the majesty and ardent following of the Queen of the Skies. United is partnering with TPG to invite 50 readers (and a guest) to the airline's exclusive Family Day event in San Francisco. Here's how to enter.

My SSSSpecial Day With the TSA at Newark Airport

If you've ever been "randomly selected" for enhanced screening at a US airport, the thought of seeing "SSSS" appear at the top of a boarding pass likely sends shivers down your spine. Join TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig as he takes you through a very... interesting... day with the TSA at Newark (EWR).

Should You Renew Your Chase Sapphire Reserve?

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If you signed up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card last year when it was first released, your renewal date is coming up. Read on to see whether or not it's worth it to pay the $450 annual fee again this year.

The Closest Thing You'll Get to Premium Economy on United

United's newly retrofitted 767-300ER feels like a totally new aircraft, and even comes with a few surprises. On certain flights, select seats in the back of the cabin that would otherwise be reserved for the crew rest are available to be purchased as Economy Plus seats — and they offer a lot more legroom than "normal" Economy Plus.

5 Things You Need to Know About United Airlines MileagePlus

Read up on the top five things you need to know about United's MileagePlus program, which still offers solid redemptions on both United and partner metal.

10 Hot Hotels Opening in September 2017

Here's a look at the coolest new hotels opening around the world this month.

The 11 Most Anticipated Restaurants Opening in the US This Fall

This fall is an exciting season in the restaurant world. Here's a look at 11 restaurants opening around the country this fall that we can't wait to check out.

In other news...

Buy British Airways Avios for 2.059 Cents Apiece

London-based carrier British Airways is offering a buy miles promotion that lets you receive up to a 35% bonus in purchased miles when you buy up to 100,000 Avios. Note that it's only available through September 29, 2017.

Check Your Inbox for a Targeted Offer From United

United's offering select MileagePlus members the opportunity to earn a significant amount of miles after spending a certain amount of money with the airline. One TPG staffer was targeted to receive a whopping 94,500 miles after spending a total of $4,900.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app