TPG on 'Today,' Chrissy Teigen's Hilarious Tweets of a LAX-LAX Flight, United Refutes 'Bumped Passenger 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.
Watch TPG Talk Points, Miles and More on the 'Today Show'
TPG sat down with NBC's Megyn Kelly on the 'Today Show' to share his best tips for using your points and miles as well as saving as much cash as possible in the new year. Check out the full segment here.
Chrissy Teigen Hilariously Live-Tweeted a Failed Flight to Japan
A Tokyo-bound ANA flight turned around four hours after takeoff when the crew realized one of the passengers was on the wrong flight. Celeb couple Chrissy Teigen and John Legend were on board the flight and Teigen hilariously tweeted live updates the flight from LAX-LAX.
United Offers Evidence 'Bumped' Passenger Canceled Her Own Flight
A woman claimed United bumped her from her first class seat so that a Congresswoman could sit there. The airline confirmed with TPG that the woman had cancelled her flight, either on purpose or by mistake, via the United app, before the Congresswoman sat in the seat in question.
The TSA Still Doesn't Think District of Columbia Driver Licenses are Valid
Washington, DC residents have been turned away by TSA officers saying that their IDs are not valid. A DC Congresswoman penned an open letter to TSA alerting them that her city's IDs are valid and they should not have any problems at security.
American Airlines' Irritating New Way of Releasing More Award Availability
In the recent past, users of AA's award program have had difficulty redeeming their miles for flights. Now, the airline is making more seats available, but there's a catch.
The US Is Changing How It Tells Travelers About Dangerous Countries
The State Department is switching to a color-coded system to alert American travelers which places are safe to travel to beginning January 10, 2018. Countries will be categorized from Level 1 (safe to visit) to Level 4 (encouraging Americans to not visit).
The TSA Will Continue to Accept Driver's Licenses From All 50 States in 2018
There are a handful of US states that are not compliant with TSA's REAL ID Act. In a recent announcement from a TSA spokesperson, states that were granted an extension to fully comply with the regulations can use IDs until October 11, 2018 while states that are already compliant can use their proper IDs until 2020.
Last Call to Take Advantage of the Alaska Airlines-American Airlines Partnership
In case you missed it, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are breaking up. After 18 years together, the two formerly close partners are deciding to go their separate ways. While there’s nothing that you can do to save the relationship, there are three actions points/miles enthusiasts and airline elites should consider before the changes kick in on January 1, 2018.
In other news...
British Airways Eliminates AARP Discount for Premium Economy Tickets
One great perk that travelers should take advantage of if flying British Airways is the cash discount you'll receive if you're an AARP member. However, you'll notice on the discount page that the discount no longer is valid for BA's premium economy product.
