25,000 Bonus Asia Miles, Southwest Fare Sale and More
Here's a roundup of the week's points, miles and travel industry news you may have missed:
Seven Hotels Drop from the Kimpton Group in San Francisco
San Francisco was home to nine Kimpton hotels, but after the recent IHG takeover, seven properties have dropped the brand: the Argonaut, The Palomar, Hotel Monaco (renamed The Marker Hotel after Destination Hotels and Resorts took over management), The Harbor Court, The Prescott, The Triton and The Tuscan Inn. The two San Francisco hotels left in Kimpton's portfolio are The Buchanan in Japantown and the historic Sir Francis Drake in Union Square.
Receive up to 25,000 Bonus Asia Miles with Cathay Pacific
If you register and fly round-trip on Cathay Pacific from North America to Hong Kong through August 31, 2015, you can earn 25,000 Bonus Asia Miles in first class and 20,000 Bonus Asia Miles in business class. New Asia Miles members will also receive a one-time bonus of 500 Asia Miles. For example, if you fly from New York City (JFK) to Hong Kong in first class, you'll earn a total of 49,178 miles when you combine the 24,178 regular Asia miles with 25,000 bonus miles from the promotion. Cathay Pacific's frequent flyer program is complicated and often involves heavy fuel surcharges, but there are ways to get good value out of Asia miles.
Win 60,000 Emirates Skywards Miles
Cast your vote by August 8, 2015 naming your four favorites out of the 140 destinations in Emirates' network for the chance to win 60,000 Skywards Miles during the Art of Travel competition. The winning destinations will be interpreted by artists and appear on next year's membership cards.
Frontier Bundles Add-Ons in Package Deal
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is offering a bundled package dubbed The Works that includes many of its à la carte fees at a discount of almost 60%. Valid on one-way tickets for round-trip purchases made by August 31, 2015, The Works starts at $49 and includes priority boarding, one checked bag (which usually starts at $25), one carry-on (which starts at $30), seat selection with stretch and exit row options, the ability to refund your ticket and the option to switch tickets without paying a change fee (usually $99 per change).
Score Savings on Southwest Flights
Southwest Airlines is offering a fare sale when you book by August 13, 2015. The promotion advertises fares starting at $73, but in reality you can find fares as low as $59 or 2,924 Rapid Rewards points one-way for travel August 25, 2015 through February 10, 2016. There appears to be plenty of availability at the discounted rates.
Tickets Still Available for Chicago Seminars 2015
If you haven't purchased your ticket yet for the 2015 Chicago Seminars in Elk Grove, IL, you're in luck — there are still some left! The event takes place Friday-Sunday, October 16-18 at the Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village near Chicago O'Hare. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased purchased online). The frequent flyer fest will feature informative sessions suited for both beginners and well-seasoned mileage enthusiasts. Plus, a few TPG staffers will be present to take in all the action.
[card card-name='Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card' card-id='22125056' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
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
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- 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.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
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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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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.