$99 Iceland Flights, Best New Routes, How Airlines Train Flight Attendants 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:
WOW Air's Launching New York Service with $99 One-Way Flights
Icelandic low-cost carrier WOW Air has served the East Coast of the US through Boston (BOS) and Baltimore (BWI), but the carrier is expanding to the New York City area with flights from Newark (EWR) to Reykjavik (KEF) beginning at the end of November — starting from just $99 each way.
Exciting New Airline Routes for June 2016 and Beyond
Stay up to date on on June's most exciting new airline routes, both domestic and international.
Strategies for Meeting Your Elite Status Goals in 2016
Now is the perfect time to determine the best way to reach your elite status goals for the year. Discover some of the easiest methods for locking in elite status before 2016 comes to an end.
Inside Singapore Airlines' Pilot and Flight Attendant Training Center
Ever wonder how Singapore Airlines maintains such high standards of service and attention to detail? Find out by taking a look inside the airline's crew training center.
Costco Members Can Shop at Sam's Club Through July 4
Costco members can shop at any Sam's Club location in the US through July 4. All you need to present is your Costco membership card and you'll be allowed to shop at no additional cost.
In Other News...
Earn More Starpoints with the Choice Rewards Promotion
Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn extra rewards when staying at properties in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives through June 30, 2016.
Chipotle Has a Loyalty Program for the Summer, But It's Super Confusing
Fast-casual Mexican food chain Chipotle has launched a loyalty program for the summer months. However, the program is very confusing — it probably won't do much to lure back old customers or attract new ones.
You Can Now Book Marriott Experiences, But They're Very Expensive
Marriott has taken the concept of SPG Moments and integrated it into its own rewards program as Marriott Experiences — which you're now able to book. However, many of the Experiences require a huge sum of points and thus may not have very wide appeal.
Etihad Lounge in Los Angeles Will Open in July
Etihad will open its new lounge at LAX by the end of July. The lounge will be available to first and business class passengers and will boast modern styling and excellent food.
Certain Airports Offer Same Day Walk-In Appointments for TSA PreCheck
If you want to enroll in TSA PreCheck but don't want to wait for your appointment to do so, you may be in luck. Certain airports across the country will allow walk-in appointments for enrollment. Check to see if your local airport is on the list!
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
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- 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.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.