Southwest’s bad news for Companion Pass, how to visit Disney World on a budget and more
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Each Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here’s what you need to know.
Southwest raises Companion Pass requirements, eliminates points expiration
The bad news: You’ll now need to earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year to earn the Companion Pass.
The good news: Your Rapid Rewards no longer expire.
Our thoughts: The change took place mere hours after Southwest’s latest card bonuses expired; it all seems a little shady.
United probably won’t extend elite upgrade expiration dates this year
Southwest isn’t the only airline that delivered bad news for loyalists this week. After United’s unexpected elite status requirements were released last week, we got even more disappointing news from United. Lots of experts — including TPG’s own Summer Hull — are of the mind that the end is near for airline loyalty programs as we know them.
More airlines say farewell to the Queen of the Skies
El Al is retiring the last of its Boeing 747s in early November, while TPG’s JT Genter waxes eloquent on his experience on the last Qantas 747 flight.
TPG launches a community for small-business owners
Small-business owners have a unique set of challenges, from booking travel for employees out of a personal budget, to earning and burning points and miles on specific categories of spend.
If this sounds like you, and you could use a dedicated place to ask, share and learn insights, join us over here.
SFO just renumbered all of its gates
Question everything you know.
Priority Pass loses another partner, this time in Portland
The Priority Pass network is losing the Alaska Lounge at PDX, but Portland Priority Pass visitors can still eat for free at two participating Priority Pass restaurants: The Capers Cafe Le Bar and Westward Whiskey.
This is the man who won TPG’s trip of a lifetime
Josh will get to plan the ultimate honeymoon, using up to one million Chase Ultimate Rewards points. And to kick things off, Brian Kelly himself will personally fly Josh to New York for a planning session.
How much does it cost to visit Walt Disney World?
Have you ever wondered just how much it would cost to take the family on this iconic vacation? We break down the numbers for you. (Psst: You can do it for several Benjamins under a grand.)
6 steps to picking the perfect airline seat
It isn’t an exact science, but here are your best tips for hacking the system.
Clear can save you time even outside of the airport
You can even sign up for free Clear membership for stadium access. (Unfortunately, the free membership doesn’t work for airports!)
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!
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Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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