Southwest Updates Companion Pass Rules, Peanut Allergies in the Air, Flying on the Houston Express and More
Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you might 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 might have missed this week.
Why You Don't Need to Panic If You're Flying With a Peanut Allergy
Experts say that people with peanut allergies can actually fly safely with minimal precaution and without having to alert crew beforehand.
New Southwest Card Restrictions Make It Harder to Earn the Companion Pass
Southwest announced changes to its co-branded credit cards with Chase making it harder for passengers to earn the companion pass.
Flying the World's Most Elusive 747: the Houston Express to Angola
The Houston Express is an #AvGeeks dream that connects Houston to Angola — read about one of the final flights for this route.
What Are Points & Miles Worth? April 2018 Monthly Valuations
Check out the monthly valuations for April here.
People in Airports Are Paying $30 to Sit in a Box the Size of a Bathroom Stall
These boxes popping up at airports around the country are billed as, "Your private office, whenever you need it." Read the article on for details on the Jabbrrbox.
Widerøe Gets the World's First Embraer E190-E2
TPG was at Embraer's headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil, on Wednesday morning for the arrival of the first E190-E2.
Inside the First-Ever Embraer E2 Jet, the World's Newest Passenger Airplane
Take a look at the interior of the world's first E2 jet.
In other news...
Earn 2 Extra MR Points with Amex Express Checkout at Newegg, Staples, Walmart and More
Take a look here to see how to get 2 extra Membership Reward points with Amex Express checkout at these select retailers.
Obnoxious passenger shamed back to coach after helping herself to 'upgrade'
Watch a video of a passenger attempt to self-upgrade to business class three times.
Can NASA's X-plane resurrect supersonic passenger air travel?
NASA's newest project is a piloted plane that's designed to produce sonic booms that would barely be audible from the ground. Read here for full details on the supersonic plane.
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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.