On Board Southwest's Harvey-Evacuation Flight, Airport Swimming Pool, Non-Flyer Access at PIT and More
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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.
What It Was Like to Be on Southwest's Airlift From Closed Houston Airport
Read a firsthand account of what it was like to be on a Southwest flight that airlifted more than 100 people from Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU) to Dallas (DAL) once floodwaters receded enough on one of the runways to evacuate people who had been stranded at the airport.
The World's Coolest Airport Swimming Pool Opens Later This Year
This week, it was reported that Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is in the process of adding a new lounge with an outdoor swimming pool that's adjacent to the aircraft on the tarmac. When — and if — the pool opens, it could very well be the coolest airport pool in the world.
Pittsburgh Airport Becomes First to Open Terminal to Non-Travelers Post-9/11
Starting September 5, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) will be the first to participate in a new TSA pilot program that opens its airside terminal to non-flyers from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. Note that those not flying will still have to go through a security screening and wear a special pass while hanging out in the terminal.
New 60,000-Mile Sign-Up Bonus on the AAdvantage Aviator Red Card
The Barclaycard AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard is currently offering an elevated sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles after you pay the card's annual fee of $95 and make one purchase within three months of opening your account.
Chase Is Now Limiting Sapphire Credit Card Signups
As of this week, it's no longer possible to sign up for both the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card to claim both sign-up bonuses. If you want both cards, you'll have to wait a full 24 months after you're approved for one.
Reader Contest: Come Fly With Us at the Star Alliance MegaDo!
One of aviation's biggest annual fan events kicks off in less than three weeks, and you can come along for the ride — we've been holding one ticket for a very lucky TPG reader, and are gearing up to give it away! Find out how you can win your way into this incredible experience.
Bid to Fly on Norwegian's Inaugural 787 Humanitarian Flight to Djibouti
Over the last few years, Norwegian Air has run three humanitarian aid flights on its 737, bringing aid to the Central African Republic, Jordan and Mali. Now, the budget carrier is offering a rare opportunity for travelers to fly on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — which is also decked out in UNICEF colors — and help out with a great cause. The airline will take delivery of the aircraft next month and as a celebration, its inaugural flight will be a humanitarian mission to Djibouti (JIB) to help Yemeni refugees. Find out how you can bid for a seat on this flight.
In other news...
WestJet and Air France-KLM Cement Frequent Flyer Partnership
As of this week, Canada-based WestJet and Air France-KLM have formed a new partnership that allows passengers to choose to earn either FlyingBlue miles or WestJet dollars on Air France, KLM and WestJet flights.
Amex Offer: 10,000 Membership Rewards Points for Spending More Than $500 With Virgin Atlantic
Check your American Express account(s) to see if you were targeted for a great offer with Virgin Atlantic. If you use an eligible card to spend at least $500 by October 31, 2017, with the airline, you'll earn 10,000 bonus Membership Rewards points.
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