New Routes for November, Delta Bans Pro-Trump Flyer, Pay Your Taxes With the Amex Business Platinum 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:
Exciting New Airline Routes for November 2016 and Beyond
Check out this recap of the most exciting routes that were announced or launched in November 2016 — from new domestic flights on Southwest to additional flights between the US and Europe on a variety of carriers.
Delta Bans Pro-Trump Passenger, Everyone Else Gets a Refund
One passenger on a recent Delta flight was banned from the airline for life after causing a politically charged commotion on board. The rest of the passengers received refunds on the cost of their tickets.
Pay Taxes With the Amex Business Platinum to 'Buy' MR Points for 1.25 Cents Each
The recent updates to the Business Platinum Card® from American Express make it an appealing choice for paying taxes. You'll effectively be able to "buy" Membership Rewards points for just 1.25 cents apiece if your tax bill is at least $5,000.
New Tech Helps United Combat Fraudulent Lounge Entry
United is using software called AIMS to help it detect when people are trying to fraudulently enter its new Polaris lounges. AIMs will identify those who use fake boarding passes or book a flight simply to cancel it once inside the lounge.
The Most Undervalued Hotel Loyalty Programs
Learn about several hotel programs that don't get much press, but can provide great value if you know where to look.
In Other News...
Emirates Ups Its First Class Champagne Selection on Some Flights
Emirates already has a reputation for serving incredible food and beverages to its first-class passengers, but some flights are going to get an even more exclusive champagne offering: Dom Pérignon Plénitude Deuxième 1998. It won't be served on all flights, but you can check if it will be served on yours through Emirates' site.
Earn a $10 Gift Card With Each Stay at Best Western Hotels for a Limited Time
Register to receive a $10 Best Western gift card after each stay you complete from now through January 29, 2017. Note that you have to be a Best Western Rewards member to qualify for this promotion.
Experience Air France's New 787 Between Paris and London
After Air France takes delivery of its brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, it'll fly the aircraft between Paris and London six days per week before it enters long-haul service. The carrier is offering special introductory fares on the route, with round-trip business-class tickets from 249 GBP (~$317).
British Airways' Concorde Room Gets Its Own Unique Gin
If you're traveling in BA first class or are one of the airline's top customers and spend some time in the Concorde Room before a flight, keep an eye out for British Airways' own unique gin that'll be served only in the exclusive lounges.
Check Out LAX's New $1.3 Billion Concourse
Take a video tour of what will become the Midfield Satellite Concourse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The $1.3 billion concourse will serve as an addition to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and is slated to open in late 2019.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
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| 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. |
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- 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.
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