A $105 Flight From Europe, Basic Economy Invasion, World's Longest 787 Route 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.
Flight Review: LEVEL (A330-200) Economy From Barcelona to Los Angeles
TPG Associate Editor Emily McNutt had the chance to fly LEVEL's inaugural flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Los Angeles (LAX). Does this brand-new airline have what it takes to compete with established low-cost carriers like Norwegian?
United's Infuriating Basic Economy Strategy
Basic Economy is an epidemic that's rapidly spreading across the commercial aviation industry, and United is by far the worst offender of the three legacy US airlines. Find out why its Basic Economy product is particularly maddening.
United Launching Nonstop Dreamliner Flights From Los Angeles to Singapore
The recent trend of airlines adding ultra-long-haul flights to their route maps continues with United's announcement of a new nonstop between Los Angeles (LAX) and Singapore (SIN). The flight will be operated by the carrier's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and begins on October 27, 2017.
2017 Credit Card Inventory: Associate Editor Emily McNutt
Credit cards are the thing here at TPG. So, in response to TPG's own 2017 credit card inventory post, we wanted the rest of the Editorial Team to weigh in with their own inventory. Check out which cards Assistant Editor Emily McNutt carries in her wallet.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points With These Limited-Time Southwest Card Bonuses
If you've been pursuing the Southwest Companion Pass, now's the time to act. Chase and Southwest are offering elevated sign-up bonuses with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, which both offer 60,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months.
American Airlines to Launch Premium Economy on 777s in December
AA is beginning to revamp its fleet of Boeing 777-200s this month to include its new premium economy product. Though the seats themselves may be installed on the aircraft before, it's going to begin selling premium economy as a separate class of service on these aircraft as of December 15, 2017.
Starwood Preferred Guest Introducing Mobile Check-In
SPG has rolled out mobile check-in at 23 properties in the US, with more hotels (including international locations) scheduled to be included later this summer.
In other news...
Flying Blue Promo Awards for June
Flying Blue has released this month's promo awards, which allows you to book award tickets at a discounted mileage rate. You must book by June 30, 2017 for travel in August. This month's awards are limited, but if you're based in Boston or Chicago, you can find some good deals.
Southwest Testing a Speedier Deplaning Process in California
After testing a dual-door deplaning process at Burbank Airport (BUR), Southwest is expanding this trial process to two northern California airports — San Jose (SJC) and Sacramento (SMF).
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. |
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Cons
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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.
- 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.
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- 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.
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