Elite Status for Life, Join TPG and United in San Francisco, TSA Woes 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.
How to Earn Airline Elite Status for Life With Million Miler Status
Yes, there is a way to earn airline elite status for life. All you have to do is fly at least a million miles with either American Airlines, Delta or United. Find out what lifetime perks you'll receive on each airline if you're a very, very frequent flyer.
Giveaway: Join TPG for a Very Special United 747 Event in San Francisco!
At the end of next month, United's 747s will fly for the last time on a long-haul route. It's bittersweet for us, as the airline has much newer aircraft that offer a superior experience, but, of course, there may never be another bird that matches the majesty and ardent following of the Queen of the Skies. United is partnering with TPG to invite 50 readers (and a guest) to the airline's exclusive Family Day event in San Francisco. Here's how to enter.
My SSSSpecial Day With the TSA at Newark Airport
If you've ever been "randomly selected" for enhanced screening at a US airport, the thought of seeing "SSSS" appear at the top of a boarding pass likely sends shivers down your spine. Join TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig as he takes you through a very... interesting... day with the TSA at Newark (EWR).
Should You Renew Your Chase Sapphire Reserve?
If you signed up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card last year when it was first released, your renewal date is coming up. Read on to see whether or not it's worth it to pay the $450 annual fee again this year.
The Closest Thing You'll Get to Premium Economy on United
United's newly retrofitted 767-300ER feels like a totally new aircraft, and even comes with a few surprises. On certain flights, select seats in the back of the cabin that would otherwise be reserved for the crew rest are available to be purchased as Economy Plus seats — and they offer a lot more legroom than "normal" Economy Plus.
5 Things You Need to Know About United Airlines MileagePlus
Read up on the top five things you need to know about United's MileagePlus program, which still offers solid redemptions on both United and partner metal.
10 Hot Hotels Opening in September 2017
Here's a look at the coolest new hotels opening around the world this month.
The 11 Most Anticipated Restaurants Opening in the US This Fall
This fall is an exciting season in the restaurant world. Here's a look at 11 restaurants opening around the country this fall that we can't wait to check out.
In other news...
Buy British Airways Avios for 2.059 Cents Apiece
London-based carrier British Airways is offering a buy miles promotion that lets you receive up to a 35% bonus in purchased miles when you buy up to 100,000 Avios. Note that it's only available through September 29, 2017.
Check Your Inbox for a Targeted Offer From United
United's offering select MileagePlus members the opportunity to earn a significant amount of miles after spending a certain amount of money with the airline. One TPG staffer was targeted to receive a whopping 94,500 miles after spending a total of $4,900.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.