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 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. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- 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.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.