Royal Jordanian Status Match...Success?

A little over a week ago, I was perusing my normal travel writers and read a post from One Mile At A Time about a status match opportunity on Royal Jordanian.  Normally I wouldn't consider something like this since I don't typically fly RJ, but a primary benefit of the status match was the ability to get OneWorld Sapphire status for at least a year.  That status allows you to access American Airlines Admiral's Clubs when flying economy on any AA flight domestically (which I have to do when I fly home).  The cost was modest ($149) and so I decided I would apply - after a brief exchange to confirm my other airline status, I was approved!  

I attempted to access an AA lounge this weekend at O'hare during my trip home and the agent was able to confirm it - success!  I'm looking forward to this club access for the other flights I'll have on OneWorld airlines through next year. 

Gate Changes at Ohare October 1st

In case you haven't seen the prior news, Crankyflier and others reported that gate changes will likely be occurring at Ohare starting October 1st, 2025.

A link and map here: https://crankyflier.com/2025/06/03/united-officially-gets-its-gates-at-ohare-but-the-fight-isnt-over/

I'm curious how this will affect some travelers who need to make gate changes between AA and UA for some destinations (like myself!).

GUM Will Get New United Planes!

Great news from United!  The Island Hopper and other locations based out of Guam will soon be receiving upgraded 737 Max planes as the older -800 series will be retired:

https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125406

This will be a significant upgrade for passengers flying the Hopper! 

Mid-Year 2025 Travel Check

Relatively high fares and inflation continue to impact travel for most people (including me!).  I feel as though my searching has increased these last months in order to find the best deals.  

American

I still have Gold status and there's an outside chance I'll be able to get it again through a status match.  AA is still the only way to get home to the farm easily.

United

United is my first choice for flights though due to program changes I expect to only have Gold status next year.  I do miss having 1K!  For whatever reason I've seen more upgrades in the last months than most of last year.  I still use the Club Card for lounge stays.  I'm also on the threshold of 1M miles on United and expect to get it just after the new year! 

Hyatt

I was able to requalify for Globalist this year and will have the status until 2027 - this will be extremely helpful for a possible return trip to the Maldives in 2026.  Where possible we still make Hyatt our first choice for stays.   

I hope many of you are able to travel during the last part of the year!

Singapore Airlines Award Rate Changes

Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world.  While I haven't had an opportunity to fly them, I'm looking forward to my first segment next spring!  

Following a similar trend from other airlines, Singapore announced changes to their mileage program today, mostly negative.  More information is here:

ADJUSTMENTS3 TO AWARD RATES FOR FLIGHT REDEMPTIONS AND UPGRADES As part of our periodical review, we will be adjusting the miles redemption and upgrade award charts across Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance and partner airlines for flights ticketed on or after 1 November 2025 0000hrs (GMT+8). Members will benefit from a reduction of 5% in Economy Saver award redemption rates for flights within Asia and South West Pacific (Zones 1 to 9). Business and Suites/First Saver award redemption rates for Zones 1 to 9 will increase by 5%. Saver award rates will increase by 5% across all cabin classes for flights to and from Europe and the United States of America (Zones 11 to 13). For flights to and from Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey (Zone 10), rates will rise by 10 to 20%. Advantage award rates across all zones and cabin classes, except for Zone 10, will increase by 10 to 15%. For Zone 10, the Economy Advantage rates will increase by 5%, the Business Advantage rates by 18%, and Suites/First Advantage rates by 15%. All redemption bookings confirmed and ticketed on or before 31 October 2025 2359hrs (GMT+8) will be based on current award rates. These changes, as well as the recently introduced Scoot award flights, and enhanced redemption value for miles redeemed on Kris+, KrisShop and Pelago, reflect our commitment in providing you with more ways to earn and redeem miles, both in the air and on the ground. We endeavour to continue bringing greater value to your KrisFlyer membership through regular reviews of our programme offerings and benefits. 3All figures reflect the changes for one-way Singapore Airlines flight awards between Singapore and the corresponding regions, and are approximated.

A 5% increase is one thing, but 20% is outrageous.