Mid-Year 2024 Travel Check

Travel continues to be significant for many this year - planes are full despite high inflation and fares.  I'm curious how long this trend will continue.  United just advised this week they expect seat loads to decline next month.  My pattern has completely changed this year and am no longer flying each week. 

American

I still have Gold status and expect this will end next year.  I'm still flying AA to get home when possible.  

United

United is my first choice for flights though with decreased flying per week it's unlikely that I'll make 1K next year.  Upgrades are still limited but I've had a few more CPU's clear over the last few months.  I still use the Club Card which helps during longer layovers.  I'm thrilled to be nearing 1M miles on United and hope to time the milestone with an overseas segment. 

Hyatt

This year will likely be my last as a Globalist unless there are particular promotions that work for my planned travel.  I'm still finding excellent point deals for our primary locations and hope there won't be many property changes this year.  

Hilton

I no longer have Diamond status and will likely have Gold until the end of the year.  My stays at Hilton have mostly stopped outside of point redemptions.  I've also reduced my credit card count and will likely prioritize Hyatt stays for the time being. 

What are your travel plans this year?  

Hertz Makes a Customer-UNfriendly Change to Points

I was very disappointed to receive an email from Hertz today detailing a change to their rewards program.  Starting December 31st of this year, points will now expire after 5 years from when they were originally earned.

Effective December 31, 2024, points will expire after 5 years from when they were earned, regardless of rental activity.^* This means that any points that have been in your account for 5 years or longer will expire and be removed from your account if not used prior to December 31, 2024 — you currently have points set to expire by this date. But don’t worry! You’ll have almost 6 months to use those points to book free rental days through 2025. And you can transfer points to an immediate family member who is also a Gold member.^**

This change is in addition to the current policy in which points will expire after 12 months of no rental activity.

This is a very customer-unfriendly change.

Many programs have moved to no expiration for points/miles including Jetblue, Delta, and others.  It's disappointing that Hertz would penalize loyal customers who chose their program for travel.

I'll be shifting my business completely away from Hertz as a result. Unfortunately, Avis also has a similar expiration policy so Enterprise will likely be my preferred program moving forward. 

Etihad Expands Flight Options to Boston

This is great news! (especially if you have credit card points or specifically Jetblue points):

Etihad is expanding its flight options to Boston and moving to daily flights.  The announcement is here: https://www.etihad.com/en/news/etihad-doubles-down-on-north-america-launching-daily-flights-to-boston-and-bringing-its-a350-to-toronto

Using Jetblue points may be an excellent way to fly business class to the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent - I always like finding great ways to get to the Maldives as well.

New Hyatt Promo: Double points at Hyatt House/Place

Hyatt has been rolling out a number of promos in the last few months - some seem great and others not as beneficial.  This one in particular seems positive if you stay at Hyatt House or Place properties:

Earn double points for qualifying stays completed between July 9, 2024, and October 15, 2024, at 550+ participating Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels worldwide.
Earn up to 25,000 Bonus Points.

Register by September 15, 2024.

Link: https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/offers/hyatt-place-hyatt-house-double-points.html

3rd Quarter Card Bonuses

For those keeping track, the following are planned point bonuses in the 3rd quarter 2024:

Chase Freedom:  Gas, EV Charging, Live Entertainment, Movie Theatres

Discover IT Miles: Walmart and Grocery Stores

Other standard card bonuses still apply!  It's unfortunate not to see any special restaurant promotions.