Mid-Year 2018 Travel Check

It's the halfway point for the year, so I'm doing my typical assessment and check-in on my travel and re-qualifications.  I've had a bit more travel this year due to work and conferences, and personal travel has also increased slightly due to several deals.

American

After a long time, I finally gave up status on American due to the close proximity of Newark and access via train.  They've given me Platinum for part of this year as a gift, though I don't anticipate flying much with them at this point.  I still have miles available if needed for redemption.

United

United is once again my top choice for travel.  Gold status has been helpful for access to Star Alliance lounges as well as same day flight changes as they fit.  I'm on track to requal for next year and have a shot at Platinum due to several work trips and other commitments.  The Sapphire Reserve card has also helped with points accrual and I'm still taking advantage of my United legacy card for spend in certain categories.  Flying Star Alliance to Europe still has the most options available for redeeming miles.

Hyatt 

I miss Globalist (Diamond) status with Hyatt, though Explorist hasn't been bad for the stays planned. It will be difficult for requalifying based on the program changes though smart use of points has helped with stays for fun trips.  

I'm satisfied with my travel and trips so far this year. Being back with United has been great for mileage accrual and the ease of redeeming miles is really the best (outside of using Alaska Airlines miles).  Taking advantage of spend bonuses on normal expenses via credit card has been a helpful add to my process.  

United adding EWR-PQI starting 7/1/18

You're probably wondering why I'm excited about having PQI as an option for United.  You may also not realize where PQI is (unless you fly a lot).  PQI is the abbreviation for Presque Isle, Maine otherwise known as Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle. This is the primary airport we transit when visiting Aroostook County.

Previously the only way to get to this area was to fly via Boston with PenAir and turboprop planes as part of the essential air service operation. I didn't mind the option of earning Alaska Airlines miles though flying UA is preferred for earning and redemption options as well as the easy access via Newark. 

You can find the primary announcement here.

The schedule includes ERJ-145 aircraft:

UA4158 EWR0900 – 1100PQI ERJ x67
UA4255 EWR2159 – 2359PQI ERJ D

UA4278 PQI0600 – 0805EWR ERJ D
UA4165 PQI1200 – 1400EWR ERJ x67

Looking forward to this new jet option!  

A Comeback for Midwest Airlines?

I can only hope the news reports thus far are true - from the Chicago Tribune.

Based on this reporting it appears that initial funding has also been secured.  I tend to watch for these developments since that's where the true strength of the effort lives.  No money=no planes and no staff.

Flying on Midwest was always such a wonderful experience.  And their route map was sufficient to get to most top destinations including LA, New York, and San Diego.

Here's hoping the comeback succeeds!