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.  

 

Another points offer from United

This spring/summer has included the most offers for purchases from United in recent memory - and I received another today for the Club card!

From August 1st through September 30, 2025, earn 3x miles per $1 on gas, grocery, and restaurants up to 5000 miles. 

I believe most of the present offers stack which helps generate value for planned regular spend. 

Flash Chase Offer: 5x points gas/grocery/restaurant

I love it when Chase surprises with 5x points flash offers - this week I received one for my Marriott Card:

The offer is 5x points on up to $1000 at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants through 9/30.  Since the Freedom card has gas stations as a quarterly category, this is great for grocery/restaurant.

Reminder: No connects at LGA

Since I recently had a family-related issue with a travel connect that involved LGA, I feel that I need to remind everyone: connecting at La Guardia should be avoided if at all possible.  

(you may also use this advice for JFK and possibly Newark)

Nearly ready for the next Uhaul adventure

 ...which is due to begin the week of August 3rd!  We'll be beginning the trek back to MA and ME and hoping the weather is decent.  

New Jetblue 25 for 25 Promo

It's been some time since I've seen a great flight promo and Jetblue's announcement today has me very interested!  

As part of their birthday year celebration, Jetblue is offering significant bonus points for visiting airports with a top reward of Mosaic status for 25 years if you visit 25 unique cities between June 25th (today) and December 31st, 2025.

I have a few Jetblue flights already in the queue and may look to see what I can make work for the bonus points!

Summer Travel is underway

I wasn't anticipating much travel this summer though it appears the weekends are looking pretty busy!  I'm looking forward to a few trips coming up including flying home for July 4th weekend and heading to Pittsburgh to see the White Sox play the Pirates.  

Hope all of you are well!

New United and Jetblue Partnership!

This is a bit of breaking news for a Thursday - Jetblue and United are signing a new partnership!

More details here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-29/united-signs-partnership-with-jetblue-bolstering-nyc-presence  and here: https://www.jetblue.com/jetblue-united

It will be called the 'Blue Sky Alliance' and United will once again have access to JFK.  

One other item to note: As part of the alliance, United plans to move its website and mobile app’s sales of hotels, rental cars, cruises and travel insurance to JetBlue’s Paisly platform.

I will be curious to see how the frequent flyer link occurs for travelers and whether it will bring PQP's for Jetblue flights!

Starlink Referral

Starlink is offering an excellent referral right now for interested residential customers.  $0 Standard kit instead of $349 with a 12-month commitment!   

Please use my link:  https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-2765049-77022-66

I've been using Starlink in Maine this year and the speed/service has been excellent.

Trip Recap for Spring Break: Barcelona

Spring break vacation!

It was fun to be back in Barcelona - the weather was mostly perfect and it was easy to utilize public transportation to get everywhere.  

Sunday

As expected our arrival into Barcelona was easy after the 7 hour flight - the person to my right with the window wasn't the greatest on space but I did manage to get some rest.  Upon arrival we stopped to pick up our Hola Barcelona cards from the kiosks near the train.  The code worked as expected and we had our 5-day passes.  Checkin to the Grand Hyatt Barcelona was easy - due to Hyatt Guest of Honor we were unexpectedly upgraded to a Junior Suite!  It ended up being one of the best rooms we've had across the many Hyatts visited.   We decided to try a local place for tapas and drinks: El Maravillas - excellent tapas and an easy walk from the Hyatt.  We chose outdoor seating and it felt very social and had a friendly neighborhood-bar vibe.  We also stopped by the Sofia Bar for evening croquettes and Aperol Spritz's. 

Monday

For our open day Monday we decided to visit Park Güell after a brief stop for brunch in the lobby - tickets are needed in advance and we were able to confirm a 1pm time the night before.  Public transportation is an excellent option to get there.  We chose to take the H6 bus just near the Grand Hyatt which was only 14 stops in about 30 minutes.  There is a slight walk up the hill and soon we were there to explore.

We also stopped at a few shops after the visit which was fun to see snack and gift ideas. 

On returning to the Hyatt, we were told about a Happy Hour Tapas offering that was available to Globalist members and decided to try it. There is only a short window between 5-7pm and the food was excellent!

Tuesday

Today our plan was a visit to the La Sagrada Familia - tickets are again required in advance though we were able to confirm a 1pm time easily.  A quick stop at morning brunch was required and then were on our way using the Metro (L3-L5 took about 30 minutes).  I'll let the pictures show how impressive it is:

We zipped back to the Hyatt after for a quick refresh before we were out the door for our evening plans including a flamenco show and tapas dinner.  This was on La Ramblas so we took the opportunity to walk the street and stop at a chocolate shop and Mercat de la Boqueria, an amazing public market showcasing spices, meat, cheese, fruit, honey, etc.  

The show and food was amazing - through a single door on the street we walked up stairs to an upper dining room where everyone had a buffet-style meal before moving to an adjoining room for the show.  We were seated in row 2 which was a prime spot for the experience.

After the show we stopped at Sofia Bar for a few drinks before calling it a day!

Wednesday

On tap for Wednesday was a day trip to Montserrat and the Monastery.  It is known for having the La Moreneta, or the Black Madonna.  This was a tour booked through Tripadvisor which is highly recommended.  We once again took the metro (L3-L1) and made it in time to grab a quick breakfast to go before checking in at the tour desk (which took a bit to find).  The bus ride took about an hour to get to the Monastery and had amazing views throughout.  Our tour guide gave us time to explore and we also picked up some cheese for home:

After meeting the guide and group at our assigned time, we were off to part two of the tour which was a tapas lunch and wine tasting. The tasting portion was not clearly noted in the listing though was fun to visit and hear about how wine is made in this region.  Our bus had quite a few college spring breakers and the conversations were hilarious to overhear. 

The bus took us back to Barcelona and soon we were back on the metro toward the Hyatt.  We once again stopped in at the happy hour before our evening dinner reservation at Maymanta, a Peruvian restaurant located on the top floor of the Hyatt. I chose the Potato Gnocci with Peruvian Grilled Chicken (amazing):

Before ending the evening we stopped for final drinks at Sofia - it was hard to believe the week flew by this quickly!

EU/UK Entry Requirements Update

Sharing this information courtesy of Nonstop Travel: 

Entry to the EU with ETIAS

This has been postponed until 2026 with no definite start date, but eventually, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter the Schengen Area. This is not a visa but an online authorization aimed at improving border security. It’s a quick and simple process that travelers can complete online before their trip. For more details visit the official ETIAS website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.

UK Entry with ETA

The UK has introduced a new electronic travel authorization called ETA. This is required for visitors from countries that currently do not need a visa to enter the UK. Just like ETIAS, it’s an easy online application aimed at streamlining entry procedures. You can find more information and submit your application on the UK government's official website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Time to Start Planning for Spring Break Travel!

It's mid-April, and what does that mean? Planning can commence for spring break 2026 trips! The points and miles opportunities will start to be available across airlines and hotels - I was able to confirm two business class tickets over the weekend Heathrow to Doha in Qatar Airways Business class for 86,000 Avios. Excellent value!

Changes to United Club Card

I finally received the expected notification that United is changing the benefits and process for United Club access - this won't affect my access via the United Club card and overall I think the additional benefits offset the change in annual fee.  Membership will be split between Individual or All Access levels.  There is still a purchase option though the price and miles are significant. 

The overall annual fee will be going from $525 to $695 starting on/after August 1st.  In addition, they are adding a number of new benefits including:

I'm particularly interested in the rideshare credits, however, I get a separate benefit from the Sapphire Reserve card so I may need to alternate for a time in order to get the credit.  I don't use instacart so that isn't a net positive for me.  The rental car credits may be possible to use though there are other perks when reserving direct from Avis/Budget.

Additional details and benefit updates can be found here: https://cardmembers.united.com/Club

Starlink Approved for United

Great news this week that federal regulators have approved Starlink for use by United.  Link is here:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/united-launch-first-flight-free-171702639.html

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the use of satellite internet from Starlink, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, on a regional jet model. United said it plans to install Starlink Wi-Fi on 40 planes per month and complete its fleet of more than 300 regional jets by the end of the year. The company plans to run beta tests of the technology prior to its first customer flight in May.

In September, United signed a deal with Starlink to bring satellite internet access to its more than 1,000 planes over the next several years. The airline said it will work with the FAA to get approval to install Starlink on every aircraft.

Starlink Wi-Fi, which United says is 50 times faster than the internet service currently available on its regional planes, will be free for customers with MileagePlus, United’s free frequent flyer program. 

Waitlist for the Chase Lounge?

Very surprised to be stopped before the elevator tonight at Logan's Chase Sapphire Lounge - can't recall the last time there was a waitlist for this lounge?  Upon entry it definitely is busy...curious if these are all cardmembers or Priority pass customers.

New UA Promotion: Months of Miles

United and Chase have sent me a second promotion this spring for potential credit card spend - I'm thrilled to see this and also curious as I believe this is the first time I've received multiple offers in succession.

Details:

You're on your way to earning bonus miles. Just spend $500 or more per month in March, April and May.*

Then you'll earn 1,000 bonus miles each month. Earn an additional 1,500 bonus miles if you reach the goal in all three months. That's a total of 4,500 bonus miles.

Bonus miles are on top of the miles you already earn. And remember, your MileagePlus® miles never expire, so you can use them whenever you like.

 Date of registration: March 16, 2025. Your participation in the promotion begins on the first day of the month in which you register and ends May 31, 2025

Spring Break Trip: Barcelona

Our spring break trip for 2025 is right around the corner - we'll be visiting Barcelona!  I'm looking forward to being back since it has been some years since ILA.  In 2015 I also flew American as primary so it will be great to fly on United for this trip.

We have a number of fun things planned while in Barcelona and I will share a trip update when we return.  

I booked the Hola Barcelona cards for access to public transportation while we're in town - these are a great value: https://www.holabarcelona.com/tickets/hola-bcn-barcelona-travel-card

Cabify is also available (similar to Uber) in case there is a need for a separate transportation option: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cabify/id476087442

New AA Promo: Ready, Set, Jet toward Status

I'm always interested in how travel partners create promotions, and was surprised to receive an email from American Airlines about a specific Promo for the month of March.

For a limited time, earn 500 additional Loyalty Points for each flight you take in March 2025.

American has been notoriously stingy about how to earn miles/loyalty points.  Flying and use of their co-branded credit cards are the best way to earn (with the shopping portal and dining programs being other possibilities).  

Will you be maximizing this promotion for upcoming travel?

Another Hyatt Promotion: Bonus Journeys is back!

I was pleasantly surprised to see a confirmation email arrive today from Hyatt highlighting another promotion to start the year: Bonus Journeys

If you're looking for additional points on stays, this will certainly help in conjunction with using your Hyatt credit card.

You must be a member of World of Hyatt in good standing at time of registration and stay and register for the promotion between January 14, 2025 and March 10, 2025 to participate. To join World of Hyatt and to register for the promotion, visit hyatt.com/bonusjourneys. Only Eligible Stays at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide, participating Mr & Mrs Smith hotels, and the Venetian Resort completed after registration and between January 27, 2025 and March 28, 2025 (“Promotion Period”) will count towards this promotion. All Eligible Stays must be completed by March 28, 2025.

Cards in My Wallet Right Now (2025)

Happy New Year!  My card list has changed a little this past year while my spending overall has stayed even.  I retired the Hilton Surpass and AA Biz Platinum while picking up the regular AA Platinum.  I'm still using the United Club card for lounge access and extra miles for purchases.  I have referral codes for most cards if needed! 

Cards in my Wallet:

Chase Sapphire Reserve - one of the best earning cards with 3x points for travel and 3x for dining; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Freedom - Quarterly bonus categories give 5x points and pairs with Sapphire

Chase World of Hyatt - 4x Hyatt points per stay make this one of the best for hotel stays, 2x for restaurant/transit; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase IHG Rewards Club Select (no longer available) - Platinum Elite status plus free night every cardmember year

Chase United Club Infinite - 4x miles on United, 2x miles on other travel, 2x on dining, United Club membership

Chase Biz Plus (replaced with Business Preferred) - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x on gas station and hotel; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase Biz Cash - 5x points at office supply and phone, 2x points on gas stations and restaurants

Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless - 6x points at Marriott properties; 3x Gas/Grocery/Dining up to $6k, 1 Elite Night credit per $5k spent; 2x points on other purchases; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Chase British Airways - 3x Avios on BA purchases; 2x on hotels; No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank Premier - 3x points on travel including gas stations and grocery; 2x on dining/entertainment, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Platinum - 2x American Airlines miles on purchases plus free checked bag and priority boarding; 2x on gas stations, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Citibank AA Mileup - 2x American Airlines miles on flights, plus 2x miles for grocery purchases, No Annual Fee

Citibank Double Cash - 2% cash back on all purchases, though the transfer option to Citi ThankYou Points makes this card strong for all non-category spend, No Annual Fee

American Express Hilton card - 7x Hilton points on stays, 5x points dining/gas/grocery, 3x all other purchases, complimentary Silver status, No Annual Fee, No Foreign Transaction Fee

Discover It card - 5x points/cash on quarterly bonus categories, link to Amazon.com purchases, No Annual Fee

Bank of American Alaska Airlines card - 3x miles on Alaska purchases, $99 companion fare