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