Sprint Free Global Roaming Expands

Almost one year ago to the day I posted about Sprint's new option for roaming overseas - a service that is free though speed-restricted to 2G but includes free texting.  The list of available countries was also limited and I was hopeful that they might expand this in the future.

Well, it appears as though they've done just that.  Now called "Global Roaming", it captures a much wider base of countries and includes many of my favorite places:

The full country list includes:

I'm excited to see Qatar and Switzerland are now included, as well as an expanded base in Asia.  Looking forward to trying out the service on my next trip!

Alaska Airlines add JAL as a partner!

Per View from the Wing, Alaska Airlines will be adding Japan Airlines (JAL) as a partner - this is especially good for the Mileage Plan program and possible redemption opportunities.  You can read more about the announcement below:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-welcomes-japan-airlines-as-newest-mileage-plan-and-codeshare-partner-300265461.html

June 29 will be the effective date for all new codeshare flights, and you may also notice the increased frequency from west coast destinations like San Diego.  Great to know there is another miles earning option!

New Hertz Spring Bonus Promo Starts Today!

Hertz has started a new promotion today (May 1) headlined "The Sky's the Limit", running through June 30, 2016.  Double and triple point possibilities exist for reservations, and you gain additional points when you reserve certain 'extras'.  Not bad if you have reservations coming up!

Royal Air Moroc to join Avios

Late last fall I had an opportunity to fly and try Royal Air Moroc while visiting Casablanca, and despite a lengthy delay in departing had a very pleasant experience onboard.

Per this article, it seems as though RAM is expanding its reach into other markets by becoming a partner of Avios (along with many others including British Airways and Iberia).

It's great to see them branching out and I like the possibility of redemptions to other places in Morocco.  Possibly Marrakech in the future!

Hyatt to open three new properties in India

Per this article on Business Traveller, Hyatt plans to expand their property footprint and introduce three new properties in India.

The properties would be located in Hyderabad, Rameswaram, and Delhi.

It's exciting to see Hyatt looking for ways to increase locations in their portfolio and I'll be interested to see what category each is assigned.  Hopefully they will be reasonable for point+cash redemptions!