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!

Singapore Airlines Restarting Flights to Newark

During my recent trip to Singapore for the Next Gen Learning Spaces conference, my flight plan included a stop at LAX followed by the 17+ hour jaunt to SIN.   There were no issues, per say, though a direct flight would have made things a bit easier.

I was excited to read today that Singapore Airlines is bringing back flights to the New York area, specifically Newark (!).  You can find the update from Reuters here.

I'm especially intrigued that (a) they will be using an ultra-long haul version of the A350 for the route; and (b) the plane will only have business and premium economy seating.

19 hours of sitting/sleeping on the plane!   I wonder what award redemption availability will be...

My Star Alliance Goal: Continuing

Back in 2014, I challenged myself to try and fly as many Star Alliance carriers as I could.  I knew this was not going to be easy though I often find myself on these carriers for international travel.  It's probably time for an update with many different trips over the last months/years.

Here's my list (red is flown):

• Adria Airways JP
• Aegean Airlines A3
• Air Canada AC
• Air China CA
• Air India
• Air New Zealand NZ
• ANA NH
• Asiana Airlines OZ
• Austrian OS
• Avianca AV, TACA Airlines TA
• Brussels Airlines 
• Copa Airlines CM
• Croatia Airlines OU
• EGYPTAIR MS
• Ethiopian Airlines ET
• EVA Air
• LOT Polish Airlines LO
• Lufthansa LH
• Scandinavian Airlines SK
• Shenzhen Airlines ZH
• Singapore Airlines SQ
• South African Airways SA
• Swiss LX
• TAP Portugal TP
• THAI TG
• Turkish Airlines TK
• United UA

I'll keep trying to see how many more I can fit in.  Quite a number to go!