Monthly Archives: November 2012

Another Devaluation

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Chris

I’ve been focusing on Starbucks elite status this year. As a Gold elite, their lastest fast-track to status (for purchasing a Verismo system) is another devaluation to their program:

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Amtrak 30% Bonus on Purchased Points

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Chris

Amtrak is offering a 30% bonus on purchased points from now until December 31st.  This brings the cost of 650 points, bought in increments of 500 plus bonus, to $13.75, or 2.12 cents per point. While Amtrak adjusted the prices … Continue reading →

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Buy AA Miles for 2.01cpm

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Chris

From now until December 31st, AA is offering bonus miles on mile purchases.  Additionally, the normal 40k/year cap has been lifted to 60k miles.  Miles cost $29.5625/1k (inclusive of taxes) for purchases of 6k miles or more, plus a $35 … Continue reading →

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I Thought This Only Happened on United…

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Chris

So I just went to check-in for my flight on American Airlines tomorrow.  While I’ve had mystery errors during check-in with United (particularly since 3/3), this is a first for AA: The EXP desk says the reservation is fine (unlike … Continue reading →

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25% Avios Sale for US Originating Itineraries

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Chris

One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing both note that the 25% off sale that I discussed yesterday is applicable to itineraries originating the United States, not just London.  As a US-originating roundtrip is far simpler than … Continue reading →

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25% Point Discount on Avios ex-London

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Chris

View from the Wing that Avios is offering a 6 day sale for 25% off points needed for award bookings originating from London.  The upcoming 30% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards starting December 3rd doesn’t quite coincide with the promotion. … Continue reading →

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Another Enhancement to Global Entry

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Chris

US CBP recently entered into a partnership with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to permit Global Entry members (as well as NEXUS/Sentri members with GE) to use Australia’s electronic passport gates. While I’m obviously 16 years of age, … Continue reading →

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Off-Peak United Awards to Europe

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Chris

United is offering 20% off the redemption cost of coach bookings made between now and November 15th to Europe for travel dates between January 15th, 2013 and March 13, 2013.  This brings the total for a US-Europe roundtrip to 48k … Continue reading →

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Sheraton La Jolla

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Chris

The next leg of my business trip adventure involved a single night at the Sheraton La Jolla. While property is visible from La Jolla Village Drive, its actual driveway is on a side street with minimal markings. Like a few … Continue reading →

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Westin Pasadena

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Chris

In a rare business trip, I found myself spending 3 nights at the Westin Pasadena. As I was checking in at 11AM, having made my way from the first flight in from New York, I did not have especially high … Continue reading →

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