Author Archives: Chris

The End of the Hyatt Devaluation

As part of Hyatt’s January 7th devaluation, they announced that awards booked prior to that date would be eligible for changes using the old award chart until February 15th. The 15th is almost here, so it’s time to make some … Continue reading

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The Nā Pali Coast

I flew all the way to Kauai to fly on another airplane to see Kauai…

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Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

With a pile of Starwood points to burn, I chose to stay at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas for five nights during my visit to Kauai.  As a newly minted SPG Platinum, I had received a 35% off redemption … Continue reading

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Sunset over San Diego

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A Need for Speed: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago O’Hare

After clearing customs, I took the people mover from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3 to catch my flight to Los Angeles.  My flight to Los Angeles was delayed due to high winds at O’Hare, giving me plenty of time to … Continue reading

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A Need for Speed: American Airlines Business Class Düsseldorf to Chicago

My upgrade from Düsseldorf to Chicago fortuitously cleared.  In writing this trip report, however, I discovered that I’m missing most of my photos from Big Ben to this picture of our 767 in Germany, as well as those taken on … Continue reading

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Düsseldorf

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A Need for Speed: American Airlines Flagship Lounge New York

I wagered on clearing my upgrade to London and lost.  (I successfully “won” in September 2012 on a similar-looking trip to Dublin on American Airlines.)  While the 777-300ER has a new plane smell to it, that’s about the only thing … Continue reading

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A Need for Speed: Introduction

In late August, cheap fares to Dublin returned, so I picked one up in anticipation of working on my American Executive Platinum requalification.  As I was packing flights into my fall schedule, I wound up scheduling this trip the day … Continue reading

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Santa Barbara

As I mentioned, I visited Santa Barbara, overnighting there before heading south on Amtrak to Los Angeles. Before catching the train, I had to return my rental car to the Hertz office at SBA.  The new terminal’s nice.

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