October 7, 2024

Hey y’all! Whether you’re dodging flaming landings, stacking up frequent flyer miles, or planning a tropical escape, we’ve got a little something for everyone today. Frontier Airlines gave passengers a fiery welcome to Vegas, but thankfully everyone walked away unscathed (and with quite the story to tell). Meanwhile, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines just made loyalty points even more rewarding with new mile transfers, and the U.S. could soon follow the EU’s lead on flight delay compensation. Oh, and for those still procrastinating on that Real ID—no rush, you’ve got until 2027…probably. Finally, if you’re ready for some sun, round-trip flights to Sint Maarten are going for a steal—so pack your bags (and maybe your surfboard).But first, here are the latest blog post from our website (and yes, there are a bunch of new ones):How to Renew Your Passport Online in 2023Learn how to renew your passport online in 2023 with the U.S. Department of State’s new system. Save time with this easy, step-by-step guide! Read online October 2024’s Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo RewardsDiscover the October 2024 Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards! Get exclusive insights and tips on how to maximize your travel deals. Read online Latest Credit Card Transfer BonusesDiscover the latest credit card transfer bonuses for October 2024. These bonuses can elevate your travel experiences. Read online How to Justify Credit Card Annual FeesLearn how to justify credit card annual fees by maximizing bonuses, rewards, and perks to get the most value from your card. Read online ✈️Frontier Airlines Jet Makes Fiery Emergency Landing in Las VegasPassengers on a Frontier Airlines flight from San Diego to Las Vegas got a bit more thrill than expected—no blackjack tables involved. On Saturday, October 5th, the Airbus A321 (flight F91326) made a fiery emergency landing at Harry Reid International Airport after smoke filled the cabin and cockpit. Adding to the drama, the pilots lost radio communication with air traffic control but managed to use a backup signal system (IDENT) to land safely.Upon landing, the plane’s rear landing gear burst into flames. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and all 197 people onboard evacuated safely—no injuries reported. Kudos to the pilots, air traffic control, and emergency teams for keeping calm in a flaming situation. Hopefully, the only thing on fire next time is their in-flight Wi-Fi!✈️U.S. Considers EC261-Style Compensation for DelaysIf you’ve ever been stranded at an airport for hours due to a flight delay, good news may be on the horizon. The Biden administration is working on a new rule, inspired by the EU’s EC261 regulation, that could compensate U.S. passengers for controllable flight delays of three hours or more. Think mechanical issues or staffing shortages, not bad weather or air traffic control drama.Expected to roll out in January 2025, the rule would require airlines to offer more than just a soggy sandwich and a hotel voucher. We’re talking actual cash for your troubles—though the exact amount hasn’t been decided yet. If implemented, this would be a major win for air travelers, capping off a series of pro-passenger reforms like fee-free family seating and refunds for canceled flights.Looks like flight delays could be a little less miserable soon!✈️Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Launch Mileage TransfersAlaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines just took their loyalty game up a notch! After Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, frequent flyers can now transfer miles freely between the two programs—Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles—at a 1:1 ratio. No cap, just a 500,000-mile-per-transaction limit, and the transfers should post quickly, even though it can technically take up to 72 hours.Why is this exciting? Alaska miles are far more valuable thanks to their numerous partner airline options. So, HawaiianMiles holders have a golden opportunity to shift their miles over to Alaska’s more lucrative program. On the flip side, if you love Hawaiian Airlines, you can still move Alaska miles to redeem directly with them.This is just the beginning—status matching and reciprocal mile earning across both airlines are on the way. Get your miles ready to go island hopping or worldwide adventuring!✈️ Real ID Delayed Until 2027 (Maybe)In a plot twist that’s about as surprising as finding out your flight is delayed, the TSA is proposing to delay full enforcement of Real ID requirements yet again—this time until May 2027. Originally slated for May 2025, the new plan would let travelers fly domestically without a Real ID while ramping up public awareness (probably with little handouts reminding you to upgrade your license).The reason? A whopping 56% of Americans still haven’t bothered to get a Real ID, with some states seeing even lower adoption rates. Years of delays have made the public assume they can keep kicking this can down the road.So, while Real ID may eventually come into play, don’t rush to the DMV just yet—you’ve got at least another three years of breathing room.✈️Fly to Sint Maarten for Under $437 Round-Trip!Looking to swap chilly winds for ocean breezes? You can now fly to stunning Sint Maarten for as low as $369! Air Canada, Delta, JetBlue, American Airlines, and Air Transat have slashed fares, with flights from several U.S. and Canadian cities dropping to as low as $300 round-trip—down from $700. Best of all, you get to land over the famous Maho Beach, where planes fly right over sunbathers!While these deals are for Basic Economy (carry-on included), upgrading to Main Cabin gives you perks like seat selection and cancellation flexibility. Plus, Delta’s Main Cabin fares are eligible for Companion Pass benefits if you have a SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve card.Winter blues? Not if you’re flying to Sint Maarten for under $437! Book Online Here We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!🔗 Stay Connected – Don’t forget to follow at @pointsplanensimple for daily doses of travel inspiration!✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!Powered by beehiiv