October 21, 2024

New format! As I mentioned in previous posts, I am going to provide you with point and miles email articles throughout the week. All of these email articles will be posted on my newsletter website for reference. I will also provide a weekly (or so) newsletter that includes the latest news in the points and miles game as well as a link to the previous email articles published. I hope you like this new format. My goal is to bring you the latest in the point and miles game so that you can travel more for less. It’s simple.Good morning, travel lovers! From sneaky flight hacks landing in court to flashy new paint jobs soaring across the sky, it’s been a wild ride in the world of airlines. Skiplagged just learned that shortcuts can be pricey after a $9.4 million lawsuit from American Airlines. Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines’ credit cards are packing their bags as Alaska Airlines takes over. Emirates is turning heads (and maybe raising some eyebrows) with a bold new NBA livery on its A380. And if Europe’s been calling your name, now’s the time to fly SAS in lie-flat luxury for less than half the price. Buckle up, because this newsletter’s full of travel deals and drama you won’t want to miss!But first, here are the latest email articles: Maximize Your Amex with a 20% Air France/KLM Transfer Bonus points-plane-n-simple.beehiiv.com/p/maximize-your-amex-with-a-20-air-france-klm-transfer-bonus The Chase Sapphire Preferred: New $300 Travel Credit & 60K Points Offer points-plane-n-simple.beehiiv.com/p/the-chase-sapphire-preferred-new-300-travel-credit-60k-points-offer ✈️Say Aloha to Hawaiian Airlines Credit Cards, Soon to Fly Away ✈️💳With Alaska Airlines acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, we’re about to see some changes in the credit card game. Currently, Hawaiian’s cards are issued by Barclays, while Alaska’s duo comes courtesy of Bank of America. But after the loyalty programs merge in late 2025, it’s pretty clear who’ll take over—yep, Alaska’s cards, most likely still under BOA.What does this mean for Hawaiian cardholders? Expect your card to be transitioned to an Alaska card. Say goodbye to transferring miles between members (though Alaska might bring that perk back later) and Membership Rewards transfers to Hawaiian.If you’re thinking of snagging Hawaiian cards to bank some extra Alaska miles, there’s still some time—but it’s looking like this credit card lineup will soon be a distant memory.✈️Google Flights’ New “Cheapest” Tab: Bargain Hunting Made Easy 💸Budget travelers, rejoice! Google Flights has introduced a “Cheapest” tab, perfect for those who prioritize price over comfort or convenience. This new feature sifts through the web to uncover the lowest fares, even if that means piecing together flights from multiple airlines or using different airports. The catch? You might face longer layovers, self-transfers, and the occasional overnight stop.While it’s a bit of extra effort, it could save you big, especially for pricy routes or family travel. Going live in the U.S. this November, the tool also offers data on travel trends—like the best time to book and the cheapest days to fly.While using Google Flights, search your flight as you would normally do – you use Google Flights, right? Then notice under the search area. You’ll see “Best” and “Cheapest.”For bargain hunters who don’t mind a few bumps along the way, Google Flights just upped the savings game!✈️Fly Lie-Flat to Europe on SAS for Under $2,699 💺Ready for a European getaway? Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is offering lie-flat business class seats to Europe for as low as $2,699 (down from $5,000)! From nonstop flights to Copenhagen and Stockholm to more adventurous stops in Athens or Zurich, there’s a deal for everyone. Best availability runs through March, including holiday season flights—perfect for that winter escape!SAS is flying its spacious A350 and A330 with 1-2-1 seat layouts, giving you direct aisle access at every seat. Flights from Boston, D.C., and Toronto, however, feature the A321neo, and if you want the royal treatment, snag the “throne seat” for extra space.Departure Cities: Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), Miami (MIA) and Washington DC (IAD).PointsPlaneNSimple Tips: Use Amex Business Platinum to book via Membership Rewards for points back, or choose Delta’s frequent flyer program to rack up SkyMiles!Time to book those European dreams with business class comfort! Use this link to Google Flights. Modify the dates and departure airport. Book Here ✈️Skiplagged vs. American Airlines: The $10 Million Ticket to Trouble ✈️💸Skiplagged, a site that offered travelers a sneaky way to score cheaper flights using the ‘skiplagging’ hack, just received a $9.4 million reality check from a Texas jury. The trick? Booking flights with a layover at your actual destination, then ditching the rest of the journey. It’s a popular, albeit risky, loophole, but American Airlines wasn’t having it.The airline accused Skiplagged of using bots to scrape AA’s website, infringing on its copyright, and misleading customers into thinking they had official backing. The court agreed, slapping Skiplagged with a hefty fine. But here’s the kicker: many of the “discount” tickets were apparently the same price as booking direct from AA! 😬Lesson learned: sometimes, the shortcut isn’t worth the risk—or the price tag.✈️Emirates A380’s NBA Livery: Slam Dunk or Airball? 🏀Emirates just unveiled a bold, new A380 livery in honor of its NBA partnership, and, well… it’s definitely something. The nose-to-tail design features a blue gradient with a basketball bouncing between NBA and Emirates logos, plus red engine cowls decked out in the airline’s iconic calligraphy. The jet will first fly to New York, but expect it to turn heads wherever it goes.The airline’s not stopping at the paint job. Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 17, passengers can enjoy NBA-inspired menus, courtside-themed coasters, and even catch live Emirates NBA Cup games on select flights to the U.S. and Canada. Whether you think the livery is a slam dunk or an airball, it’s definitely dribbling up attention!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!✨ 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