U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today issued a notice that would ban Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines flying to the United States effective June 16, 2020.
The U.S. airlines of United, American, and Delta all discontinued their China flying by early February when only Chinese airlines continued to have limited service between the two countries.
Air Canada, the “flag” carrier of its namesake country, and Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have today launched a frequent flier partnership.
Air Canada members can earn and use Aeroplan miles on Etihad flights (Altitude qualifying too). In contrast, Etihad Guest members have the same opportunity (not sure of the elite qualifying part though).
Today’s Airfare of the Day goes to Delta and their business class promotional round trip fares between Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands and San Francisco (SFO), USA. This fare can be routed on KLM nonstop service and it is also available on VS, AF and KL stock.
Remember that you can always email or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter with your airfare-related findings or questions.
A few weeks ago Canada has updated their cruise & port guidelines for 2020 in respect to Coronavirus to the effect that all Canada and Alaska as well as some Hawaiian cruises for the 2020 season are officially cancelled.
Pretty much all major cruise lines serving these routes have now realized this and informed their customers about cancellations and refund procedures.
Finnair made some fare changes a couple of months ago that involved moving R-fare class from the discount economy, which hardly earns anything on partners, to discount business.
These changes are often problematic to those who credit these flights to Oneworld programs (remember QR R-fares?) as they are usually very slow at updating earnings charts.
Marriott Bonvoy has brought back the Escapes, paused for three months due to Covid-19, that are available again for stays worldwide (Marriott had China-specific Escapes in May).
Members can save 25%, and the non-member discount is capped at 20%. The offer is valid seven days a week at resorts and weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights) at urban hotels.
American Airlines has made an interesting update to both Android and the iOS apps that now allow you to chat with the agents.
Chats are useful if you are in a place where you cannot talk, the internet is the only option or happens to be overseas from where calls can be expensive.
Best Western Rewards has launched a bonus to purchase gift cards with a 20% bonus through September 30, 2020.
Members can buy up to $500 worth of gift cards and get a $100 bonus. You can buy these in either USD or CAD, but they can be used for stays worldwide.
Chronically loss-making Thai Airways filed for bankruptcy in Thailand, and we have covered their financial issues a few times (read more here, here, and here).
Now, most Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) award options, including Star Alliance, hotel, and lifestyle rewards, have been suspended. You can continue redeeming for Thai Airways flights (when they resume).
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club was having some serious technical issues for close to two weeks (Sebastian covered them yesterday – read more here) that prevented anyone from accessing their accounts.
These technical issues have been resolved, for now, and Flying Club members can again logging into their accounts and review past transactions.
Hilton Honors launched back in March a points sale at a 100% bonus that was supposed to end yesterday but which was extended until tomorrow (June 3, 2020).
Members can usually buy up to 80,000 points every calendar year before any bonus, although the limit is doubled to select if not all members (check the purchase page).
Today’s Airfare of the Day goes to Lufthansa and their premium economy instant purchase round trip fares between London (LHR), United Kingdom to Singapore (SIN).
Remember that you can always email or send us a message via Facebook or Twitter with your airfare-related findings or questions.
Hong Kong Health Secretary today announced that the ban on non-resident arrivals would be extended by an additional three months (would be through September).
Hong Kong SAR citizens and permanent residents + Mainland China & Taiwan can arrive but must go through the Covid-19 test at the airport and then quarantine for 14-days.
