Hello and happy Monday, travel friends, both near and far. Here are some articles we’ve read from other bloggers (and other sources) that we think you may like, so we’re passing them along.
- Some things in life are constants and I think we may have gotten to the point where getting Bonvoyed by Marriott can be added to the list. But even the program known for failing its members hit a new low by extending suite night awards that were expiring, only to report that the extension was a mistake and the awards would be re-expired. (Is that even a word?) That’s not mentioning that the reason members did not use the awards by the expiration is that Marriott rarely approves suite upgrades, and when they do, you’ll probably get a room like this one.
- One of our best experiences at an airport lounge was at the Star Alliance Lounge at LAX before our flight to Australia on Virgin Australia. The lounge has finally reopened and it looks like we’ll be able to visit again before our upcoming flight on Singapore Airlines. However, if you don’t have access from your Star Alliance flight or with status, the club sells 3-hours of access starting at $70.
- While we were late to the Hyatt bandwagon, we now rank the hotel chain at the top of our list. However, there is one category where World of Hyatt has fallen behind the competition. Other programs allow members to top-up free night certificates, including IHG One Rewards allowing uncapped redemptions at all award categories. It sure would be nice to add a few thousand points to book a category 5 hotel with a free night certificate.
- Time’s almost out if you were looking to sign up for the increased 75K sign-up bonus for a Southwest co-brand card. If you’re looking to take advantage of the offer, here’s a guide to finding out which card is best for you.
- Until now, if you needed a COVID test in the US to travel, it was possible to get a rapid molecular or RT-PCR test for no charge at a location funded by the federal government. If you weren’t aware, tests at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens were paid from the COVID relief package. That money is getting scarce, so the program is getting pared back, and only tests deemed “Medically Necessary” are now covered. If your only need for a test is to travel, you’ll have to pay out of pocket, currently $128.99 at Walgreens locations. While most places have done away with testing requirements, if you still need a test, it might be worth seeing if you can use an at-home test with video observation.
- There’s another option to pay for Amazon.com purchases with your loyalty points. Bilt Rewards has added the online behemoth as a partner and is giving bonus points for linking your accounts. There’s no cost to create a Bilt account and earn the bonus points, but if you’re interested, the Bilt Mastercard is one of the best no-annual-fee cards available, and it keeps getting better.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
1 comment
Just check the box for “potential exposure”. Then you get a free test. Unethical? No. Not as long as they keep up the money-generating testing charade.