 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY 01/26/2019 SHUTDOWN IMPACTS FAA While it's now on a three-week hiatus, the government shutdown had at least a small impact on air travel almost immediately — aircraft inspections were halted, and once TSA officers learned they wouldn't be getting paid, some began calling out sick. The situation really came to a head this week, though, especially when it comes to the FAA:
And that was with clear weather in NYC! Add a thunderstorm, ice storm, high winds or a blizzard to the mix and there would have really been problems. Although there's now an agreement on the books, it only bought us three weeks. This saga is far from over — it'll take days if not weeks to get staffing levels back to normal, and if controllers are once again forced to work without pay, it'll add significant pressure to one of the country's most stressful jobs, putting planes and their passengers at risk. -Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
 If there's one launch AvGeeks seemed especially excited about this month, it's Delta's A220, scheduled for January 31. Well, not anymore — due to a delay in certification during the government shutdown, the airline's new single-aisle Airbus won't be leaving the ground.
 What benefits are being added? Will annual fees go up? Does the name change make you eligible for a second welcome bonus? We tackle these burning questions — and a whole lot more.
 Cathay Pacific's lie-flat biz to Asia for just over a grand? You bet! There are some incredible first-class deals to Australia and New Zealand to be had, too.
 One of the most popular Amex lounges in the world just got a 50% boost. Miami's Centurion Lounge is now the largest yet, with two separate bars, a second dining room, expanded buffet and — of course — a whole lot more space.
 The skies over Manhattan may have been clear Friday morning, but that didn't mean flights avoided big delays. Unpaid air traffic controllers decided to call out sick — as a result, the FAA even had to implement a ground stop at LGA. LOUNGE ACCESS Global Entry will get you expedited US border entry and speedy security via PreCheck — plus some of our favorite credit cards will pick up the tab. Until the government is fully funded, it may not be possible to sign up or complete an in-person interview, but, as Ross B. explains, "enrollment on arrival is still available at some airports." With the CBP site out of date, we'd recommend giving enrollment centers a call to be sure they're actually open before you show up. Have your own tips to share? Sound off in the TPG Lounge. NEWS YOU CAN USE • Pay to Play: Bali Set to Impose New Tax on All Foreign Tourists • A Temporary End to the Shutdown, Passenger Data Exposure, One Week Left for Capital One Bonus and More • Family Kicked off American Airlines Flight After Complaints About Body Odor • Big Fluffy Dog Sits in Coach Seat on China Southern Flight • These are the Best Points Hotels Opening in 2019 • 6 Adventurous Activities in Costa Rica for Families • Exclusive: Hilton Piloting Confirmed Suite Night Upgrades at Booking • Limited-Time Offer: Get up to a 50% Bonus When Buying JetBlue Points • Deal Alert: US to Europe From $322 Round-Trip • Coach for a Queen: Delta’s A330 in Economy From Los Angeles to Amsterdam       You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities The Points Guy © All rights reserved 2019 |