 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY 02/09/2019 MARRIOTT RATE HIKE Each year, hotel programs adjust the pricing categories for award stays — IHG was the first to announce changes in 2019, just a few weeks back. In-demand hotels and resorts often move by at least one tier, but chains try to balance things out by making some properties a bit more affordable as well. This week, Marriott was the latest to give hotels a bump, in addition to the five announced at the end of last year. Beginning in March, stays at 5% of Marriott hotels will require more points — including the 62 luxury resorts moving into Category 8. There's still time to lock in stays at current rates, but you'll want to do the following before March 5:
In the case of hotels jumping up to the top tier, you could end up redeeming 25,000 more points per night. Fortunately, there's time to lock in today's rates — just be sure to confirm your stay by March 5. -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.
 United offers daily flights from Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney (SYD), but it seems there are more seats available than passengers to book them — at least during the quieter winter months.
 After a delay pushing back, the captain gets on the PA with a bit of good news, saying "we'll try to make up some of that time in the air." Wait, what? Did the pilots step on the gas? Yes, it turns out they can, and do.
 There’s really no comparison. This plane is the new de facto king of regional flying, providing a roomy, modern environment with a best-in-class seatback entertainment system to serve medium-haul routes.
 The soon-to-open TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is going to be an AvGeek’s dream come true. The iconic former terminal will offer 512 rooms, a 10,000 square-foot gym, a rooftop pool, six restaurants, eight bars, and, naturally, phenomenal plane-spotting views.
 High fuel prices, strong competition and extensive issues with the Rolls Royce engines on its Boing 787 Dreamliners have landed Norwegian quite the financial mess. LOUNGE ACCESS Whenever you travel internationally, be sure to note your passport's expiration date. Many countries won't let you enter within six months of your passport expiring, so if you're approaching that range during your next trip, use Lawrence F's advice: "Why risk it? Get a new passport." It could mean the difference between an incredible vacation and losing serious cash on nonrefundable reservations. Have your own tips to share? Sound off in the TPG Lounge. NEWS YOU CAN USE • The Queen of the Skies Turns 50 • Last Chance for SPG Amex, TWA Hotel Reservations and More • You Don’t Even Need a Card With These Over-the-Top Valentine’s Day Packages • Norwegian Just Posted Huge Losses, and Now Emirates Is Trying to Poach Its Pilots • Key West Just Banned Some Sunscreens Believed to Harm Coral Reefs • These Family-Friendly Marriott Properties Increase in Award Cost on March 5 • Your Guide to Marriott’s 2019 Category Changes • Will Southwest Sell Tickets to Hawaii Next Week? No, But Here’s What Is Planned. • The Coolest Limited-Edition Credit Card Designs • Deal Alert: US to Colombia on Full-Service Airlines From $238 Round-Trip       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 |
