By now, you may know that I kind of loved my Etihad flight in their new Business Studio, but I was also very excited to try out their lounge at AUH. Let’s just say I wasn’t let down. The...
My mistake crediting an Alaska Air “R” fare class to American…UGH!!!

So I carefully planned out a trip to Puerto Vallarta to check out the new Ziva, relax, tan, and earn some great Stay More Play More bonus points. Flights were more expensive out of LAX than SNA so we opted...
Up to 50,000 bonus AAadvantage miles for transatlantic summer business class

Here’s the link to the deal and the promo code is NAS16. Points are given on flights in business class ( including discount business), premium econ, and discouct econ between May 9th and July 31st. Click here to register...
Alaska Airlines partners with Japan Airlines: Mileage Plan sweetens

Everyone had a heartache when Alaska Air suddenly, without warning, devalued their Emirates award chart over night. It was a crap move honestly, but things are looking up. The addition of Japan Airlines to the partner list makes Alaska...
Hotel Lucia Portland: Superior King Review

Portland is weird. And they want to keep it that way. This was Miles’ second time in Portland within the last year and this time we thought we’d check out a different downtown spot called Hotel Lucia. It’s a...
Tips for finding International Business Class on domestic routes: American Airlines

SOOOOOO you wanna fly flat across the country, huh? Ya, me too A great way to fly international business or first class is on a domestic route that the airline uses as a repositioning flight/route. What’s even better is...
Intercontinental Johannesburg Airport: Review

This is a part of the Around the World 2015 trip: Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Tons of AA biz/first space to South America

Here is 2 people to Rio in Business and First class and then to Buenos Aires These are options from Los Angeles – there are tons from Dallas, Miami, and New York. Many of these routes...
Cathay Pacific Business Class Review: JNB – HKG

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train Johannesburg to...
American announces nonstop from LA to Hong Kong

After that mis-fire in January ( I wonder what really happened? They had the flipping Hollywood bowl after all??!?!) American has finally announced that they will compete directly with Cathay on this route. Here are the deets: H/T American...
Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge: Review

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Air India celebrates International Women’s Day with all female flight!

Air India flew a non-stop Delhi to San Francisco flight staffed solely with women. The official statement from Air India stated “This year for the first time, on the world’s longest non-stop flight, entire flight operations from cockpit crew...
Ridiculously Cheap LAX-HND on American Flights

Get on it! It’s on the new 787 and it earns 10976 EQM and close to 27k redeemable miles ( for plat and exec plat) in Coach! Unbelievable deal to wrack up some EQM and also just a bunch...
Starwood 35k offer – why I’m not signing up

Yes, everyone is going nuts in the blogosphere about the Amex Starwood 35k offer. Let’s be honest it’s an amazing deal – typically the card offers 25k after 3k spend, and a couple times a year it’s boosted to...
Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Reserve Review: Luxury Safari in the Sabi Sands

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Marriott buys Starwood in Stock/Cash deal worth $12.2B – I’m optimistic

Man oh Man has this been a cray cray day for the world wide web of points bloggers. After weeks of speculation: was it going to be IHG, Wyndham, or no deal at all. No one even muttered what...
A personal account of how Credit Utilization affects your score

A little over a month ago I took advantage of the Citigold checking account offer whereby you could earn 50k Aadvantage miles by signing up for a new account. If you haven’t heard about the offer, it’s pretty fantastic....
Review: Hyatt Place Charlotte Tyvola Road

Miles and I were in town for a football game…In fact, it was a surprise trip for Daddio to see the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS!!!!!!!! GO BLUEEEEEEE, COLTS COLTS COLTS!!!!!!! 😉 This is actually my very first Hyatt Place and I...
Why you should join AARP

AARP isn’t just for grey hairs and retirees. This is probably the biggest misnomer about the organization that provides discounts and deals to over 37,000,000+ members…and I’m included. Lemme just tell you – I don’t have grey hair or...
Review: American Flagship First Class – NRT to LAX

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Hyatt Cash+Points live

For the longest time it was always a guessing game/annoyance trying to figure out when a Hyatt hotel could be booked using a Cash+Points rate. Hyatt had hinted that they would be brining cash and points rates online sometime this...
Review: Ritz Carlton Tokyo

Marriott Rewards: 70k per night Status: Gold Elite Upgrade given: Club level Ritz credit card 140k or Marriott 80k for both business and personal. The points for this were made from banking a timeshare. Ritz Carlton Tokyo is located...
American starts flights to Tokyo, Haneda with B787 Dreamliner

You read this right folks, American will commence flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport beginning February 11, 2016. You can book these flights starting on November 8th. Why does this matter? Well, if you’ve been to Tokyo then you already...
Earn 47k+ IHG points without staying in a hotel once with IHG Surprises

IHG is full of surprises here lately…heh, heh, heh. First they announce a great promotion whereby current IHG members can earn 50000+ bonus points with Accelerate and new members can earn a FREE NIGHT for EVERY TWO nights. That...
IHG point breaks – 5000 points per night.

You might have caught my post on grabbing a great ticket to Istanbul in Turkish Business Class. Well, the reason I pulled the trigger on that flight was IHG point breaks…namely the Intercontinental Cairo which, along with all point...
Turkish Award Space wide open across the Atlantic – How to BOOK

If you’re planning on taking a trip across the Atlantic it BEHOOVES you to check out your dates while seats are wide open. Here’s a look at the product straight from the Turkish Air website. Pros: 180 degree lie...
British Airways New First Class

SLEEK SLEEK SLEEK… The new First Class, designed by UK firm ForPeople, will make it’s debut with the new 787-9 on October 25th to Delhi, and it is quite the stunner. If you’re looking to hop on one, keep...
American Airlines 24 hour free hold, or more time for a fee

I’ve been making use of the 24 hour hold on tickets for quite a while now. Especially if you see a “too good to be true” fare, it just makes the most sense to go ahead and put it...
Hawaiian Airlines adds Lie-Flat seating

FINALLYYYYYY LIE FLAT!!!!!!! According to an article in USA Today Hawaiian is adding a sleek, new, Lie-flat product to their first class cabin. It will be introduced on their A330s in the 2nd quarter of 2016 and striving for completion...
Aer Lingus announces LAX-DUB and why it’s a big deal

Aer Lingus announces LAX-DUB and why it’s a big deal!!! Brief History (stay with me here) Aer Lingus has been a great business class opportunity for several years. Whilst being a member of Star Alliance and its great group...
The best two cards to carry in your wallet

The best two cards to carry in your wallet There are so many credit cards out there to choose from and, therefore, so many ways to get lost – so Miles and I will make things a little easier....
World’s Longest flight makes comeback!

World’s Longest flight makes comeback! Mark this one down as a new aspirational flight!!! Singapore announced today that, because of their new A350-900 orders, it will resume the world’s longest flight from New York to Singapore. It appears that...
The Mileage Run

The Mileage Run: This is a term that is thrown around the travel community all the time, as is the term Mattress Run or Status Run. like when I did a mattress run for Hyatt Diamond status So what...
Why I cancelled the Hyatt Visa Signature from Chase

Why I cancelled the Hyatt Visa Signature from Chase I’ve had the Hyatt Visa Signature in my wallet for 3 years now. I originally signed up because of the offer of 2 free nights after first purchase – it...
Review: The Nines Hotel Portland – One Bedroom Suite

Review: The Nines Hotel Portland – 1 Bedroom Suite The Nines is a 5 star hotel in downtown Portland Oregon situated in the famous Meier and Frank building opposite Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Nines is named for its location...
Fall 2015 Aadvantage Fly to Europe Bonus – up to 125k Bonus Points!

Fall 2015 Aadvantage Fly to Europe Bonus – up to 125k Bonus Points! Just a quick fire off and here is the direct link: Here The Details: Again click here for the direct link. Outstanding deal!
100k British Airways Avios with Chase!

100k British Airways Avios with Chase! There is a Chase public offer for up to 100,000 British Airways Avios. I actually was a participant of this offer 2 years back and spent most of my 2014 achieving the...
Review: Andaz West Hollywood – Andaz King Suite

Review: Andaz West Hollywood – Andaz King Suite Cah’mon Milers, you know the deal. It’s a special occasion, or maybe you’re just itchy to get away but you can’t, or you just say “screw it, I’m staying at a...
Review: Fairmont Montreal Queen Elizabeth with Virtuoso Benefits

Review: Fairmont Montreal Queen Elizabeth with Virtuoso Benefits This was a birthday trip for Miles! It was a combination of using a Fairmont credit card sign up bonus of 2 free nights( which is still active btw), and also...
Using AAdvantage Miles for flights to India

Using AAdvantage Miles for flights to India I recently took a trip to Montreal and on the first leg of my trip I had the pleasure of sitting next to an Engineer ( lets call him Peter ) who...
Adding Airline Partners on Hotel Reservations

Adding Airline Partners on Hotel Reservations It’s something that is so easy to do, and so often overlooked when making hotel reservations. I have a few upcoming trips and while I was double checking my reservations it occurred to...
Review: Hyatt Santa Barbara – Ocean View Room

Review: Hyatt Santa Barbara – Ocean View Room 1st property after achieving Diamond status! One of the great benefits of the Hyatt Visa Signature from Chase is the annual free night certificate on hotels category 1-4. Miles is based...
Citi Thank You Premier – Increased Sign up: 60,000!!!!!

Citi Thank You Premier – Increased Sign up: 60,000!!!!! Hat tip: Travel Codex Citi has increased their sign up bonus for one of the best rewards cards out there: Citi Thank You Premier. Miles and I couldn’t believe our...
Alaska Air Mileage Plan 40% bonus on purchased miles

Buy Alaska Mileage Plan miles and get a 40% bonus! It wasn’t long ago that Alaska Air was offering a 35% bonus. Now they have done gone and did it again by one upping themselves with a whopping 40%...
Incredible 100k American Express Platinum Sign Up Bonus

Incredible 100k American Express Platinum Sign Up Bonus This is the best public offer I have ever seen. There have been targeted offers of this magnitude, but this one is open to the public and is EXTREMELY attractive with...
Barclay Aadvantage Red Aviator Retention Offer

Barclay Aadvantage Red Aviator Retention Offer My annual fee was due in 3 days so I Called in to inquire about any retentions offers currently available. I LOVE FREE STUFF =) I received an extra point per $1 on...
Great spots to make use of IHG 50% off reward nights

Great spots to make use of IHG 50% off reward nights From August 24th unitl September 9th you can book a whole slew of incredible properties across the IHG brand in Latin America at 50% off. Here are the...
Review: S(h)ongololo Lounge JNB

Review: S(h)ongololo Lounge JNB Prior to boarding our Cathay Pacific flight from JNB to HKG we were invited into the S(h)ongololo Lounge which is right around the corner from the Cathay gates. The lounge was free to us because...
Review: Queen Victoria Hotel Cape Town – Luxury Room

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Review: The Famous and Iconic Blue Train – Johannesburg to Cape Town

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
American Airlines Platinum Challenge

American Airlines Platinum Challenge Miles has quite a bit of domestic travel over the next few months, and after he and I talked about it, we thought that this would be a great way to leverage that travel and...
Increased bonus! Starwood Amex 30k offer!!!

Increased bonus! Starwood Amex 30k offer!!! Starwood Starpoints are some of the most valuable points out there! The new Public Offer is 5,000 more than the usual 25,000 offer and is a wonderful credit card to earn points that...
New Offer: Delta Amex Gold 60k after 1k spend in 3 months ( Targeted )

New Offer: Delta Amex Gold 60k after 1k spend in 3 months ( Targeted ) A dear friend of MonkeyMiles sent us a link to a targeted offer that was emailed early this morning. It’s the best deal I’ve...
Singapore Airlines Krisflyer “Waitlist” Experience

Singapore Airlines Krisflyer “Waitlist” Experience What’s the deal with being waitlisted for Singapore Airlines? Some say that the waitlist is a matter of hours, others that it never clears. Here’s my experience… I hadn’t a single point in my...
35% discount when you buy AAdvantage miles. Should you do it?

35% discount when you buy AAdvantage miles. Should you do it? American Airlines sent out an offer to their AAdvantage members today that is seriously worth considering…up to 35% off when you purchase miles. Now, this is a tiered offer...
Miles got his wish: Hyatt Diamond Status achieved!!!

Miles is a Hyatt Diamond and feels like a Rockstar! Miles started his challenge back in June and had 60 days to stay 12 nights. It all had to be completed by August 7th and HE DID IT!!!!! Miles...
Why you should credit your Delta flights to Alaska Air

Why you should credit your Delta flights to Alaska Air Well, because Alaska Air Mileage Plan miles are sooooooooo much more valuable than Delta SkyMiles. Let’s take a look at what I’m talking about. The Partners Delta Skymiles: Delta...
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Review: SFO-LHR
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class: San Francisco to London Cheerio! Off to London!!! I was looking for a way to get to London for a wedding on points, without incurring fees, and sometime the week before May 2nd. Delta was...
Redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: The Amtrak Surfliner is such a cool way to travel down the coast. It originates in San Luis Obispo goes through Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and ends...
Review: Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Why I signed up for the Citi Thank You Premier Card

Why I signed up for the Citi Thank You Premier Card I actually had this card a few years ago when cardmembers received a fixed rate per point that could be redeemed at their travel site which was powered by...
Review: Etihad A330 Pearl Business Class AUH-JNB

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Booking Etihad flights with AAdvantage

How to book Etihad with Aadvantage Miles One of the most highly regarded and elite airlines in the sky is Etihad, and their best classes of service, Business and First, are really in a rarified air 😉 All it...
English Wedding Trip: $20k for <$400

England Wedding Trip 2015: $20,000 for under $400! American Airlines economy LAX to SFO using Avios points Virigin Atlantic Clubhouse: San Francisco SFO Virgin Atlantic Upper Class – SFO to LHR using Delta points through an Amex transfer Grosvenor...
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells – Executive Suite with Amex FHR Benefits

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells – Executive Suite with Amex FHR Benefits Miles is on a Diamond Challenge, and as a result he’s looking for awesome deals to get those extra few nights to push him past the 12 nights...
Review: Grand Hyatt Dubai – Grand Suite and Grand Club

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Review: Abu Dhabi Hyatt Capital Gate

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Review: Etihad Arrivals lounge and Etihad Chaffeur experience

Review: Etihad Arrivals lounge and Etihad Chauffeur experience Not only does Etihad offer a truly incredible air experience from take-off to touch-down, they also continue that experience post-flight in the arrivals lounge. In case you haven’t been to an...
Review: Etihad 787 Business Studio IAD-AUH

This is part of the Around the World 2015 Mega Trip Etihad Business Studio – IAD to AUH Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Etihad Pearl Business Class – AUH to JNB Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Blue Train...
Hyatt Regency Valencia – Review

Hyatt Regency Valencia Review – King standard As soon as Miles heard that Hyatt had created a new challenge for Diamond status he knew he had to go for it. He had some around the world travel planned, but...
Alaska Mileage Plan 35% bonus miles

Buy Alaska Mileage Plan miles and get a 35% bonus! Alaska Mileage Plan miles are some of the most valuable miles you can earn. Depending on what your traveling needs are, this could be an outstanding opportunity to buy...
Going for Hyatt Diamond Status!

Miles is going for the Hyatt Diamond Challenge! Hyatt Diamond status has some phenomenal benefits as listed below… Two of the greatest benefits 4 times annual Suite upgrades – a great way for multiple friends to stay or make...
IHG 100% bonus = $0.00575 per point!

Bananas Deal!! IHG points with 100% bonus! IHG is having a promotion that can yield you points at almost half a cent per point! The top category for IHG is 50k a night, so this means you can...
How to: 5* Mexico or Caribbean All inclusive + flights…Free!

How to: 5* Mexico or Caribbean All inclusive + flights…Free! Close your eyes and think of hopping on a plane to a 5* resort in the Caribbean or Mexico? Margaritas, Sun, Sand, Daiquiris, and lounging by the pool!!!! Got...
LAX to Joburg – United and BA <$1000 - Aug-Dec

LAX to Joburg – United and BA <$1000 – Aug-Dec Miles recently went to see Passport Health for some travel shots and met a lovely RN who was very keen on deals to South Africa. She couldn’t believe...
Buy up to 200,000 Aadvantage miles for roughly $0.02 each

Looking to take a trip and see some award avail but not enough points? Or perhaps you just want to have a great bevvy of points for a future trip that you’re in the midst of planning…either way this...
United Mileage Plus 30 miles per dollar at FTD

United Mileage Plus 30 miles per dollar at FTD Looking to send some flowers, gift basket, etc? There are all sorts of bonuses going around right now: AA has 20 miles/$ and so does Alaska. But nothing comes close...
How to book SkyTeam partners with Delta SkyMiles
How to book SkyTeam partners with Delta SkyMiles Let’s just say Delta’s award program can drive a Monkey bonkers! So when a friend asked for some advice on planning a european vacation, Miles peeled a banana and started working...
AA: Earn up to 50k bonus MILES!

AA: Earn up to 50k bonus MILES!!! Miles received this Email this morning! AA is giving a bonus when purchasing or gifting miles..up to 50K! This deal puts the point price around $.02, so if you were looking...
Great Delta 1st class sale going on

Great Delta 1st Class Sale going on Miles just received this email: The terms: There are some great deals Full details here
US Airways Barclaycard – 15k bonus pts for 750/mo spend

US Airways Barclaycard – TWO 15k bonus offers for 750/mo spend for 3 months!! BANANAS!!!!! Back in December I received the bottom promo: spend 750 in December, January, and February and receive 15k bonus points. Amazing deal so...
Chase Freedom bonus categories: June 14th Activation deadline!

Chase Freedom Bonus Categories!!! You must activate this quarter’s categories by June 14th! Every quarter, Chase Freedom has fixed Bonus Categories that allow you to earn 5% back on all your spending within those categories. The first quarter was...
Avios Tutorial

A quick video illustrating how easy it is to use British Airways Avios to book Partner flights – specifically American Airlines.
United Global First Review LHR – LAX

United Global First Review: LHR -LAX This is a part of the London Wedding Trip 2015: $20,000 for under $400! American Airlines economy LAX to SFO using Avios points Virigin Atlantic Clubhouse: San Francisco SFO Virgin Atlantic Upper...
United Global First Lounge review: London Heathrow LHR

United Global First Lounge: London ( LHR This was part of the England 2015 Wedding trip! American Airlines economy LAX to SFO using Avios points Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: San Francisco SFO Virgin Atlantic Upper Class – SFO to LHR ...
United Club Review: London LHR

United Club Review: London LHR This was part of the England 2015 Wedding trip! American Airlines economy LAX to SFO using Avios points Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: San Francisco SFO Virgin Atlantic Upper Class – SFO to LHR Grosvenor House...
Conrad London St James Review: Grand Deluxe

Conrad London St James Review: Grand Deluxe Where: London How many points: None but normally 80,000 Hhonors Status: Gold Upgrade: Yes – Superior to Grand Deluxe Value: £235 to £350 The Conrad St. James hasn’t really been open all that...
Using British Airways Avios to fly on American

British Air Avios are great for partners, especially American Air. ~This is a part of the London Wedding Trip 2015~ This was a positioning technique for my Virgin Upper Class flight. I tried to route through SFO with Delta to...
CitiTable at the Grove = 2 free movie tickets!

CitiTable at the Grove: Spend $50 get 2 free tix Citi cardmembers: May 8 through June 22 receive two complimentary movie tickets to Pacific Theatres, plus two popcorn vouchers, when you spend $50 or more at participating restaurants at...
Chase INK Cash 30k sign up bonus: limited time!

Chase Ink Cash is offering 30k sign up bonus! This is a 50% increase of the normal sign up bonus of 20K It’s actually a cash back bonus that can be converted to Ultimate Rewards with a premium...
Grosvenor House JW Marriott London Review

Grosvenor House Hotel London: Deluxe Suite Review Where: London How many points: 45,000 Status: Gold Upgrade: yes, deluxe -> deluxe suite Grosvenor House was built in 1929 and located on Park Lane and is a Category 9 hotel. It’s...
Fandango Visa Signature 2 for 1 Movie Tickets is BACK!

Fandango and Visa Signature 2 for 1 movie tickets! Fandango and Visa Signature have partnered up again to offer 2 for 1 movie tickets on fridays! Enter your card number and book through the portal to assure you get...
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse San Francisco Review

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse San Francisco is located on level 5 of the SFO International A terminal. It’s worth noting that if you’re connecting from another terminal that there are two International terminals. I made a Monkey-brained mistake and...
Peninsula Bangkok Review: Peninsula Suite

Peninsula Bangkok Review: Peninsula Suite! This is throwback trip where we got upgraded to the best suite in the hotel: The Peninsula Suite. It’s from January 2013 and it exemplifies the kinds of experiences that can be achieved. Great...