- Hyatt released its category changes scheduled to take effect on March 25. Many more properties are going up in category than going down so make speculative bookings for future travel now, especially if that travel includes Japan.
- It’s time for a semi-regular Pepper update:
– Pepper is regularly selling Walmart and other high value cards with 30% back in coins
– Amazon’s “partnership” with Pepper no longer allows card purchases, but only if you’re not special apparently
I can’t imagine a plausible positive spin on either of these items, but I’m sure several churners buried up to their ears in Pepper coins have one. (Yes, I still have floated Pepper coins, but I’m only buried up to my ankles.) - The Lufthansa Miles & More program, long a sweet spot for churners buried up to their ears in esoteric details, is moving to dynamic award prices for Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian tickets starting on June 15, and the base mileage cost for Premium Economy, Business, and First is going up on many routes too.
Unlike with Pepper, I can imagine a few plausible positive spin on this: (1) You’ll be able to book flights that wouldn’t have availability under the old scheme, but probably at much higher mileage costs; and (2) economy fares will have a lower bottom. On the whole though, these changes suck. - There are a few targeted generic upgrade offers for Delta Business Gold American Express card holders:
– Gold to Platinum with 30,000 SkyMiles and a $100 statement credit after $6,000 spend in six months
– Gold or Platinum to Reserve with 40,000 SkyMiles and a $200 statement credit after $10,000 spend in six months
If you’re fast, or lucky, or maybe fast and lucky, you might get both back-to-back from a Business Gold. (Thanks to Bill) - The Ceasar’s Rewards Visa Signature credit card includes Diamond status if you apply by March 1 and spend $5,000 within the first 90 days outside of Ceasars properties, which is extra useful if you’re a washout from a mostly defunct trademarked merry-go-round. (Special thanks to Joshua)
- Southwest has 30% off of base fares with promo code 30SPLASH for flights booked by tomorrow night and travel between March 18 and May 21.
I repriced existing travel and averaged about 30% off with this promotion, which is slightly better than normal and surprisingly on brand for the promo code.
Have a nice Wednesday!
Visualization of being buried up to your ears in Pepper coins.