Weekly Review: July 11, 2015

Weekly Review: July 11, 2015

4
In the interest of full disclosure, OMAAT earns a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the below links. These are the best publicly available offers (terms apply) that we have found for each product or service. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, hotel chain, or product manufacturer/service provider, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Please check out our advertiser policy for further details about our partners, and thanks for your support!

Hello from Palm Springs! I’m here after spending much of the past week in Seattle, where I got to play tourist in my old hometown.

Seattle-Skyline-Market

I love Seattle summers, and it was great to see some friends. I’m looking forward to spending a few days in Palm Springs now as well, given I’ve oddly never been to the area before.


Featured Stories

Why You Want The Chase Sapphire Preferred If Starting In The Hobby

Maldivian-Dash-8-Maldives-50

I’ve written in the past about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Card, which over the past several years has reliably proven to be my all around favorite credit card.

While I hold onto a ton of credit cards long term, if I could pick just one card it would be the Sapphire Preferred.


Redeeming Citi ThankYou Points For Travel On American

American-Flagship-Lounge-Chicago-28It’s pretty tough to beat redeeming each Citi ThankYou point for 1.6 cents towards the cost of a ticket on American.

I’ve received a lot of questions about the actual process of redeeming ThankYou points for travel on American, though. So this post goes through that process.

 


Triple Trip Reports

The Airplane Restaurant

We’ve had an absolute bonanza of trip reports this week, and I’m quite excited about each of them.

Andrew M. took us through selecting and enjoying wine in the air (apparently airlines stock more than Diet Coke and Krug — who knew?).

Travis wrote about upgrading a basic mattress run into a mini-getaway, and reviewed his recent trip to Colorado Springs.

Nick started his recap of his recent trip to Amsterdam, including an airline I’ve yet to fly.

I’m a bit of a junkie when it comes to Trip Reports, and think each of these offer a unique perspective. Definitely check them out if you haven’t!


One Week at a Time Logo

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Mattress Running With Sheraton’s Free Weekends Promotion
IHG Sweetens “Share Forever” Summer Promotion With Double Points
Register For Sheraton Free Weekends Promotion
Clarifying The Citi Prestige Card $250 Airline Credit Benefit
$75 Off Your Next Hilton Stay With Amex Offers
Limited Time 80,000 Point Marriott Visa Card Sign-Up Bonus
Avianca LifeMiles 100% Mileage Transfer Bonus Through July 22, 2015
Why You Want The Chase Sapphire Preferred If Starting In The Hobby
75,000 Hilton Points And No Annual Fee
2,000 Bonus Points Per Night With Club Carlson This Summer
Buy American Miles For 2 Cents Each Through July 13, 2015

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

25% Bonus On Transfers To Virgin Atlantic Isn’t Horrible
Using Transferrable Points Currencies To Pay For Flights
Redeem BA Avios On Qantas Ex-Australia Without Fuel Surcharges
Redeeming Citi ThankYou Points For Travel On American

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

Hotel Room Descriptions That Make You Wonder…
Costco Or Sam’s Club: Which Is Better For World Travelers?
I’ve Finally Found A City I’m Ready To Call Home… Eventually
Which Airline Do OMAAT Readers Prefer To Fly?
“Let Me See If We Have A Complimentary Upgrade For You”
When Does It Make Sense To Go Into City On A Layover?
My Secret To Living Out Of A Carry-On
Amtrak’s Singing Cafe Car Attendant

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

Review: Delta Sky Club Los Angeles LAX
Introduction: Amsterdam Via Britain And Indonesia (Sort Of)
One Merlot At A Time: Conclusion And Bottom Line
Wine Review: Cathay Pacific First Class Frankfurt to Hong Kong
Wine Review: American First Class Dallas to Madrid
Wine Review: American Business Class Beijing To Dallas
Introduction: One Merlot At A Time
A Drive By Visit To The House Of Miles, Colorado Springs
Review: The Airplane Restaurant, Colorado Springs
Review: Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport
How To Turn A Mattress Run Into A Free Staycation: Introduction
Best 45 Minute Flight Ever? “This Makes Cathay Look Like Easyjet!”
Emirates 777 Vs. A380 First Class: Which Is Better?

NEWS & Updates

Volcanic Eruption Grounds Flights In Indonesia
Breaking: My Favorite Destination Restaurant Is Closing!!!
American & US Airways Integrating Reservations Systems On October 17, 2015
Swiss Boeing 777-300ER Cabins & Routes Announced
IHG’s New Top Tier Status Will Be Called WHAT?!?!
Heartwarming Video Of American’s Youngest Pilot (For A Day)!
Breaking News: United Flights Grounded Systemwide Due To Computer Glitch
Qatar Airways Backtracks On Oneworld Lounge Access
Alaska First Class Catering Improved
Air India Planning Flights To San Francisco and Toronto


I’m looking forward to a weekend of relaxation before another crazy week. What are you guys up to?

Conversations (4)
The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.
Type your response here.

If you'd like to participate in the discussion, please adhere to our commenting guidelines. Anyone can comment, and your email address will not be published. Register to save your unique username and earn special OMAAT reputation perks!

  1. Alexander Guest

    @Lucky, two questions:
    1. When are you planning on flying Garuda First?
    2. I'm a germaphobe and wanted to know if you take anti bacterial wipes on flights (hotels of course) and wipe down all frequently touched areas? Or I am weird? Lol.

    1. lucky OMAAT

      @ Alexander -- Contributor Nick just flew Garuda, so stay tuned for his review. I hope to fly them at some point, but don't have any immediate plans. As far as anti bacterial wipes go, can't say I do, though I've certainly thought about it.

  2. Malcolm Guest

    Hey Lucky, are you going to be doing any reviews in the area, as I'm in Palm Springs next week? Also, what hotel are you going to be staying at?(not coming to stalk, just want to know if it's good if it's the one I'll be at!) Thanks

    1. lucky OMAAT

      @ Malcolm -- Just reviewing The Parker, and sadly already out of town. Loved it, though, and will definitely be back.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

lucky OMAAT

@ Malcolm -- Just reviewing The Parker, and sadly already out of town. Loved it, though, and will definitely be back.

0
lucky OMAAT

@ Alexander -- Contributor Nick just flew Garuda, so stay tuned for his review. I hope to fly them at some point, but don't have any immediate plans. As far as anti bacterial wipes go, can't say I do, though I've certainly thought about it.

0
Alexander Guest

@Lucky, two questions: 1. When are you planning on flying Garuda First? 2. I'm a germaphobe and wanted to know if you take anti bacterial wipes on flights (hotels of course) and wipe down all frequently touched areas? Or I am weird? Lol.

0
Meet Ben Schlappig, OMAAT Founder
5,163,247 Miles Traveled

32,614,600 Words Written

35,045 Posts Published

Keep Exploring OMAAT