We had a pretty big week here at Rene’s Points!
I hope you like the site’s new look! As I mentioned in the post announcing the theme refresh, we’ll make some tweaks here and there. Thanks to those of you who commented and added suggestions!
We kicked off the week by discussing credit cards giving members free access to airport lounges. I also asked readers if Delta and Amex should rebrand/rename the SkyMiles credit cards in order to prevent confusion.
A few people are now swearing off onboard drinks and food after learning Delta didn’t fare well in a study of airline water quality. We also enjoyed a discussion about tipping airport shuttle drivers. Please weight in if you haven’t!
Mileage Runs!
Did you see the four mileage runs we posted this week?
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Tokyo
- Burbank (BUR) to London Heathrow (LHR)
- Boston (BOS) to Manila (MNL)
- Las Vegas (LAS) to Quito (UIO)
Our mileage run emails are sent from a separate mailing list — so make sure you sign up, as well as follow @EliteMileageRun and @RenesPoints on Twitter, and Rene’s Points on Facebook.
And if you want a custom-made mileage run, we know people who can help.
Points, Sales, and Miles!
Rene wrote about a killer deal involving a transatlantic cruise. Very nice!!
Delta announced a fare special for a few dozen cities, with Basic Economy starting as low as $97.
A couple of American Express specials popped up this week, too. If you hold the American Express® Gold Card (learn more and compare to other cards), check your email for an offer to receive up to 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you add authorized users.
We wrote about two Delta Amex Offers that arrived Friday. Were you targeted?
Finally, we’re only four weeks away from the Chicago Seminars! I hope to see you there!
Other Delta News
A few Delta headlines you may also find interesting include:
Delta Air Lines Crew Reflects On Piloting Hurricane Relief Flights To Bahamas
Delta flight attendant praised for helping deaf teen
A Delta flight plunged 30,000 feet in minutes
Delta Invests $2 Million for Study of Potential Facility to Produce Biofuel from Forest Floor Debris
Video shows Delta pilot moments before arrest for trying to fly while drunk
More Travel News!
As usual, there were some head-scratching stories and a few other posts I thought you may enjoy. 🙂
Air India introduces ‘diet’ meals for in-flight crew
Qatar Airways posts huge increase in losses, blames ongoing blockade
Southwest passengers get no damages for flights canceled by de-icer shortage: U.S. judge
Thank you for another great week of reading, commenting, and sharing!
–Chris
Cover photo of Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-400 tail number N838MH takes off from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — ©iStock.com/Boarding1Now
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Plunged??? Wrong word. Should have been “controlled descent.” Sure a controlled descent of 30,000 feet in 8 minutes is scary, but plunged implies UNCONTROLLABLE, which this wasn’t. But controlled descent in a headline doesn’t capture attention, and as we know, the media is all about capturing attention, even if incorrect. I’m wondering if anyone (FA’s or pilots) got on the PA and told everyone what was going on, and that it was by the book.
@Don in ATL – I think we can all agree anytime the 02 masks drop it is a big deal! I have flown thousands of flights and never had them pop out once.