Travel Wise And Cool

Frequent Flier Miles Are Expiring Faster

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 01:45:31 -0800

USA Today did a good job in compiling the expiration policies of major U.S. frequent flier programs. Time to strategize your usage of mileage programs!

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Best Western's China Strategy: Premium Upscale Hotel Chain

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:50:30 -0800

The strategy is probably flawed. I am not sure if Best Western can efficiently build brand image as an upscale hotel chain in China, given all major hotel chains have invested in 4-/5-star hotels heavily in China, and more people have visited the U.S. (and therefore know one thing or two about what Best Western is in America). On the other hand, downtown thrifty hotels are in huge demand -- a domestic 3-star hotel chain has just went IPO in NASDAQ lately.

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Best Hotels In Shanghai Featured in WSJ

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:27:59 -0800

Wall Street Journal discussed some amazing hotels in Shanghai. For example, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, famously located in the highest building building in Shanghai, offers breathtaking views of the Bund. Because all these hotels were only opened in the last several years, you can really expect posh interior design and impeccable experience during your stay.

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American, Delta And Other Airlines Are Raising Fares

Sat, 04 Nov 2006 14:34:04 -0800

Major airlines are certainly gaining pricing powers. If it is any indication, I was recently downgraded twice to economy class because Northwest oversold business class tickets.

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Singapore Airlines' New Cabin Design

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 23:11:23 -0800

new design just makes me drool. We are talking about full-flat bed, 15-inch LCD and business panel in business class cabin. Unfortunately, the design will not be rolled out to flights in Asia any time soon. Cannot wait to try it out!]]>

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Frequent Flier Programs: The Best Success Rates Of Upgrade Award Booking

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 08:31:16 -0800

WebFlyer compares the overall success rate for booking an upgrade award trips in different airlines' frequent flier programs. The average success rate, as reported by WebFlyer readers, is 58%.

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Frequent Flier Programs: The Best Success Rates Of Award Trip Booking

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:30:41 -0800

WebFlyer compares the overall success rate for booking an award trip in different airlines' frequent flier programs. The average success rate, as reported by WebFlyer readers, is 53%. Although I have tons of miles in United, Northwest and Singapore Airlines, the only successful award trip I ever booked is with Singapore Airlines.

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Scary Stories Of Being Late For Flights

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 02:56:07 -0800

WSJ's travel columnist Scott McCartney compiled a list of horrible experience from airline customers being dumped from oversold planes, being charged enormous late fees and getting terrible delayed. My family was once late to a Delta flight due to freeway accident and had to pay for new tickets over $2,000. I will never ever fly Delta gain!

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Travel Insurance Or Not?

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 02:51:12 -0800

Scott McCartney at WSJ reviews whether one should purchase travel insurance. It is probably true for exotic trips, one should seriously consider travel insurance.

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Promotions For Frequent Flier Elite Status

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 04:57:27 -0800

Some latest promotions from major airlines to help you get your elite status sooner. To me, the advantage of Elite status is obvious: quicker boarding, access to lounges and better seating. Now that I'm flying 14 weeks a year, I cannot live without Elite membership.

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Quicker Security Screening For Less Than $100

Sat, 07 Oct 2006 16:45:33 -0800

Frequent fliers beware: you can pay under $100 for much quicker security screen at some airports.

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