1. Delta Adding Premium Economy to International Flights
Via Skift, Delta is adding a Premium Economy class to international flights around mid-2017.
This is NOT simply a coach seat with a bit more legroom. Delta promises a more comfortable seat along with higher quality meals and service.
It will be included in Delta’s new Airbus A350s, which should be delivered in early 2017. These planes will replace their 747s, which fly mostly on their trans-Pacific routes.
With this new service, Delta will have to update their mileage charts, booking system, and determine how upgrades will work.
This follows American Airlines, which was the first US airline to publicize plans for the new premium international cabin.
2. Delta Will Use RFID Technology to Track Bags
Delta will be the first airline in the US to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track baggage. There will be a chip in your bag tag to give you its precise location throughout your trip. By the end of 2016, you’ll be able to get real-time tracking on your bags!Hopefully this means fewer lost bags for Delta flyers. But (of course!) human error is still possible. But you’ll be more likely to get your bag back…eventually. 🙂
Some cards reimburse you for reasonable expenses when your luggage is delayed or lost. Read my post about about the best cards for luggage insurance, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, United MileagePlus® Explorer Card, Citi Prestige, and Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard®.
3. US Bank LifeMiles Cards Switched to FlexPerks Visa Cards
Via Reddit, all US Bank LifeMiles Visa credit cards will be converted to US Bank FlexPerks Visa cards in June 2016. The LifeMiles card was US Bank’s co-branded card with Avianca.
A Reddit commenter with the LifeMiles Visa Signature version was offered a 20,000 FlexPoints bonus after spending $500 on the new card.
Others noted they were NOT offered any bonuses, but they had the regular version of the LifeMiles Visa card.
A representative from US Bank says that LifeMiles Visa Signature cards will be changed to U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Travel Rewards Visa Signature® cards. And regular LifeMiles Visa cards will be switched to the US Bank FlexPerks Select Rewards card.
So keep an eye out for retention offers!
Avianca is a South American airline, but you can use their miles on any Star Alliance airline, including Air Canada, Lufthansa, and United Airlines.I’ve written about how to book United Airlines award flights with Avianca miles. And here’s their partner award chart.
4. Silvercar Adds 2 New Locations AND an Increased Referral Bonus
Good news if you fly into Newark a lot! Mommy Points let us know that Silvercar is coming to Newark on May 9, 2016. And they’ve already added a location in Brooklyn.
I’ve written about my road-trip to Big Bend and when my friends used Silvercar. I had a great experience with Silvercar.
Anyone can use the code “SPRING20” to save 20% through May 15, 2016. And new renters can use promotion code “LOUNGEBUDDY” for 1 free day or “FACEBOOK50” for $50 off.
If you refer a friend to Silvercar, you’ll also get an increased $50 referral bonus. And earn $25 off your first rental when you sign-up with my link.