I still remember the long lines and paper forms from my first international trip in 1999. Today things look much different at the CBP. Here’s an overview of the ways CBP is making entry into the U.S. more efficient. Global Entry (and other trusted traveler programs) Global Entry is a CBP program that allows expedited clearance for…
Today, Delta announced some HUGE changes to its SkyMiles program. Since I don’t blog during my client’s time, this post has to be super-short. Expect a more detailed post in a few days with my take on this change. This post contains the high-level overview. Instead of earning miles based on mileage flown, customers will…
WestJet is the quirky Canadian airline that just likes to have fun. Recently, they introduced Kargo Kids as an April Fools Day prank. This year, they decided to spread some holiday cheer to their customers on two flights. You have to watch the video to believe what happened. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it. The amount…
Today Delta announced some huge changes to their frequent flyer program for 2014. The changes take effect on March 1, 2014. Full details are at Delta’s website, but here are the biggest points: Changes to complementary upgrades Medallion Complementary Upgrades will now be offered on flights between Hawaii and LAX, SEA, SFO, or SLC. Medallion Complementary…
I am a sucker for airline route maps. On almost every flight, I flip to the back of the in-flight magazine to check out the airline’s route network and see if I can identify new routes or partners. Sure it’s interesting, but can doing help you navigate the airlines more effectively? Absolutely! Knowing my airline’s…
Earlier this year, we heard a few rumblings about Southwest joining the TSA PreCheck program. It looks like there has recently been some movement that might indicate Southwest is close to rolling out participation in PreCheck. A poster on FlyerTalk points out that Southwest is adding information to its boarding passes and speculates that this information is…
Last week, a reader asked me to explain the difference between a layover and a stopover. I don’t think that I did it justice in person, so here’s the full explanation. Layover Simply put, a layover happens any time you switch planes during your journey. Most people use connection and layover interchangeably. Stopover Generally, if…
Last Thursday, I arrived home to find a postcard in my mailbox advertising a United promotion offering up to 40% off purchased miles until June 20, 2013. At these prices, I wouldn’t purchase tons of United miles speculatively, but if I were topping off my United MileagePlus account with a specific award redemption in mind,…
The Flying Consultant 