As a general rule, does booking a business class seat with Continental Airlines require fewer points compared to other airline mileage programs?
100% View from the Wing
Hmmmm. You almost had me there. Continental Airlines? Continental Airlines announced a merger with United Airlines in 2010 but did not fully fully integrate all their systems and frequent flyer programs until 2012. Ask again about business class seats on United Airlines.
View from the Wing Great Use of Amex (or Starwood) Points: Booking Awards on Virgin Atlantic Through Their Partner All Nippon
Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer program adds some extortionate taxes and fees, not unlike the British Airways program. Expect to pay about $550 from the US to London and back in a premium cabin. Fortunately, All Nippon’s program is often less expensive in terms of miles and for some reason they don’t add fuel surcharges onto awards using their partner Virgin Atlantic. So taxes are a more reasonable ~ $275. I don’t really understand why this is the case. ANA hits redemption bookings on their own metal and on Star Alliance partners with fuel surcharges. Why not Virgin bookings?
View from the Wing The Sky is Not Falling, Why American Express Membership Rewards Points Remain Valuable
I like Ben, Ben is a friend of mine, but this morning he goes a bit over the top at One Mile at a Time with his declaration of the death of American Express Membership Rewards as a valuable program. Of course, I already used the program selectively — the American Express Premier Rewards Gold card was my choice for airfare (triple points) and groceries (double points) and that’s the crux of why my credit card advice hasn’t changed. See, unlike Ben I still value 3 Membership Rewards points from airfare more than 2 Chase Ultimate Rewards points