✈ Last-Minute Elite Status Chase, Las Vegas Waited Years for This Resort & More News From TPG ✈

Plus: Which credit cards cover baggage delays?

December 16, 2023 View in browser

Why I made a (small) status run to close out the year by Cameron Sperance, Senior Hotels Reporter Good morning, TPG readers. Sigh. I just did what I said I'd never do: make a status run to meet the requirements to hold on to Delta Air Lines Platinum Medallion status for another year. Yes, it meant waking up at 4 in the morning to hop on a short sunrise flight to New York City from Boston. Yes, it meant making not the best awards redemption (14,000 SkyMiles one-way for a flight that was barely longer than a half-hour). And yes ... all for Platinum. Not even Diamond! Why would I do such a thing? Especially when all those Delta SkyMiles changes and much higher spending thresholds for next year have left us wondering if elite status is even worth it anymore. We're firm believers in doing what's best for you, and in the case of Delta, Platinum has treated me well. I tend to get upgraded more often than not (knock on wood). I get partner lounge access when traveling abroad on SkyTeam carriers (and have it at the Delta Sky Club with my The Platinum Card® from American Express), and I generally find Delta offers a more pleasant experience in the sky than its competitors. Beyond flying, you can earn status with various Delta cobranded credit cards. Although there's not enough time left this year to close the gap by applying for a new card, the right one can jumpstart your status prospects in 2024. That said, all I had to do was close a gap of 40 Medallion Qualification Dollars, and this gave me an excuse to give my friends their Christmas presents in person over lunch in New York. When my husband joked he could take two days and fly to Rome over the holidays to close a significantly higher gap for Diamond, I told him the "doing what's best for you" rule only applied to me. Sorry! Check out more of our coverage on qualifying for last-minute elite status: Last-minute strategies for earning Delta Medallion elite status How to earn last-minute elite airline status — and whether or not it's worth it Last-minute domestic flights you can book to earn elite status That's all from me for today. I'll catch y'all tomorrow! Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY.

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Today's top stories Las Vegas waited years for Fontainebleau — here are 5 things you should know about this new resort Here's what we learned at the grand opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Read more Quick Points: How to earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on Uber rides and food delivery Find out how to link your Marriott Bonvoy account to your Uber account to earn bonus points on rides and food delivery. Read more Which credit cards cover baggage delays? TPG looks at credit cards with baggage delay protection and what you need to do to get reimbursed. Read more A review of United Airlines in first class on the Airbus A320 from Seattle to Los Angeles Here's what it's like to fly United Airlines' Airbus A320 in first class. Read more Earn 10-plus American miles (and Loyalty Points) per dollar at many merchants through AA shopping With increased earning rates, you can earn extra miles and Loyalty Points through American Airlines' shopping portal. Read more

The latest 1. Fly to the US Virgin Islands this winter for as low as $228 round-trip 2. Deal: Singapore Airlines business class from New York to Frankfurt for 56,700 miles in business or 17,500 miles in economy 3. Southwest in the news for its generous 'customer of size and extra seat' policy — here's how it works 4. Point.me launches new Explore tool for travelers with no specific destination in mind 5. Guide to getting your child's passport 6. World of Hyatt Credit Card review: One of the most valuable hotel cards 7. Last-minute gift ideas for the travelers in your life — including discounted AirTags and AirPods 8. Book now to get 25% off and 10,000 bonus points with this Marriott Bonvoy all-inclusive spring deal 9. Apple AirTag 4-pack on sale for the lowest price we've seen all year — but act fast 10. Disney cruise kids clubs: What to know about the Oceaneer Club

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