Featured photo by Aleksandar Pasaric
Hi, fellow travelers! I’m excited to introduce “Wired Wanderlust Weekly,” a new weekly newsletter-style article featuring a curated selection of the latest travel and technology-related updates. Alongside the news, I’ll be sharing my commentary and thoughts to enrich your reading experience. Stay tuned for an insightful journey into the intersection of travel and technology!
China Airlines adds new SEA to TPE routes
Starting July 14th, China Airlines will introduce direct flights from Seattle to Taipei, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. This marks the third airline, following Delta and Starlux, to announce direct flights from Seattle to Taipei this year. Formerly serviced exclusively by Eva Airlines, this route now presents a broader selection for travelers. Currently, these flights are offered at discounted rates, presenting an opportune moment for those planning to journey from Seattle to Taiwan.
Bilt drops AA and adds Alaska Airlines
If you are a renter, using the Bilt service to pay rent is a great way to rack up points for future travel. Previously, Bilt reward points were transferable to American Airlines, but this option is being replaced. Now, Alaska Airlines will be the new partner. This is great news for renters living in the Pacific Northwest but not great for people on the East Coast. The biggest benefit might be for Alaska Airlines credit card holders. In the upcoming months, Bilt will introduce the feature allowing renters to use their Alaska Airlines credit card to cover rental expenses. This will earn them 3 Alaska miles per dollar spent, with a cap of $50,000 in annual rent.
American Express cardholders get free access to Point.me
American Express has teamed up with Point.me to enhance the utilization of your Amex Reward Points. As of this month, American Express cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to Point.me. This access allows users to view availability across Amex’s 20 transfer partners, offering a valuable resource for discovering optimal redemption options. To begin, simply visit amex.point.me and log in using your Amex credentials.
Although I find Point.me a little slow to use, it is one of the most beginner-friendly reward seat finders out there. Not only does it show you where there is availability, but it also walks you through the entire redemption process step by step.
Alaska Airlines launches subscription service
Alaska Airlines is set to introduce a new subscription service called Alaska Access, offering members exclusive benefits such as early access to deals, a monthly Wi-Fi voucher, and a personalized fare page. Priced at $60 per year, or $5 per month, this service aims to enhance the travel experience for subscribers. With Alaska Access, members gain early access to Alaska Airlines sales, along with a monthly Wi-Fi voucher (which does not roll over).
For frequent flyers who regularly pay for Wi-Fi, this subscription could prove worthwhile. However, the value of early access to deals may be questionable. It appears to be a strategic move by airlines to capture a portion of the market occupied by platforms like Going.com. Whether this subscription model will gain widespread adoption remains uncertain, but it undeniably presents an intriguing concept within the airline industry.
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