Winter Storm Delays
More winter storms in the U.S. have airlines cancelling thousands of flights again this week - many a day or two in advance. Cancellations were worst in Texas and the mid-South. Delays could spread throughout the U.S., as hubs in Atlanta and Dallas face groundings due to ice and snowstorms. Many airlines are waiving change fees for tickets to fly into or through affected regions.
Airline News
American Airlines has increased phone-based booking fees to US$30 for U.S. domestic booking and US$40 for international bookings outside the U.S. Fees will be waived for award booking that cannot be done on its website.
JetBlue and The Wall Street Journal are offering JetBlue travelers complimentary in-flight subscriber-level access to WSJ.com.
Airport News
An official Punta Cana International Airport Mobile App is now available for the Mexican airport on Google Play and contains parking information, an airport guide and shopping and dining information.
Loyalty Program News
Southwest Airlines will increase the number of Rapid Rewards Points that members must redeem for free flights, beginning April 17.
United Airlines is reducing prices for partner award travel to select destinations in both business and coach classes. Bookings must be made by February 28, with travel dates falling between now and December 31.
Wyndham Rewards members can now earn double points for weekday stays at participating hotels between February 2 and April 30.
Hilton HHonors has added Lifetime Diamond status for members who have 10 years of Diamond status and have stayed 1,000 paid nights. Perks include a 50% bonus on points earned, guaranteed room availability when booking at least 48 hours in advance and a free fifth night on award stays.
Hyatt has added free premium Wi-Fi, United Club day passes and guest access to Diamond benefits for elite members of its Gold Passport program.
Hyatt is offering a 20% discount on Gold Passport award bookings for members who have a Hyatt co-branded credit card.
Hotel News
Guests who book a room by April 30 for travel between May 7 and September 30 at Nassau, Bahamas' Baha Mar will receive a complimentary first night with two or more nights Baha Mar Casino & Hotel or Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, four nights or longer at SLS Lux Baha Mar and five or more nights at Rosewood Baha Mar.
The Hyatt Place Tijuana opened in Baja California, Mexicoin close proximity to the Zona Rio business and financial district, Agua Caliente Race Track and Casino, Estadio Caliente soccer stadium and the Club Campestre Tijuana country club. The 145-room property offers free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, a 24/7 Gallery Menu and Market, free parking, 24-hour business center and more than 1,776 square feet of flexible meeting space.
The all-inclusive Finest Playa Mujeres has opened in Cancun, Mexico. The property boasts private pools, rooftop terraces, family suites, 10 swimming pools, nine gourmet restaurants and 17 bars.
Marriott International sold the 294-room Miami Beach Edition to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for $230 million.
Ground Transportation Services
Advantage Rent A Car will purchase E-Z Rent-A-Car Group Holding, increasing to 85 locations and capitalizing on a combined presence in 22 of the Top 25 U.S. airports.
