In June of 2019, my mother, father, and I drove to Sioux Falls to embark on an escapade through Europe. We awoke early for our Delta flight, stopped briefly in Minneapolis to change planes, and then found ourselves at JFK… Read More ›
Airlines
Dollar Flight Club
I’m excited to be working with Dollar Flight Club! Many of the airfare deals I come across were originally shared by their team. I get an email when they find a cheap fare from my chosen airport. It’s simple. Go… Read More ›
Hong Kong & Vietnam – Impressions
My father, mother, and I returned from Vietnam in late November. We stopped in Hong Kong, where we stayed together two years prior, again taking advantage of the free stopover on one-way awards with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan, and their… Read More ›
US News & World Report – 2017 Airline Rewards Credit Card Study
US News & World Report invited me to evaluate their 2017 Airline Rewards Credit Card Study. I’ll provide a summary and analysis of the report, and expand on credit cards that warrant attention. The study divided the airline rewards credit card… Read More ›
Hong Kong and Japan: Channeling the Far East
I collected airline miles, hotel points, and free night certificates for an excursion to East Asia in December of 2015. I treated my mother and father to two business class flights with Cathay Pacific. The first was a 16-hour flight… Read More ›
Matthewriter’s Travel Agency
Visit Matthewriter’s Travel Agency, launched this summer, for help organizing your next trip. I’m offering up to five hours of research, advice, and planning for $129. Each additional hour is $27. We can discuss airline routes and rules, hotel loyalty… Read More ›
Priority Pass airport lounges
A number of credit cards offer a membership with Priority Pass, a network of airport lounges. Cardholders with the Citi Prestige get free access for themselves and two guests. Each additional guest costs $27. The American Express Hilton Honors Surpass… Read More ›
ME3 (Middle East 3) – Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar
The ME3, not long ago, were set to become the global elite among airlines. Sure, they’re fueled by government subsidies, unfairly, perhaps, to other carriers, but they provide a class of service not matched in the skies. European or Asian… Read More ›
Fifth Freedom Routes
A fifth freedom route is the right of an airline to fly between two foreign countries on a route originating or ending in the airline’s own country. KLM flies from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, a 12-hour flight, and then Kuala… Read More ›
Transferable Points Currencies
Points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels represent excellent value. Diversifying your portfolio of miles and points often provides unforeseen opportunities. Singapore Airlines partners with all four transferable currencies, while Cathay Pacific, Etihad, and Air France/KLM partner with… Read More ›
Dublin, London, India – 2016
Oct 23 Rapid City Fairfield Inn $49 Oct 24 Delta RAP – MSP – BOS $259 ($250 airline credit) Aer Lingus Lounge – Boston Aer Lingus Boston – Dublin 37.5k BA avios + $34 (Business) Aer… Read More ›
Alaska: Wilderness Unbound
Alaska is absurd. Bears, moose, mammoth mountains, soaring pines, jagged peaks, water streaming past boulders, surging down valleys, crashing against sand. We started in South Dakota, attending a wedding in the Black Hills the weekend prior to departure. This was July of 2014…. Read More ›
Giveaway – AA Admirals Club passes
I’m giving away two American Airlines Admirals Club day passes (expire Dec. 31, 2016). To enter the contest, follow matthewriter.org and leave a comment telling me how you will use the passes. If you already follow the blog, leave a… Read More ›
American Airlines Award Chart Devaluation
Just a friendly reminder: American Airlines’ award chart will be devalued on March 22. First and Business class are taking the biggest hit. If you have miles to burn, now might be a great time to use them. Awards can… Read More ›
Hong Kong and Japan: A Combined Effort
In December 2015, Mom, Dad and I traveled to Hong Kong for two nights, and then to Japan for 8 nights. The idea was mine, but Dad was integral to the vision, and execution. Mom was along for the ride…. Read More ›
