With the advent of numerous frequent travel loyalty programs increasing miles and points redemption rates while offering reduced benefits as costs to the customer seem to steadily increase, is it time to give up on what some call “the game”? A thoughtful discussion was launched today with one FlyerTalk member admitting that the “white flag” is being raised. After 25 years as a frequent flier, FlyerTalk member stonecrd somberly posts the following...

Fuel surcharges have been a problem for many years, significantly increasing the total cost of airfares in many cases — and rendering award tickets redeemed with frequent flier loyalty program miles virtually worthless. Ben Edelman — also known as FlyerTalk member bedelman, who hosts an Internet web site of resources related to travel and received attention when it was inaccessible for a period of time back in 2004 — and Xiaoxiao Wu have submitted a complaint against...

As I type this, Boston is currently experiencing heavy snowfall of up to five inches per hour, frigid temperatures and windy conditions with gusts of up to 80 miles per hour in what could be one of the worst storms to affect New England — where as much as three feet of snow could accumulate — in recorded history. A blizzard warning — issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts exceeding 35 miles per hour are expected with significant falling snow — is currently in effect in New England until 1:00 in the afternoon Eastern Standard Time today. One fatality has already been reported in New York as the result of...

Of the 29 pages of the document which lists the changes in hotel categories in the Marriott Rewards frequent guest loyalty program, it appears that approximately 1,287 hotel properties will move up one category; while only 46 hotel properties — comprising of only one page — will move down one category. Additionally, a new Category 9 — requiring a redemption of...

“Instead of the space going to real executives who could create jobs, the space went to FlyerTalk idiots. That is beyond stealing for me.” This is what an “insider” allegedly told Christopher Elliott about FlyerTalk members who not only took advantage of a low airfare in the business class cabin for flights originating in Yangon, but also...

A Turkish Airlines flight which departed from Istanbul carrying 114 people on board was reportedly struck by lightning on its way to Izmir and made an emergency landing after its right engine supposedly was on fire as a result of the lightning strike. There were...

The cruise ship Triumph — operated by Carnival Cruise Lines and launched into service in 1999 — is currently stranded in the Gulf of Mexico southeast of Galveston, Texas and west of the Yucatan Peninsula as the result of an engine room fire that caused the vessel to lose power. Food, running water and bathroom facilities...

To celebrate the Year of the Snake, Cathay Pacific Airways is offering a free limited edition stuffed toy snake through February 28, 2013 when you book your flight reservation at the official Internet web site of Cathay Pacific Airways — but this offer is only good if...

FlyerTalk member Air Canada Top Tier — who is an official company representative of Air Canada on FlyerTalk — announced that a new Premium Economy cabin will be introduced on five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that are joining the Air Canada fleet over the course of the coming year. These aircraft will also feature Executive First and Economy Class cabins. Unlike the offerings on many other airlines...