A Hodgepodge of News – The Week In Review 1/06/14-1/12/14

Here are a collection of news items that caught my eye this week.

• Delta changed their lounge membership options in response to what they call “overcrowding”.  From now on they will be selling a premium membership for $695 which allows for up to two guests.  For $450 (currently the cost of a membership that allows two guests) they will have an Individual Membership option where guests cost $29 each.  Additionally, those who gain access through their credit card like the American Express Platinum, will no longer be able to bring guests for free. Delta’s website has a full list of the changes.

• In another unfriendly move, after May 1, 2014 SkyTeam Elite Plus members will not have access to third party lounges when flying Delta.  The Wandering Aramean covered the change in detail.

• Club Carlson launched their first 2014 promotion.  If you stay 3 nights they will award 38,000 bonus points.  I compared the early 2014 hotel loyalty promotions including the Club Carlson offer this week.

• American Airlines launched their A321T Transcon flights between Los Angeles and New York.  Amol at Hack my Trip had a great review of the new 1st class product and Gary Leff reviewed the business class product.

• The InterContinental : Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort in Koh Samui is pricing out at only 25,000 points per night.  This is a great price if you will be in the area and can find dates with availability.

• American Airlines and US Airways initiated the next step in merging their two loyalty programs.  You can find out the full details here.

• We are running a contest for a free GoGo code.  All you have to do is comment on this post by 11:59 PST tonight.  Currently the odds of winning are very good.

• While American was launching a new jet, Delta was saying goodbye to an old one.  A few days ago Delta retired their six remaining McDonnell Douglas DC-9 aircraft.  CNN has a great article about the jet’s long and storied history.

• Uber is offering $20 for new member sign ups.  In the past the bonus has been $10, so this is a good offer.  If you use my referral link to sign up then I get $10 or $20 credit depending on when you take your first ride.  Either way you get $20! (This is the best offer that I am aware of.) You can also buy $25 worth of Uber credit for $5 on Groupon.  If you do that you would end up with $45 in credit for $5.  Not bad!

Did I miss something?  Is there something that you found interesting that isn’t listed above?  Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to enter the contest for a free GoGo internet code!

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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