Intelligence – August, 19 2014

Intelligence – August, 19 2014

SkyTeam has launched a Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific Pass as mini round-the-world tickets where flyers can choose from three to 11 flights in economy or business class as long as they start and end in the same country and at least one stop is in Australia or New Zealand. You can earn frequent flyer miles through a SkyTeam airline. … During the first three months of 2014, about 992 million credit card offers were mailed to consumers in the U.S., up about seven percent from the same period last year and more than twice the number of card offers from five years ago. … Virgin Atlantic, with a codeshare agreement with Delta, is launching seasonal service next year between Orlando and Belfast (June and July) and between Las Vegas and Glasgow (September and October). … Delta is launching Saturday service from New York (JFK) to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean on Dec. 20, 2014. Customers can enjoy the new Delta Sky Club at Terminal 4, JFK with the first-ever Sky Deck rooftop terrace. … Bckstgr, a partner with United MileagePlus, where members could earn miles for online activity like downloading an app, watching videos or various other activities, is no longer a partner. The program began in 2012 and United was the only partner. Bckstgr wrote in an email to those who took part in the program, “In the event that we are able to offer you other partner opportunities or be part of another exciting rewards program in the future, we will be sure to contact you.” The partnership ended Aug. 30, 2014. … Through a new partnership, American AAdvantage members will earn 200 miles for every ride booked with GroundLink, a global black car service operating in 110 countries. GroundLink guarantees on-time pickups and offers a flight tracking system that automatically adjusts airport pick up times based on actual flight arrival. Reservations must be made through http://groundlink.com/AAdvantage or over the phone at (855) 463-7150 for miles to be earned. … Southwest Airlines‘ CEO, Gary Kelly has said that the airline’s international focus will most likely grow to Canada, the Caribbean, Central America and parts of South America. And if that goes well, the airline might fly to Europe. … Qantas Club members will no longer be able to access Qantas international business lounges when traveling in economy on an Emirates number or to use Emirates airport lounges at Dubai unless their ticket carries a QF flight number as of Oct. 1, 2014. Qantas Club members will also not be able to access the American Airlines Admirals Club in London when traveling on an Emirates flight number. The new rules do not affect elite members, only Qantas Club members. … Etihad Airways is launching service from San Francisco to Abu Dhabi from Nov. 18, 2014 and from Dallas/Fort Worth from Dec. 3, 2014, with connections to more than 30 destinations across the Gulf, Middle East, Africa and the island nations of the Indian Ocean. Etihad currently flies from New York, Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). … The all-suite THEhotel Mandalay Bay is rebranding to be called Delano Las Vegas sometime this fall with an $80 million facelift. MGM Mlife has partnered with Morgans Hotel Group for the Delano-branded hotel. Mlife NOIR members received invitations to become Morgan Hotel Group Global Card members along with a complimentary night at any new Morgans Hotel Group property within the first six months of the hotel’s opening date.