The Marriott's acquisition of its smaller rival, Starwood, has been in limbo as they waited out approval from Chinese regulators. However, the wait is no more, as news broke yesterday that Chinese regulators decided to give Marriott the green light. What this means in the near-term, obviously, is that with the Marriott-Starwood merger approved, the two companies will now work … [Read more...] about Marriott-Starwood Merger Approved
Jeffsetter Blog (featuring Island Miler)
Chase Adjusts UltimateRewards Dining Earnings
Chase has made a change to the Sapphire Reserve. No, benefits haven't change so far, a change to UltimateRewards earning rates have changed. Chase adjusts UltimateRewards dining earnings a little. Rather than being broadly defined, with just about any dining establishment earning 3x points, they've decided to narrow the category down a little. According to Dan's … [Read more...] about Chase Adjusts UltimateRewards Dining Earnings
Does Fear Affect Your Travels?
The world is not what it used to be. Terrorism, from radicalized groups and homegrown, seems to be regular events now days. This is especially true of big cities like Paris, New York, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Orlando etc. Sometimes the event is simply a scare, while other times a few people get injured, and others are serious events with mass casualties. Given this, … [Read more...] about Does Fear Affect Your Travels?
Ko Olina New Construction
This year has been a year of change for the Ko Olina Resort. Earlier in the year we saw the former JW Marriott Ihilani re-open as the Four Seasons Oahu. Then, an announcement was made that an Atlantis Resort would be built in Ko Olina. At the time, the news release said it's to be the most expensive resort ever built. Now, it appears the resort is about to embark on its … [Read more...] about Ko Olina New Construction
Lawsuit Seeks to Prevent the Alaska-Virgin Deal
As reported by the Las Vegas Sun, a lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in San Fransisco against Alaska Airlines. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the Alaska-Virgin deal. According to the article, a ground of 42 consumers are responsible for this lawsuit. Those consumers are concerned about the reduction in competition the merger will cause, and believe both airlines … [Read more...] about Lawsuit Seeks to Prevent the Alaska-Virgin Deal
Where Were You on September 11?
Yesterday was September 11, 2016, 15 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is a day which few will forget due to the sheer surprise and horror of the events. Thousands perished during the tragic events brought on by the terrorist group al-Qaeda. The events of that day, of course, had a profound effect on our nation and the world. It not only kicked off … [Read more...] about Where Were You on September 11?