United Massively Devalues Its Award Chart Starting February 1, 2014

Late last night, United massively devalued its award chart for redemptions from February 1, 2014 on.

United has split its one award chart into two new ones: one if all segments are on United planes, the other--far more expensive in some cases--if you use partner segments.

Some First Class redemptions will increase 130k miles per person roundtrip.

I won the Big Win for 154k Bonus Points–Why to Nail the Big Hotel Promo Each Year

In August, I excitedly wrote about the biggest hotel promotion of the year: IHG Rewards Announces “Big Win” Promotion.

This promotion is still running for the next 62 days.

Up to 15,000 Bonus American Airlines Miles When You Buy 50,000

I just got this email, advertising up to 15,000 bonus AAdvantage miles when you purchase American Airlines miles before November 15, 2013.

There have been some incredible deals to buy miles in the last few weeks like the US Airways offer to "buy" miles for 1.13 cents each.

How does this deal compare? Is this a good deal for folks trying to amass American Airlines miles?

Anatomy of an Award: Southeast Asian and Mexican Vacations in Business Class for 90k US Airways Miles, 30k Arrival Miles, and Zero Cash

Two weeks ago, in How to Save 70,000 Miles on US Airways Awards to Southeast Asia, Bill blew people's minds with his post about one of the biggest tricks you can pull with US Airways miles:

When routing from the US to South & Central Asia, you can save up to 70,000 US Airways miles by adding segments from Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean to your home airport before the main award.

The four step process is not difficult, but it is new, so there was some confusion in the comments section of that post.

United to Operate 787 Dreamliner between San Francisco and Chengdu Beginning June 2014

United will operate its 787 Dreamliner between San Francisco and Chengdu, China three times a week beginning June 9, 2014 according to Airline Route.

I follow United's Dreamliner route announcements because United has an awesome Business Class product (confusingly called "BusinessFirst"), United releases good award space on its own routes, and the Dreamliner is an awesome plane with great passenger comforts and environmental benefits.

What is the flight schedule?

Holiday Travel Tips from MileValue Featured on Forbes

The card offer in this post has expired so its links have been removed. Click here for the top current credit card sign up bonuses.

I was featured in a recent Forbes article called "20 Holiday Travel Secrets from Industry Insiders" about tips for cheaper and more comfortable holiday travel.

Best of MileValue Third Quarter 2013

The third quarter of 2013--July 1 to September 30--was a big one for me. My six months in Argentina ended, I embarked on a 15 country world tour, and I jumped off a cliff in Dubrovnik, Croatia at sunset.

The third quarter was also MileValue’s most popular quarter to date.

Anatomy of an Award: Booking Lufthansa Flights with US Airways Miles

US Airways has announced its plans to leave the Star Alliance for the oneworld alliance and later merge wither American Airlines.

But for the time being US Airways is in the Star Alliance and its miles can be used on its own flights or its Star Alliance partners.

At least in theory.

In practice, for the past few months US Airways agents have not been able to see award space on Lufthansa, the Star Alliance airline that releases the most space between the US and Europe.

You could find award space on united.com, call US Airways, and the agent would

How Daily Getaways Has Already Saved Me Over $920 Cash

Daily Getaways was a monthlong sale that lasted from mid-June to mid-July. Every day different travel packages went on sale, including the ability to buy hotel points, car rental status, gift certificates, hotel nights, and vacation packages.

I was selective, buying packages only four days.

Trip Report: Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge

I had just landed after my second favorite flight ever at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

See Trip Report: Paris to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia Airlines First Class on an A380.

It was 6:30 AM, and I was tired, hungry, and in need of a shower.