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.

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

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.

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.

I noticed in August 2012 that on my Avios award flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, my boarding pass printed with "Priority AAccess," granting me priority security and priority boarding.

This (unintended?) benefit of British Airways Avios awards on American Airlines flights is still alive.

The 50k mile bonus offer is back on the Lufthansa card mentioned in this post until 6/30/14.

Update on 10/23/13: I have dozens and dozens of entries to sort through, so entry is now closed.

I've long marveled at how hard it is to convince people to use miles and points to travel more, travel better, and pay next to nothing doing it.

My only explanation is that there is a steep learning curve that turns many people off.

Yesterday I received an email inviting me to book two nights and get the third night free at participating Aloft, Element, and Four Points hotels because I have a Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express.

The offer indicates that on stays at participating Aloft, Element, and Four Points hotels, I will get the third night free if I pay for two nights with my Starwood card.

Will I be taking advantage?

American Express Membership Rewards transfers to British Airways will come with an automatic 20% transfer bonus from now through December 31, 2013.

It's transfer bonus season with Membership Rewards.

American Express Membership Rewards transfers to Virgin Atlantic will come with an automatic 30% transfer bonus from now through November 30, 2013.