Commenter Jarred won the certificate and has been emailed. If he doesn't reply, we'll go back to random.org.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the twenty-fifth post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

Garrett, a generous reader, has donated a Hyatt Platinum Extras Certificate. I called Hyatt to ask about it and was told that the certificate is non-transferable, but I suspect any Hyatt Platinum will be able to use the certificate.

There is a space on the certificate to write in your information including Hyatt number.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the twenty-fourth post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete. I am writing this for an audience of people who know nothing about frequent flier miles, and my goal is that by the end, you know enough to fly for free anywhere you want to go.

This post presents the basics of using aa.com for award bookings.

Qantas and Emirates have announced a joint venture. (Story in audio or text format.)

My first thought was: "If they merge, can I now use my AA miles on an Emirates A380 in First Class?"

First things first: this is not a merger, just a joint venture. And Emirates has reiterated it has no interest in joining an alliance.

The loyalty programs of Qantas and Emirates are merging.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the twenty-third post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

Bad news for anyone who wants to book awards to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives, and even Europe with United miles.

United's relationship with Qatar Airways ends September 14. Tickets booked by then can include Qatar segments up to 337 days out or so, which is generally how far in advance you can book United awards.

I've been on a Dreamliner kick the last few days. This is the last post on the topic for a while. I just had to share two even cheaper ways to get on one of United's Dreamliners on a BusinessFirst bed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJEA3JQA_FM&feature=player_embedded

I always chuckle at that video. "You got an upgrade. And the seats go completely flat."

Upgrades are mainly a domestic phenomenon. Flat seats are mostly an international phenomenon.

Hey there, you're reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.

This is the twenty-second post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

How lucky are they?

For the wedding, I'm staying with some friends at the Westin Pittsburgh. There is something in the room that we hung on the door knob that declined housekeeping during the stay in exchange for a $5 coupon per day or 500 SPG points per day.

Since 500 SPG points are worth more than $10, I told my friend to take that option.