Diners Club on Feb. 1 began passing along the federal frequent flyer tax charged to the payment system when it purchases miles from the airlines. Now travelers will pay .95 cents for every 2,000 Club Reward points exchanged for miles.
United Airlines has followed competitors Northwest, American and Delta airlines in eliminating blackout dates for all frequent flyer redemption travel. United will make the new policy effective March 1 for travel on or after April 1. As with the other airlines, seat inventory still will remain limited, but United said it will provide a special inventory of award seats for Mileage Plus 1K customers.
Hilton HHonors program this week added Air China to its list of travel partners. Travelers now can earn 800 Air China Companion kilometers for every qualifying stay at participating Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites guests earn 160 kilometers for each stay.
Speaking of travel partners, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts this month launched a new partnership with Virgin Atlantic to allow Virgin Atlantic flying club members to earn 750 miles for each Hyatt stay. To kick things off, club members until April 30 can earn 1,500 miles at certain Hyatt hotels and resorts and Ian Schrager hotels by presenting their club membership card at checkin and requesting the offer by code.