6/26 Weekly Recap

 These were the noticeable developments in travel from last week.

1. Priority Pass allows entry via credit cards

This week I got notification from Priority Pass that I can now enter Priority Pass lounges with just my credit card. The notification was for my Capital One Venture X priority pass but OMAAT reports that even Chase Sapphire Reserve will be getting this benefit. 

Priority Pass access by card email

2. Priority Pass adds limited access to 4 British Airways lounges in US

Priority Pass members will now have limited access to British Airways lounges in Seattle, Newark, San Francisco and Washington. The timings are awful. For e.g. 5am to 10am for the Seattle lounge. It is more of a capacity use play here than anything else, as British Airways flights are not being served during these times. Something better than nothing I suppose. Although beware of the Amex lounge details page as it reports the wrong times currently.

Beware of Amex Lounge timings for BA lounges

From OMAAT

3. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant to lose $300 property credit

One of the best features of the $450 fee Bonvoy Brilliant card is going away. Cardholders used to be able to get $300 back in credits for stays at Marriott but that feature will be taken away in September 2022 which is a real bummer. They are adding a $25 monthly restaurant credit instead. So the monthly credit specialist at American Express is behind the ruin of another great card. Earlier it was a no brainer justifying keeping this card long term for anybody staying at Mariotts for a few nights a year but not anymore. I will likely get less than $100 of value out of the new credits so I will rethink my strategy here. The similarly priced Chase Ritz Carlton Card still lists a $300 airline credit as a benefit and also has stronger priority pass and travel protection benefits. Maybe it is time to make the play for one via the Boundless then upgrade path.

From FM, Marriott Bonvoyed Brilliant

4. American Airlines adds Indigo code sharing

American Airlines' passengers can now earn AAdvantage loyalty points on American Airlines marketed flights operated by IndiGo but not on flights directly booked with Indigo which is a bummer. Anyway, its good to see more options to travel to locations like Amritsar and Mumbai when booking on aa.com, especially award flights.

From OMAAT

5. Oman Air to join Oneworld alliance

Good to see Oneworld add another partner after Alaska Airlines, in the luxurious Oman Air. I have been wanting to travel on Oman Air but haven't gotten a chance yet as the reviews of the product are great. Unfortunately, the alliance enrollment process will take a while and finish in 2024.

From OMAAT, Oman Air

6. Air Canada launches seasonal flights to Mumbai and Bangkok

Air Canada is launching new seasonal flights to Mumbai and Bangkok. The Mumbai flights will depart from Toronto with a stop in London and run from October 2022 to March 2023. The Bangkok flights will be direct flight from Vancouver and run from December 2022 to March 2023.

From OMAAT, Air Canada

7. Brex closed most Small Business' accounts

Brex decided that it doesn't want to serve most small businesses out there and will stick to Silicon Valley tech startups.

"We want to let you know that as of August 15, 2022, Brex will no longer be able to offer you our services due to a change in how we determine account eligibility. Brex regularly reviews its services, and due to a change in company strategy, we do not believe we will be able to provide a great level of service for your business moving forward."

More details at DoC.

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