THE BIG TRAVEL DEAL

Oxford University: Summer-School Seminars Are Open for Registration
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Not Christmas, but the arrival of registration for Summer School at Oxford. One-week, adult-learning courses span the gamut of classic and modern topics--all with a very British twist, of course. Between July 11 and August 22, there are six weekly tranches of courses. Among the dozens of options: dives into Dickens, Orwell, Aristotle, the Bronte sisters, Wagner's Ring Cycle and Dante's Divine Comedy; fiction writing; nuclear and particle physics; artificial intelligence and data science; cathedral architecture and ancient religions; Impressionist painters, prehistoric and African art; nearly a dozen language studies; histories of wars; and the evolution of cities. You get the idea: lots of stuff you always wanted to know more about, but didn't have the time or the option to pursue. Because didn't you always want to study Hollywood's greatest directors and cinematographers or Victorian detective fiction? Studies take place at Oxford's Rewley House. Course prices start around US$1,800 and include seminars, meals, welcome reception and formal dinner gala. Optional accommodations at Rewley House are available or you can book your own lodging. Information: the OXFORD UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL FOR ADULTS page.

THIS WEEK'S OTHER NEW BARGAINS

Wells Fargo: The $95 Sleeper Visa Finally Gets a Bit Better
When Wells Fargo introduced the Autograph Journey Visa 19 months ago, it hoped the card would be a category killer. And it was compelling with a strong earnings proposition: five points for hotel spend; four points on airline purchases and three points on dining and most other travel charges. The annual fee is low ($95) and offset by a $50 annual statement credit against airline charges. There's generous trip-cancellation and lost-luggage coverage, cell-phone protection and no foreign transaction fees. Wells Fargo even created a points-transfer operation--and that's where the weakness has been. Points accrued on Autograph Journey could be transferred 1:1 to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and programs operated by British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. Wells Fargo promised more partners to come, but they have been slow to arrive. The good news: Points now also transfer to JetBlue on a 1:1 basis, which is better than many other cards. There's still a hefty acquisition bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Autograph Journey still has issues (car-rental collision-damage waiver is secondary, ride shares don't earn extra points and there's no trip-delay coverage), but it's an impressive package for a functional $45 annual fee. Information: the Wells Fargo AUTOGRAPH JOURNEY CARD page.

Accor Hotels: Up to 30% Off North America Room Rates
Accor, the giant global French lodging chain, remains puny in North America, so it needs to be promotionally active to compete. And its dedication to promotions isn't always what it should be. Still, this could be compelling: up to 30% off on North America room rates until May 31. The Winter Sale--rooms must be booked by March 31--offers up to 20% to all comers and an additional 10% off to members of the chain's All frequency program. The downside: Not all Accor properties in North America offer the discount, so proceed with discretion. Information: the Accor WINTER SALE page.

Southwest Airlines: Play Our New Card Game
As everyone knows, Southwest Airlines turned itself upside down and inside out to accommodate the whims of a cash-hungry hedge fund. In the process, it's lost most of what made it different from other carriers. Whether this will work is for the travel market to decide. In the interim, however, you might be able to grab some benefit from its refreshed line of Chase-issued credit cards or a new debit card issued by Minnesota-based Sunrise Banks. The three credit cards are each offering an 85,000-point acquisition bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. The cards now also come with free seat selection and a free checked bag on each flight. Depending on the specific card, they now also offer double points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. Annual fees range from $99 to $229. Meanwhile, the new Visa-branded debit card is an interesting play: a 2,500-point acquisition bonus if you spend $100 and make two recurring deposits in the first 90 days; statement credits; spend bonuses; and no-fee ATM withdrawals from the Cirrus network. All points earned count toward the Southwest Companion Pass and you'll receive a 7,500-point yearly bonus, too. The $6.99 monthly fee is waived if you maintain an average monthly balance of $2,500.

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POINTS PLAYS, MILEAGE MATTERS

Amtrak: Cute Name, Convoluted Offer, Short Duration
Amtrak isn't very experienced in the promotional game, so maybe we have to cut them a break. They did, at least, come up with a cute name: BonusTrak. But the promotion is short, lasting only until November 20. The substance? A bit convoluted. You'll earn double Guest Rewards points on each trip plus a "milestone" bonus: 500 points for three one-way rides, 1,000 points for five rides, 1,500 for seven and 2,000 if you do ten rides. Wow, that's almost as exhausting as riding Amtrak. Information: the Amtrak BONUSTRAK page.

Roundup: Year-Ending Hotel Promotions Won't Blow You Away
Hotel occupancy, especially in the United States, is falling. Daily room rates are flat and hotel owners and big chains are running out of amenities to cut. What are they doing about it? Almost nothing if these end-of-the-year points promotions are any indication. You'd think they'd work harder to induce you to switch brands or book some additional room nights. So take these for what they are worth. Advance registration for all promotions is required, of course.
        Accor has a smallish North American footprint and its ALL frequency program is blah, but if you're a player the chain will award you double points on each two-night stay before March 31. You must register and book by January 15, however.
        Best Western Hotels is predictable with its Best Western Rewards promotions. You'll either get a gift card or double points. And the usual autumn rotation is points. This fall is no exception. So that means double points at more than 4,000 hotels around the world. The offer is available on stays until November 30. Information: the LIMITED TIME OFFER page.
        Hilton Hotels has decided insults are the currency of the fourth quarter. It's offering just 1,500 bonus points per stay until December 31. Considering that Hilton is so weak--and constantly devaluing--double points have been considered the baseline for the chain to remain competitive. So consider how insulting just 1,500 points a stay really is--and it's notable that Hilton isn't even promoting this one on its home page. Information: the STAY MORE, EARN MORE page. Update: Customer reaction to the 1,500-point offer apparently was so bad that Hilton has now upped the promotion to 2,500 points. Still awful, of course.
        Hyatt Hotels isn't offering a chainwide World of Hyatt points promotion. Instead, it has a duo of targeted offers that covers many of its properties. Most Hyatt-branded properties in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are offering double points on stays completed by December 1. You can earn as many as 20,000 points during the promo period. (Details here.) Meanwhile, Hyatt Regency hotels in the United States are offering bonus points for stays completed by November 23. Three nights earns 3,000 bonus points. Stay seven nights and you'll receive a total of 10,000 bonus points. Stay ten nights and the total bonus is 20,000 points. The wrinkle: You must book your stays in the mobile app. (Details are here.)
        InterContinental Hotels is offering a stair-step fourth-quarter promotion in IHG One Rewards for stays until December 31. You'll earn nothing on the first stay, but double points on the second stay and triple points on the third and subsequent stays. You can earn up to 70,000 points during the promo period. Information: the READY TO EARN TRIPLE POINTS? page.
        Marriott will award you 2,025 bonus points per stay as many as three times between October 28 and January 10 if you register by December 27. Makes you wonder who at Marriott thinks we're so enamored of 2025, doesn't it?
        Wyndham Hotels claims two nights of stays earn a free hotel night. But that's disingenuous. The actual deal is 7,500 bonus Wyndham Rewards points for every two nights of stays until January 20. Those points will only get you a free night at a fraction of the Wyndham inventory, most of them at the low-end chains such as Days Inn, Super 8 and Howard Johnson. On the positive side, you can earn as many as 30,000 bonus points during the promotion and that will get you a night at a better property. Information: the STAY ANY TWO NIGHTS page.

THE DISCOUNTS UP THERE

Finnair: Europe Business Class Sale Via Our Helsinki Hub
Want to fly business class to Rome for as little as $2,566 roundtrip? You can do it if you fly Finnair and change aircraft at Vantaa, Finnair's stylish, compact Helsinki hub. But I suggest a far better use of Finnair's business class sale fares is to reach European cities where nonstops are scarce or nonexistent. Examples: Budapest for $2,843 roundtrip; Prague for $3,081; or Berlin for $3,125. Secondary destinations such as Gdansk, Gotenberg and Krakow are around $3,000 roundtrip. Quoted prices are from New York/Kennedy, but Finnair offers similar bargains from all its U.S. gateways, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Seattle and Miami. Finnair also has a unique business class, as Meena Thiruvengadam has explained. Information: the Finnair BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHT OFFERS page.

JetBlue: What Are You Doing the Rest of the Year--and Your Life?
Now in its 25th year of flying, JetBlue Airways is searching, looking for profit, passengers--and especially repeat customers. Put this astounding promotion in the latter category. If you visit 15 JetBlue destinations before December 31, the carrier will award you with 150,000 bonus TrueBlue points. Reach 20 destinations and you will get an additional 200,000 points. That's 350,000 points for 20 cities. And if you make it to 25 destinations, you'll receive TrueBlue Mosaic elite status for 25 years. (Of course, you and JetBlue have to make it for the next 25 years … ) There are surprisingly few bits of fine print: All fares are included except for the airline's cheapest Blue Basic category; qualifying destinations must be reached by flying JetBlue, not a code-share partner; and you can't count any place you flew on JetBlue before June 25. Naturally, you must include your TrueBlue number on every flight to qualify. The rest of the verbiage is relatively standard. Information: The JetBlue 25 FOR 25 page.

American Airlines: Will Status Match for Business
Hate your current carrier? American Airlines wants your flying business and will status match to get it. But that is something of a poisoned chalice since AA is financially stressed, operationally shaky and rather threadbare in flight. Still, American might suit your needs. AA seems to be especially targeting Southwest and JetBlue elites with special perks. However, you can also get your status matched into 2027 if you're currently elite with United and Delta. The AAdvantage status match page offers a handy chart of what you'll receive and the rather lengthy rules for keeping the status once you've been gifted the initial match.

India: Peck Around for Business Class Bargains
The quest for business class deals to India is endless, especially since Air India remains in serious disarray as it attempts to right itself and its operations. There seem to be discounts now, however, if you're willing to peck around and be flexible on time and the carrier. Some roundtrip bargains I found this week: Finnair from Los Angeles to Delhi for $3,852; Etihad from New York/JFK to Bengaluru ($3,127) and Delhi ($3,208); and from Washington/Dulles to Kolkata ($3,572); and Turkish Airlines to Mumbai from Atlanta ($2,750), New York ($3,193) and Dallas/Fort Worth ($3,520).

British Airways: AARP Deal Back for All of 2025. Save $200 in Business
British Airways has a long-standing partnership with the AARP and its discount deal is back again--this time for all of 2025. BA once offered AARP members $400 off roundtrips. Now it's less compelling: $200 roundtrip off business class and $65 off standard coach or premium economy fares. Still, it's never wise to look a gift discount in the mouth. The current deal is valid for flights until January 31, 2026. You must be an AARP member, of course, which offers great value for the $15 annual rate. Information: the EXCLUSIVE AARP MEMBERS page.

STAY ON THE WAY/STAYOVER OFFERS

Iberia: Free Stopover in Madrid for As Long as Nine Days
Once a niche carrier, Iberia has made substantial inroads in the U.S. market by offering extremely attractive fares over its Madrid hub. Now another incentive to change planes in the Spanish capital: a free stayover that can last as long as nine days. As with most of the industry stopover schemes, the idea is simple: Find a route and book a stop either on the departure or return via Madrid. Information: Iberia's STOPOVER HOLA MADRID page.

Etihad Airways: Two Free Hotel Nights With Abu Dhabi Stops
After a nasty financial patch and misbegotten attempt to buy into weak airlines to create a fourth alliance, Etihad has rebounded and is again serving five North American cities: New York, Washington, Chicago, Boston and Toronto. Since all connecting flights require a change in Abu Dhabi, a stayover in the United Arab Emirates makes sense. Etihad now offers two free nights in a three-star hotel or 40% off stays at 4- and 5-star properties. There are also discounts and packages on dining, attractions, sporting events and other activities in Abu Dhabi, which fancies itself as more sedate and sophisticated than Dubai, its historic rival. YMMV on which city is better--and whether you prefer a layover with Emirates via Dubai--but at least Etihad is again making the effort to attract your long-haul business. Information: the Etihad ABU DHABI STOPOVER page.

Emirates Airline: Dubai in a Day (or More)
As many as 88 million people passed through Dubai Airport last year and the Emirates Airline superhub hosts lots of North Americans headed to the UAE and other destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With so many connecting flights to so many places--and with the time zones completely askew--Emirates offers a spread of stopover and stay-on-the-way deals and packages. A 12-hour bundle, for example, includes a Dubai city tour, one-hour excursion around the harbor on a traditional wooden dhow, a desert ramble that includes a stop at a camel farm and a buffet dinner. That costs about US$100. For about the same price, a three-day itinerary includes a city tour, a safari run, a kayak adventure, dinner cruise and other attractions. There are also special rates available at the city's wide array of hotels and resorts, many of them among the most luxurious in the world. Information: the Emirates DUBAI EXPERIENCE page.

Turkish Airlines: Stay Up to Two Days Free in Istanbul
You'd be surprised to learn the identity of the carrier that flies to more nations than any other. It's Turkish Airlines, hubbed at sprawling and elaborate Istanbul Airport. The airline flies to 274 destinations and offers connections from more than a dozen gateways in the United States and Canada. Another perk: the Stopover in Istanbul scheme. It allows travelers connecting in Istanbul to spend a night or two in Turkey's largest city while Turkish picks up the hotel tab. Connecting coach flyers are eligible for a one-night stay at a 4-star hotel and business class travelers can get two nights in one of Istanbul's five-star properties. Some folks will not fly on Turkish because Turkey is ruled by an increasingly autocratic strongman who has been intent on turning the once proudly secular nation into an Islamic redoubt. But if you're flying Turkish--which is part of the Star Alliance and often offers great business class deals--why wouldn't you avail yourself of a free stop in one of the world's most intriguing cities? Information: The Turkish Airlines STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL page.

Qatar Airways: Stay on the Way With Doha Discounts
Qatar Airways has grown its Doha home into a global megahub and it carries many American travelers onward to Africa and Asia. But if you're interested in spending some time in the ultra-modern Qatari capital along the way, Qatar Air offers a raft of on-the-ground discounts. For stayovers as long as four nights, hotel rates start as low as $28 a day per couple for four-star properties. Beachfront hotels start as low as $60 a couple a night. There are also substantial discounts on city tours and attractions. One caveat: You'll need a visa to overnight in Qatar, but the airline can help handle that, too. Information: the Qatar Airways EXPERIENCE MORE page.

Icelandair: Add a 7-night Free Stay in Iceland to Your Trip
Icelandair, and before that Icelandic, has survived for decades in the cutthroat transatlantic market by leveraging its position between North America and mainland Europe. It has used Reykjavík as its continent-to-continent connecting hub and regularly promoted stay-along-the-way packages. It's the latter that is of interest now: The airline is permitting stays in Iceland for as long as seven days when you fly between North America and Europe. The so-called Stopover in Iceland program is available at no extra charge on your outbound itinerary. The airline's Web site also does an excellent job helping you book the stop. Information: Icelandair's STOPOVER IN ICELAND page.

Copa Airlines: Up to 7-Day Free Stopover in Panama
Panama's Copa Airlines is one of the few stable and reliable carriers in Latin America. The Star Alliance airline also has developed an efficient hub at its hometown of Panama City that connects destinations in the United States to both Central and South America. And now an added perk: A free stopover of as long as seven days in Panama City. The stay-on-the-way offer can be used on the departing or returning itinerary. The airline also works with Panamanian tourist authorities to offer up a bundle of tours, hotel stays and other add-ons. Information: the PANAMA STOPOVER page.

TAP Air Portugal: Free Portugal Stopover Can Now Be Ten Days
In the early days of transatlantic jet travel, free "stopovers" in the country of arrival were a standard perk. The deal was eventually abandoned as longer-haul nonstops came to dominate flying. But "stay along the way" offers are making a comeback among airlines that depend on connecting traffic to compete with longer nonstops. TAP Air Portugal is probably the best current practitioner of the stopover. The airline originally revived the deal with a free, three-day stopover in Portugal as part of roundtrip, transatlantic nonstops to Lisbon or Porto. It was then upped to five days. Now the offer is 10 days in Portugal before continuing to your next destination. There are other perks attached to the stopover, including a 25% discount on domestic flights, hotel discounts, museum and attraction admissions and freebies with meals. Information: the VISIT PORTUGAL page.

SATA Azores Airlines: Free Stopovers To/From Europe
It's a huge understatement to suggest that SATA Azores Airlines flies under the metaphoric radar. It's one of the least publicized carriers in Europe. But the islands-based carrier serves a number of gateways in the United States (New York, Boston and Oakland) and Canada (Toronto and Montreal). So when it offers free stayovers of as long as seven days en route to and/or returning from Europe, it's worth considering. Among its European destinations are London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan and, of course, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal. The stayover allows you to add in visits to the Azorean islands of São Miguel or Terceira. If your geography fails you, the Azores lie about midway between the United States and the Portuguese mainland. And if your meteorology fails you, the winter months in the Azores are mild (daytime temps in the low 60s, evenings in the mid 50s). Information; the SATA STOPOVER page.

CREDIT CARD ACQUISITION BONUSES

Chase/Hyatt: Double Elite Credit to Take a Card
The World of Hyatt Program isn't as great as too many travel "experts" claim, but it is the richest and most reliable plan if you can reach the top-tier Globalist Level. That usually takes 60 nights a year. But Chase's current offer to take the World of Hyatt Visa Card is interesting: double elite credit per eligible night at any Hyatt property when you stay before January 31. The promotion tops out at 15 elite nights. You'll also receive 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months and up to 30,000 more points for spend in the first six months. The annual fee is $95 and comes with Discoverist status, which guarantees 2pm checkout and includes a free night at some of Hyatt's less expensive properties. Information: the Hyatt TRAVEL MORE page.

Chase: The 'Cheap' Sapphire Preferred Should Be in Your Wallet
With all the focus on super-premium cards, too many travelers miss the overall best card that should be in their wallet. The $95-a-year Chase Sapphire Preferred is cheap--and terrific for travel and daily spend. You'll receive two points per dollar spent on travel (it even includes parking), three points per dollar on dining worldwide and three points on many online grocery purchases and streaming services. And if you book via Chase Travel, you'll receive five points per dollar spent. Even better, the acquisition bonus is a hefty 75,000 points for $5,000 in spend in the first three months. Information: the Chase NEW OFFER page.

LODGING BARGAINS TO CONSIDER

Omni Hotels: Golfing the Hotel Blues Away
Omni Hotels is the official lodging partner of the PGA Golf Tour, so the chain is capitalizing on the link with golf swag and course discounts. Book a golf package at an Omni resort and you'll receive: one round of golf per registered guest each day of your stay; unlimited use of the driving range; a pack of Callaway golf balls; a PGA Tour hat for each adult; and a $100 resort credit. Information: The Omni PGA TOUR GOLF PACKAGE page.

Loews Hotels: Sweet (or Savory) Suite Deals
Loews is a small chain, but many travelers swear by the chain's properties and services. If you're one of them, then consider this special offer. Reserve a suite at most Loews outposts and the chain will throw in up to $200 a day in food and beverage credits that can be used at the hotel restaurant or for room service. You'll also receive what the chain calls "premium" WiFi. Information: the Loews A SUITE DEAL page.

Hotels: Maybe You'll Find Rate Savings With a Credit Card
Domestic fares have been flat or falling recently, but hotel and resort prices continue to rise, precipitously in many destinations. Possible solution: hotel discounts and perks offered by your credit card. Of course, the specials below come with caveats. Most hotels in the programs are in the luxury category. You must book directly at the card's special Web site, which would eliminate most or all of the perks you get with elite status at your preferred chain. And you should always check that the rate you're paying is competitive with other offers.
      American Express Platinum Cards feature two plans--Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) and The Hotel Collection--that cover more than 3,000 properties around the world. Bundled with the FHR rates are space-available room upgrades; check-in as early as noon based on availability and guaranteed 4pm checkout; breakfast for two; free WiFi; and property-specific food and beverage credit or other amenity. The Hotel Collection locations offer space-available upgrades and some on-property perks. You'll also receive an annual statement credit of $200 when you book the hotels and five Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at the properties.
      Visa Signature cards claim to offer special rates at more than 900 properties. Perks include space-available upgrade; free WiFi; free breakfast for two; a $25 food and beverage credit; VIP status; and late checkout.
      Mastercard Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, available to some World and World Elite Mastercard holders, covers 3,800 properties. It offers free daily breakfast for two; as-available room upgrades; "if available" early check-in and late checkout; and on-property amenities worth as much as US$100. But there is a catch: The benefit is not available for Mastercards issued in the United States and Canada. They are covered by a much more amorphous travel-benefit program.

Air Canada Aeroplan: Fourth Night Free on Hotel Redemptions
Airline frequency programs stopped offering good deals on hotel redemptions decades ago, but Air Canada Aeroplan (and its related credit card) is a unique frequent flyer plan. So maybe this isn't as much of a surprise as you might assume: If you are an Aeroplan credit card holder, you'll receive a free fourth night when you book participating hotels using Aeroplan points. Book six nights with points and receive two free nights. The promotion is available for stays through December 31, 2025. Information: the Air Canada EXTEND YOUR REST FOR LESS page.

IHG One Rewards: 3,000-Point Bonus for an App Booking
I waffle on the value proposition offered IHG One Rewards, the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotel and its many other brands. But if you're an IHG player, there's no reason not to pounce on this: 3,000 bonus points for booking a stay through the IHG app. The offer seems fairly straightforward: be an IHG One Rewards member, register for the promotion, then book via the app and complete a stay within 30 days.

Omni Mount Washington: Third Night Free and an F&B Credit
The enormous, enormously popular and enormously expensive Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, offers thrilling views, excellent restaurants and a cornucopia of activities: a spa; golf and tennis; stables; ice skating, snowshoeing; and several types of skiing. But like many resorts, it has trouble filling off-season days. The solution: a buy-two-get-one sale. When you book two nights at the Flexible Rate, you will get a third night free. Also included: a $50 food-and-beverage credit. What isn't included: the tax and resort fee on the third night. As always with offers of this type, don't assume this rate is the cheapest. Check it against the price of paying the lowest available rate for three nights. Information: Omni's BUY 2 NIGHTS, GET 3RD NIGHT FREE page.

BACK HERE ON EARTH

Amtrak: Discounts Up to 60% for Group Travel on Most Routes
It was just a few weeks ago when airlines were hammered for offering 2-for-1 pricing on some routes. The problem, of course, was knowledge: Airlines have a penchant for secrecy. Amtrak, on the other hand, is happy to promote the fact that it offers huge discounts for small-group travel on most of its routes. A group of three riding together gets 15% off all fares. Add a fourth and the discount jumps to 25% off tickets. And it rises for each additional traveler. It reaches a 60% discount off all tickets if you are a group of eight. The so-called Share Fares are available for coach runs and Acela business class. A two-day advance purchase applies. Information: the Amtrak SHARE FARES page.

Cruises: Jazz at Sea? You Pick the Style and the Itinerary
You like cruising? You like jazz? You're in luck. There are now all sorts of jazz cruises for all sorts of cruise fans. Here are two worth considering:
        The Jazz Cruise '26 sails from Fort Lauderdale on the Celebrity Summit starting January 27. Prices start at $2,975 a person and include all performances and meals. The lineup includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, John Pizzarelli, Jeff Hamilton, Nicki Parrott and Paquito D'Rivera. The ship calls at San Juan and CocoCay before returning to Fort Lauderdale on February 3.
        JazzFest at Sea takes place March 12-22 on the all-inclusive MSC Yacht Club. It departs Miami and calls in Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Curacao and Aruba. Prices start at $1,399 a person and is pitched to "traditional" jazz fans. The lineup includes Allen and Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski and many more.

Chase/Instacart: No Delivery Fees and a $10 Monthly Credit
Instacart is a well-known grocery delivery service and it has teamed up with Chase for a promotion targeting travel credit card holders. What you'll get: $0 delivery fees and a $10 monthly credit. How do you get them? Use an enrolled Marriott, Hyatt or InterContinental hotel card or airline cards issued for Southwest, British Airways, Air Canada, Aer Lingus or Iberia. The benefits are valid through December 31, 2027. Information: the Instacart CHASE page.

T-Mobile: Magenta Status Has Intriguing Travel Discounts
For years, T-Mobile marketed itself as "the un-carrier" and specialized in better service and cheaper prices. Now that it has caught Verizon and AT&T, it is less customer friendly and not notably cheaper. And folks have noticed, some going so far to call T-Mobile's marketing arc a long con. Still, its year-old Magenta Status, an unsubtle nod to the travel industry practice of stratifying customers, has some travel value. (Magenta is T-Mobile's corporate color, by the way.) It offers 15% off nightly rates and Silver Honors status at Hilton Hotels; a free year of AAA membership; free in-flight Internet; and an intriguing rental-car perk: the ability to return vehicles to Dollar and Hertz without paying to refuel a gas-powered car or recharge an EV. Also included: $5 movie tickets; 25% off concert tickets; and dining discounts. Another interesting perk: free streaming from Apple TV+, Netflix. Hulu, SiriusXM, Pandora and Major League baseball. If you are already a T-Mobile customer, Magenta Status is free. It's also a perk for new customers. Information: the T-Mobile MAGENTA STATUS page.

GigSky: Free International Data With Elite Visa Cards
GigSky is an eSIM operator offering international mobile-data service at prices below larger U.S. phone operators. Now GigSky is offering holders of Visa Signature and Visa Infinite a deal. If you hold a Visa Signature card, GigSky is offering you 1GB of international data over 15 days and 20% off other service plans. If you have a super-elite Visa Infinite card, the offer is 3GB over 15 days and 30% off other plans. The catch: Your mobile device must be able to handle an eSIM, a virtual card that replaces a standard SIM. Full details of the Visa promotion can be found here.

Burj Al Arab: Would You Pay for a Tour of a Glitzy Fantasy?
Burj Al Arab in Dubai was designed to be a glitzy, over-the-top fantasy as well as an outrageously expensive lodging and dining venue. It's built on its own island, is designed to look like the sail of an Arabic dhow and makes the ludicrous claim that it is a 7-star hotel. (They never quite say who awarded the seven stars, of course.) But the place is something to behold. And now they'll sell you a 90-minute tour--ahem, "exclusive" tour--that covers some regional history, the design and creation of the gigantic property, a visit to the wacky atrium and a peek into the hotel's huge Royal Suite. Whether you think such a thing is worth AED299--that's about US$82--may depend on how much free time you have in Dubai and whether you're interested in how the 2% of the 2% live on the road. Information: the Burj Al Arab TOUR OF AN ICON page.