Weekly Review: February 13, 2021

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far, and I wish everyone an early happy Valentine’s Day and Singles Awareness Day!

On the points & travel front, this week Cathay Pacific added a face mask exemption for first & business class passengers, United Airlines delayed its return to JFK (again) and ordered 200 electric air taxis, Air Namibia ceased operations, Thai Airways revealed it would retire its A380 fleet, Etihad and EL AL reached impressive employee vaccination milestones, and more.

With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:

Featured Stories

My Experience Opening A Brex Cash Account (Easiest 110K Points I Ever Earned)

I’m republishing this post from late January with quite a few updates. We’ve learned a lot more about the Brex application and approval process since then, and I wanted this post to reflect that as people continue to apply. While we don’t yet have an exact end date for this offer, I’d highly recommend applying sooner rather than later, as I do think this offer’s days are likely limited.

The Real Reason Delta Keeps Devaluing SkyMiles

A few days ago we saw Delta SkyMiles devalue partner airline business class award pricing massively for the second time in a few months. Yes, in the middle of a pandemic, and we’re talking about simply huge price increases.

Alaska Airlines Will Offer Oneworld Awards In Summer 2021

Alaska Airlines will be joining the oneworld alliance as of March 31, 2021, which is an exciting development. However, we shouldn’t expect awards on all oneworld partner airlines to be introduced immediately.

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Which US Avios Credit Card Should You Apply For?
Best-Ever Chase Ink Cash & Ink Unlimited Bonus: 75K Points Or $750
Is The Chase Sapphire Reserve Still Worth It? (2021)
Buy LifeMiles With A 165% Bonus (1.25 Cents Each)
Recap: 10 Opportunities To Buy Points
Huge Hilton Amex Card Bonuses: Points & Statement Credits
New Amex Business Gold Bonus: 70K Points & Up To $300 In Statement Credits
6 Reasons To Get The Citi Premier Card
Buy Alaska Mileage Plan Miles With 60% Bonus (Last Chance)
My Experience Opening A Brex Cash Account (Easiest 110K Points I Ever Earned)

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

How To Convert Citi Double Cash Rewards Into ThankYou Points
How Long Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Transfers Take? (2021)
How Long Do Amex Membership Rewards Points Transfers Take? (2021)
How Long Do Citi ThankYou Points Transfers Take? (2021)
Alaska Airlines Will Offer Oneworld Awards In Summer 2021
How Do Hilton Weekend Night Rewards Work?

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

The Real Reason Delta Keeps Devaluing SkyMiles
Cool: Website Predicts Turbulence On Your Next Flight
How Virtuoso Can Score You Perks At Luxury Hotels

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card Review (2021)
Amex Platinum Card: Personal Vs. Business Comparison

NEWS & Updates

Will Airlines Extend Elite Status Again In 2021?
Cathay Pacific Adds First & Business Class Face Mask Exemption
Cat Discovered In Cockpit Of Stored EL AL 737
Delta Extends Seat Blocking Policy Through April 2021
American Airlines Launches Miami To Tel Aviv Flight
Singapore Airlines Boosts & Defers Boeing 777-9 Order
Interesting Timing: Sun Country Airlines Plans IPO
19 All-Inclusive Resorts Join Marriott Autograph Collection
Etihad Becomes First Airline To Vaccinate All Pilots & Cabin Crew
Hmm: United Airlines Orders 200 Electric Air Taxis
Emirates & Barclays US Credit Cards Offering Big New Bonuses
Heathrow Airport Adds New Tax Due To Coronavirus
Oops: Berlin’s New Airport Can’t Stay Warm In Winter
Sad: Thai Airways Retiring Airbus A380 Fleet
Emirates Expects First Boeing 777X Delivery In 2024
Air Namibia Ceases Operations
Cool: St. Regis Bermuda Opening May 2021
Tampa EDITION: City’s First Five Star Hotel (Opening Late 2021)
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces New Mobile App
United Airlines Delays Return To JFK… Again!
Wow: Spirit Airlines Hiring Pilots & Flight Attendants
Unique: Breeze Airways…