Happy Wednesday. Here’s your miles, points, and travel news for November 13, 2024:
Potential Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines is heading toward a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing following failed merger discussions with Frontier Airlines and mounting financial pressures.
The Florida-based carrier faces a critical $1.1 billion bond maturity deadline within a year, while its third-quarter operating profit margin dropped by 12 percentage points compared to last year. Recent attempts to stay afloat included selling 23 aircraft to GA Telesis for $519 million and implementing significant route reductions.
Advanced discussions are now taking place with bondholders to create a bankruptcy plan to maintain operations while restructuring debt. However, existing shareholders would be wiped out in any statutory restructuring agreement.
Eliminating change and cancellation fees has caused the airline’s revenue to take additional hits, resulting in approximately $61 million less revenue in the latest quarter.
Spirit’s ultra-low-cost business model, which revolutionized airline pricing with its extensive add-on fee structure, has struggled to remain viable in today’s market, where larger carriers dominate through loyalty programs and premium offerings.
Southwest Hawaii Flights 40% Off
Southwest’s latest Hawaii sale offers 40% off base fares for travel between December 3, 2024, and May 22, 2024, when you book by November 14 using code HAWAII40. Major holiday blackout periods include late December, mid-February, and March through April for both mainland to Hawaii and return flights.
The discount excludes Orange County routes and shows as strike-through pricing on eligible flights before taxes and fees are added. You can’t combine this offer with other promotions, but checking existing reservations against these new fares could save you money through free rebooking.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus Ends Tomorrow
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card’s enhanced offer of 60,000 bonus points plus a $300 travel credit expires November 14, 2024, requiring $4,000 in spending within three months.
The $95 annual fee card earns 5x points on Chase Travel bookings, 3x on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, and 2x on other travel purchases. It also includes a $50 annual Chase Travel credit and comprehensive travel protection.
Points transfer to valuable partners, including United, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Air France/KLM, as well as hotel programs like World of Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.
Remember that Chase’s 5/24 rule applies, and you can’t have received a Sapphire bonus within the past 48 months to qualify for this elevated offer.
Deals and Points News
Breeze 50% Off Sale: Breeze Airways is offering 50% off base fares on round-trip flights booked by November 13, 2024, using promo code “BEKIND” for travel between November 20, 2024, and February 12, 2025. The discount applies to both cash and BreezePoints bookings but excludes taxes and fees, with multiple blackout dates during the holiday season (November 22-27, December 20-24, and December 26-January 5), and all routes are eligible though availability is limited.
Chase Vegas Lounge Pop-Up: A new limited-time Chase Sapphire lounge experience opens November 16th at Aria Resort & Casino, featuring Momofuku food and Apotheke cocktails. Priority Pass cardholders get access with varying guest privileges: Chase Sapphire Reserve® and J.P. Morgan Reserve get 2 free guests, Ritz-Carlton cards get unlimited guests, while others get 1 visit annually before $75 fee applies.
Wyndham Bundles Travel Portal: Wyndham Rewards has unveiled a new Travel Packages platform allowing members to book hotels, flights, car rentals, and activities in one place while earning up to 10 points per dollar spent. Through December 31, 2024, members can earn double points on all bookings for travel through December 31, 2025, and save up to 10% when bundling travel components together.
Turo Chase Offer: A new targeted offer for Turo through December 9, 2024, gives targeted Chase cardholders $30 back on $150+ Turo rentals booked via website or app.
Travel and Other News
Haiti Flights Suspended: The FAA has issued a 30-day ban on US airlines flying to Haiti after three US commercial aircraft were hit by gunfire on Monday, with a Spirit Airlines flight attendant injured and both JetBlue and American Airlines aircraft sustaining bullet damage, leading American Airlines to extend its suspension of Haiti services until February 12, 2025. The ban prohibits US carriers from operating below 10,000 feet in Haitian airspace due to security concerns, coming amid escalating gang violence that now controls approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince and recently attempted to seize control of Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
AA Online Upgrade Access: American Airlines now allows systemwide upgrade certificates to be redeemed online through their website and app, eliminating the previous requirement to contact customer service. Elite members can confirm available upgrades instantly or waitlist segments online, with the capability to upgrade from Main Cabin to First Class on domestic flights, Main Cabin to Business Class on international flights, Business Class to First Class on all flights, and select British Airways routes including Euro Traveller to Club Europe and World Traveller Plus to Club World.
KLM Adds San Diego Route: Beginning May 8, 2025, KLM will operate 3x weekly Boeing 787-9 flights between Amsterdam (AMS) and San Diego (SAN), marking their third California destination after LAX and SFO. The aircraft will feature 30 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 224 economy seats, becoming the 19th airline to serve San Diego International Airport.
Hyatt Place Tests Paid Breakfast: Select U.S. Hyatt Place hotels are piloting optional breakfast rates where guests can choose between rooms with or without included breakfast, with participating locations charging around $11 for breakfast access. World of Hyatt Globalist members will continue receiving complimentary breakfast regardless of rate selection, and the trial currently affects only a limited number of properties.
Lufthansa Acquires ITA Airways: Lufthansa has reached a final agreement to purchase 41% of ITA Airways for €325 million, with rights to acquire an additional 49% stake later, pending European Union antitrust approval. Once finalized, ITA Airways will leave SkyTeam alliance, adopt Lufthansa’s Miles & More loyalty program, and join Star Alliance, meaning U.S. travelers will no longer be able to earn Delta SkyMiles on ITA flights but should gain access to award bookings through United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan.
First A321XLR Crosses Atlantic: Iberia launches the world’s first long-haul Airbus A321XLR service on November 14, 2024, operating 5 weekly flights between Madrid and Boston with 14 lie-flat business seats and 168 economy seats. The narrow-body aircraft has a 4,000 nautical mile range and features direct aisle access in business class, while economy offers 4K screens and USB charging.
Greyhound’s Modern Fleet Arrives: Greyhound is rolling out 60 new buses featuring free Wi-Fi, power outlets, enhanced seating comfort, and improved HVAC systems, with initial deployment in major Northeast cities. FlixBus-owned Greyhound now serves 1,800+ destinations across North America.
Boeing Production Woes Continue: Boeing will take several weeks to restart production of 737 MAX, 767F, 777F/777X aircraft after the recent 52-day machinists’ strike, with only 14 aircraft delivered in October compared to 33 in September. The manufacturer faces multiple challenges including supply chain disruptions, with key supplier Spirit AeroSystems receiving a $350 million advance payment from Boeing while warning about substantial doubts regarding its ability to continue operations.
Massive Bali Flight Disruptions: Mount Lewotobi’s volcanic ash has forced 90+ flight cancellations at Ngurah Rai International Airport today, with Virgin Australia, Qantas, and other major carriers suspending operations through November 16th. The ash cloud has reached 10km in height, prompting airlines to contact affected passengers with alternative arrangements.
