American Airlines is raising Admiral's Club membership from $700 to $850 up to $1,200 to $1,400 depending on status, which conveniently makes the Executive card look like a much better deal even after its annual fee went from $595 to $695. That card now includes a $500 travel credit, up to three authorized users for $175 total, and doubles the bonus loyalty points you can earn from 20,000 to 40,000, so it is a real shortcut if you are chasing status. Less good is AA changing elite upgrades on three cabin planes, so your complimentary upgrade now only gets you from economy to premium economy, and reaching business means buying premium economy first. Hyatt on the other hand launched one of the best promos we have seen, a free night certificate for every three qualifying nights at Latin America and Caribbean resorts, up to five certs, though the timing quirks are strange since you have to register by the end of September for stays in the first quarter of next year. We close with an epic thread from a hotel check in agent covering nine things that actually work, from the email to send 72 hours out to why checking in later gets you a better room, and the notes hotels are quietly keeping on you. Let us know in the comments if the Executive card is worth it now.
Episode Guide:
0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
0:30 The Gate Agent Who Sang to a Delayed Flight
1:53 A Brutal Travel Weekend (5 Hours on the Tarmac)
6:08 Lake Life & The End of Summer
8:11 Admiral's Club Prices Jump to $1,400
12:26 AA Guts First Class Elite Upgrades
16:13 Hyatt's Caribbean Promo: A Free Night Per 3 Nights
20:18 9 Hotel Check-In Secrets 20:49 Never Book Third Party
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