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This week’s Quick Hits comes from DeAndre’s suite at the Hyatt Regency in Malta after three unforgettable days in Cappadocia, Turkey. Before jumping into the news, DeAndre shares a quick update from the trip, including why the hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia ranks among the top moments of his life and a lesson learned after paying extra for Turkish Airlines exit row seats. He also previews what is still ahead, with several days in Malta followed by an Aeroplan stopover in Zurich and a business class flight home.
On the points and miles front, DeAndre breaks down Citi’s new 25% transfer bonus to Leading Hotels of the World and why the program deserves more attention from luxury travelers. He also covers Alaska Airlines’ new nonstop routes from Seattle to Athens and Paris, rumors of potentially massive new Amex welcome offers, and a new Hyatt Vivid adults only all inclusive resort in Cancun that can be booked with World of Hyatt points. The biggest airline news comes from United, which is planning 13 new international destinations for 2027, including several places without existing nonstop service from the US. DeAndre wraps up with Hyatt’s plans to bring the first Park Hyatt to Portugal in 2029.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Quick Hits From Malta and Our Cappadocia Experience
(01:04) The Turkish Airlines Exit Row Lesson I Didn't Expect
(02:54) Citi's 25% Leading Hotels of the World Transfer Bonus
(03:10) Our Incredible Leading Hotels Property in Cappadocia
(04:41) Alaska Adds New Seattle Flights to Athens and Paris
(05:29) Massive New Amex Platinum and Gold Offers Rumored
(05:59) New Hyatt Vivid Adults Only All Inclusive in Cancun
(06:19) United Announces 13 New International Destinations
(07:15) The First Park Hyatt in Portugal Is Coming
(07:35) Malta, Our Aeroplan Stopover in Zurich and What's Next
Key takeaways:
- Cappadocia Experience: DeAndre calls the hot air balloon experience one of the top three moments of his life.
- Turkish Airlines Exit Rows: Paying extra for legroom came with an unexpected restriction requiring all personal items to be stored overhead.
- Leading Hotels Transfer Bonus: Citi is offering a 25% transfer bonus to Leading Hotels of the World through September 19.
- Luxury Hotel Value: Leading Hotels of the World can offer close to 2 cents per point in value at many high end properties.
- Alaska Expands to Europe: New Seattle routes to Athens and Paris are launching next spring using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- Potential Amex Offers: Rumored offers could reach 185,000 points on the Platinum Card and 105,000 points on the Gold Card.
- New Hyatt All Inclusive: Hyatt Vivid Cancun is now open and bookable from around 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
- United's International Expansion: United plans to add 13 international destinations in 2027, including Ibiza, Sicily, Sardinia, the Azores, and Okinawa.
- Park Hyatt Portugal: Hyatt plans to open Portugal's first Park Hyatt in 2029 with beachfront accommodations and private villas.
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