Starlink Approved for United

Great news this week that federal regulators have approved Starlink for use by United.  Link is here:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/united-launch-first-flight-free-171702639.html

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the use of satellite internet from Starlink, a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, on a regional jet model. United said it plans to install Starlink Wi-Fi on 40 planes per month and complete its fleet of more than 300 regional jets by the end of the year. The company plans to run beta tests of the technology prior to its first customer flight in May.

In September, United signed a deal with Starlink to bring satellite internet access to its more than 1,000 planes over the next several years. The airline said it will work with the FAA to get approval to install Starlink on every aircraft.

Starlink Wi-Fi, which United says is 50 times faster than the internet service currently available on its regional planes, will be free for customers with MileagePlus, United’s free frequent flyer program. 

Waitlist for the Chase Lounge?

Very surprised to be stopped before the elevator tonight at Logan's Chase Sapphire Lounge - can't recall the last time there was a waitlist for this lounge?  Upon entry it definitely is busy...curious if these are all cardmembers or Priority pass customers.

New UA Promotion: Months of Miles

United and Chase have sent me a second promotion this spring for potential credit card spend - I'm thrilled to see this and also curious as I believe this is the first time I've received multiple offers in succession.

Details:

You're on your way to earning bonus miles. Just spend $500 or more per month in March, April and May.*

Then you'll earn 1,000 bonus miles each month. Earn an additional 1,500 bonus miles if you reach the goal in all three months. That's a total of 4,500 bonus miles.

Bonus miles are on top of the miles you already earn. And remember, your MileagePlus® miles never expire, so you can use them whenever you like.

 Date of registration: March 16, 2025. Your participation in the promotion begins on the first day of the month in which you register and ends May 31, 2025

Spring Break Trip: Barcelona

Our spring break trip for 2025 is right around the corner - we'll be visiting Barcelona!  I'm looking forward to being back since it has been some years since ILA.  In 2015 I also flew American as primary so it will be great to fly on United for this trip.

We have a number of fun things planned while in Barcelona and I will share a trip update when we return.  

I booked the Hola Barcelona cards for access to public transportation while we're in town - these are a great value: https://www.holabarcelona.com/tickets/hola-bcn-barcelona-travel-card

Cabify is also available (similar to Uber) in case there is a need for a separate transportation option: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cabify/id476087442

New AA Promo: Ready, Set, Jet toward Status

I'm always interested in how travel partners create promotions, and was surprised to receive an email from American Airlines about a specific Promo for the month of March.

For a limited time, earn 500 additional Loyalty Points for each flight you take in March 2025.

American has been notoriously stingy about how to earn miles/loyalty points.  Flying and use of their co-branded credit cards are the best way to earn (with the shopping portal and dining programs being other possibilities).  

Will you be maximizing this promotion for upcoming travel?