✈️ Naked DFW Incident, Major United Card Overhaul, and Aeroplan Partner Award Changes!

Hello and welcome to this episode of Miles & Points Daily Podcast! I'm your host Lucas, and I've got some wild, wacky, and wonderful news from the world of miles and points to share with you today. So buckle up those airplane seatbelts because we're ready for takeoff! First up, we've got some rather bizarre airport news. A naked woman was spotted running through Dallas-Fort Worth airport's terminal D, screaming that she speaks all languages, tossing drinks, and ultimately smashing a boarding door at gate D4. I'm not sure which frequent flyer program she was trying to maximize there, but I can assure you that's not the way to earn elite status with any airline. Remember folks, keep your clothes on at the airport - it's not only proper etiquette but probably in the terms and conditions somewhere. Moving on to some significant credit card news! Chase and United Airlines have completely overhauled their co-branded credit card portfolio. As Gary Leff from View from the Wing reports, the changes include higher annual fees, but also a suite of new benefits. The most notable change? It's now possible to earn top-tier United 1K status purely through credit card spending. These cards are adding various coupon-like credits similar to what we've seen from American Express cards, including lounge access options and over 1,000 dollars in credits for certain cards. The United Club Card has seen its annual fee jump dramatically to 695 dollars, while the Quest card increased by 40%. Each card in the lineup has added various credits for hotels, rideshare services, and more. According to Ben Schlappig at One Mile at a Time, this represents a significant shift in United's credit card strategy. If you're a frequent United flyer, it might be worth calculating if these new benefits outweigh the higher annual fees based on your travel patterns. If you've been thinking about booking partner awards through Air Canada's Aeroplan program, today is your last chance to do so under the current award chart! Starting tomorrow, March 25th, Aeroplan will adopt dynamic pricing for several partner airlines, including United Airlines. This means award prices could fluctuate significantly, so if you've been eyeing a specific redemption, now is the time to lock it in under the predictable current pricing. In luxury travel news, it appears Qantas has some changes coming to their international premium offerings. Unfortunately, there are a couple of delays to report. The airline's Project Sunrise, which will feature Airbus A350-1000s for ultra-long-haul flights like Sydney to New York, has been pushed back to 2027. Additionally, plans for a new Qantas First Lounge at London Heathrow have been postponed. These were highly anticipated developments, so the delays are disappointing for premium travelers. Speaking of luxury travel experiences, Ben Schlappig at One Mile at a Time has published a review of Air France's La Premiere first class on the Boeing 777 from Miami to Paris. Air France is known for having one of the world's best first class products, and his review confirms it's still a stellar experience, even five years since his last flight in the product. For those wondering which airlines offer complimentary chauffeur service, One Mile at a Time has a comprehensive guide. This premium perk is offered by several carriers for their first and business class passengers, providing door-to-door service that enhances the overall luxury experience. In hotel news, we have some sad developments for aviation enthusiasts. The iconic Jumbo Stay 747 Hotel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport has closed its doors. This unique hotel, housed inside a converted Boeing 747, was a beloved destination for airplane lovers. It's always disappointing to see such novel aviation-themed accommodations disappear. Meanwhile, Hyatt has announced award chart changes taking effect tomorrow, March 25th. According to Doctor of Credit, 118 properties are increasing in price, while only 33 are decreasing. If you have your eye on a Hyatt property that's going up in category, today is your last chance to book at the current rates. For those looking to boost their Chase Ultimate Rewards balance, there's exciting news about the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. A 100,000 point offer is now available in Chase branches, with the online version expected around April 3rd. This represents one of the best welcome bonuses we've seen for this popular travel card. In the low-cost carrier world, Ryanair has launched something called 'Ryanair Prime' for 79 pounds per year, according to Head for Points. Membership will be capped at 250,000 members, though the benefits appear to be somewhat limited compared to other airline membership programs. For Amazon shoppers, there are several deals worth noting. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is happening now through Monday, with numerous travel items available at discounted prices. Additionally, there are bonus miles available for Apple purchases through various shopping portals today only, so check those out if you're in the market for new Apple products. And now, a word from our sponsor: Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes. That's all for today's episode of Miles & Points Daily Podcast! Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe on all major podcast platforms or visit our website at milesandpointsdaily.com for more great content. Until tomorrow, keep earning and burning those miles and points wisely. Safe travels, everyone!