✈️ Southwest Kills Travel Credits & Delta Passengers Trapped Overnight on Planes

Welcome to the Miles & Points Daily Podcast, where we bring you the latest news and tips to maximize your travel rewards! I'm your host Lucas, and wow, it's been a wild day in the miles and points universe. I've got some shocking news about Southwest travel credits, Delta passengers trapped on planes overnight, and even some juicy details about Elon Musk's private jet preferences. So buckle up, because we're about to take off!

First up, some troubling news for Southwest customers. Southwest Airlines, which previously boasted that their travel credits would never expire, has now made a significant policy change that will leave some customers with absolutely nothing. According to Gary Leff at View from the Wing, passengers who purchase basic economy tickets far in advance and then cancel their travel six months later will receive no credit at all. The catch here is that the validity of the credit is based on when you buy the ticket, not when you cancel. This is a major shift from Southwest's previous policy, which was considered one of the most customer-friendly in the industry. If you're planning to book Southwest flights, I'd recommend being absolutely certain about your travel plans or considering other fare options that might offer more flexibility.

In a story that's making waves across the industry, two Delta Air Lines flights were diverted to Montgomery, Alabama during bad weather on Thursday night, and passengers were kept on board until 5am the next morning. According to reports, these travelers were stranded on their aircraft for over six hours after landing at 10:30pm, with only cookies and water to sustain them. This is particularly concerning given that the Department of Transportation rules typically limit tarmac delays to three hours for domestic flights. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that airlines are required to provide food, water, working lavatories, and medical attention if necessary during extended delays. It's also worth noting that you might be eligible for compensation in these situations, so always keep records of your experience and follow up with the airline afterward.

Now for some good news for American Airlines travelers. After seven years of waiting, American's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring fifty-one suites are finally coming to service. Inside sources say these planes will fly to London from Chicago O'Hare and Philadelphia by late summer. The aircraft will reportedly be tested on domestic routes between Chicago and Los Angeles first before being deployed on international routes. This is exciting news for premium cabin travelers, as these new suites are expected to significantly enhance the business class experience on American's long-haul routes. If you're planning to fly to London from either Chicago or Philadelphia later this year, you might want to keep an eye on the aircraft type when booking to potentially experience these new suites.

Here's an interesting tidbit for credit card enthusiasts. Gary Leff at View from the Wing reports that the Citi AAdvantage Business Card has a hidden perk that essentially pays for itself every year. The card offers inflight WiFi credits that can provide substantial value for frequent travelers. While this might not be the most rewarding card for everyday spending, the upfront bonus offer and ongoing benefits like the WiFi rebate make it a compelling option for American Airlines loyalists. If you frequently fly American and use inflight WiFi, this card could be worth considering for your wallet.

In lighter news, a Spirit Airlines flight attendant turned the standard safety briefing into quite the comedy routine, quizzing passengers and even telling parents they'd need to choose which child gets an oxygen mask. While obviously a joke, it certainly made for a memorable pre-flight experience. Spirit might not offer seatback entertainment, but it seems some of their flight attendants are providing entertainment of their own. This is a reminder that despite the often stressful nature of air travel, there are still moments of humor to be found.

Are you curious about how much airline pilots actually earn? Ben Schlappig at One Mile at a Time has broken down the interesting math behind pilot compensation. Pilot salaries are calculated based on a complex formula that takes into account factors like seniority, aircraft type, and the number of hours flown. It's a fascinating look into one of the most prestigious professions in the travel industry and might provide some perspective next time you're thanking your captain for a smooth flight.

For families looking to book hotel accommodations, The Points Guy has shared some valuable tips for booking rooms for large families. Standard hotel rooms typically accommodate only two to four people, which can be challenging for extended families or those with multiple children. Some strategies include booking connecting rooms, looking for family suites, or considering vacation rentals as alternatives to traditional hotels. Many hotel loyalty programs also offer ways to leverage points for upgraded accommodations, so it's worth exploring those options if you're traveling with a larger group.

Frequent Miler has published a helpful video guide on moving Avios between the various programs that use this currency, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Finnair. While these airlines all use Avios as their loyalty currency, transferring points between them isn't always straightforward. Understanding how to move Avios between these programs can unlock valuable redemption opportunities and help you maximize the value of your points. This is particularly useful knowledge if you're planning to book partner awards or take advantage of sweet spots in any of these frequent flyer programs.

And now, a quick announcement 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 wraps up today's episode of the Miles & Points Daily Podcast. Thank you so much for tuning in! If you found this information valuable, please consider subscribing to the podcast on all major platforms or visiting our website at milesandpointsdaily.com for more great content. Until tomorrow, keep earning those points and happy travels!