Hey there, miles and points enthusiasts! Welcome to another episode of Miles & Points Daily Podcast. I'm Lucas, and I've got some fascinating stories for you today about travel chaos, elite benefits, and even a hair-braiding mystery.

Let's start with some concerning news from United Airlines in San Francisco. According to View from the Wing, United is experiencing a major catering meltdown at SFO after switching from Gate Gourmet to LSG Sky Chefs. Passengers are finding severely reduced food and beverage services, with some flights not even having ice available. If you're flying through SFO in the coming days, you might want to grab some food before boarding, even if you're in first class.

Speaking of airline operations, there was a pretty scary incident at LaGuardia Airport recently. Air traffic controllers mistakenly cleared an American Eagle flight for takeoff while a United aircraft was still on the runway. Thankfully, controllers caught the error quickly and no one was hurt, but it's a sobering reminder of the importance of air traffic control reform.

Now, some disappointing news for Marriott Bonvoy elite members. The program has quietly modified its terms and conditions, removing the 'best room' promise for elite upgrades. This change essentially gives hotels more flexibility in what rooms they offer as upgrades. It's another reminder to always manage your expectations with hotel loyalty programs.

Here's an interesting one that might make you think twice about falling asleep on planes - an American Airlines passenger recently woke up to find that someone had braided her hair during the flight! While some might find it amusing, it's definitely a violation of personal space and raises some security concerns.

In credit card news, the Business Platinum Card from American Express offers an excellent two hundred dollar Hilton statement credit that's worth maximizing. You can use this for room rates, dining, spa services, or other eligible charges at Hilton properties. Just visit the link in our shownotes to learn more about the card and its current signup bonus.

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! Thanks for tuning in to Miles & Points Daily Podcast. Make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com for more travel rewards content. Until next time, keep earning those miles!