Allegiant Gets in the Game, Lie-flat on all AA long-haul Routes and Marriott Partners With TED Talks

It might not be your favorite airline, but there is a new player in the game when it comes to travel loyalty. Allegiant is launching an “infrequent” flyer program while Marriott expands the minds of its frequent travelers with a new TED Talks partnership.

Allegiant Airlines launches loyalty program

Allegiant is starting a loyalty program that it says is designed for “infrequent flyers.” Since the airline flies mostly between small and medium-sized cities carrying leisure passengers to resort destinations, it acknowledges that many of its fliers only travel a couple of times a year. It allows for that caveat in its new loyalty program by aligning it with its new credit card partnership that lets fliers earn points to redeem as monetary credit toward vacations throughout the year.

Allegiant World MasterCard is a new Bank of America credit card, which carries a $59 fee per year, offers three points per dollar spent on Allegiant purchases, two points per dollar for dining, and one point per dollar on everything else. Travel perks include priority boarding and one complimentary beverage aboard Allegiant flights.

Marriott partners with TED

Travel expands the mind, according to Marriott, and there is nothing more true. Non-profit TED focuses on sharing ideas through short, powerful talks that engage the mind, and Marriott wants to put that creative energy to use in its hotels. Starting this fall, inspirational content will be available at Marriott Hotels via in-room TV or the wireless Internet sign-in page exposing guests to thought-provoking content centered around various themes like curiosity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The themes will change each quarter, and some of the TED Talks will be specially created for Marriott. The hope is that guests will leave with a memorable experience that enhances their personal and professional life. While you’re enjoying the themed content, you can also pick up 500 Marriott Rewards points by forgoing housekeeping. That way you can get your creative juices flowing uninterrupted.

Earn to triple Avios points with British Airways

Between now and December 11, you can earn triple Avios points for flights between Europe and North America on American, British Airways, Finnair, or Iberia. Triple points mean whatever the fare class earned previously (the lowest fares often earn only 25%, but would earn 75% in this promotion). If you fly the most expensive fares, which earn 300% per flight, you would earn 900% mileage flown with this promotion. Be sure to register before your flight. Only four roundtrips will qualify so be sure to pick the trips that will maximize this bonus.

American Airlines adds lie-flat seats to Boeing 757 fleet

Finally, American’s narrow body fleet will be equipped with the same standard of premium cabin seat as its widebody aircraft. While it is a different physical seat, it will lie flat completely versus the angled-flat seats on many of its planes today. Unlike Delta and United though, there will be no inflight seatback screens (instead flight attendants will deliver tablets to passengers after takeoff, reducing the amount of time people can watch entertainment). Seats will be in a 2-2 layout meaning window seat passengers will have to perform acrobatics to get out if the aisle passenger is fully reclined. Still, this is a better option that what is in place now; keep in mind it will take at least a year, if not more, to retrofit the planned two dozen 757s.

Emirates offers miles and cash awards

Similar to what Avios currently offers, Emirates Skywards is following suit and giving fliers the chance to redeem both miles and cash for flights. This is a great option for those that have not reached the full number of miles needed to secure a free ticket. This is still not the greatest value given how much you can actually get when redeeming Emirates miles in full, but it will be helpful for some travelers nonetheless. The cheapest option is redeeming 2,000 miles to offset the cost of an airline ticket.

Take 30% off Virgin Atlantic awards

If you subscribe to Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, you can redeem economy and premium economy awards at a 30% discount between now and September 22. Travel can take place anytime as long as it is available for reservation in the schedule. There is no need to register as the discount is automatically applied, and the offer is valid on both one-way and roundtrip travel. This means that a one-way ticket is 12,500 miles between the east coast and London. Don’t have Virgin Atlantic miles? You can transfer them from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi Thank You Points; but beware the high taxes imposed.

Earn 500 free Virgin Elevate points

All you have to do is sign up for Virgin Hotels’ emails to receive 500 free Virgin Elevate points. Even if you don’t plan to fly Virgin America much or stay at Virgin Hotels anytime soon, free points are free points. Soon, these will become Alaska Mileage Plan miles when the two airlines merge. Be sure to sign up between now and September 30 to be rewarded.

Lufthansa joins TSA Pre-Check

As the first European airline to partner with the TSA PreCheck program, airline passengers enrolled in the expedited security screening will have an easier time getting to their Germany-bound flights. Enter the information in your reservation details to be sure to have TSA PreCheck when checking in for a Lufthansa flight.