Recent Posts
News•Feb 25, 2026
UPDATE: New Hyatt Regency Incheon Paradise City Now Listed As Category 4
The West Tower of the former Grand Hyatt Incheon Airport has been sold to the Paradise Group and will reopen as Hyatt Regency Incheon Paradise City on March 9, 2026. Hyatt’s website now lists the property as a Category 4 hotel, one tier above its previous classification. The adjacent East Tower remains a Grand Hyatt with a Category 3 rating, creating a split‑brand scenario. The upgrade means award‑based bookings will require more points, while cash rates are expected to adjust.
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 25, 2026
IHG Buy Points Buy Points 100% Bonus Sale Through March 17, 2026
IHG has launched its second Buy Points 100% Bonus Sale for 2026, running through March 17, 2026. Members can earn a full 100% bonus on purchases of 30,000 points or more, with tiered bonuses starting at 80% for 5,000 points....
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 23, 2026
Ole Orvér Becomes Chief Executive Officer Of Oneworld
onworld alliance announced Ole Orvér as its new chief executive officer, starting April 1, 2026. Orvér joins from Finnair, where he served as chief commercial officer and reshaped the airline’s network and loyalty strategy. His résumé includes senior roles at...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 23, 2026
Airports of Thailand Increase Passenger Departure Tax To THB 1,120 From June 20, 2026
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced that the international passenger service charge will rise from THB 730 to THB 1,120 per departing passenger, effective June 20, 2026. The domestic charge remains at THB 130. AOT projects the hike will generate roughly...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 23, 2026
Virgin Australia Velocity Bonus Status Credits January 12 – March 31, 2026 (Already Flown Included)
Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program is running a limited‑time promotion from 12 January to 31 March 2026 that awards up to 125 bonus Status Credits for flights booked and flown during the period, even if the flights have already been completed. Members...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 23, 2026
Travel Waivers Due To Northeastern US Winter Storm February 22 – 23, 2026
A major winter storm swept the Northeastern United States and Canadian Maritimes on February 22‑23, 2026, prompting airlines to cancel more than 8,000 flights across two days. Delta, United, American, JetBlue and Air Canada each issued travel waivers that waive...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 22, 2026
Milan Malpensa (MXP) Runway Closure March 16 – May 9, 2026
Milan Malpensa Airport will close runway 35L/17R from March 16 to May 9, 2026 for full repaving, taxiway refurbishment, and LED lighting upgrades. During this period MXP will operate on a single runway, sharply reducing its handling capacity. The airport has arranged...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 22, 2026
Reader Question: Daily Credit at Hilton Hotels?
Hilton’s daily food‑and‑beverage credit for Gold and Diamond members operates on a calendar‑day cycle, resetting at midnight rather than a 24‑hour window. Unused credit rolls over only to the checkout day, after which any remaining balance expires. The policy is...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 22, 2026
ALL Accor Meeting Planner Double Points North & Central America Through June 30, 2026
Accor has extended its Meeting Planner double‑point promotion for North and Central America through June 30 2026. ALL members can earn two reward points per two euros spent for up to three qualifying events booked by May 31 2026. The offer applies to events...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 21, 2026
Reader Question: No Lounge Access Before Midnight on Cathay Itinerary With an Overnight Connection @ HKG?
A LoyaltyLobby reader with Oneworld Emerald status was denied entry to Cathay Pacific’s Pier First Class and Wing lounges in Hong Kong at 22:00 during an overnight connection, despite a single‑ticket itinerary. Cathay’s customer service cited lounge operating hours (05:30‑~03:00)...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 20, 2026
What Power Banks Do You Use & Why?
Japan’s transport ministry will ban power‑bank use on all flights starting April 2026, prompting airlines to adjust safety protocols. China has extended its 30‑day visa‑free program to UK and Canadian passport holders through the end of 2026, easing travel barriers. Meanwhile,...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 19, 2026
Best Western Nordic Hit By Data Breach: Cybercriminals Targeting Guests Via WhatsApp & SMS
Best Western hotels in Sweden, Denmark and Norway suffered a data breach that exposed guest names, check‑in dates, email addresses and phone numbers. Cybercriminals are now using the stolen details to launch phishing attacks via WhatsApp and SMS, directing victims...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 19, 2026
W Amsterdam Faces Eviction Over €23.4M Unpaid Rent – What This Means for Your Marriott Bonvoy Stay
W Amsterdam’s operator, Sircle Collection, has failed to pay rent for nearly three years, accruing €23.4 million in arrears. The hotel’s annual lease is about €10 million, and the landlord, German investor Deka, has filed for eviction with a court ruling expected...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 19, 2026
Japan To Ban Power Bank Use Inflight From April 2026
Japan’s transport ministry will ban the use and charging of power banks on all domestic and international flights operating to, from, or within Japan starting April 2026. Passengers may still bring up to two power banks, each capped at 160...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 17, 2026
IHG Cobranded Visa Debit Card For UK With Revolut Coming In 2026
IHG announced a co‑branded Visa debit card with fintech firm Revolut, targeting UK consumers and slated for launch in late 2026. The new product replaces the IHG‑Creation credit card that was discontinued in 2023, and will be issued under the...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 16, 2026
KLM Ends Dubai & Tel Aviv Flight Cancellation Guidance (Continue For How Long?)
KLM has stopped providing a timeline for fully restoring its Dubai and Tel Aviv services, continuing to operate only a reduced schedule that favors morning flights while cancelling most afternoon and evening rotations. The airline resumed full operations to Saudi...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 16, 2026
IHG Iberostar 3-Day Up To 55% Off Flash Sale For Stays In the Americas March 1 – October 31, 2026...
IHG has launched a three‑day flash sale for Iberostar beach resorts across the Americas, with bookings open from February 16‑18, 2026 and stays eligible from March 1 to October 31, 2026. Discounts can reach up to 55 percent, varying by property and dates. The promotion covers...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 16, 2026
Booking.com De-Lists Two German Hilton Hotels For Ties To Iran Regime, Cancels Reservations
Booking.com has removed two Hilton properties in the Frankfurt region from its platform, cancelling several hundred existing reservations. The hotels – Hilton Frankfurt City Centre and Hilton Frankfurt Gravenbruch – are owned by the Mashali family, linked to Iranian banker...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 15, 2026
IHG One Rewards Qualifying Rates & Booking Channel Changes + Reward Night Gifting
IHG has refined the terms of its One Rewards program, clarifying which travel agents qualify as authorized partners and outlining the rate categories that earn points. Qualifying stays now include bookings made through directly contracted agents, the IHG website, app,...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 15, 2026
KLM Flight Cancellation Bonanza Due To Winter Weather On February 15, 2026
KLM cancelled more than 150 flights on February 15, 2026 after heavy snowfall reduced landing capacity at Amsterdam Schiphol, with short‑haul services bearing the brunt while most long‑haul flights remained on schedule but with fewer passengers. The airline announced rebooking...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 13, 2026
Hertz Status Match For Marriott Ambassador, Titanium & Platinum For 2026
Marriott Bonvoy’s top‑tier members can now claim elite status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards through a tier‑match program. Ambassador Elite members receive President’s Circle status, while Titanium Elite members are granted Five Star status, and Platinum Elite members gain a...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 13, 2026
PREVIEW: ALL Accor+ Explorer With 2,000 Bonus Points February 17 – March 13, 2026
Accor+ Explorer relaunched with uniform pricing and a limited‑time offer for new members. From February 17 to March 13, 2026, sign‑ups receive 2,000 bonus points—equivalent to a €40 rebate—on top of the standard membership fee, which averages $229 but varies by country....
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 13, 2026
Chinese Government Puts Waldorf Astoria New York On The Market
China’s Dajia Insurance Group, the state‑owned holder of the Waldorf Astoria New York, has put the iconic 1,400‑room hotel on the market. The property was bought by the now‑defunct Anbang in 2014 for $1.95 billion and has since absorbed more than $2 billion...
By LoyaltyLobby
News•Feb 13, 2026
Singapore Airlines 30% Off Spontaneous Escapes For Travel March 1 – 31, 2026 (Book February 28)
Singapore Airlines is offering KrisFlyer members a 30% mileage discount on its Spontaneous Escapes program for travel between March 1‑31, 2026. The promotion covers Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins on a wide range of routes across Southeast Asia, West Asia, Africa,...
By LoyaltyLobby
Deals•Feb 13, 2026
Chinese Government Puts Waldorf Astoria New York Up for Sale
The Chinese government, via Dajia Insurance Group, announced it will sell the Waldorf Astoria New York, a flagship Hilton hotel, after spending over $4 billion on acquisition and renovations. The property, bought by Anbang in 2014 for $1.95 billion, is now on...
LoyaltyLobby