Feb 11 Update: WestJet Encore routes announced and an American AAdvantage reward sale to Hawaii

Over the weekend I was featured ever so quickly on Global TV Calgary's Sunday Morning news talking about how you can only collect miles (or in this case WestJet dollars) for yourself on a flight and no one else on your booking, that the others have to have their own FF numbers to collect. I believe most of you who visit Rewards Canada know this but according to Tony Tighe at Global this was not the first time he was asked this. I think his FYI is a good as there are many Canadians out there who are not 'savvy' with their programs and do not understand or read all the rules that come with them.




News, Tips & Tricks
Check out American AAdvantage's discounted reward offer for flights to Hawaii from the U.S. and Canada. Only 30,000 AAdvantage Miles will get you a round trip flight in Economy Class. For those of us here in Canada this is best taken 'AAdvantage' of by current American AAdvantage members with enough miles in their accounts and since AAdvantage no longer has a credit card in Canada your best credit card bet for this offer is for holders of the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express as 25,000 Starpoints will get you the 30,000 AAdvantage Miles, the only question is will you get them in time to redeem before the March 13 deadline. Full details can be found here.

WestJet confirmed today via a press release the service we posted about on Friday. Dallas will be served once daily from Calgary and Myrtle Beach will be served twice per week from Toronto. Also announced were the first WestJet Encore routes (their new regional airline) which included two new cities to WestJet's route map Fort St. John from Calgary and Vancouver and Nanaimo, BC from Calgary. Other routes to be flown by Encore include Calgary to Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon; Edmonton to Grande Prairie and Vancouver to Victoria. These flights will start on June 24th with their new Bomardier Dash-8 Q400 turboprops. This also ends months of speculation as to where Encore would fly first, some people thought the Eastern Triangle and Eastern U.S. while others were right with the West but cities like Cranbrook, Lethbridge and others being speculated were left off the map this time (more routes are scheduled to be announced later, so these cities may come along!)

Update: Sorry I forgot to put this in when I first posted this, the increased sign up bonus I was talking about last week for one of the cards here in Canada seems to have been delayed now.... I will keep you up to date as soon I here something.

Bonus Offers
AeroMexico Club Premier
- Double Club Premier Kilometers for stays at City Express Hotels in Mexico. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- QuadrupleClub Premier Kilometer per stay at La Quinta properties in Mexico (Poza Rica, Cancún, San Luis Potosí and Ciudad Juárez) More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Triple Club Premier Kilometer per stay at La Quinta properties in the U.S. and Canada. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double Club Premier Kilometers for weekend stays at NH Hotels in Mexico and Latin America. More... Mar 1 - Apr 30, 13
- Double Club Premier Kilometers for stays of 2 or more nights at NH Hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga Valencia, Canary Islands, Lanzarote, Vigo, Lisbon, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Milan, or Rome. More... Until Feb 28, 13
- 100 Bonus Club Premier Kilometers when you join PointsHound.com. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- 250 Bonus Club Premier Kilometers on your first booking for members who sign up before March 31. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double Club Premier Kilometers for stays at participating Wyndham Rewards hotels Worldwide. More... Until May 6, 13
- Quadruple Club Premier Kilometers for Hertz rentals in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom. More... Until Mar 31, 13

American AAdvantage
- Only 15,000 AAdvantage Miles each way when you book an Economy Class award for travel on American Airlines between the US, Canada and Hawaii. More... Until Mar 13, 13

Delta SkyMiles
- Quadruple SkyMiles for stays at Accor Hotels Worldwide. More... Book by Feb 28 for stays until Apr 15, 13
- Triple SkyMiles for stays at Accor Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Apr 15, 13

Ethiopian Sheba Miles
- 100% Bonus Sheba Miles for flights for between Addis Ababa and Ndola or Blantyre. More... Mar 30 - May 30, 13
- Receive a Free Award Ticket for every five round trips you make between Lagos and Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur; Lagos and New Delhi and Mumbai; Lagos and Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Dammam, Bahrain, Kuwait, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi; Lagos and Beirut, Cairo and Tel Aviv. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Hyatt Gold Passport
- 2,000 Bonus Gold Passport Points for weekend stays (Fri-Sun) at the Grand Hyatt Berlin, Hyatt Regency Cologne, Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf, Hyatt Regency Mainz, Park Hyatt Hamburg, Park Hyatt Zurich and Hyatt Regency Warsaw. More... Until Until Apr 30, 13
- 22,000 Bonus Gold Passport Points when you stay five nights or more at the Hyatt Regency Aruba. More... Until Dec 20, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Gold Passport Points for stays at the The L.A. Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. More... Until May 31, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Gold Passport Points when you arrive at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Los Angeles on Thursday, Friday or Saturday and stay two nights or more. More... Until Feb 28, 13



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Feb 8 Update: WestJet new routes and passengers to see tighter economy class on AC's new 777s

Last post of the week covers some news I missed yesterday on AC's new 777-300s plus more WestJet expansion and some bonuses that don't play too much into the majority of the Canadian market.

News, Tips & Tricks
I forgot to mention yesterday in the post about Air Canada's new Premium Economy product that the new 777-300 will also have a tighter economy class of 10 abreast seating (3-4-3). The current 777's in Air Canada fleet feature 9 abreast seating in 3-3-3 configuration. So while those who buy Premium Economy will enjoy more room, those in the back of the bus will enjoy less room.

WestJet announced some new routes on their Facebook page, Calgary-Dallas (obvious tie up with their partner American Airlines) and Toronto-Myrtle Beach (vacation destination, taking on Porter Airlines) are slated to start later this year. In addition to that they mention 2 new Canadian cities (Encore service?) and 3 winter destinations moving to year round service. More details are to come soon.

Travel DealsEmirates is running a special offer when you buy two tickets in business class or economy class to Cape Town, Colombo, Dubai, Durban, Johannesburg, Male, Mauritius, Nairobi, Phuket and Seychelles. Flights must be booked by Feb 11 for travel Apr 5 - May 31. Find more details here.


Bonus Offers
airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles on every "Holiday Dreams" stay at any participating Dorint Hotels & Resorts. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Air China Phoenix Miles
- Triple Phoenix Miles Kilometers for Gold and Platinum members who stay for a minimum of 2 nights on best available rate at participating Raffles Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- 668 Bonus Phoenix Miles Kilometers per car rental booked via Rentalcars.com. More... Until Mar 31, 13

American AAdvantage
- Double AAdvantage Miles when you rent an economy through a full size vehicle for one or more days at participating airport locations in Mexico. More... Until Mar 15, 13

JetBlue TrueBlue (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Earn up to 50% Bonus TrueBlue Points when you buy or gift TrueBlue Points. More... Until Mar 15, 13

Marriott Rewards
- 3,500 Bonus Points when you stay on a Sunday night at the Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection®. Tallahassee. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- 2.5 KrisFlyer Miles for every US$1 spent when you use Agoda.com to make a booking at any participating hotel worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Triple KrisFlyer Miles for every night’s stay at Ascott’s newly opened residences in Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and London. More... Mar 1 - Apr 30, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles for stays on the Best Available Rate at the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Earn up to 5,000 KrisFlyer Miles (10x bonus) when you stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights at a participating Leading Hotels of the World property Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles when you stay on the Best Available or Bed&Breakfast rate at any participating Mandarin Oriental hotel Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles when you stay on qualifying rates in a Meritus Club Room or Suite at any Meritus hotel or resort in Singapore, Malaysia, China or Indonesia. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles for stays of 3+ nights at participating Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles as well as a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe room when you stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights on an eligible package at Hotel New Otani Tokyo or Hotel New Otani Osaka. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles when you stay at a participating PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts property Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Earn up to Triple KrisFlyer Miles when you stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights at a participating Raffles hotel or resort Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles when you stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights at the Best Available Rate at participating Rendezvous hotels in Australia and New Zealand. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double KrisFlyer Miles when you stay on the Best Available Rate at any participating Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, or Traders Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Earn up to Quadruple KrisFlyer Miles when you rent with Hertz in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Earn up to Triple KrisFlyer Miles for Avis rentals in the USA, Canada, Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia (Singapore, Malaysia & Guam), Australia or New Zealand. More... Until Mar 31, 13


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Feb 7 Update: Air Canada Premium Economy, SPG Crossover Rewards is official, AA Bonus for new Seoul flight

The big news today is the official announcement of the Starwood Crossover Rewards and Air Canada's new Premium Economy Class. I can also let you know that a credit card tied into a large Canadian rewards program will be offering a larger sign up bonus starting next week.

News, Tips & Tricks
Air Canada has officially announced their Premium Economy product that will debut on the Montreal-Paris route on July 11 onboard their brand new Boeing 777-300ER. More details can be found in this post.

Yesterday's rumored new of the Delta and Starwood tie up is now official. Please see my separate post about here.

In case you don't follow or check out my global site FrequentFlyerBonuses.com, I posted on the FFB blog about the site's not so well known and secret pages. These pages hold as much weight for Rewards Canada readers so I encourage you the check them out.

Travel Deals
Air Canada is running a pretty big seat sale on many of their flights worldwide. Tickets must be booked by Feb 10. Click here to see the offer.

Bonus Offers
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- 1,000 Bonus Mileage Plan Miles on rentals of three or more days at a participating airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. More... Until Jun 30, 13
- Triple Mileage Plan Miles on all rentals of three days or longer at any Thrifty location Worldwide. More... Until Dec 31, 13

American AAdvantage
- Earn up to 30,000 Bonus AAdvantage Miles when you fly roundtrip between Dallas/Fort Worth and Seoul. More... May 9 - Aug 15, 13

British Airways Executive Club
- Double Avios on rentals of group C or higher car for three or more days at participating Avis locations Worldwide. More... Until Mar 17, 13

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- 400 Bonus Asia Miles for every eligible night you stay at participating Jinling Hotels & Resorts properties in China. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Czech Airlines OK Plus
- Earn up to 4,000 Bonus OK Plus Miles for flights between Prague and Seoul. More... Jun 1 - Aug 31, 13
- Earn up to 3,000 Bonus OK Plus Miles for flights between Prague and Perm. More... Mar 31 - Jun 30, 13-
- Earn up to 2,000 Bonus OK Plus Miles for flights between Prague and Florence, Nice or Zurich. More... Mar 31 - Jun 30, 13
- Earn up to 2,000 Bonus OK Plus Miles for flights between Prague and Munich. More... Jun 1 - Aug 31, 13
- Double OK Plus Miles for stays at participating Wyndham Rewards hotels Worldwide. More... Until May 6, 13

InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club
- 2,013 Bonus Priority Club Points after you spend $40 dining in your first 30 days of joining with the 2013 New Member Bonus. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Miles & More
- Earn 1,500 Miles & More Miles for rentals at participating Europcar locations Worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Oman Air Sindbad (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Triple Sindbad Miles for stays at the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Dubai. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Sindbad Miles for Avis rentals in Europe, Middle-East, Asia and Africa. More... Until Apr 30, 13

Saudia Alfursan (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Earn up to Triple Alfursan Miles on Avs rentals in Europe, Middle-East and Africa. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double Alfursan Miles on Budget rentals in Saudi Arabia. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double Alfursan Miles for stays at the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Dubai, Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana – Dubai. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Alfursan Miles for stays at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa – Al Aqah Beach. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Air Canada introduces Premium Economy

Air Canada has officially announced their Premium Economy product that will debut on the Montreal-Paris route on July 11 onboard their brand new Boeing 777-300ER. Complete details can be found here. This product will compete with other airlines Premium Economy, primarily Air France who has enjoyed success with their Premium Economy class on the same YUL-CDG route. Other carriers with Premium Economy across the Transatlantic include KLM and British Airways.

Travel in style

Enjoy Air Canada Premium Economy service on our nonstop from Montreal to Paris*, starting July 11, 2013, with introduction on other international routes over time.

Our new leisure airline, Air Canada rouge, will offer Premium rouge starting July 1, 2013 on the following routes:

Toronto - Athens
Toronto - Venice
Toronto - Edinburgh
Montreal - Athens

Air Canada Premium Economy treats you to:

100% priority treatment at the airport

Enjoy a Premium Economy experience that begins at the airport complete with:

• Priority check-in with personalized service
• Priority boarding so you can board first or at your leisure
• Priority baggage handling to ensure your 2 free checked bags (each weighing up to 23 kgs) are among the first to arrive at your destination

7 inches more legroom

Enjoy greater comfort in a dedicated Premium Economy cabin with:

• A wider seat and more recline for more space to sit back and relax
• 7 inches more legroom for added space to stretch and get comfortable
• A larger screen at your seat for viewing of more than 600 hours of on-demand entertainment
• Power outlet at your seat for all your go-to gadgets

5 ways to get pampered

Once on board, enjoy a little luxury,complete with:

• Premium meal service served on china dishware with complimentary wine and spirits
• Hot towel service
• A larger pillow
• A handy amenity kit so you arrive refreshed

Let’s count the Miles

Premium Economy also means optimum mile accumulation:

• Earn 100% Altitude Qualifying Miles
• Earn 100% Aeroplan^® Miles

 

Crossover Rewards with SPG and Delta

It's official, the 'rumour' going around the last few days about Starwood Preferred Guest and Delta partnering beyond your standard earn miles for hotel stays is true.  The introduction of Crossover Rewards was made today confirming that elite members in the Starwood Preferred Guest program and Delta SkyMiles Medallion (elite) members will have benefits extended to them from the reciprocal program. In a nut shell Starwood Elites can expect greater benefits when flying Delta and Medallion members will enjoy more benefits when staying a Starwood hotels. As I mentioned yesterday, I had asked the question years ago about earning Hotel points for flights and now it is here, although it isn't open to all SPG members it could just be a starting point as I am sure we will see the Crossover Rewards programs evolve over time as SPG and Delta figure out what works and doesn't work.

SPG Platinum and Gold members earn 1 Starpoint for every dollar spent on eligible Delta flights. Plus, SPG Platinum members enjoy elite benefits when traveling with Delta, such as priority check-in, Priority Boarding and first checked bag free.

SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion^® members earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on eligible room rates at over 1,100 Starwood hotels and resorts globally. Plus, SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members receive additional SPG benefits at Starwood hotels and resorts — 4 p.m. late checkout, access to the SPG elite check-in line, complimentary in-room Internet access and an upgrade to an enhanced room at check-in, when available.

Starting March 1, 2013, if you are an active SPG^® Member and have an active Delta SkyMiles^® program account, you may register to participate in Crossover Rewards through spg.com/crossoverrewards or delta.com/crossoverrewards. Phone registrations will not be accepted.

Rather than typing everything out myself, here is the earning structure and elite benefits being awarded to members straight from the Terms and Conditions of the Crossover Rewards program:

2. EARNING DELTA MILES.

2.1 Hotel Stays. Except for a Delta ADD Participant to whom the obligations in Section 2.2 apply, a Crossover Rewards Participant who has Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program will earn one mile in the Delta SkyMiles program for every one US dollar or its foreign equivalent denomination spent on Eligible Rates during Eligible Stays at SPG Participating Hotels in addition to earning Starpoints in accordance with the SPG Program Terms.

2.2 Delta ADD Participants. A Crossover Rewards Participant who has Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program and is enrolled in the SPG Airline Direct Deposit (ADD) program with Delta will earn one Starpoint for every one US dollar or its foreign equivalent denomination spent on Eligible Rates during Eligible Stays at SPG Participating Hotels in addition to earning miles in the Delta SkyMiles program pursuant to the ADD Program.

2.3 General SkyMiles Members. A Delta SkyMiles Member who does not have Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program will not earn miles in the Delta SkyMiles program through Crossover Rewards for Eligible Stays at SPG Participating Hotels.

2.4 Other Hotel Charges. No miles in the Delta SkyMiles program will be earned by a Crossover Rewards Participant for Eligible Charges at SPG Participating Hotels (e.g., food and beverage charges, laundry, valet) incurred by a Crossover Rewards Participant during an Eligible Stay, other than on the Eligible Rate.

3. EARNING STARPOINTS.

3.1 Qualifying Delta Flight. A "Qualifying Delta Flight" is a ticket with flight legs that are both marketed by Delta and operated by Delta or a Delta Connection® carrier and that is eligible to earn miles in the Delta SkyMiles program under the Delta SkyMiles Rules & Conditions, except for flights that are booked through online travel agencies including, without limitation, expedia.com, hotwire.com, priceline.com, orbitz.com, Cheaptickets.com, travelocity.com and each of their subsidiaries. A flight operated by a Delta codeshare partner is not a Qualifying Delta Flight.

3.2 Delta Flights. A Crossover Rewards Participant who is a Gold Preferred Guest or a Platinum Preferred Guest in the SPG Program will earn Starpoints in addition to earning miles in the Delta SkyMiles program in accordance with the Delta SkyMiles Rules & Conditions as follows:

3.2.a. One Starpoint for every one US dollar or its foreign equivalent denomination spent on published and corporate fares (excluding taxes, fees and surcharges) for Delta tickets on Qualifying Delta Flights;

3.2.b. 500 Starpoints per eligible leg on Qualifying Delta Flights: (1) for special fares, often referred to as unpublished fares, including, but not limited to consolidator fares, tour, groups, merchant marine and cruise packages; or (2) for fares where the rate for the flight is unknown; or

3.2.c. Either the amount specified in 3.2.a or 3.2.b for Corporate Sales, Military or Government fares, dependent on the organization's contract with Delta.

All legs of a Crossover Rewards Participant's reservation must be on Qualifying Delta Flights to be eligible for Starpoints under this Section 3.2.

4. ELITE BENEFITS.

4.1 SPG Participating Hotels.

4.1.a. Eligible Stays. A Crossover Rewards Participant who has Diamond or Platinum Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program will receive the following elite benefits during Eligible Stays at an SPG Participating Hotels:

• i. The ability to use the elite check-in line that is used by Gold Preferred Members and Platinum Preferred Members in the SPG Program;
• ii. 4 p.m. late checkout, subject to availability at resort and conference center SPG Participating Hotels;
• iii. An enhanced room at check-in, subject to availability and the same restrictions that apply to Gold Preferred Members in the SPG Program under the SPG Program Terms; and
• iv. Complimentary guest room Internet access.

4.1.b. Restrictions. All services, amenities and benefits provided under Section 4.1.a, are subject to availability and subject to the terms and conditions of each SPG Participating Hotel. Not all services, amenities and benefits are offered at all SPG Participating Hotels.

4.1.c. No Incremental Benefits. A Crossover Rewards Participant who qualifies for elite benefits pursuant to Section 4.1.a and who is a Gold Preferred Member or Platinum Preferred Member in the SPG Program will not receive incremental benefits under this Section 4.1, provided that a Gold Preferred Guest may choose a welcome amenity other than complimentary guest room Internet access during an Eligible Stay.

4.2 Qualifying Delta Flights.

4.2.a. Qualifying Delta Flights. A Crossover Rewards Participant who is a Platinum Preferred Member in the SPG Program will receive the following elite benefits with Qualifying Delta Flights if the reservation includes the Crossover Rewards Participant's SkyMiles account number:

• i. Priority check-in at designated Silver Medallion and SkyTeam elite check-in lanes where Delta offers this service (currently, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York City - JFK, New York City - LGA, Salt Lake City, Tokyo-Narita) or at designated Sky Priority check-in lanes at all other airports;
• ii. Zone 1 priority boarding on Qualifying Delta Flights for the Crossover Rewards Participant and up to 8 additional passengers travelling under the same reservation as the Crossover Rewards Participant on. Priority boarding in not offered on Delta Shuttle flights; and
• iii. First checked bag free for the Crossover Rewards Participant and up to 3 additional passengers travelling under the same reservation as the Crossover Rewards Participant. This waiver is only for standard first checked bag fee, if any fee applies, for a bag that is not overweight and not oversize under Delta's applicable rules in Delta's contract of carriage. Additional checked bags will be subject to the applicable baggage fees as outlined by Delta's rules and the purchased fare set forth in Delta's contract of carriage. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Please refer to www.delta.com/baggage for more details.

All legs of a Crossover Rewards Participant's reservation must be on Qualifying Delta Flights to be eligible for elite benefits under this Section 4.2.a.

4.2.b. No Incremental Benefits. A Crossover Rewards Participant who qualifies for elite benefits pursuant to Section 4.2.a and who has Medallion status in the Delta SkyMiles program or is a Delta SkyMiles American Express Cardholder will not receive incremental benefits under this Section 4.2.

What do you think of this new initiative from SPG and Delta? Will you make use of it? I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts! Please do so by commenting below

Feb 6 Update: SPG Crossover Rewards, 25% Bonus on Buying Wyndham Rewards points

There has been a bit of a slow down in terms of loyalty program news, tips etc which has allowed me to work on features behind the scene, on some B2B proposals and more but has kept the daily updates to pretty much only bonus offers of late but that is how the industry roles!

News, Tips & Tricks
I remember saying a few years ago (don't recall if it was at a conference or just here on the blog) that I felt hotel programs should tie in with airline programs so that the hotel loyalty program members could earn points for flights taken on their airline partners. Much like how members of frequent flyer programs can earn miles for hotel stays. Well if the news from Loyalty Lobby is correct that will become reality with a partnership agreement between Starwood Preferred Guest and Delta Airlines (at least for SPG Elite members) called SPG Crossover Rewards. However SPG is tight lipped at this time in regards to 'rumours and speculation' as seen in the post on Milepoint from SPG:

I'll provide a post in the future with greater detail and listing all the benefits once the SPG Crossover Rewards are officially announced.

Bonus Offers
Air France KLM Flying Blue
- Double Flying Blue Miles when you fly KLM between Dallas Ft. Worth and Amsterdam. More... May 1 - Jun 30, 13

British Airways Executive Club (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- 15% Avios Discount on reward flights to Las Vegas from London Gatwick. More... Book by Feb 28 for travel until Mar 31, 13

Gulf Air FalconFlyer (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Falconflyer Miles for stays at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa – Al Aqah Beach - Fujairah More... Until Mar 31, 13

InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club
- Earn Double, Triple or up to 5,000 Bonus Priority Club points for individual hotel stays in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Earn up to 5,000 Bonus Priority Club points for individual hotel stays in China. More... Until Apr 30, 13

Saudia Alfursan (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Alfursan Miles for flights between Riyadh, Damman, or Madinah and Dubai; Jeddah and Cairo, Dubai, Johannesburg, Kano or Nairobi. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Double Alfursan Miles for flights between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo or Doha; Jeddah and Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, or Tunisia; Dammam and Cairo. More.... Until Mar 31, 13

Scandivavian EuroBonus
- Double EuroBonus points when you rent a compact car or larger and include a Saturday night at participating Hertz locations USA, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia /Pacific, Middle East or Africa. More... Book by Mar 31 for rentals Feb 12 - May 31, 13

Wyndham Rewards
- Earn up to 2,000 Bonus Wyndham Rewards Points when book the "Best Available Rate + 1,000 bonus points" or "Best Available Rate +2,000 bonus points" rate offer at participating hotels in the U.S. or Canada. More... Until Dec 31, 13
- 25% Wyndham Rewards Points every time you buy or gift Wyndham Rewards points. More... Until Feb 28, 13


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Feb 5 Update: Lots of great bonus offers, oneworld elite benefits enhancement, Voila Hotel Rewards in Canada

Lots of great bonus offers added today to RC plus some good news for oneworld Emerald elite members and Voila Hotel Rewards adds Canadian properties

News, Tips & Tricks
The oneworld Alliance announced two more top tier benefits on January 31st that oneworld Emerald members will be able to take advantage of:

An extra checked baggage allowance, above the standard limit for the cabin class in which they are traveling - either one additional item where the piece concept applies, or an extra 20 kg (44 lbs) where the weight concept applies - when they fly on any oneworld member airline.

Use fast track lanes through security when flying from select key airports worldwide on select oneworld member airlines.

Last week when I mentioned the St. Regis deal for Voila Hotel Rewards members I had to dig deeper into the program as roughy a year ago they had no hotels participating in Canada and only one in the U.S.. A quick check shows that VHR now has 14 hotels in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. The two in Canada are the St. Regis in Vancouver of course and the Lexington Inn & Suites Windsor. Nice to see another hotel loyalty player enter the Canadian market in regards to properties and though small I'm sure those hotels have loyal visitors who will welcome the addition of VHR.

Bonus Offers
airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles on all prepaid Sixt rentals Worldwide. More... Book by Feb 17 for rentals until Dec 31, 13

Air Canada Aeroplan
- Triple Bonus Aeroplan Miles when you spend $30 or more on your everyday purchases at Rexall. More... Until Feb 21, 13

Avianca TACA LifeMiles
- Double LifeMiles for every 1,000 miles you transfer to the account of a relative or friend. More... Until Feb 20, 13

Emirates Skywards
- Earn up to 16,000 Bonus Skywards Miles with Emirates' February Miles Accelerator offers for select flights Worldwide. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Hilton HHonors
- 10,000 Bonus HHonors Points and Double Airline Miles for stays of four or more nights at any Hilton hotels and resorts in Hawaii. More... Until Dec 20, 13

Hyatt Gold Passport
- 3,000 Bonus Gold Passport Points for every 3 nights completed at Hyatt Hotels Worldwide. Maximum of 45,000 bonus points awarded. More... Registration opens on Feb 15. Mar 1 - May 31, 13

Saudia Alfursan (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Alfursan Miles for stays at participating Wyndham Rewards hotels Worldwide. More... Until May 6, 13

Southwest Rapid Rewards (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Rapid Rewards Points on all Southwest Airlines flight systemwide. More... Until May 15, 2013
- Double Tier Qualifyying Points every time you fly into or out of Milwaukee. More... Until May 15, 2013

US Airways Dividend Miles
- 1,000 Bonus Dividend Miles when you fly on US Airways Shuttle routes between Boston, New York and Washington, DC. More... Until Feb 28, 13
- 100% Bonus Dividend Miles when you use your US Airways Dividend Miles credit card to buy or gift bonus miles online. More... Until Feb 28, 13
- Earn up to 100% Bonus Dividend Miles when you buy Dividend Miles online. Targeted to only those members who bought miles in 2012. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Voila Hotel Rewards
- 25% Bonus Points for every stay at participating VOILÁ hotels worldwide. A maximum of 25,000 Bonus Points can be earned during the promotional period. More... Until Apr 30, 13

Feb 4 Update: Icelandair YYZ flight goes year round & many more bonuses for Malaysia Airlines flights

Welcome to the first full week of February on Rewards Canada! Other then the regular daily dosage of bonus offers and news, this month you can expect to see Part 4 of my "Other Options" feature, another new travel credit card in the Canadian market, and if time allows another great credit card comparison chart!

News, Tips & Tricks
Icelandair announced year-round service Toronto and Keflavik starting on March 8. Previously the route was summer seasonal. They will continue to offer summer seasonal service from Halifax as well. (Source: Icelandair)

Bonus Offers
airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

British Airways Executive Club (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Avios when you spend a minimum of £400 or 400€ at any one Chic Outlet village on any one day. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Double Asia Miles on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

Germanwings Boomerang Club (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Boomerang Miles for stays in all Lindner City hotels in Europe. More... Until Mar 31, 13

Iberia Plus
- Double Avios on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- Double Mileage Bank Miles on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

La Quinta Returns
- OFFER EXTENDED Gold Elite Status when you complete two paid nights at points-eligible rates, and each with check-in within 60 days from your enrollment date. More... Enroll by Dec 31,13

Middle East Airlines Cedar Miles
- Triple Cedar Miles when you download the Hertz app and make a 7+ day reservation Worldwide through your mobile device. More... Until Feb 28, 13
- Double Cedar Miles for stays on the Best Available rate at any participating Rotana Hotel Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay
- Double Mabuhay Miles when staying at Dusit Best Available Rates for a minimum of 2 consecutive nights at participating Dusit hotels & resorts in Thailand, Philippines, U.A.E or Maldives. More... Until Feb 28, 13

S7 Airlines Priority
- Double Priority Miles on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

Starwood Preferred Guest
- Double Starpoints for stays at the Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. More... Until Mar 31, 13

United Airlines Mileage Plus
- OFFER EXTENDED Elite Status Match that offers top-tier flyers of most other airlines a comparable status in the MileagePlus® program. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Feb 1 Update: Malaysia Airlines joins oneworld = Double Miles and AAdvantage buy miles bonus,

News, Tips & Tricks
Malaysia Airlines officially joined oneworld today and we are starting to see the release of Double Miles bonus offers from the various oneworld airlines. The best offer on paper is the Malaysia Airlines version of the double miles promo. Why? Their offer is not limited to flights on MH like the other oneworld airlines but it is valid on all oneworld carriers except LAN. I have posted a couple more of the other oneworld airline offers below (AA, QF) and will post more next week as they go live on the airline websites.

Travel Deals

Voila Hotel Rewards, which I have covered here on Rewards Canada and Frequent Flyer Bonuses since their inception, has partnered up with the St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver. The St. Regis will be offering all VOILÀ members a complimentary room upgrade during any stay between January 1st and May 15th, 2013. After booking directly with the St. Regis Hotel online at www.stregishotel.com or by phone at 800-770-7929, VOILÀ members simply present their proof of membership and they will be upgraded to the next room category (upgrades subject to availability at check-in). Full details can be found here

Bonus Offers
American AAdvantage
- Double AAdvantage Miles on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13
- Earn up to 30,000 Bonus AAdvantage Miles when you purchase AAdvantage Miles online. More... Until Feb 28, 13

Best Western Rewards
- Triple Rewards Point for stays of 2+ nights at the Best Western Irida Resort Kyparissia. More... Until Jun 30, 13

Delta SkyMiles
- 1,500 Bonus SkyMiles after you spend $40 dining in your first 30 days of joining SkyMiles Dining with the 2013 New Member Bonus. More... Until Dec 31, 13

Ethiopian Sheba Miles
- 100% Bonus Sheba Miles for flights between Point Noire, Brazzaville or Addis Ababa and Dubai. More... Until Feb 28, 13

InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club
- Earn Double, Triple or up to 2,000 Bonus Priority Club points for individual hotel stays in the Middle East and Africa. More... Until Apr 30, 13

Malaysia Airlines Enrich (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Enrich Miles for travel on Malaysia Airlines or any oneworld member airline Worldwide. More...http://www.frequentflyerbonuses.com/enrich.html  Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Double Frequent Flyer Points on eligible flights and fares with Malaysia Airlines Worldwide. More... Feb 15 - Apr 15, 13

Great Marriott Rewards Points deals in Toronto and Ottawa

You may have seen these offers posted in yesterday's Daily Update but these are some pretty good offers that deserve a post of there own:

Courtyard Toronto Airport

Both the Courtyard Toronto Airport and Courtyard Ottawa Downtown are offering 5,000 Bonus Marriott Rewards points for stays between February 10th and April 30th. Unlike many hotel 'bonus point' offers that charge a higher rate than the best available rate (which can still be a good deal) the offers for both hotels are charged at the same rate as the BAR! There were only two other rates available that were cheaper in my random searches and they were the book in advance rate which I never personally book as payment up front is required and they are non-cancelable and non-refundable. The other was the AAA/CAA rate which is just as flexible as the BAR. Both of these rates price out 10% below the Best Available Rate for these locations.

Courtyard Ottawa Downtown

The Courtyard Toronto Airport was pricing out at $149 on most nights for the 5,000 point rate with the AAA rate at $134.10. A difference of $14.90.  What surprised me* was that The Courtyard Ottawa Downtown was significantly higher at $209 with the AAA rate at $188.10, a difference of $20.90.

So what's better? The AAA/CAA rate or the 5,000 Bonus Rewards Points Rate?  Most valuations of Marriott Rewards points range from .6 cents to 1.0 cents depending on your redemption. So if you take the in between value of .8 cents then the 5,000 Rewards points is worth $40. So in both pricing cases listed above the 5,000 Bonus Rewards Points rate represents a better value.

For more information on these promotions see the following:
Courtyard Toronto Airport. Full Details and Online Booking  
Courtyard Ottawa Downtown. Full Details and Online Booking

Also don't forget to register for this quarter's Marriott MegaBonus which further adds value to these stays:

Marriott MegaBonus: Earn a Free Night or Bonus Rewards Points for stays at any participating Marriott Hotel Worldwide. Full Details, Online Registration and Booking Some of the Offer Variations: - Earn a free night after every second qualifying stay A maximum of three free nights can be earned and then used at Category 1-4 hotels. - Earn a free night after every second qualifying stay A maximum of two free nights can be earned and then used at Category 1-5 hotels. - Earn 35,000 points after 20 paid nights + 15,000 points after 25 paid nights—up to 50,000 bonus points - Earn 25,000 points after 15 paid nights + 15,000 points after 20 paid nights—up to 40,000 bonus points

Register by Mar 15 for stays Feb 1 - Apr 30, 13

* I stayed at this hotel in 2011 during a media tour and don't think it's worth that price but that's just me.