United's Giving Away Miles, The most dangerous airport, Fuel Dumping Tool, Huge CC Sign-up Bonus

Do This Now:

United is giving away 90,000 miles to 90 people, it’s a quick sign-up. Just do it.

Stefan poses the question – how did Australia and New Zealand come to have such a “nickel and dime economy?” The real gems in this post may be the comments.
Secret Flying released a Beta version for a Fuel Dumping Tool. I haven’t played around with it, but its an interesting concept. Wonder how long before it gets shut down, or revenue management get smart.
Rapid Travel Chai highlights some of the various lounges in Brisbane. Having flown through there a few months ago (but only visiting the Qantas Lounge), it does pose a question, as to whether Brisbane is a future airline focus.
From Cynthia Drescher on CN Traveler – The worlds most dangerous airport. Its an interesting read, and a cool video at the end.
Rapid Travel Chai shares an interesting insight into culture and naming of common staples – like, What is Blue Milk?

Wandering Aramean reports – Alaska Airlines will be coming out with a better credit card, one that could very well have a regular place in your wallet. And a bigger sign-up bonus.
Travel Summary shares insight on the biggest credit card bonus he’s seen – 250,000 American Express Membership Rewards points. It’s a lot, but the minimum spend is a dozy, ~$55k in six months.
Gary Leff reviews the differences between the American Express Platinum and Black Cards, in light of The Points Guy writing about his new Black Card. In summary, if one can spend $10k initially, with a recurring $2.5k annual fee just to be a card member, one still probably shouldn’t, as it really looks like the differences in benefits are not worth even close to the cost.
Travel Codex shows how to redeem AAdvantage Miles for a free stopover in South America. This isn’t necessarily something new, so much as it takes advantage of AAdvantage’s newly decreased award chart in South America. Its nice to see a devaluation create some new opportunity.
Milenomics offers some advice from the business world. Including a tidbit – cash can be used to buy tickets.

Pizza in Motion highlights some of the hints in a recent Skift article, from Hyatt’s CEO Mark Hoplamazian.
From Richard Aboulafia – all about the UAE. It’s a good and entertaining read.
Alaska Airlines is changing its trailing numbers from “AS” to “AK” – here’s why.

Jeanne, the author of Le Chic Geek, is holding a DC area meetup, on a special day May the 4th. Be sure to sign up if you can make it!