The Weekly News Roundup is a collection of headlines from around the internet that caught the attention of the Tagging Miles team. Content on these blogs do not necessarily reflect the positions of Tagging Miles, and should not be considered endorsements. Have a great story we should read? Contact us now and let us know.

Travel:

• Dia’s giving up on Hyatt Diamond status. It’s perhaps the most rewarding and easy (e.g. not having to fight for suites) status there is. But if they don’t have properties where you want to go, is it really that great?
• Qatar Airways flew their A380 for the inaugural Doha – Atlanta service. Seemed to work out well, other than Delta refusing to relinquish the A380 gate (I for some reason thought Atlanta had more than 1 A380 gate, but none-the-less). You can’t make this stuff up!
• United has revealed its long awaited new Business Class Seat (upgrading from their 2-4-2 777 configuration). The new Polaris (note, you’ll see a ton of that word) seat gives everyone aisle access, is truly lay flat, and will debut in 2017 on United’s 777-300ERs (which will also feature 10 abreast seating in economy). The key take-away–other than layflat–is that United is trying to get competitive by focusing on sleep (which may be a positive given some of the customer service…)

Miles and Points:

• PF Digest shares strategies for a world with fewer–easily earned–points and miles. I’ll warn you, this gave me nightmares, some key words: local driving trips and economy awards. A good read, just, be seated with your seatbelt fastened…
• Marriott is attempting to sweeten the pot for their summer promotion, but the real “gotcha” is in the terms and conditions. It seems to me, Marriott doesn’t see the benefit to lucrative bonuses anymore, but they’ll offer you a few airline miles (or points).
• Frequent Miler shares a way to fly under the radar for Chase’s 5 inquiries in 24 months “rule.”
• Vinh shares a reason to always try going through a portal, even if you’re just getting Gift Cards or Visa Gift Cards. Sometimes it’ll work in your favor.

Tagging Miles Posts:

• My Memorial Day Weekend Flying – Intro and By the Numbers
• Different Hotel Chains, Different Experiences, Different Hotel Status
• ResellingDO Tickets and Continuing to Innovate