Embracing Solo Travel | SingleFlyer

Global Entry Application Process

May 26, 2015May 3, 2015

A benefit of the Citi Prestige card is a $100 credit towards the Global Entry application when you pay the application with your card. Since the application is $100 and Citi automatically credits your account, I thought I might as well make use of it. This is my experience with the Global Entry application process.

What is Global Entry and why would I want it?

Global Entry is a program for US citizens (and a handful of other folks) that allows you expedited customs when returning to the USA. Once approved, you are also enrolled in TSA Pre√ which allows you to move through TSA checkpoints in airports quicker (and you get to keep your shoes and belt on and your liquids in your carry on). It is good for 5 years.

And from the Department of Bad Timing…

April 30, 2015April 30, 2015

I received this mailing from Hyatt (or maybe Chase Bank since it is connected to my Visa card) today:

Costa Rica on Alaska Airlines: Two new Alaska routes announced

April 30, 2015

Alaska Airlines has flown internationally to Canada and Mexico for some time. But they are adding a third international destination. Starting May 21 you can book a flight to Costa Rica on Alaska Airlines. The flights will begin to San Jose on October 31 and Liberia the following day.

The announced flights (below) are only out of LAX (at least for now). While Seattle is Alaska’s hub, I can see why it would make more sense to fly out of a southern city.

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Review

July 23, 2022April 28, 2015

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego was one of the “official” hotels of the conference I was attending and is only a few blocks from the Convention Center. I booked a Double Bed at Costco rates as it was the best I could find; each night just under $300. There were two large conferences in town (one at the hotel), so I am guessing you could find some better rates if you go when there isn’t a conference in town. It is the largest hotel in San Diego (with 1,625 rooms).

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is located on the waterfront just south west of the downtown core. It is about 10 minutes from the airport and you can walk to Petco Park, the Convention Center, Gaslamp, and downtown. There are a bunch of restaurants just across the street. Across the street there is also a light rail stop.

New Alaska Airlines Routes: Seattle to Charleston, Nashville and Raleigh/Durham

May 30, 2017April 28, 2015

Alaska Airlines published a press release this morning listing three new routes beginning this fall. The new Alaska Airlines routes: Seattle to Charleston, Nashville and Raleigh/Durham — each non stop. It seems like Alaska is putting up a fight against Delta and I love it. There will be one trip … Read more

Alaska Airlines getting Premium Economy seats?

April 25, 2015

Is Alaska Airlines getting Premium Economy seats? Currently it is one of the few airlines that hasn’t started charging for premium economy seats (with extra legroom and other perks).

According to KUOW (Seattle’s NPR station), Alaska Airlines is planning on testing out a preferred seating program on some flights. During the 1st Quarter Earnings Call (which you can listen to here), Alaska Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Harrison spoke about the new seats early in the call:

Benefits of Hyatt Diamond Status

October 9, 2018April 24, 2015

I have posted various posts about my process getting the Hyatt Diamond Challenge and what it cost me. But why would I invest my time and money to get Diamond status? This post will focus on the benefits of Hyatt Diamond status.

Earning Diamond Status: If you are not participating in a Diamond Challenge (or Elite Tier offer), or you are trying to keep your status beyond the first year, you must have either:

25 separate stays at Hyatt properties or
50 total nights within one calendar year

So technically you could just stay 25 nights and get Diamond (assuming none of those nights were consecutive), or you could just have one stay and get Diamond (assuming your one stay was for nearly 2 months…).

Hyatt House Seattle Downtown

September 6, 2019April 24, 2015

The Hyatt House Seattle Downtown is set to open in the next few weeks. I stopped by today to check out the progress of the construction and to scope out the property. I was not able to go in, but here are a few observations.

Location: This is the closest hotel to the Space Needle hands down. While the Hyatt Place Seattle is a short walk from the Space Needle, the Hyatt House Seattle Downtown is perhaps 500 feet from the Space Needle. You will walk out the door, cross the street, and you are at the gift shop and elevator to the top. This is great for tourists, however it is a bit of a distance to the downtown core. Lucky for you, the Monorail stop is also just across the street, very convenient for tourists to access shopping and Pike Place Market.

Centurion Lounge Seattle Opening This Summer

July 23, 2022April 22, 2015

The Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle at SeaTac is set to open sometime this summer. It is actually a scaled back Lounge, technically called a Studio. Amex Platinum card holders will have free access to the Studio ~~while other Amex cardholders (non-Platinum) will be able to enter the Studio for a fee.~~

UPDATE: An astute reader alerted me that for Studio locations ONLY those with Platinum or Centurion cards may enter (and may bring in family or one guest). While at the standard Centurion Lounge other Amex card holders may purchase a day pass, day passes are not available at the Studio.

UPDATE x2: The new Studio is now open! The first day of operation is June 30, 2015. If you go, please send me some photos and I’ll update this article. info at singleflyer dot com

I was recently at SeaTac on my way back from Long Beach, CA and decided to check out how the construction is going.

Think twice before swimming with dolphins

July 23, 2022April 20, 2015

Swimming with dolphins is portrayed as a family friendly activity. Dolphins are social and smart animals. Hell, they are the only animals besides humans that have sex for fun! What’s not to like?

While observing dolphins in their natural habitat at sea from the beach or even a boat is a non-invasive way to learn about these creatures, swimming with them is not. Particularly problematic are resorts or amusement parks that keep dolphins in captivity and allow guests to pay to swim with them.

If you have seen Blackfish, you probably already know where this is going.

5,000 Free Alaska Airlines Miles for Self-Tag Online

October 9, 2018April 20, 2015

Here is an easy way to get 5,000 free Alaska Airlines miles just by printing out your baggage tag at home.

EDIT: The promotion is over. If you would like to sign up for an Alaska Airlines Visa card you can get 25,000 miles upon approval. LINK Full disclosure: if you are approved I also get a bonus of 2,500 miles. You may also be able to find an offer with a $100 credit by starting to purchase a ticket at Alaska’s website and then looking for a credit card sign up link before payment.

If you have status with Alaska or American you can check a bag for free. So even if you normally carry on a bag, this makes it worth your time to check it! This deal is good from today (April 20, 2015) through October 20, 2015. You get 1,000 miles for each flight, up to a total of 5,000 miles during this promo.

You can even request a free tag holder here: http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/self-tag-express.aspx

Note that you DO need to have a Mileage Plan number and it must be attached to your reservation. Here are the full details of the offer:

New MacBook Retina Travel Size Laptop

April 19, 2015

This weekend I picked up the brand new MacBook Retina with 12″ display, or what I call the MacBook Retina Travel Size. This is the smallest Apple computer ever and barely larger than my iPad. The MacBook will replace my four year old MacBook Pro 15″ that is too bulky for travel and my iPad Air that is too cumbersome to type anything of length.

There are many reviewers out there that will give you the ins and outs of the new MacBook Retina, but here are my thoughts on why it may be the perfect travel companion.

Best Credit Cards for Single Travelers

August 2, 2015April 18, 2015

I should put a couple of big asterisks after the title: Best Credit Cards for Single Travelers***** These are actually just the credit cards that are currently in my wallet. And they work for me, some better than others. Please take these with a grain of salt, I am not a financial expert. I do not get paid if you get one of these — no referral links here. You’ll have to just google them if you want to sign up. And of course, if you don’t have good financial history or you don’t trust yourself with a credit card, then don’t get these.

With that said, here is what is currently in my wallet and why I find them useful.

Hyatt The Pike Long Beach Review

July 23, 2022April 15, 2015

After spending three nights at the Disneyland Hotel with my family, I rented a car and drove north. I spent a night at the Hyatt The Pike Long Beach by myself for some non-Disney relaxation. I love Disney and I love my family, but it was great to have some solo time before heading back home and to work.

Hyatt The Pike Long Beach is one of the non-conformist properties; it is simply a “Hyatt”, and not a member of any of the Hyatt sub-brands (although many compare it to an Andaz). In this light it is similar to Hyatt Olive 8. This is expected to change soon as Hyatt The Pike Long Beach gets rebranded as a Hyatt Centric when the new sub-brand launches this summer.