As we close the year, we are reminded to give especially in the case of expiring upgrades, instruments, and extras we may not be able to use ourselves. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
As we close the year, we are reminded to give especially in the case of expiring upgrades, instruments, and extras we may not be able to use ourselves.
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Last Christmas, I Gave You [A First Class Upgrade]
So it wasn’t really last Christmas, it was, in fact, at the end of the year. I found myself flush with United Premier PlusPoints that can be used to clear upgrades from Basic Economy to International Business Class. But that was a bad idea because I waited far too late to distribute them efficiently. I had 200 PlusPoints that were set to expire before I could use them. I was happy to submit upgrade requests for flights within 2-3 days and as the points emptied from my account, I saw many of them clearing which gave me an incredibly joyful feeling.
A reader from Live And Let’s Fly joined in the fun with his own 300 PlusPoints and we spent a Sunday (and part of a Monday) making last-minute upgrade dreams come true. Some recipients were flying with their elderly parents who had never experienced a lie-flat seat.
This year, a reader reached out and offered their expiring upgrades for an upcoming surprise trip I booked. That kindness and generosity will make all the difference to my family.
This Year, To Save Me From Tears, [You’ll] Give It To Someone Special
Rather than wait until there’s not enough time left, I thought there’s no better day to give someone an upgrade, PlusPoints, an expiring lounge pass – whatever it may be that you can’t use – than Christmas Eve. Let’s not wait until the last couple of days of December or January to get these instruments redeemed.
I am a lowly World of Hyatt Explorist this year and this is well in advance, but I have two Club Access Awards to start the process. They expire on February 29th, 2024, and must be redeemed for stays that end on or before then. Each is good for up to (7) nights and some properties are excluded.
Certainly, someone can do better than that.
Comment[er]s
As readers of the blog this year may recall, I wasn’t seeking status with an airline that provides meaningful upgrade instruments and I don’t have any of my own to give from hotel stays other than the two above. But that shouldn’t stop our amazing community from being able to share with one another.
If you have something to give this season (and you’re feeling generous) please comment below with what you have to offer. If needed, I will be happy to be the go-between. If you’d like to email me instead, my email address is kyle@scottandthomas.com.
There’s nothing worse than letting these go to waste unnecessarily. Thanks for reading and for being a part of our amazing community. Merry Christmas.