Snowy Slopes, Sunny Shores & a Shot at Free Bonvoy Points

Good Morning! The news is hopping today—from ski slopes to sandy beaches and everything in between.

For winter thrill-seekers, ski season is officially open with Wolf Creek and Ski Ward kicking things off. If a warmer getaway is more your speed, the Maldives is calling with crystal-clear waters and luxe island vibes (for those who don’t mind a few flights!). Meanwhile, budget airlines Spirit and Frontier are eyeing a merger in a high-stakes effort to save low-cost travel. Alaska Airlines is also taking off with greener skies by testing reusable cups, and, if you're itching to travel for free, Marriott and Chase’s new contest could have you winning 500,000 Bonvoy points by sharing why your group chat trip hasn’t happened—yet.

But first, here are the latest email articles:

✈️Get Your Dream Trip Out of the Group Chat: Marriott & Chase’s Bonvoy Contest

Marriott and Chase have a sweet new contest to help finally get that dream trip out of the group chat—and it’s not just talk! Ten lucky winners will each score 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points by either writing a short story or creating an Instagram Reel (60 seconds max) explaining why they haven’t yet booked the trip of their dreams.

Entering is simple: Just share what’s holding back your plans, create your Reel or story, and submit through Chase’s contest page by Oct. 30, 2024. Make sure to keep the post public with #contest in the description. Winners will be chosen each week, with the final announcements on Nov. 13, 2024.

Ready to rally your friends and make that bucket-list trip happen? This could be your ticket!

✈️Let the Slopes Begin: Wolf Creek and Ski Ward Open the Season

Winter warriors, rejoice! The 2024-25 ski season is officially underway, kicked off by Wolf Creek Ski Area in Colorado on Oct. 22—and, in a surprise twist, the smaller Ski Ward near Boston edged in an Oct. 19 opening. While Ski Ward’s debut offered a short, human-made snow run, Wolf Creek is delivering the season's first full “mountain experience” with 26 inches of snow, three lifts, and 40% of its terrain skiable.

Keystone and Arapahoe Basin should be right behind, with more slopes across the Rockies aiming for early November openings. East Coast fans, your time is coming, with resorts like Killington and Sunday River eyeing mid-November. Families, take note: "ski passport" programs mean big savings on passes for kids nationwide, so grab your gear, cross your fingers for snow, and get ready for winter fun!

✈️Frontier Takes Another Shot at Spirit: Will Bankruptcy Clear the Runway?

Frontier Airlines is making a second attempt to merge with Spirit, which is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy following a blocked bid from JetBlue and a looming $1.1 billion debt refinancing deadline with Visa and Mastercard. If successful, the merger would likely happen through a pre-packaged bankruptcy, giving both airlines a shot at staying aloft in a challenging low-cost landscape.

The ultra-low-cost model has taken a hit post-pandemic as labor and fuel costs soar and customer preferences shift toward a more premium experience. With Frontier’s bare-bones strategy and Spirit’s recent pivot to offer first-class seating, a combined airline could leverage a broader range of budget offerings, potentially benefiting consumers and bringing some price competition against the legacy giants. The Department of Justice may find it harder to block a merger now, given Spirit’s Chapter 11 status, making this move a potential lifeline for low-cost air travel.

✈️Alaska Airlines Tests Reusable Cups to Reduce Onboard Waste

Alaska Airlines celebrated National Reuse Day by testing out reusable cups on a recent roundtrip between Seattle and Minneapolis. Partnering with r.World, the airline served all passengers in durable, washable cups instead of the usual disposable plastic. After use, the cups were collected, sanitized, and prepped for their next flight, adding to Alaska’s lineup of waste-cutting innovations.

While the initiative fits Alaska’s ongoing push toward sustainability, scaling it up might be tricky. Costs for cleaning and maintaining the cups, along with potential replacements for lost or damaged items, are hurdles the airline must consider. Alaska’s prior eco-efforts—like boxed water and ditching plastic straws—show they’re committed, but widespread use of reusable cups is still just a trial for now.

✈️The Maldives: Paradise Worth the Plane Ride?

Tucked in the Indian Ocean southwest of India, the Maldives is a sprawling archipelago of over 1,100 coral islands with water so blue it might just outshine your Instagram filter. Known for luxury resorts, overwater villas, and vibrant marine life, this South Asian paradise takes about 24 hours to reach from the U.S., with layovers in spots like Singapore or Dubai.

While there’s tropical heat year-round, November through April is the best time for sun-seekers, while May to October offers quieter resorts and whale shark sightings. Resorts operate with U.S. dollars, and visitors get a free 30-day visa on arrival—convenient, since the Maldives keeps it simple and welcoming.

Sure, it’s a trek, but if you crave clear waters, luxe vibes, and epic beach views, the Maldives just might be worth every mile.

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

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✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!