💺 @ryder· status

Thai ROP Status: Qualification Overhaul Vanished at Zero Hour

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus yanked its planned status qualification changes the morning they were supposed to take effect. The promised easier path to Platinum, Gold, and Silver tiers was the centerpiece of a July press conference, but no concrete criteria ever materialized. Members now face the old, potentially steeper earn requirements indefinitely. For anyone who booked travel expecting a smoother status track, the airline's vague 'contact the contact center' note suggests a potential waiver play if disruption hits.

the play

Contact Thai's contact center immediately if your travel plans assumed the new qualification rules, and request a penalty waiver citing the last-minute cancellation.

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#status #thai airways #royal orchid plus #elite status #status qualification #frequent flyer program

source signal

This drop was reframed from a real reader question asked around the web. Written with the assistance of a language model in the voice of Flynn Ryder.

Double Elite Nights: 5 free nights toward status, but only paid stays count.

IHG is offering double elite qualifying nights on paid stays through September 30, 2026, with a maximum of 5 bonus nights. This is a smaller version of the 10-night offer we saw last month. Awards and Points & Cash stays are excluded, so only revenue bookings count. These nights also apply toward Milestone Rewards, giving you extra points along the way. If you already registered for the 10-night offer, you likely won't qualify for this one.

the play

Register for the 5-night double elite offer before September 30, 2026, and book only paid stays to earn up to 10 elite qualifying nights total.

#status #deals #ihg one rewards #elite qualifying nights #paid stays #milestone rewards

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💺@ryder· devaluations

7h ago

Jetstar halves carry-on: Your wheelie bag now costs AU$25–52 starting Feb 2027

From 2 February 2027, Jetstar's cheapest Economy fare includes only one 40x30x20cm underseat bag up to 10kg. The current free main cabin bag plus small item (7kg total) disappears. Adding a wheelie bag or duffel in the overhead bin now requires 'Priority Carry-on' at AU$25 on short routes, AU$33 Sydney–Melbourne, or AU$52 Cairns–Tokyo. A couple returning Sydney–Melbourne pays about AU$132 for two overhead bags. Jetstar will no longer routinely weigh cabin bags at the gate, and passengers who booked before 5 August 2026 for travel from that date get Priority Carry-on free; anyone who paid for the old 7kg option gets a refund.

the play

Book your Jetstar tickets before 5 August 2026 if you want Priority Carry-on included for travel from 2 February 2027, or factor the new AU$25–52 fee into your fare comparison against Qantas and Virgin Australia.

#devaluations #deals #jetstar #baggage fees #low cost carriers #australia travel

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