United Airlines faces formal complaint for not returning someone’s Chase points, nifty Asian airline launches new routes from US, IRS launches pilot program to make tax filing free started. All this and more in this week’s Saturday Selection, a weekly roundup of interesting information from around the interwebs.Links to each article are embedded in the title).
IRS launches free tax filing in 12 states
The IRS has been working on a free online tax filing program called “ for some time.direct file“The idea is that people with relatively simple tax returns will be able to file their tax returns electronically for free.” Direct File Pilot Currently distributed in 12 states, you can: Create a file for free after creating an account. Direct File has a fairly low bar for what’s considered “too complex”: you can’t earn business income, itemize deductions, or use certain deductions on your taxes. Still, the IRS estimates that one-third of all taxpayers will have access to the system, ideally offering a streamlined means of both filing and quickly obtaining returns. . “Taxes,” “simple,” and “government” are rarely in the same sentence. Nevertheless, early reviews were positive.
Department of Transportation files suit against United for non-refund of Chase points
Have you ever been frustrated by “phantom” award availability that shows up in your flight search but disappears or gives you an error when you try to book? Worse yet, when you try to book a flight, it disappears or gives you an error. Book your benefits by transferring to after that Did you notice that this award does not exist? If so, your champion is here.Seth Miller (@WndrMe) I recently heard a complaint filed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) against United Airlines. There, a person transferred his 193,000 Chase Ultimate his Rewards points based on availability that was showing on his website for UA…but it was all smoke mirror and mileage mirror. I understand. The flight was still listed on the website when the points arrived, but the error message repeatedly appeared when UA members tried to book. They then asked a phone agent to book a flight for them, but the agent said they couldn’t book either. The person then asked United to refund the points to Chase because he had been paid miles based on flights sold by United that did not actually exist. United told them to pound sand. So they filed a formal complaint based on “unfair or deceptive practices.” I support his UA membership 100% on this matter and I’m so glad they went further and filed a complaint…most of us would just throw up our hands and try another You’ll want to spend miles on flights. Gary Leff explains the whole story in detail in the post linked above.
Hilton completes purchase of Graduate Hotel
the first Complete acquisition in the 21st centuryHilton completed its acquisition of a somewhat obscure brand this week. Graduate hotel. This small boutique chain primarily targets college towns in the United States. (nice looking) 2 locations In England. I’ve been to several of these hotels, and they’re great because they combine stylish interior design and comfortable rooms with great locations in charming US cities that are somewhat underserved by the big hotel chains. , I’m a big fan. I’ll be interested to see what the standard availability and pricing will be once I get to the Hilton site. Because the accommodations I’ve been to were among the more expensive options in that particular market…though not without reason. This is a huge win for Hilton Honors members and will provide much-needed diversity to what can often be a solid but underwhelming U.S. portfolio.
Starlux adds flight from Seattle to Taipei
star lux is a Taiwan-based airline founded in 2018 and began operations in 2020. This was a difficult time to start a new travel company, to say the least. Despite the bad timing, we gained great momentum and great reviews for both our hard and soft products. The airline currently operates non-stop flights between Taipei and LAX/San Francisco on its sharply equipped A350s. Frequent miler Greg recently flew Starlux to Taiwan and back, and his reviews were great.
The Starlux A350 Business Class offers a great combination of first-class service, superior seat design and luxurious extras such as a huge and beautiful in-flight entertainment screen and fitted mattress pads, pajamas and slippers.
Now, Starlux has announced its third long-haul flight between the United States and Taipei (TPE), this time from my hometown Seattle (SEA) airport. Flights depart three times a week and take approximately 11 to 13 hours from SEA to TPE, depending on direction of travel. Increased shipping capacity from the US to East Asia is always a positive development in my mind, and reading Greg’s review makes me want to try Starlux, which will begin calling in the Pacific Northwest in August. It makes me salivate.
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