Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven’t covered yet. If you’re an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here’s the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:You don’t have much time left to transfer hotel points to earn the Southwest Companion pass.In Two Weeks, The Southwest Companion Pass Has Saved Me $1,264The Southwest Companion Pass is certainly one of the most lucrative travel perks in existence. One TPG contributor put it to the test and ended up saving well over $1,000 in just two week’s time.The former President and First Lady got to experience the super-luxurious Necker Island after leaving the White House.Obamas Continue Vacation on Richard Branson’s Private IslandAfter spending some time golfing in Palm Springs, the Obamas continued their post-White House vacation with a stop at Necker Island — Sir Richard Branson’s private island oasis in the Caribbean.Resort fees at a property that doesn’t even offer resort amenities seems outrageous.Mandatory Resort Fees Are Really Getting Out of ControlResort fees are entirely too common in the hotel industry. They include a mix of amenities that would usually be an extra charge and some that wouldn’t. What makes them even worse is when they’re charged at a property that isn’t even a true resort such as the new Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.You may have a difficult time getting a free drink at some Vegas casinos.Vegas Casinos Could Start Clamping Down on Free DrinksOne of the hallmarks of a Las Vegas casino is getting a free drink while you gamble — even if you’re just playing the slots. Some casinos, however, have taken steps to cut back on free drinks for gamblers who don’t meet a minimum amount of spend while in the casino.Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Could the age of the jumbo jet be coming to an end?Are the 747 and A380 Jets on Their Way to the Graveyard?Boeing’s 747 and Airbus’ A380 superjumbo jet are among the most iconic planes ever built — but are they not long for this world? With dwindling orders and an industry-wide move to smaller, more efficient aircraft, it seems that these jumbos don’t have much time left.Paying taxes with a credit card can be a great way to earn travel rewards.Paying Taxes With Your Credit Card in 2017Paying your taxes with the right credit card can be an excellent strategy to help you earn points and miles to put towards a dream vacation.In Other News…Passengers on BA flights to China will notice a small improvement to in-flight service.British Airways Makes Positive Changes on Flights to ChinaBritish Airways has been in the news a lot lately, and for all the wrong reasons. However, the airline is breaking its current trend of making cuts in service to improve amenities on its flights to China and Hong Kong. Business class and premium economy passengers will receive slippers on all flights, Twining’s green tea will be available to all passengers, menus will be bilingual and passengers will have the option of chopsticks or cutlery for all meals.People enrolled in Global Entry can now take advantage of Japan’s Trusted Traveler program to enter the country quicker.Japan Now Offering Trusted Traveler ProgramGood news for those enrolled in Global Entry — Japan has added a Trusted Traveler Program available for foreign visitors. If you enroll in the program, you’ll be able to visit an automated kiosk upon arrival in Japan to expedite entry into the country.Riders in some cities will be able to use pretax dollars for Lyft Line trips.Eligible Users Can Use Pretax Dollars for Lyft Line RidesLyft Line (similar to UberPool) users in New York, Boston, Seattle and Miami can use pretax dollars to put towards Lyft Line rides (up to $225). To qualify, employers must be enrolled in Zenefits, Benefits Resource, WageWorks, Edenred or Navia.
