Visit an Airline lounge without flying stress

I’ve been complaining that Texas got the short end of the stick with the Continental - United merger, but I have to say a big thank you to United for a wonderful treat at the mall. It was like going to the Presidents club without flying. I was able to have a break from Christmas shopping with a thoroughly enjoyable visit to the United Airlines VIP Lounge at The Houston Galleria and also at the Mall at Short Hills, NJ. It’s a haven, exclusively for Continental and United Chase Card members; the lounge is a retreat for weary holiday shoppers. Open daily till- Dec. 24,  the VIP Lounge offers complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, gift wrapping and more

These days you have to have an airline card to avoid paying baggage fees and to get other benefits like priority boarding. As a Presidential Plus cardmember, you get United Club airline lounge membership automatically (formerly Presidents Club). It’s a hefty $395 annual fee but you get a $95 statement credit after the first use of the card. , and they have a new Blue Carpet benefit of reward seat upgrades for Elite members.

American Express also has a lounge in the Galleria Mall. They are allowing any AMEX card holders entry and pampered us with Godiva chocolates, Starbucks coffee, valet parking validation Wi-fi access and cell phone charging Stations.

I have the SPG Amex Card allowing me to earn up to 5 StarPoints per dollar at participating SPG® hotels and resorts and 1 Starpoint everywhere else. Some other benefits of this card is that I get credit for 5 nights and 2 stays toward SPG elite status each year. That means that I have fewer stays to make to qualify for elite Status. The Hyatt Credit card does not offer elite status help but it lets you begin with up to two free Award Nights at Hyatt properties worldwide with the Hyatt Credit

Merry Christmas! / Feliz Navidad! / Joyeux Noel! / Frohe Weihnachten! / vrolijk kerstfees    to all