Big Miles News Updates: Amex Sync, US/AA Upgrades, Ritz Carlton Promo, United Downgrade

With a few big program updates and promotions happening, it’s time to catch up on some miles news! A few new promotions are happening right now with Ritz Carlton, Intercontinental Hotels and Amex. US Airways and American Airlines are enhancing their program with an announcement of reciprocal upgrades to elite members on both airlines. United, on the other hand, is downgrading their program by changing to revenue based miles earning on its own flights.

Ritz-Carlton Promotion: Free Night After Two Paid Stays

A pretty nice bonus from Ritz Carlton just came out for the summer. For stays July 1 to Oct 31, you will receive a free night for every two paid stays. The free nights can be redeemed at Category 1-3 Ritz Carlton properties and each members can earn a maximum of two night this way. Registration is required by September 30. Loyalty Traveler has a full breakdown of the Ritz Carlton promotion.

US Airways/American Airlines Announce Reciprocal Upgrades

US Airways and American Airlines are extending their elite upgrades to members of each other’s program starting tomorrow. Gary from View from the Wing has the full news on exactly how there will work. This is personally exciting for me as I am currently Platinum on American Airlines and, hopefully, I’ll be clearing a few complimentary upgrades the way US Airways members now do. US Airways members, on the other hand, will have to participate in American Airlines’ sticker system although US Chairmans Club members will receive a complimentary upgrade subject to availability.

Amex Offers $10 off $50 Purchases At Grocery Stores

Amex is offering a promotion for $10 off $50 of purchases in grocery stores by just registering your Amex card (or cards for the promotion). Through July 14, 2014, if you spend $50 with your synced American Express card in-store at a supermarket, you’ll get a $10 statement credit. You can apparently register multiple Amex cards and can take advantage of the promotion on each Amex card 3 times. So that’s $30 in free groceries per card! Check out Deals We Like on the details and how to register for the promotion. 

United Airlines Goes Revenue Based on Miles Earning

In a move that follows Delta, United Airlines announces that earning miles on its own flights will be revenue based rather than distance based. The change is in plan to go into effect March 1, 2015. One Mile at a Time has the Revenue Based Program details. I mainly fly American Airlines as I am currently Platinum, but I can see this being a big negative for the loyal United Airlines frequent flyers. That said, this does not affect earning United miles through credit cards nor does it affect flying partners and crediting miles.