Category: Air

5 Ways To Use Frequent Flyer Miles (Other Than Flying)

by Anil Polat | Jan 26, 2021 | Air, Car, Lodging, Money | 0

You might not be flying as much lately – global pandemic or otherwise – but your accumulated frequent flyer miles don’t have to go to waste. Although many airlines have extended frequent flyer programs so your miles won’t expire any time soon, you can put the miles you have now to good use.

Here are 5 ways to use your frequent flyer miles for everything that’s not a flight.

1. Shopping

Most airlines have online malls with a number of retailers including Apple and Best Buy. You’ll find these online malls through the airline mileage website and can use any miles you have for discounts or to purchase items outright. Additionally if you’re using a credit card with mile perks, they most likely will have an online store as well.

2. Take A Road Trip

Frequent flyer miles can be used for car rentals or hotels so don’t limit yourself to the sky. As a general rule you’ll get more bang for your mile using points in the travel industry as opposed to a new iPad (see point 1 above).

3. Convert To Cash

You can trade in frequent flyer miles for cash, especially if they’re accumulated through a credit card. NerdWallet breaks down Marriott’s award program (.3 cents per point) but according to Alex Miller, the CEO of Upgraded Points, you want to aim for conversions of a cent per mile.

4. Donate

You’re a good person, I’m sure but just so you know, unless you bought your frequent flyer miles donating them won’t be a tax deduction in most cases. You can though donate your miles, in case you didn’t know that. (Works for random currency you’ve accumulated traveling too.) There are a number of good causes most mileage programs have partnered with and your miles can help others escape political violence or make ends meet (by converting miles to cash).

5. Give To Friends And Family

There’s often a fee to transfer miles to another account (if you’re married though maybe not so contact the airline) but for those people who need to fly, your miles might help them get what they need for a free flight. Like many of the points already mentioned, the best way is through the airline’s online mileage program site, then call to see what better options they might offer you.

While You Wait

Most people haven’t checked up on the miles they have recently or when they might be expiring. If that sounds like you, check your frequent flyer miles right now to make sure they aren’t (or haven’t) vanished. Contact the airlines to see what extension plans are in effect since when travel does resume, you’re likely to get some great deals with the miles you have. So, unless you have a good reason not to, it’s best to stash your miles until you’re ready for sky time since they can protect you from flight cancellations as well.

DroneMate Puts All The World’s Drone Laws On Your Phone

by Anil Polat | Dec 23, 2020 | Air, Site News, Tech, Travel | 0

The world of drone laws and regulations is a confusing and ever changing one. Closer to home, trying to figure out what the local rules are often just as difficult, putting you in danger of fines, confiscation, or worse.

DroneMate, available for iOS and Android, shows you all of the drone laws worldwide, from where it’s free to fly, illegal, or where you need permits. The app also contains all the forms you may need to register your drone in every country it’s required.

In the biggest update to the app since its first release, the DroneMate Premium upgrade now includes 24/7 customer support through the app. You can now subscribe to any of the comment threads under a country, US state, or local jurisdiction, ask your drone questions and get a prompt reply from one of our drone experts. You can also connect with drone pilots worldwide to share you experiences, find out good flying spots, and discuss the latest drone news.

Automatic Location Notifications

Additionally, DroneMate will automatically notify you when you enter a new country, US state, or get near a place where there are specific drone laws (like your local park) so you always know the rules to fly by. You’ll have the complete drone laws, including links to any documents, forms, or registration materials needed will be displayed and it works completely offline!

Works Offline

As always, DroneMate works without an Internet connection, so you have all the drone rules in your pocket, even if you’re flying in remote places. Once you’re back online, the app automatically updates any rule changes, comments, and of course any threads or locations you’re subscribed.

Try It Free For 30 Days

DroneMate is now available available on the App Store and Google Play (the most recent updates are currently in development for Android). You can upgrade to DroneMate Premium within the app, which unlocks all of the features described above and try it free for one month!

I created DroneMate to help drone pilots fly and travel without breaking any of the drone local rules. I genuinely believe that the newest version of DroneMate and DroneMate Premium helps pilots do exactly that – focus on flying and save time and hassle by giving you all the regulatory resources possible on your phone.

Still, DroneMate will continue to involve and improve. Your feedback is important to me so please send your thoughts or feature requests for future updates. Ratings also help get the word out, so if you’re happy with DroneMate, I would appreciate your 5-star ratings!

Is DJI’s Trade Up Program Worth It?

by Anil Polat | Oct 15, 2020 | Air, Money, Pictures and Video, Tech | 0

DJI, arguably the most popular producer of consumer drones has a buyback program called Trade Up, where you can send in an old drone for credit toward a new one. It sounds like an alluring option if you’re looking to upgrade your drone but as you can see in the video here, it’s probably not your best choice.

How Trade Up Works

The Trade Up program accepts more than just drones, DJI does take back a variety of smartphones and GoPros for example, but let’s focus on the drone buyback. Visiting this Trade Up program page, you enter the model of drone, serial number, general condition, and any accessories you’ll be giving back as well. The process take a few minutes; afterward you’ll get an estimated price for your old drone. In my case, I was shown $275.60 for a Mavic Pro 1.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Hasselblad Camera...

Assuming you accept this initial estimate, you have 10 days to send your drone back to DJI for a final inspection. Unlike Apple’s iPhone Trade-In, DJI won’t send you a prepaid box. Although they do pay for shipping, you’ll have to box and pack your drone for DJI with your own materials.

Once DJI Gets Your Used Drone

After a DJI receives your used drone, they send an email to confirm which says it will take 3-5 business. They get back to you after an inspection and in my case, the original estimate was reduced to $41. Considering they were covering shipping at $36, I rejected the offer.

In case you accept an offer, they keep your drone and apply the final amount to your DJI account as store credit. Otherwise, as they did when I rejected the final offer, they’ll send your drone back typically after 10 business days.

Alternative Ways To Sell Your Old Drone

Given the pitiful $41 DJI was offering me, I decided to try my luck on eBay. Doing so after a week I sold my drone for $448. That’s nearly double the first estimate DJI gave me and 10 times what they would have actually credited me. Selling directly on a site like eBay will typically give you better rates than manufacturer buyback programs.

To compete, companies usually make their programs quick, convenient, or reliable enough to warrant the lower rates. DJI’s Trade Up program isn’t any of those things enough to make it the best option for selling back your old drone. (Their repair service though is another story.) Sure, you can check to see their estimate online but it’s a good idea to try other sites as well. It’s very likely you’ll get a lot more back (and not just in store credit) if you skip Trade Up altogether.

WiFox Automatically Gives You Airport WiFi Passwords On Your Phone Upon Arrival

by Anil Polat | Sep 22, 2020 | Air, Security, Tech, Travel | 0

WiFox, the app that contains the airport wifi passwords to over 1,300 airports, has been updated so those passwords now automatically appear on your phone upon arrival. In the biggest update to WiFox since its launch, the app now notifies you of the wifi network name and password when you’re in an airport. And of course, WiFox still works completely offline.

Land And Connect

Imagine all the times you’re on a flight and land for a layover. You’ve probably had the experience of fiddling around trying to find network connections, see which ones might be authentic, figure out what the password might be… only to just make it to your next connection. WiFox Premium will, as soon as you land, give you the best network name and wifi connection password so you’re ready to get online once you’re in the airport. Again, all of this works completely offline, without the need for an Internet connection.

New Upgrades And Rating System

WiFox has also been improved with a new connection rating system. The passwords delivered to your phone are automatically sorted by connection reliability and strength so you’re always connected to the fastest networks.

WiFox Premium users can also see individual network ratings as well as add their own upgraded feedback, in addition to the real-time information verified from other travelers, pilots, and other reliable sources.

This new rating system already improves upon the previous generation. When I developed WiFox I wanted to make sure the passwords were updated in real-time but also were as accurate as possible.

Other WiFox Features

WiFox is now faster than ever and comes with a number of other useful features.

Copy Passwords Directly – You can choose between several networks in an airport to use lounge and other passwords to paste directly into your phone’s settings.
Unlock Time Restrictions – Access points with time limits are also shown but WiFox shows you how to get around time-based restrictions.
Updated In Real-Time – WiFox works completely offline but updates password information and connection information once you’re online.

WiFox And WiFox Premium Available Now For iOS (Android Version Coming Soon)

WiFox is now available available on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) for the special price of free on the App Store! You can upgrade to WiFox Premium within the app, which unlocks all of the features described above and more. Your feedback is important to me so please send any feedback or feature requests you have for future updates. Ratings on the App Store are also important, so if you’re happy with WiFox, I would appreciate your 5-star ratings!

I’ve appreciated your support for WiFox (and an independent developer like me!) since its launch and look forward to hearing from you when the latest version is in your hands. As always, travel smarter. -Anil P.

Download WiFox, Available on the App Store Here

What It’s Like To Travel Through Istanbul Airport Right Now

by Anil Polat | Sep 3, 2020 | Air, Health and Fitness, Luggage, Pictures and Video, Travel | 0

Traveling is well, weird right now. Sputtering amid a pandemic major international hub Istanbul is open and Turkish Airlines has resumed flights (still no refunds) meaning a larger portion of air traffic is flowing through the world’s largest airport these days. Having recently made such a journey, here’s what you can expect if you’re flying through Istanbul Airport.

Packing

For those of you flying out of Istanbul Airport be aware there are new packing restrictions mainly around carry-on luggage. The weight is restricted to 4 kilograms (8.8lbs) for carry-on luggage; so for those of you who travel with electronics, camera gear, or other heavy equipment, it will have to packed into your checked luggage. Carry-on bags weren’t routinely weighed so you may be able to get away with a heavier backpack but there are no guarantees.

Getting There

For starters, you’ll need to wear a mask during your entire time in the airport. All the airlines operating out of Istanbul Airport recommend arriving 3 hours before international and domestic flights. You’ll notice long lines at check in starting 4 hours before most flights and keep in mind there’s security to get into Istanbul Airport. The domestic terminal was operating at what seemed like normal capacity but there was clearly less activity in international departures.

Passport Control And Security

Going through passport control hasn’t changed due to COVID-19, there was already a plastic barrier between passengers and customs officials. Once past there the security lines enforce (to vary degrees) social distance in the line but take one person through every 10-15 seconds. Tray tables are individually cleaned by staff after each use – nice touch – and overall the process carefully considers sanitary concerns.

In Istanbul Airport

Once you’re past security you’ve got a few options. Since the gates aren’t all full, you can find a quiet place to sit with a bit of searching. Oh, there’s no free wifi but WiFox can help you get online. Every other seat has a sign on it to enforce social distancing and the lounges are open as an alternative. No matter where you sit though, keep your mask on and wear it properly. Staff zip around on Segways to enforce the rules.

Some of the shops and cafes are open, though I wouldn’t hang around them too long as they tend to get crowded.

On The Airplane

Once you’re in the air your flight may be empty or full, depending on sales not enforced distancing. I’ve seen it both ways but in either case you’ll need to wear your mask for the entire flight. Turkish Airlines will supply extras in hygiene kits along with hand sanitizer and wipes.

One thing that is different, is how often the bathrooms are cleaned. Flight attendants were sanitizing the bathrooms and doors, leaving them spotless at least once an hour. Unfortunately, on the flip side, the food was limited to lunch boxes without any beverage service. I’d recommend bringing your own snacks from the airport unless you want to be stuck with stale sandwiches and juice.

Should You Fly Right Now?

Upon arrival, procedures will vary based on the destination. In some ways flying now is more comfortable, with extra sanitation measures reminding you how dirty planes have been in general. Still though given the added hassle, potential for canceled flights, and ever-changing pandemic situation unless you really have to fly somewhere, it’s best to wait for less turbulent times.

Book Flights Using Miles To Protect Refunds Against Airline Cancellation Policies

by Anil Polat | Jul 22, 2020 | Advice, Air, Money, Travel | 0

Flight cancellations have become a common occurrence since the Covid-19 pandemic and airlines have changed their policies to match. They’ve made it more difficult, or essentially impossible, to get your money back. To protect yourself against new, less consumer-friendly airline rules it’s a good idea to use frequent flyer miles more frequently.

Why Miles?

Carriers like Turkish Airlines have rewritten their own rules refunding passengers with vouchers as opposed to money. One way to protect yourself against airline shenanigans is to book flights through one of these major mileage programs. Since airlines are converting your money into miles, if you have them, it’s better to book with miles as long as cancellations are common.

Most of the major airlines quickly return miles (well under 30 days) when they cancel a flight you don’t want to immediately re-book. Holding on to your money is a safer bet as airlines have conveniently changed rules to remove their responsibility to refund for cancellations. Using one of the major mileage programs gives you more flexibility to re-book on multiple airlines or routes, as opposed to a single carrier’s mileage program.

When You Don’t Have Miles

Use the miles you do have – even if they’re not a part of the three major mileage programs. (Here’s how to start accumulating them in one place if you’re not already.) As a general rule, you don’t want to buy miles or mileage boosters because they’re worth more in cash – but with the high rate of cancellations lately it may be worth the added insurance to purchase a small amount, if you’re just under the miles needed for a flight.

Mile Alternatives

Some specific travel insurance may be an option if you’re well below the number of miles needed to book flights to protect your purchase. The credit card you use may also be able to help, just be sure to check their policies before booking. There are good ways to earn miles without credit cards and you may actually have more miles than you realize. If you can put off air travel however, it’s a good time start stocking up for when it’s a bit less risky to buy tickets.

About Anil Polat

Hi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More