Alberto Riva

New York

Editor at Upgraded Points

Editor and Journalist at Freelance

Journalist, New Yorker, Milanese. Ex Vice News, CNN, Bloomberg. Into mountains & airplanes.

Articles

The Airline News You Might've Missed — First Week of June 2025

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

In this week’s roundup of airline-related stories from the past 7 days that didn’t get their own article, we look at a German airline fight that might affect U.S. routes, a bit of good news from Newark airport, and more developments from all over the globe. Here’s what you need to know. Condor vs. Lufthansa: Germans Battle for ItalyGerman airline Condor is going big in its legal fight against Lufthansa, and the latest chapter of the saga could have implications for U.S. flyers.
Spirit, Frontier, 3 Others Form 'Association of Value Airlines'

3 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

The biggest low-fare airlines in the U.S. are banding together in an association that’s meant to defend their interests. Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines have formed the Association of Value Airlines, or AVA, which isn’t a commercial partnership. For now, it’s mostly a group lobbying for public policy that helps its member airlines. Let’s look at what this group does.
Are the Etihad and Ethiopian Million-Miles Challenges Worth It?

3 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are a familiar sight at several U.S. airports. With large route maps and a business model based on passengers connecting between continents, they are serious global players. They also have a lot of partnerships for earning and redeeming miles, making them interesting to points travelers. Now, both carriers are out with sweepstakes that could win participants millions of miles.
The Airline News You Might've Missed — Fifth Week of May 2025

3 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

In this week’s roundup of airline-related stories from the past 7 days that didn’t get their own article, we look at developments in the Americas and Europe, some negative and some positive, and fly to the Middle East and beyond. Here’s what you need to know. American, Delta, United Begin Charging Solo Travelers More There’s a new development among U.S. airlines, as reported by Thrifty Traveler and confirmed by searches for tickets.
On June 1, Use This Bilt Transfer Bonus to Accor and Flying Blue

1 month ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

The Bilt Rent Day promotion in June comes with a very interesting twist. Not only can you transfer Bilt points to a large hotel loyalty program with a bonus of up to 200%, but you can then transfer those points to several airline partners. This opens the door to a spate of premium-class redemptions at very favorable rates. Let’s see how it works.
The Airline News You Might've Missed — 4th Week of May 2025

1 month ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

In this week’s roundup of airline-related stories from the past 7 days that didn’t get their own article, we look at why delays and cancellations may be less troublesome soon at Newark airport, and then we fly around the world to check out news running the gamut from first-class suites to tiny seats on low-cost airlines. United Airlines is confident that operations at its Newark (EWR) hub will be smoother this summer once the runway currently closed for repairs reopens on June 15.
Spirit Airlines Raises Booking Fees, Except in 1 Case

1 month ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

Advertiser DisclosureMany of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
United Ends Excursionist Perk, Instant Upgrades, Upgrade Award Chart

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Alberto Riva

1 day agoDyson’s Memorial Day sale has finally arrived. I’ve been waiting to round up all the best price cuts from the editor-approved vacuum brand, and now the deals are live for the long weekend. They’re certainly worth the wait, as several of the stick vacuums, hair tools and fans on sale are beating …
United Ends Excursionist Perk, Makes 2 Other Negative Changes

1 month ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

United Airlines announced today a spate of changes to its MileagePlus loyalty program that amount to a devaluation, and go into effect later this year. United is ending the Excursionist perk on award flights, discontinuing instant upgrades for MileagePlus elites on the most expensive economy paid fares, and eliminating the award chart for upgrades using miles. Let’s look at what this means for United flyers. United Airlines is making 3 major changes affecting its MileagePlus loyalty program.
Eurostar $52 Sale From London to Paris and More [Limited Time]

1 month ago | upgradedpoints.com | Alberto Riva

Eurostar, the high-speed train connecting London to Paris and other European cities using the Channel Tunnel, is having a sale that can lower the price of a one-way ticket to the equivalent of just $52. That’s far less what Eurostar tickets normally cost. Let’s take a look at the conditions and dates of this offer. Since the 1990s, the Eurostar train has been the most convenient way to travel between London and Paris, as well as to other cities in mainland Europe.