"Quickies"

I haven't gotten around to posting lately, but I wanted to throw out some "quickies" that I came across recently; all quickies today are for KUDOS:

1)  The American Airlines iPhone App keeps you informed about where you are on the standby list.  This past Friday I attempted, successfully, to jump onto an earlier flight by going standby.  After checking in at the kiosk and putting my name on the standby list, I opened up the iPhone app, for something else actually, and noticed that the standby list information is right there on the app.  Very cool feature so you don't have to stay at the gate staring at the list to see where you stand.  I was able to enjoy a couple of beverages at the terminal bar and still see the standby list activity.  Kudos to AA!

2)  Changing award reservations can be tricky.  However, I find them very well explained by American Airlines.  I had redeemed quite a few miles for First Class tickets for my Dad later this year.  I've been keeping an eye out on better routing.  Last week I found a better option.  I was scared that there would be some change fees or other charges relating to the using of my miles.  However, one of the benefits of Executive Platinum (EXP) status, is that many fees and charges are waived.  After a brief call with the EXP desk, I was able to get my Dad's trip changed to some better flights that were fewer miles and cost less than what I had originally booked.  The miles and dollar difference were quickly returned with hardly an effort on my part.  Keep in mind, if you are NOT EXP, you will incur fees.  Kudos to AA, again, for a great Elite benefit!

3)  If you have SPG Gold status via the American Express Platinum Card (a benefit), you may want to check that your status wasn't downgraded on 3/1 (the annual day of status updates).  I noticed this weekend that my SPG status was downgraded from Gold to just "Preferred" Member.  While this year my focus IS SPG, last year I just stayed at a Sheraton 4 nights.  A quick call to Amex customer service and they got me back to Gold instantly.  I still need to see some Gold points credited for me since a Sheraton stay ended on 3/1, but all in all, everything is back to normal.  Kudos to Amex Platinum Customer Service!

4)  Unrelated to travel, kudos to Macy's for their return policy.  I won't get into details here, but Macy's "no time limit" return policy is AWESOME!