Hello from Delhi folks, and best wishes for the 70th Republic Day of India. I’ve been parked here for a couple of days now, taking in the nip in the air, and reporting from the ground on the Etihad Guest – SBI Credit Card tie-up which launched on Thursday evening. Here is a quick recap of everything that is happening in the world this week.

Top Stories

Our top story of the week was about Emirates. The airline is cutting down the baggage allowance in Economy class in the coming days so book now if you need to. Etihad has launched a new co-branded partnership with SBI Cards, and I wrote about my fantastic experience with the Singapore Airlines 787-10 Business Class.

• Emirates baggage allowance being cut down from February 4
• Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class, Delhi to Singapore on the 787-10
• The new Etihad SBI Card(s) is here!

News & Views

This week has been a lot about new flights and new ambitions. IndiGo has declared it will add 30% of its new capacity on international routes, and then added their first flight to Istanbul. JAL and ANA are both planning to launch flights from south India to Tokyo in the coming months. And last but not the least, we find out about Air India’s 787 that stayed in Stockholm for 45 days.

• IndiGo launches flights to Istanbul
• IndiGo’s big bets going into the future?
• JAL will launch Bangalore – Tokyo Narita Flight in 2020
• ANA will launch Chennai – Tokyo Narita flights this Winter
• British Airways’ retro liveries to celebrate 100 years
• Is IndiGo flight overbooked? Here is how IndiGo is handling it
• Telcos preparing to offer Inflight wifi in India
• Why are you not seeing enough Jet Airways 737 MAX aircraft?
• IndiGo’s second thoughts on flying to Europe
• Air India’s Boeing 787 returns to India after 45 days in Stockholm

Reviews

I have been all over the place and hence been a bit slow writing up the trip report as compared to how quickly I’d have liked to push it out. But enjoy the Singapore Airlines 787-10 in pictures with me here.

• Introduction: Singapore Airlines 787-10 Regional Business Class
• Singapore Airlines Lounge New Delhi Airport
• Celebrations of the Launch of the Boeing 787-10 from Delhi
• Singapore Airlines Business Class, Delhi to Singapore, Boeing 787-10

Card & Rewards

The credit card space has heated up this week. SBI Cards and ICICI Bank both fired shots. Here is a quick recap of everything new in the space.

• The new Etihad SBI Card(s) is here!
• HDFC Bank Credit Card insurance payment offers double reward points
• Amex Insurance Offer: 10X Membership Rewards points
• Coming soon: ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
• Deal: INR 4000 Hyatt American Express Card Credit on offer

Last but not the least, given it is the Republic Day, we are very happy to extend a discount on our upcoming Mileage Mentor MasterClass to be held in February 2019. The workshop is 4-5 hours of nice discussion and learnings about points and miles, credit card strategies, and I will also spend some 1-1 time with you all. Hurry, because we really want to see you there.

Also, remember, there is a free American Express Platinum Credit Card going out if you want to sign up now!