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AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping

11 snips
Mar 19, 2026
They tour American Express's tiny Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas and spar over its strict 90-minute rule. Loyalty program tweaks get attention, including Marriott letting members add more points to free-night certificates and a new Hyatt Business card bonus. A lively debate unfolds about whether travelers should tip hotel housekeeping and where responsibility should lie.
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ANECDOTE

Ed Flew The Same United Tail Number Four Times

  • Ed discovered he'd flown on the same United 737-900ER tail number four times since 2022, which he found notable given fleet size.
  • Richard joked Ed should autograph a napkin and stash it in the seatback pocket to create an inside-game.
ADVICE

Don't Rely On Virtual Waitlist Before 90 Minutes

  • Avoid arriving more than 90 minutes before departure if you plan to use a Sidecar lounge because you can't join the virtual wait list earlier than that.
  • If you're outside the 90-minute window and the lounge is full, you must physically ask the desk to add you to the wait list.
ANECDOTE

Sidecar Food Was Quick But Mixed

  • Ed ordered a charcuterie plate and a chicken parm sandwich; the charcuterie arrived in under five minutes and was a solid small plate.
  • The chicken parm was slightly overcooked with weak sauce and tiny pepperoni, earning a passing grade overall.
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