Have you ever noticed how hard it is to get rid of junk? For most folks, junk is a collection of unwanted items and appliances just begging to be thrown out. But for whatever reason - work obligations, busy schedules, over-worked brains, or plain old procrastination - we're woefully content to let the junk sit. If you're sick and tired of all the old, junky items in your home and want more room to live and play, you need junk removal in Delray Beach, FL, today.
At Labor Bros, we mix the most comprehensive junk removal in town with the highest quality general labor services available. That makes Labor Bros your one-stop shop for all your junk hauling and labor needs, from house cleaning to power washing and just about everything in between. Our customers choose Labor Bros because we prioritize friendly, helpful customer service and good old-fashioned hard work. We take pride in our work, and you see evidence of that with each of our Labor Bros, who are anxious to work hard for you, no matter the size of the project. We're very proud of the fact that we're locally owned and operated. We know the local roads, grew up in these parts, and know the people. As such, we offer fair and competitive pricing for all our customers, whether they're new or returning.
Our goal is to make your life easy, so you can focus on the most important aspects of life while we handle the hard stuff. We understand that your life is busy, and you probably don't have the time or energy to haul away old junk or climb up on a ladder to trim your trees. Why risk a trip to the emergency room when you can call the Labor Bros to handle the heavy lifting? At the end of the day, we do the jobs that you can't or just don't want to do - and that makes us happy. Just click or call and consider it done!
Our fully trained Labor Bros have extensive experience, unmatched work ethic, and crazy cardio. This combo lets them tackle a wide variety of junk removal and labor service projects, including:
On average, the typical American creates more than four pounds of waste every day. That figure doesn't include the items in your home that need to be hauled away but remain for whatever reason. The reality is most South Carolina residents have tons of junk lying around that they don't need. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the time or patience to get rid of these items in an efficient, eco-friendly way. That's where Labor Bros junk removal swoops in to save the day.
If you have never used or even heard of junk removal, don't sweat it - we've got you covered. Junk removal is an on-call service that removes all of the old trash and junk from your home or business. It works like this:
You give our office a call or use our online contact form to set up an appointment. You let us know how much junk we'll be hauling in our junk removal trucks. You then choose a time and date for an appointment, and the Labor Bros will be there on time, ready to work.
Once you give us the green light, our team will get to work hauling all your old debris and junk items from your home or office. It's that simple!
We'll come to your location to get the full scope of the job we're completing for you. Once we do, you get a no-obligation, affordable quote.
Here at Labor Bros, we've hauled away an incredible amount of junk since we opened our doors. Whether it's the hundreds of unsightly, heavy mattresses or old, unusable TVs, our crew has hauled some serious junk over the years. For each truckload of junk that we remove from a home or business, we work hard to donate applicable items and recycle others, to give back to the community and keep it clean.
When it comes to junk removal in Delray Beach, FL, here are some of the most common items we remove:
Even the best mattresses will need to be replaced with enough time. Over the years, your mattress will begin to break down, causing you more pain than pleasure when your head hits the pillow. When your quality of sleep is affected, so too is your day-to-day life and wellbeing. To make matters worse, your old mattress is a haven for dead skin cells, hair, and even bugs. When it gets to this point, it's time to get rid of your mattress. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done, especially if you're working 40 hours a week and must balance a family too. Luckily, the Labor Bros can remove your old mattress quicker than it takes you to snooze on a Sunday afternoon.
Labor Bros Pro Tip: Mattress parts like steel springs, wooden frames, and coils can often be donated or recycled. Our team is happy to handle this part of the junk removal process, so you don't have to!
If you plan on upgrading your kitchen, chances are you will need to update your old fridge too. Refrigerators are notorious for being big, clunky, hazardous appliances to remove. Most folks don't want to deal with the lengthy process of removing the appliance and disposing of it safely. That's where the Labor Bros come in! Whether you have a regular-sized fridge at your home or several large chest freezers at your business, the Labor Bros are here to haul them away today.
Labor Bros Pro Tip: Remember, many refrigerators and freezers have harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of properly. The Labor Bros always take these hazards into account, so you don't risk your health. Once these materials have been dealt with, our junk removal experts will either donate your unwanted fridge or haul it to the appropriate recycling facility.
With new technology and features debuting every other day, it's no surprise that we haul away old TVs every day. Whether you're moving to a new home or just want a new TV, we can remove your old flat screen quickly and safely. Our customers choose the Labor Bros for their TV removal not just because we're fast and effective, but because many modern TVs contain hazardous materials. Once our team removes your old TV from your home or business, we'll make sure your TV is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
In addition to our junk removal services, Labor Bros also offers the highest quality general labor services in South Carolina. In today's fast-paced world, many home and business owners don't have the time or staff to handle labor-intensive jobs like garage cleanouts and yard debris removal. There's no need to call in a favor with your best friend or father-in-law. Contact the Labor Bros for fast, efficient service for any of your general labor projects. We save you time, money, and the possibility of injuring yourself or your friends.
If you own a home, you probably know how frustrating it can be to keep up with odd jobs around the house. Sometimes, you need a little more than a helping hand - you need a team of experienced professionals to get the job done right. And that, in a nutshell, is why we founded Labor Bros - to give good people like you the chance to keep their homes looking great, inside and out. Here are just a few of the most common general labor jobs we complete for homeowners in South Carolina:
If you're anything like us, your garage space doubles as a storage unit. Over time, the items you store in your garage can pile up. Often, these items go unused for years, essentially becoming junk right before your eyes. At some point, you will need all that junk and debris cleaned out. When you want it done right, it's time to call the Labor Bros. Our team will not only remove the junk from your garage - we'll clean your garage afterward, so it looks and feels like it was brand new.
Cleaning up your yard debris can be a real pain in the butt. You need the right clothes to protect your legs and arms, gloves for your hands, possibly a back brace, and a lot of patience. After you're done, you're bound to need a shower and a long break. With all that in mind, it's no wonder why so many South Carolina residents call the Labor Bros for yard debris removal! Our general labor techs have cleaned up dozens if not hundreds of yards, and they can help you too. We make yard debris cleanup easy by taking everything: limbs, leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, and more. Simply click or call, and we'll haul it all!
If you just bought a new couch or desk but don't have the time to set it up yourself, call the Labor Bros for a fast solution. Whether you're moving into a new home and you need help mounting your TV, or you need a large piece of furniture assembled, we can do it all.
At Labor Bros, we don't just serve homeowners - we offer general labor and junk removal services for businesses too. All businesses generate junk in some form or fashion. Typically, entrepreneurs don't have the time to handle junk removal and odd jobs like window washing on their own. That's why business owners in South Carolina trust the Labor Bros - because we make their lives easier and more productive, at a reasonable rate. If you're sick of making complicated arrangements that don't fit your business needs, it's time to call our office. We can help with just about any general labor services you need, from removing old office furniture to transporting new equipment to your job site.
Here are some of our general labor specialties for local business owners:
Call or Text 815-931-3993 to receive a FREE QUOTE or to set up your
appointment Today!
At the Labor Bros, we do junk removal a little differently than our competition. We strive to provide the very best residential and commercial junk removal in Delray Beach, FL. To achieve that goal, we prioritize customer service, meaning our clients come first before anything. We know it can be hard to trust junk removal companies, which is why we offer transparent services and pricing. No small print. No sneaky fees. Just hard work at a cost-conscious rate.
As professionals, we treat your home or business like it was our own. Our Labor Bros will work as long as it takes to get the job done while respecting your space. At the same time, we're not your cable TV technician, so we won't be moping around your house all day. We'll show up on time and get the job done effectively, so you can get back to living life.
When you book an appointment for junk removal, you can feel good knowing we'll recycle as much of your used junk as possible - because Mother Earth needs a helping hand too. If you're looking for a hassle-free junk removal experience with fair, upfront pricing, look no further than the Labor Bros.
If you’re looking for a Florida vacation with dining, art, and nightlife but want to avoid big city crowds and prices, there’s a town on the state’s east coast that checks all of those boxes, and then some. Delray Beach, located between Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, is a sunny ...
If you’re looking for a Florida vacation with dining, art, and nightlife but want to avoid big city crowds and prices, there’s a town on the state’s east coast that checks all of those boxes, and then some. Delray Beach, located between Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, is a sunny beach town with a strong cultural scene. Spend your time museum hopping, shopping, relaxing on the sand, or doing any of these other fun things in Delray Beach.
The 14 Best Places For A Weekend Getaway In Florida
One of Delray Beach’s best qualities is that it is very walkable. Atlantic Avenue, the main drag, runs straight through town, over a drawbridge, and out to the Atlantic Ocean, hence the name. You could spend an afternoon exploring the small businesses and major brands on this street. Kokonuts, Love Shack, and Biba offer swim and resort wear; Just Hearts has heart-shaped art, housewares, and glass sculptures; sister stores Morley and Periwinkle carry women’s clothing by designers like Veronica Beard and Donni; and Avalon Gallery carries original work in all mediums.
There are close to 100 bars and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue alone, so you don't have to go far to have a big night out. The tough part is choosing where to go. Located at The Seagate hotel, Mr. Seas is a bright and airy beachside spot with a fresh, seafood-heavy menu. Another place for fresh oysters and the catch of the day is J&J Seafood Bar & Grill. Cut 432 bills itself as a "modern steakhouse". Le Colonial has a Vietnamese-inspired menu and a glamorous dining room. Enjoy Roman-style pies at Pizza Rustica. Cap off your evening with live music and drinks at Tin Roof.
Just off the Avenue, this revitalized corner of the city is home to several historic buildings as well as The Amphitheater, where locals gather for live outdoor performances. On the third Thursday of each month, The Twilight Tribute Series features a different tribute band covering artists like Brooks & Dunn, Dave Matthews Band, and No Doubt.
Also at Old School Square, this year-round Saturday market draws more than 50 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, plants, meat, dairy, and more. Pick up lunch (like aromatic rice and seafood from La Paella Chef) and enjoy it in the square.
Arts Warehouse is 15,000 square feet of exhibit, studio, and workshop space for the local creative community. Take a ceramics or drawing class, or check out an exhibition—there is nearly always something interesting on display.
Spend any time in Delray and you’ll notice what a colorful place it is, mainly through large scale murals all over town. Spend an afternoon looking for these amazing paintings, and because Delray is compact, you don’t have to travel far, and can see many of them by foot.
The Spady Cultural Museum is a must-see look back at Florida's Black history through thought-provoking exhibits that include art, historical documents and photographs, oral histories, and more. The museum also brings in speakers and hosts regular events, and offers walking tours of the city, specifically the West Settlers Historic District, home to the area’s first Black church, school, and hotel.
Open since 1977, The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a center for Japanese culture and art. The 16-acre grounds are filled with walking trails, koi ponds, and six different landscapes inspired by gardens in Japan. Inside, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and check out permanent and traveling art exhibits.
This small but dense area on Northeast Second Avenue and Atlantic Avenue is a fun place to shop, walk, and dine. Grab a frozen custard from local favorite Whit’s, shop for one-of-a-kind apparel at House of Perna or Tern Studio, then choose from sushi, Mexican food, tapas, or ramen. Be sure to check out the events calendar at Arts Garage, a space for music and visual arts.
The Silverball Pinball Museum is filled with vintage games from several decades, but unlike most museums, you can play everything that’s on display. This retro arcade is typically packed with families playing Pac-Man, skee-ball, and just about any game you can imagine. No tokens are needed; admission includes free play. And there’s a bar with happy hour specials and a food menu.
Atlantic Avenue dead ends into Delray Municipal Beach, one and a half miles of sandy shores that are wide and clean and calm turquoise waters. If you need chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas, contact Oceanside Beach Service, which can rent and set up all three.
A viral bagel shop that started as a pop-up in Connecticut is making its way down to South Florida this summer, and the frenzy over the news is just as big as when H&H Bagels opened in Boca Raton last October.PopUp Bagels, the Connecticut-based bagel shop that draws hours-long lines in New York City...
A viral bagel shop that started as a pop-up in Connecticut is making its way down to South Florida this summer, and the frenzy over the news is just as big as when H&H Bagels opened in Boca Raton last October.
PopUp Bagels, the Connecticut-based bagel shop that draws hours-long lines in New York City for its fresh New York bagels, has announced plans to open its first permanent Florida location in Delray Beach this summer.
News of the South Florida location comes after the bagel shop popped up in Palm Beach at the Colony Hotel in 2024, which went completely viral online. The pop-up was such a hit that it sold out every single day. This is why South Florida is about to be treated to not just one but four PopUp Bagels locations this year.
PopUp Bagels photo
The Delray Beach shop is the first of four South Florida locations PopUp Bagels plans to open in 2025. The brand also plans to expand into central and north Florida, as well.
"We've always wanted to come to Florida. We love our friends at the Colony Hotel and that's been great for us, but we really just needed our infrastructure to be bulkier and in place so that we could successfully operate multiple stores in Florida," founder Adam Goldberg tells New Times. The company currently has four locations in New York, four in Connecticut, and one in Boston.
The SoFlo announcement dropped on Instagram on Monday, January 15 (AKA National Bagel Day), sparking a flood of social media excitement from South Florida bagel fans. "I totally don't mind picking them up at the pop-up at the Colony Hotel, but having a store will be awesome. Welcome to SoFlo!" wrote a fan in the comments. Others wrote, "Ahh, I am screaming! Can we do Orlando too!" and "Omg this is amazing!"
But how did this Connecticut pop-up become one of New York's most prized bagel shops? It all started in its founder's backyard.
For the uninitiated, PopUp Bagels started in Goldberg's Westport backyard in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, slinging smaller, airier takes on New York-style bagels with a crisp exterior. The concept took off, backed by an $8 million investment round and celebrity investors, including Paul Rudd, Michael Phelps, Michael Strahan, and JJ Watt.
The brand keeps it simple with just five bagel varieties: plain, sesame, poppy, salt, and everything. The bagels are "baked fresh and served hot, whole, and straight from the oven — no slicing, no sandwiches," according to a press release. But the rotating cream cheese menu drives the hype, featuring weekly collaborations like "Cup of Noodles" schmear and a garlicky escargot spread created with pastry chef Dominique Ansel. Orders come in three-bagel bags paired with a ten-ounce tub of schmear. The formula worked well enough to win "Best Bagel" at Brooklyn Bagelfest two years running.
The downtown Delray Beach location sits on the same block as the popular Ray Hotel. Construction starts in the next few weeks with a planned late spring opening, with details on the additional South Florida locations coming soon in the upcoming weeks.
PopUp Bagels Delray Beach. Location coming soon. Opening summer 2025.
If one Southern state has cornered the market on beach towns, it's Florida. But even in the Sunshine State, not all coastal communities are created equal. These idyllic locales easily earn bragging rights as Florida's best small beach towns, thanks to their beautiful shorelines, fun food scenes, and win-you-over-for-a-lifetime character. Travel down to Seaside on ...
If one Southern state has cornered the market on beach towns, it's Florida. But even in the Sunshine State, not all coastal communities are created equal. These idyllic locales easily earn bragging rights as Florida's best small beach towns, thanks to their beautiful shorelines, fun food scenes, and win-you-over-for-a-lifetime character. Travel down to Seaside on Highway 30A, where the 1998 cult-classic movie The Truman Show was filmed, to watch a show at the local-favorite amphitheater or grab a beach read at Sundog Books. Or head over to Anna Maria Island and lay out on its pristine beach. No matter where you go while traveling in the Sunshine State, make sure to plan a stop at one of these sunny and small coastal towns.
20 Florida Beaches That Could Pass For The Caribbean
Located at the halfway point in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a whimsical paradise where small-town businesses cater to the ultimate island state of mind. If you're a beer lover, Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Company both serve up an impressive selection of local craft brews. Fine Florida-kitschy institutions like Lazy Days Restaurant and Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar offer killer water views, fruity cocktails, live music, and fish tacos.
The birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach, is a waterfront village nestled on the north end of Amelia Island. Celebrating pirate culture is a way of life, so it's not uncommon to see people dressed as swashbucklers just for the heck of it. Visit during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, when the historic district bustles with parades, live music, lots of shrimp, and—you guessed it—pirates. You can spend many happy hours checking out the shops and restaurants around historic Main Street, or exploring the natural areas around nearby Fort Clinch State Park.
Anna Maria Island is what beach town dreams are made of. You won't find any hotel chains or condominium towers here, just a collection of tropical-style homes and friendly neighbors who wave from golf carts. Stretching from the bay to the gulf, Pine Avenue is the perfect place to shop funky boutiques, dine at local cafes, and get a feel for that ultimate island lifestyle. Make sure to grab a Margarita Donut or some other crazy confection from The Donut Experiment for breakfast.
Flanked by two picturesque beach parks and home to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne is an island village with a sophisticated feel. It's close enough to Miami that you can easily get to and from the 24/7 action of the city, but just far enough out into the ocean that you immediately get that sense of "ahhhhh" when you drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway. This oasis is the perfect place to lay on the beach without a thought of city life, but you can also dine at the Rusty Pelican for an amazing view of the Miami skyline.
Perhaps one of the quirkiest beach towns in Florida, Captiva Island is full of character. Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation, and there are zero traffic lights on the island. Beaches here are second to none and offer some of the best shelling you can find. The island sparkles every year during the Captiva Luminary when residents light candles from one end of the island to the other, marking the launch of the holiday season. The Mucky Duck is a laidback beach pub where you can catch live music and the glowing sunsets.
A colorful coastal town full of pastel houses and funky local eateries, Seaside is a breathtaking nod to life on the beach. The town is so idyllic it served as a film set for The Truman Show. The best way to soak up stunning Gulf of Mexico views and explore this friendly community is by foot or bicycle. Neighbors and visitors alike gather every year for the annual 30A Songwriters Festival, with live music performances at Seaside venues and other locales along scenic 30A Highway.
A hidden gem nestled on the east coast of Florida, Vero Beach is a nature lover's paradise. Think unspoiled beaches, salt water lagoons, and protected wildlife refuges. With miles of biking and hiking trails, there are ample opportunities for eco-friendly adventures. Then enjoy the small-town charm in the main street area of Vero Beach, where you'll find weekly gallery strolls, a vintage market, and plenty of quaint cafes.
Cruise down Atlantic Avenue, the main drag in Delray Beach, and you'll end up at one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's east coast. A haven for beachcombers and art lovers, you'll find more than 20 galleries and iconic public art pieces in downtown and in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Go for one of the popular Friday gallery nights and browse local art, listen to live music, and dine at one of the eclectic eateries on the "Ave."
A laid-back beach town with a healthy—and well-loved—population of vintage ice cream parlors, Pass-A-Grille Beach is an island town located at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach. Sunset is a nightly rite of passage as locals and visitors gather at the seawall outside of Paradise Grille to ring the sunset bell. The rooftop deck of the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant also offers spectacular views of the sun's descent into the Gulf of Mexico.
Surrounded by the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gasparilla Island is truly an ode to Old Florida. Shelling enthusiasts find an impressive assortment of treasured sea shells and sand dollars tucked between layers of pure white sand, while fishermen flock to the area for its prized tarpon fishing. Visit one of the two stately lighthouses on the island, where you'll find postcard-perfect views, especially at sunset.
Some secrets are meant to be shared. Just 25 miles from the heart of Tampa, this easygoing locale feels worlds away. But don't expect a sleepy little spot. Downtown Dunedin is home to ample good eats, locally-owned shops, and an unexpected beer scene (there are seven breweries within a five minute walking radius). And, of course, there's the beach: Honeymoon Island State Park touts 4 miles of unspoiled white shorelines and one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, plus it's a gateway to Caribbean-reminiscent Caladesi Island State Park.
Flagler Avenue is the heartbeat of this town on the A1A, where you'll find all the kitschy beach souvenirs your heart desires. It dead-ends on the beach where drivers scope out a spot to park and spend the day basking in the sun and surfers meander by with their boards. You'll find plenty of tiki bars and casual watering holes in this town. New Smyrna Beach is tucked between Orlando, Daytona, and the Kennedy Space Center, making it a great destination for families looking for an low-key place to relax.
The 15 Best Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Near bustling Fort Lauderdale, the small town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is known for its charming fishing pier, colorful town square, and superior diving. In "Florida's Beach Diving Capital," snorkelers and divers can explore a British shipwreck and a living coral reef just 100 yards from shore. Eat at the Aruba Beach Cafe and you'll feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean.
This gulfside paradise used to be called "Little Sarasota Key," which clues you in to its location. The 8-mile barrier island has three beaches and plenty of shopping, galleries, and restaurants to frequent in Siesta Village. Hop on the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for free rides between the village and the island's glittering white sands. The public beach frequently gets chosen as first or second best in the nation. After the sun goes down, you can cruise down Ocean Boulevard to check out the nightlife.
Madeira Beach lies on the Gulf west of artsy, vibrant St. Petersburg. Most vacationers spend their days relaxing on the sand here, whether they're staying in the beachfront hotels or vacation rentals. Otherwise they're wandering along the boardwalk at Johns Pass, a fishing village named for the pirate who first traveled its waters. Today it's the hot spot on the island for booking a boat tour, eating, and shopping.
My wife and I kicked off the new year with four nights at The Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach, Florida. Even though this hotel isn’t part of any major hotel chain, it is bookable with points thanks to it being a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.Table of ContentsThe Seagate Hotel & Spa Bottom Line ReviewWhen we arrived, the Seagate Hotel had just finished major renovations to their hotel, pool, and beach club. And their in-hotel restaurant was still closed while under renovation. The physical s...
My wife and I kicked off the new year with four nights at The Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach, Florida. Even though this hotel isn’t part of any major hotel chain, it is bookable with points thanks to it being a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Table of Contents
When we arrived, the Seagate Hotel had just finished major renovations to their hotel, pool, and beach club. And their in-hotel restaurant was still closed while under renovation. The physical space was terrific. Our room was luxurious but not ostentatious. And we loved visiting the beach club where we lazed under an umbrella on the beach, and dined outside at the beach-club restaurant, with an ocean view. While the physical space was great, the hotel’s service was mixed. Most interactions with staff were good, but there were some very notable issues. In many ways it felt like we were visiting a brand new hotel that had just opened, with issues that are common during opening months. I’m guessing that there was a lot of turnover during the renovations and that they haven’t yet fully trained their new staff. That said, I’d happily stay at the Seagate again. And, hopefully they’ll heavily invest in customer training in the meantime!
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Thrifty Traveler points out what appears to be a devaluation of Air France / KLM Flying Blue miles: the minimum pricing for awards in all three cabins (economy, premium economy, and business class) has increased around 25%. We reached out to Flying Blue for comment and confirmed these changes — read on for more details below.
Air France KLM Flying Blue long ago abandoned its award charts in favor of dynamic pricing for awards on its own metal. Surprisingly, in late 2023, we saw Flying Blue take the unexpected step of decreasing award pricing on their own flights. Flying Blue strikes me as a program that would like to get your attention and that was certainly a way to get most it.
However, I’d long thought that we’d see an increase in award pricing eventually.
The bad news here is that prices have indeed increased for awards on Air France or KLM-operated flights. That’s obviously disappointing for anyone who was eyeing a cheaper booking but hadn’t yet finalized it. Similarly, if you’ve transferred points to Flying Blue speculatively or you have points locked up with Flying Blue from cancelled trips, they aren’t necessarily going to buy as much as you’d hoped. I know that in my case, I have a trip booked with Flying Blue miles later this year. I certainly hope that trips goes as planned because if I have to cancel, I might need to move over more points to complete a booking.
As an example, business class awards between the Europe and the United States, which had in late 2023 been reduced to just 50,000 miles one-way, now start at 60,000 miles each way — an increase of 20%.
Keep in mind that we’re talking the low end of pricing. Awards are still dynamically priced, so you may certainly see awards that are much more expensive, too. And sometimes, even when it says that awards are available for 60,000 miles (see the calendar dates at the top), the actual price may vary (here, it is really 61,000 miles).
When I first saw Thrifty Traveler’s report, I had hoped that perhaps there were still some diamonds in the rough to be found, like perhaps if routes from Canada still priced cheaper or awards that mixed a plane and a train might not have increased in price. But sure enough, even Montreal to Brussels (where the leg from Paris to Brussels is on a train) prices at the new 60K low point on dates that I checked.
The above examples are all in business class, but Thrifty Traveler reports that economy redemptions increased from 20K to 25K miles each way and that the premium economy starting price increased from 35K to 40K.
Note that these increases affect flights operated by Air France and KLM, but not partner award flights.
I’m not surprised, but I’m particularly disappointed that Flying Blue decided to increase award rates without notice or notification. That’s become the modus operandi for dynamically-priced programs — those programs that don’t have an award chart don’t feel a need to let you know when they increase minimum pricing. That’s too bad as I can’t imagine that the cost of giving members at least a few months of notice would be terribly high, particularly given the fact that the airline has total control over the award inventory they make available, anyway.
While I’m always disappointed to see award price increases, the flip side here is that Flying Blue tells us that this was done to expand availability at the lower levels. Benjamin Lipsey, President of Flying Blue tells us:
Recently, we made a slight adjustment to award mile pricing and corresponding inventory access to address a common concern: the difficulty of finding availability at the lowest award levels.
By rebalancing the entry-level pricing, we were able to significantly increase entry-level award availability, making it easier for members to book flights at the lowest mileage levels……
…..While I can certainly appreciate that nobody likes price increases, the reality is this change ensures better access to rewards for all our members, avoiding the frustration seen in some programs where limited availability (be it award tickets, upgrades, etc.) undermines member benefits. We remain committed to listening, innovating, and delivering meaningful value to our Flying Blue members.
Essentially, Flying Blue is saying that finding 50K awards was difficult and by increasing the floor price of the minimum pricing band, they will be able to offer more award inventory.
It’s hard to say whether that will be true since none of us has a crystal ball. I wouldn’t say that I found 60K awards to be widely available in my small search sample size, but if this change does make it easier for average members to find lower-priced awards, I’m sure some will appreciate it.
And the truth is that even at 25K economy / 40K premium economy / 60K business class for the lowest-priced awards, Flying Blue is still a very competitive option. That’s particularly true when you start to consider the number of bank programs with which they partner for points transfers and the frequency of transfer bonuses.
Through that lens, this feels like a relatively mild devaluation. Yes, minimum prices have gone up by as much as 25% (in the economy class cabin), but the devaluations to premium economy and business weren’t quite as much. Given how many options one has for earning Flying Blue miles, that’s not the worst we’ve seen.
It’s worth a mention that if you can find awards available via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, you may pay less. Virgin Atlantic offers a really nice award chart for Air France and KLM-operated flights (that now looks even better by comparison). That said, Flying Blue doesn’t always make a ton of inventory available to partner programs, so you’ll need both knowledge and a little luck to score a better deal through Virgin Atlantic.
Overall, it’s a bummer to see a price increase, but Air France KLM Flying Blue continues to offer decent award pricing — even if not as good as it once was.
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Winter has arrived and, with the cool fronts and lower humidity, now is the time to live it up in South Florida. Embrace the wonderful weather and enjoy a double feature at Screen on the Green and possibly witness history with Guinness World Record attempt, get on a boat like Leo during the Full Moon Canoe excursion at Grassy Waters Preserve, see works of art and crafts over two days during the 36th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts and more.In addition to the top five events listed there's always someth...
Winter has arrived and, with the cool fronts and lower humidity, now is the time to live it up in South Florida. Embrace the wonderful weather and enjoy a double feature at Screen on the Green and possibly witness history with Guinness World Record attempt, get on a boat like Leo during the Full Moon Canoe excursion at Grassy Waters Preserve, see works of art and crafts over two days during the 36th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts and more.
In addition to the top five events listed there's always something great happening at places like The Norton Museum of Art or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County's waterfront restaurants from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we've curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.
This Screen on the Green promises to be dino-mite with a double feature of "Dinosaur" and "Jurassic Park." But before the opening credits roll, join COX Science Center as they attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Dinosaurs.” Visit CoxScienceCenter.org/event/300-dinos for more information. Then kick back on the Great Lawn and watch these great dino-themed flicks.
The event is 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: coxsciencecenter.org/event/300-dinos;
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
See the subtle changes that occur as the sun sets over the marsh, and then paddle under the glow of a full moon. Listen and look as nocturnal creatures start their "day." Not for beginners. Sign up with a partner, canoes require two paddlers.
The event is 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach. $20. Space limited. Reservations required. Information: 561-804-4985
Part of their 20th anniversary season, the concert at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will feature conductor James Judd and Grammy-winning guitar soloist Jason Vieaux. The program will include Richard Danielpour's "Souvenirs," Samuel Zyman's "Concerto for Guitar & String Orchestra," and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.
The concert is 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. $55. Information: 561-376-3848; thesymphonia.org
Consistently ranked one of the best art shows in the United States, this juried art festival of hand-crafted artwork includes glass, photography, painting, mixed media, fiber, jewelry and much more.
The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12. 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Free. Information: artfestival.com
International jazz artist Nikki Kidd will transport you back to the time of speakeasys with her soulful voice during this event that blends art, music and nature in this unique setting in downtown West Palm Beach.
The event is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. Adults $35, children $12, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens members $25. Reservations required. Information: ansg.org
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.