FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

College Student Earns 15 Million Miles for Hacking United Airlines

by Megan Hill

Oct 12, 2016
Features

A college student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Ryan Pickren is already an accomplished hacker. In 2015, he hacked rival University of Georgia’s online calendar and was threatened with prison time for the deed.

Now, instead of being punished, Pickren is being rewarded for his hacking efforts. He participated in United Airlines’ Bug Bounty Program and earned 15 million United miles — that’s about $300,000 worth of airline miles.

United’s program invites experts to legally hack their websites, with a bounty of up to 1 million United miles to anyone who reveals major security flaws. Though United has not revealed the details of college student Pickren’s work, it’s safe to say he must have uncovered several significant flaws based on his 15-million-mile reward.

Pickren is joined by 19-year-old security researcher Olivier Beg who earned 1 million miles by uncovering 20 medium and low-severity issues.

One major drawback to earning all these miles is they’re considered taxable income by the United States Internal Revenue Service. Pickren opted not to keep all of his miles, though, instead donating 5 million of them to Georgia Tech.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Oct 12, 2024

Lufthansa Unveils Newark Premium Lounge

In August, Lufthansa Group officially opened its brand-new premium lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal B. The new lounge features a modern and spacious design across more than 6,300 square feet, with space for about 165 guests, a 25 percent increase in capacity from the previous lounge.

Elevate Your Travels with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

What if you could earn rewards and benefits when traveling, shopping and relaxing at any IHG-branded hotel? Well, you can with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Daily
Oct 11, 2024

Cape Cod’s Sea Crest Beach Resort Hosts Streetscape Culinary Adventures

New England’s culinary traditions have always been front and center at historic Sea Crest Beach Resort in Cape Cod. Located waterside in Falmouth, Massachusetts, this property added to its already considerable allure with the recent addition of five new and distinct dining options at Streetscape.

Daily
Oct 11, 2024

Go on This New 14-Day Culinary Discovery Route in Norway

Tour operator Up Norway invites foodie travelers on a luxurious culinary journey. The new 14-day Culinary Discovery Route introduces travelers to Norway’s unique culinary heritage. Designed for six guests, the tour features Michelin-starred dining, hands-on culinary experiences, tours, cooking classes and more.

Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines

As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.

Daily
Oct 11, 2024

Skip Crowded Zürich and Head to Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

With overtourism a growing issue for travelers and destinations, finding spots with fewer crowds but with just as promising experiences can be tricky. From Geneva to Bern to Zürich, these Swiss cities continue to draw flocks of travelers, but where can you go in the country for just as good of a trip?

Daily
Oct 9, 2024

11 Hotels Offering Sleep-Enhancing Amenities

Recent studies indicate sleep is among the most important luxuries across all age groups when vacationing. As such, hotels take heed and offer a variety of sleep-enhancing amenities to help travelers get a good night’s sleep. Here's a few to check out on your next vacation.

Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports

Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.

eFlyer Reviews
Oct 9, 2024

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife Review

In the southwest corner of one of the Canary Islands’ most famous and beautiful draws, Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife is a luxury stay among the dramatic landscapes and near-perfect year-round weather of the archipelago. Combining luxury with a vibrant energy the brand is best known for, the lifestyle-forward hotel isn’t just for lovers of music, but also lovers of life.