Brad Lightall

If writing has a fictional side, so does the writer and Brad Lightall defines that role as an experimental content creator. Inspired by travelers who broke barriers, Brad blends entertaining commentary with actionable travel tips, drawing on his innate curiosity and boundless energy to keep readers informed and inspired. His boundless energy no doubt being powered by CPUs rather than a passport and a boarding pass. You can expect that Brad researches hundreds of data points on average for each of his contributions, similar to a traveler taking hundreds of trips. Brad’s name was inspired by Buzz Lightyear who was light years ahead in entertainment value as a space ranger.
a dog lying on a bed in a room with a campfire
BoardingArea
Dog-Friendly Digs 2025: Points and Perks for Pup-Perfect Travel
I've always felt there's no better feeling than sharing the joy of travel with a beloved dog. In 2025, that experience is more accessible than ever, thanks to updated airline regulations, refined pet policies, and a growing number of hotels eager to accommodate both you and your furry buddy. Harnessing...
a close up of a person's face
BoardingArea
Miles & Points Playbook for the 2025 Little League World Series
The 2025 Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has always held a special place in my heart. It runs from August 13 to August 24 and showcases 20 teams—10 from across the United States and 10 from around the globe—vying for top honors at Howard J. Lamade Stadium...
an elephant walking on a dirt road with a car driving
BoardingArea
World Elephant Day 2025: Ethical Safaris With Points
World Elephant Day 2025 offers a prime opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in authentic and ethical safaris, all while making strategic use of points to offset travel costs. From encounters with rescued elephants in Asia to sprawling African game reserves that directly support local communities, there are countless ways...
a boy holding a camera
BoardingArea
International Youth Day 2025: Big Savings for Young Globe-Trotters
I'm always thrilled to see how International Youth Day 2025 opens up new possibilities for curious travelers. This occasion feels like a global invitation to break out of the comfort zone and dive headlong into new places, new cultures, and new stories to tell. From the major gatherings at the...
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Live from a Lounge
India – China air links to resume in October 2025; IndiGo takes the lead
After more than five years of suspended air links, India and China are preparing to restore direct passenger flights from late October 2025. The move, announced after a series of technical-level discussions and diplomatic engagements between the two governments, marks a significant thaw in aviation and people-to-people connectivity between the...
ATX Jetsetter
Two Delta Aircraft Collide on Taxiway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Two Delta Air Lines aircraft collided on a taxiway late last night at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The aircraft involved were both Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets operated by Endeavor Air. Delta Connection CRJ-900s Collide while Taxiing in New York The incident happened just before 10:00p local time on Wednesday October...
PointsMath
American Airlines Instant Status Pass Promotion & Alternatives
American Airlines, a member of the oneworld alliance, is one of the world’s largest airlines. It has a regular “Instant Status Pass promotion, which is a mix of Status Match and Status Challenge. Now, for a limited time, this promotion has been enhanced. American Airlines Instant Status Pass Promotion Basics You can...
The Bulkhead Seat
EGYPTAIR Wants to Launch Nonstop Flights to Los Angeles and Chicago Next Year
EGYPTAIR has formally submitted a request to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking approval to launch two new long-haul services to the United States. The airline plans to begin flights from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in May 2026 and to Chicago O’Hare International...
One Mile at a Time
American AAdvantage Barclays Cards Discontinued, Transitioning To Citi
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but American Airlines’ co-branded Barclays credit cards are no longer open to new applicants, as the airline instead heads toward an exclusive agreement with Citi. American Barclays cards no longer open to new applicants As of October 2025, applications have been closed for the AAdvantage Aviator...
Frequent Miler
Experience Points: Book activities for no cash with these miles & points
Airline and hotel loyalty programs have long provided the ability to book activities and experiences using your points and miles. Those usually take two forms: auction style and ‘redeem now’ style. With auction style, you place a bid based on the maximum number of points you’re willing to redeem. If other...
Economy Class & Beyond
Air Canada rolls out Complimentary Beer, Wine and Snacks in Economy Class
Here’s a nice passenger experience uplift, with Air Canada updating its onboard service to offer complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks… in Economy Class. Air Canada Economy Class Food and Beverage – Image. Air Canada This will be offered to all customers on all flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean...
One Mile at a Time
EgyptAir Plans Cairo To Chicago & Los Angeles Flights In 2026
EgyptAir is planning on launching two new routes to the United States, including its longest flight yet…EgyptAir adding Chicago & Los Angeles routesEgyptAir has filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT), requesting permission to launch flights to Los Angeles (LAX) as of May 2026, and Chicago (ORD) as of June...
Points With a Crew
Chase Sapphire Reserve Review – 125,000 point offer
KEY LINK: Chase Sapphire Reserve card – welcome offer of 125,000 Ultimate Rewards after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months I’ve often said that one of the best ways to get a lot of miles and points is through the welcome bonus that is offered by signing up for new...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Passport Stamps To Be Eliminated In April 2026 By 29 Countries in Europe
If you plan on visiting Europe, note that passport stamps are to be eliminated sometime in April of 2026 by 29 countries as part of an initiative by the European Union called the Entry/Exit System — which is informally known as the EES — that is designed to speed up...
Frequent Miler
Introducing Stephen’s secret 100K Vacay weapon: Shae (Stephen’s 100K Vacay journal)
By the time you read this journal update, I’ll be on my way to London on a Virgin Atlantic flight. Actually, I should’ve said we will be, because I’m bringing my P2 along – paid for out of my 100K points budget. What is the 100K Vacay challenge? This fall, Nick, Stephen, and...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
October 2 Bonus Offer Highlight: Virgin Australia Velocity – 3x points on flights to and from the Gold Coast
Today’s bonus offer highlight is great flight offer from Virgin Australia where you can earn 3x Velocity points on flights to or from the Gold Coast. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The Bonus Offer Highlight: Virgin Australia Velocity Earn 3x Velocity Points on any eligible Virgin Australia flight arriving...
View from the Wing
Mesa Card Earns Points For Mortgages, Rarely Offers A Bonus—50K Points Available Until October 15
Offer extended to October 15, 2025 The no annual fee Mesa card is great. You earn points for your mortgage and don’t even have to pay the mortgage with the card. You just tell them how much your mortgage is, and they award you the points as long...
Frequent Miler
A daytime flight to London and a sweet terrace suite (Tim’s 100K Vacay Journal)
It’s time for the 2025 Frequent Miler Annual Challenge! This year, we’re calling it “100K Vacay.” The goal is for us to compete to see who can plan the best vacation using no more than 100,000 points and $1,000 in cash. All of our lodging and our international flights have to be...
Your Mileage May Vary
Confirmed: Apple Wallet to Get US Passport Support Very Soon
Back in June, we reported that Apple had announced a digital passport option was coming to Apple Wallet with the next iOS update. iPhone fanboys and fangirls like myself had responses that were all over the spectrum, spanning from cynical, “Yeah, we’ve heard THAT before,” all the way to tears...
Altitude Yes
American Gives Regional Fleet Interiors a Refresh
American Airlines shared details of cabin refurbishments on its regional fleet earlier this week, marked by tech upgrades, fast Wi-Fi, and a new look for its seats. These new interiors will begin getting phased in starting this fall. The upgrades are coupled with the introduction of free Wi-Fi coming in January...
Live and Let’s Fly
Air Canada Adds Free Beer, Wine, And Snacks In Economy
Air Canada is now offering complimentary beer, wine, and snacks in economy on domestic and transborder flights, turning a temporary perk into a permanent feature. Air Canada Offers Free Beer, Wine, And Snacks To Economy Passengers On All Flights Air Canada has officially made free beer, wine, and premium snacks a permanent...
View from the Wing
Delta Now Sells First Class For $26—Status Upgrades Are Dead
Delta is now selling first class upgrades for as little as $26. That’s the lowest price I’ve ever seen, and points to how far they’ll go to avoid offering complimentary upgrades to their best customers. They’ve been on a 10-year journey trying to phase out first class upgrades...
Frequent Miler
Shipping up to Boston, with a backup plan (Nick’s 100K Vacay Journal)
Today is the day: I left home early this morning to run a bunch of errands and then ship up to Boston for the flight of my 100K Vacay flights. Not everything has gone quite according to Plan A, but luckily I had a backup plan and I am fueled...
The Bulkhead Seat
Southwest Airlines Launches Service to Its 43rd State With New Flights to Anchorage
Southwest Airlines is preparing to extend its network to Alaska with the planned launch of service at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) from both Denver International Airport (DEN) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in the first half of 2026. Flights are expected to be available for...
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Wyndham points with a 90% bonus?
Wyndham Hotels is out with an extended offer to buy Wyndham Rewards points with an (up to) 90% bonus. Let’s examine it to see if / when it might make sense. The bonus is good through October 21st, so you don’t have much time to consider it. Normally, Wyndham points cost...
Your Mileage May Vary
Discover’s Q4 5% Categories Are Live — And They’re Perfect for Holiday Spending
Discover’s final 5% Cashback Bonus categories for the year are now live, and Q4 2025 sticks with a familiar (but very rewarding) theme: Amazon.com and Drug Stores. If you’re planning to do any holiday shopping or stock up on essentials, this quarter is a great time to max out your...
The Bulkhead Seat
Frontier Airlines Introduces New Boarding Process With Expanded Boarding Groups
Frontier Airlines has announced a new, streamlined boarding process as part of its broader initiative to redefine ultra-low-cost air travel. Effective today, the carrier has expanded its boarding structure from four to seven groups. This change is designed to improve efficiency, reward loyalty, and enhance the customer experience. New Boarding Groups The...
One Mile at a Time
American Airlines Eliminating Carry-On Bag Sizers At Gates, But Why?
American Airlines is making a change that might seem unusual on the surface, as flagged by View from the Wing. However, the airline is simply following a competitor’s move, even if I can’t make much sense of it. American eliminating gate bag sizers, adding discretion As of Monday, October 6, 2025, American...
a shooting stars in the sky
BoardingArea
Dark-Sky Flights For The 2025 Perseids: Alaska & The Canary Islands
BoardingArea is my go-to resource for the latest travel insights, and I've been eagerly anticipating the 2025 Perseid meteor shower for months. The Perseids, caused by debris from comet Swift-Tuttle, create brilliant streaks of light when they interact with Earth's atmosphere. It's always an exhilarating sight to see these meteors...
a group of women wearing traditional japanese clothing walking down a street
BoardingArea
Nisei Week 2025: Culture and Points in Downtown LA
I've always been deeply curious about cultural festivals, and Nisei Week 2025 in Los Angeles' historic Little Tokyo is no exception. Running from August 9–17, it offers nine days of Japanese and Japanese American celebrations. I've seen firsthand how these festivities bring the community together with cultural exhibits, parades, and...
a large group of people in a field
BoardingArea
Outside Lands 2025: SFO Lounge Hacks & Hotel Points to Score Big
San Francisco's iconic Outside Lands music festival will return to Golden Gate Park from August 8–10, 2025. Boasting a diverse lineup rumored to include Miley Cyrus, Gorillaz, Hozier, and Tyler, The Creator, this three-day event draws nearly 250,000 attendees for a blend of live music, immersive art, and mouthwatering local...
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Raksha Bandhan 2025: 7 Sibling Award Sweet Spots in India
Raksha Bandhan, falling on August 9, 2025, is a cherished festival in India symbolizing the unbreakable bond between siblings. Inspired by the ancient stories of Krishna and Draupadi, as well as Queen Karnavati's legendary plea, this celebration is more than the exchange of rakhis—it's about lifelong loyalty. I've come to...
a large crowd of people in a city
BoardingArea
Dance Through Europe’s Biggest Techno Bash: Zurich Street Parade 2025 with Star Alliance Awards
1. Europe's Largest Techno Celebration I've witnessed my fair share of music festivals over the years, but there's nothing quite like the energy coursing through Zurich on Street Parade day. According to data from Europe's Festival Council, attendance for major electronic events has grown nearly 15% over the past decade, and...
fireworks over a city
BoardingArea
Top Marina Bay Fireworks Hotels on Points for Singapore’s 60th National Day 2025
Singapore is getting ready to celebrate its 60th National Day in 2025 with epic fireworks above Marina Bay and a citywide buzz that you can practically feel in the air. I've come to appreciate how the entire region transforms during this season—hotels almost sparkle with festive spirit, locals share insider...
a dog sitting on a sidewalk
BoardingArea
2025 Pet-Friendly Points Showdown: Kimpton vs Aloft vs Canopy
In 2025, I've seen a surge in travelers opting to bring their pets along for the ride, and I'm right there with them. My dog practically has his own frequent flyer profile by now. A recent survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association indicates that nearly 60% of U.S....
a cat looking out a window
BoardingArea
International Cat Day 2025: Feline-Friendly Flight Hacks
International Cat Day 2025 promises a fantastic opportunity for cat enthusiasts like me to take to the skies with our feline friends. I've learned over time that traveling with cats can be delightfully rewarding, but it requires dedication, research, and plenty of planning. From the right documents to carrier choices,...