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 bull running on a street
BoardingArea
Chase the Bulls: Booking Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls With Miles
Few events capture raw excitement quite like Pamplona's Running of the Bulls. Each July 6–14, I find myself drawn to this high-octane spectacle, shoulder to shoulder with a crowd of travelers eager to witness the fiery tradition of six bulls thundering through Pamplona's streets. It's a moment when the city...
a man walking with a suitcase
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer’s Guide to the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede, often referred to as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," has captured my imagination from the moment I first read about its storied history. Launched as an agricultural fair in 1886 and later revived by Guy Weadick in 1912, it has become a 10-day, annual celebration that...
an airplane flying in the sky
BoardingArea
Flying to Lille for the 2025 Tour de France Kickoff
I've always been drawn to the way the Tour de France blends intense athleticism with a celebration of local culture, turning each Grand Départ into a can't-miss event. Now that it's 2025, Lille is the place to be on July 5 for cycling's biggest kickoff. From its historical streets to...
a family sitting on a bench in an airport
BoardingArea
A Frequent Flyer’s Guide to Family Seating in Basic Economy
Basic Economy fares might look like a dream deal at first glance, but I've found through my own experiences that family seating can quickly become a juggling act if you're not prepared. I've studied countless fares and seating charts over the years, and it's clear that families need a plan...
Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York
I have stayed at this property dozens of times through the years when it… The post Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
Virgin Atlantic maps out a more premium future
Virgin Atlantic recently announced planned changes to its fleet, as well as the premium options its passengers are demanding. Let’s see what’s happening with some major premium seating increases. Boeing 787-9 fleet The airline’s Boeing 787-9s will boast a full cabin redesign, introducing new seating in all three cabins. The...
Frequent Miler
The best card for Priority Pass lounges, experiences, and restaurants
Given the (seemingly false) rumors that the Ritz-Carlton card’s annual fee will soon jump from $450 to $695 per year, Priority Pass has been on my mind lately. The Ritz card used to be the hands-down best way to get Priority Pass for yourself and your whole family. The equation...
One Mile at a Time
Allegiant Air Flight Diverts After Man Claims His Laptop Is A Bomb
We see bomb threats impacting commercial aviation with some frequency. Sometimes it’s because a passenger misinterprets something. Sometimes it’s because a passenger is going to miss their flight, and they think it’s a smart way to delay it (it’s not). Well, here’s a different kind of bomb threat, which I...
Points With a Crew
Amazon Prime Day 2025 Day 2 – Deals on Tech, Travel and More
Amazon Prime Day 2025 continues and there are still great Prime Day Deals on travel accessories, technology and other interesting deals. These go fast, so make sure and ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Shoes Off Policy Ends at Airport Security Checkpoints Effective Immediately
The shoes off policy ends at airport security checkpoints effective immediately has finally been officially confirmed amid speculation that the policy had already been in effect — meaning that all passengers are no longer required to removed their shoes when passing through a security checkpoint at airports across the United...
One Mile at a Time
American Adding First Class Seats To Airbus A319s & A320s
In March 2024, American Airlines announced plans to retrofit its Airbus A319 & A320 aircraft, to add more first class seats. This announcement coincided with American ordering 260+ Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer jets. There’s now an update, as it sounds like this project will start in the near future, so...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Just Rolled Out Elite Status For Small Businesses—Here’s What $250,000 In Tickets Buys You
American Airlines has introduced elite status in their small business program. Companies that credit $250,000 or more in a calendar year receive (3) incremental benefits. Continue reading American Airlines Just Rolled Out Elite Status For Small Businesses—Here’s What $250,000 In Tickets Buys You...
Frequent Miler
Is hotel elite status obsolete? | Ask Us Anything Ep77 | 7-2-25 | Podcast
Is hotel elite status obsolete? What’s been your favorite first class experience? And do you have favorite Hyatt hotels? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on July 2nd, 2025. Watch the full episode below, or listen on your favorite podcast...
Your Mileage May Vary
Fidelity Just Made Its 2% Cash Back Card Even Better
There’s a quiet but welcome improvement coming to the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card — and it makes a good 2% cash back card even better. By the end of…
Frequent Miler
Porter Airlines now bookable using Alaska Airlines miles; excellent value available
A couple of years ago, Alaska Airlines launched a partnership with the Canadian airline Porter Airlines. Up until now, it wasn’t possible to redeem Mileage Plan miles for those flights, but that’s recently changed. Even better, there’s some excellent value to be had depending on your travel routes/dates. For example,...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Will Add Extra First Class Seats Starting This Fall—And Remove The Last Seatback TVs
American Airlines is putting an additional row of first class into its Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. They're about the start work on the prototype A319. They expect to retrofit the first group of planes in the fall - the ones due for heavy maintenance checks - and...
One Mile at a Time
Epic: Heathrow Terminals Now Play A Soundtrack With Airport Sounds
I probably notice the little details of the flying experience more than the average person. Along those lines, I tend to think that music and sounds can create lasting memories that we associate with our travel experiences, whether it’s soothing airplane boarding music, or memorable airport jingles.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Shortest & Longest Airport Walks in the U.S. (2025)
Last year we wrote about the Longest & Shortest Airport Walks in the U.S.. The list was brought to you by Kuru Footwear, a U.S.-based shoe store that’s been around…
You Are Travel
Marriott Launching The “Outdoor Collection”: The “M” Files Trademarks for a New Brand to House Its Hybrid Accommodation Properties
Tl;dr – The new brand will presumably house brands like Postcard Cabins and Trailborn. Some interesting news out…
Points With a Crew
Amazing – 50% Off Fare Sale With Southwest (Points or Cash)
Most fare sales are nothing too exciting, but this 50% off fare sale on Southwest Airlines is worth paying attention to - you only have a limited time left to ...
Frequent Miler
UBS Visa Infinite cards: Increased annual fees, but boosted benefits to boot
The portfolio of credit cards offered by the Swiss investment bank UBS tends to fly under the radar. One reason for that is that UBS doesn’t tend to offer a welcome bonus on its cards and another is that you can’t apply for the cards online – you have to...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
FrequentFlyerBonuses Special Offer! Save 20% on Plaza Premium lounge visits
We have another great new partnership for the readers of FFB! We have teamed up with Plaza Premium Lounges to offer our readers a 20% discount on Plaza Premium single entry lounge visits! 20% off Plaza Premium lounges around the world! Plaza Premium has  lounges in 30+ countries around the...
{Tech} for Travel
OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Built for Wild Adventures
OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Ready for your next hike, these open-ear buds deliver bold sound, secure comfort, and features that keep you connected without blocking out the world. The post OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Built for Wild Adventures appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
One Mile at a Time
Trump Appointee Bryan Bedford Becomes New FAA Administrator
We now have a new head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which I’d consider to be good news, as there’s lots of work to be done.
Altitude Yes
Japanese Convenience Store Franchise to Offer Overnight Stays at Parking Lots for Travelers
Lawson will be the first convenience store franchise in Japan to offer this service to travelers. The post Japanese Convenience Store Franchise to Offer Overnight Stays at Parking Lots for Travelers first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Wingtips
Fast Track Arrivals at Heathrow: Who Actually Needs It?
Price: £25 off-peak, £35 peak Location: All Heathrow terminals Availability: Pre-book only, for arrivals between 06:00–21:00 Book it… The post Fast Track Arrivals at Heathrow: Who Actually Needs It? appeared first on Wingtips.
Monkey Miles
Rakuten – 10x on a ton of stores
Rakuten is running a flash sale The post Rakuten – 10x on a ton of stores appeared first on Monkey Miles.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Frequent Travel Programs Are Profitable Because Of This One Question.
Readers of The Gate With Brian Cohen and BoardingArea in general tend to know most of the ways to maximize miles and points — but when discussing miles and points with people who are not familiar with how they work, the possibility that frequent travel membership programs are profitable because...
a luggage on the floor
BoardingArea
Maximizing Points for a Busy July 4th Getaway
In 2025, I've been watching the summer travel season reach unprecedented heights, with AAA estimating around 72.2 million Americans on the move for Independence Day. TSA projections also hint at record-breaking airport screenings as more people leverage remote work and turn short getaways into extended escapes. All this means higher...
people walking in front of a window with a flag and airplanes
BoardingArea
Sky-High July 4 Travel at LAX, O’Hare & More
The Fourth of July holiday in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods in recent memory. AAA has forecasted that between 70 and 72.2 million Americans will either drive or fly during this holiday window, which surpasses even pre-pandemic levels. I've noticed in my own...
a chair and a table in a room with windows
BoardingArea
Travel Insurance Essentials for Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers know that every trip can come with unexpected twists—from last-minute cancellations to sudden medical emergencies. I've learned that having travel insurance can be a real lifeline, helping you recover costs and keep your peace of mind no matter how often you're in the air. A recent industry survey...
a table with a phone and earphones on it
BoardingArea
12 Essential Travel Apps for Smooth Summer Trips
I've always believed that a well-planned summer trip can feel like a smooth breeze rather than a whirlwind. Yet, from booking flights to finding last-minute accommodations, those unexpected snags often pop up along the way. Good thing digital tools have come a long way—these days, there's an app for practically...
a collage of buildings and a tower
BoardingArea
Portugal & Japan: Summer 2025’s Top Picks for Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers ready to take off in the summer of 2025 will find that Portugal and Japan still sit comfortably at the top of my must-visit list. I've encountered countless stories from fellow travelers who speak of Portugal's hidden gems and Japan's seamless blend of tradition and futurism. It's clear...
a group of people walking on a dock
BoardingArea
7 Crucial Tips for Frequent Flyers on Their First Cruise
Arrive Early for Smooth Sailing I've learned that punctuality is more than a virtue—it's a lifesaver when transitioning from frequent flights to cruising. Arriving at the port at least a day in advance helps dodge last-minute flight delays and baggage glitches that could leave you waving goodbye to your ship from...
a large room with a view of the city from the window
BoardingArea
Unlock Hilton Rewards: Business Travel Made Luxurious
I've always been fascinated by travel credit cards, especially those tailored toward small businesses looking to maximize their spending. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card holds a unique spot for anyone who, like me, wants to turn everyday expenses into valuable hotel stays. Over the years, I've observed that...
a group of airplanes on a runway
BoardingArea
How to Qualify for Hertz Five Star Status Easily
Qualification Requirements I've noticed that one of the biggest hurdles for travelers looking to enhance their car rental experience is simply knowing how to qualify for elite status. In my earlier days of renting cars, I often missed out on valuable perks because I didn't realize a small bump in rentals...