Brad Lightall, Author at BoardingArea

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.

BoardingArea

Navigate SFO Like a Pro with Southwest’s New Terminal Tips

I've flown in and out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) so often that I've almost memorized the layout, from the bustling ticket lobbies to the occasional hidden café. In my experience, it pays to stay ahead of changes, and Southwest Airlines' upcoming terminal move in 2025 is one of...

BoardingArea

Unlock The Best June 2025 Chase Transfer Bonuses

I've always been fascinated by the power of loyalty programs and how they can transform everyday spending into extraordinary travel opportunities. Right now, Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are lighting up the stage with their June 2025 transfer bonuses, and I couldn't wait to dive in and share some creative ways...

BoardingArea

United Premium Plus: Is the Upgrade Really Worth It?

I've compiled extensive feedback from frequent flyers who have tried United Airlines' Premium Plus cabin. I've pored over numerous traveler reviews, airline statistics, and my own flight observations to determine whether Premium Plus can truly fill the space between standard Economy and Polaris Business Class. Launched back in 2019, this...

BoardingArea

Unlock Travel Peace with Capital One Venture X Benefits

I've always been fascinated by how a single piece of plastic can alleviate so many travel hassles. In my experience, it's not just about earning miles or points; sometimes, it's having the peace of mind that your trips are protected. The Capital One Venture X card delivers that reassurance by...

BoardingArea

Navigate SFO Like a Pro with Southwest’s New Terminal Tips

Frequent Miler

Earn 2,500 Marriott points when linking Uber account

A couple of years ago Marriott launched a partnership with Uber, which offers bonus points when taking rides or placing Uber Eats orders. Since then, they’ve regularly offered additional bonus points for linking your accounts, taking an UberX ride, and/or placing an Uber Eats order. Marriott now has another such...

You Are Travel

Chase Refreshes Sapphire Reserve and Launches Chase Reserve Business: Will I Scoop These Cards?

Tl;dr – Chase overhauled its Sapphire Reserve card line. Here’s a rundown of the basics of the new…

The Gate with Brian Cohen

Why I Am Keeping My Chase Sapphire Reserve Card — For Now…

I get no commission or incentive to discuss the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and the changes that have been officially announced on Tuesday, June 17, 2025; but I do have reasons as to why I am keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card — for now, anyway — that...

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

European Airlines Are Furious With Proposed Rule Change That Would Ban Carriers From Charging For Hand Baggage

European airlines are furious about a proposed new law that would ban them from charging passengers for hand luggage—a practice that is often loathed by passengers but credited with lowering airfares. On Thursday, the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), an industry trade body that represents the interests of the vast...

Wingtips

British Airways Removes Water Bottles in Cost-Cutting Trial

I honestly thought we’d seen it all, but this latest BA stunt takes the cake. According to a… The post British Airways Removes Water Bottles in Cost-Cutting Trial appeared first on Wingtips.

One Mile at a Time

Emirates Skywards Points Transfers Are Back, After Suspension

A few weeks back, in late May 2025, points transfers from all major transferable points currencies to Emirates Skywards were suspended. There’s now a positive update, as this functionality is back across the board.

Frequent Flyer Bonuses

Earn 3x IHG One Rewards points for stays at voco, EVEN Hotels, Garner, avid hotels and Atwell Suites

IHG have brought back their 3x points offer for stays at their voco, EVEN Hotels, Garner, avid hotels, and Atwell Suites brands. Last seen in the fall of 2024 this offer can be stacked with other IHG One Rewards offers including Pick Your Points to earn 2,000 bonus One Rewards points...

View from the Wing

Chase Sapphire’s $795 Revamp Hinges On Lounge Quality—LAX Promises Private Tarmac Transfers, Yet Will Spend Just $8.40 On Meals

Pondering this sent me down a rabbit hole, pouring through LA city documents about the upcoming Chase Sapphire Lounge at LAX in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Ongoing operating costs for the lounge are about $20 million a year. But this one number stood out to me in particular. Continue reading...

Wingtips

Andaz Deal at Liverpool Street: Glam, Glass & a Great Night In

I love Hyatt. It’s hands down my favourite hotel brand, and I’ve actually stayed at Andaz London Liverpool… The post Andaz Deal at Liverpool Street: Glam, Glass & a Great Night In appeared first on Wingtips.

TravelUpdate

A stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in New Orleans

I had a fun week in New Orleans in May. The weather was great; I got to explore…

Points Miles and Bling

Elevated Upgrade Offer from Amex Cobalt to Gold is Worth Considering!

We’ve long loved the Amex Cobalt Card in our household. It’s been our go-to for groceries, restaurants, food delivery, streaming… The post Elevated Upgrade Offer from Amex Cobalt to Gold is Worth Considering! appeared first on Points Miles and Bling.

Frequent Flyer Bonuses

June 19 Bonus Offer Highlight: Sandman Hotels RSVP Rewards – Earn 2x points at participating locations in Canada and the U.S.

Today's bonus offer highlight is from a program that barely receives any coverage and that is RSVP Rewards! Members of this program can earn 2x points at Sandman Hotels in Canada and the U.S.. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The post June 19 Bonus Offer Highlight: Sandman...

Frequent Miler

Emirates transfers from Citi, Capital One, Amex, Chase and Bilt are back online

Last month, every major transferable currency from Bilt to Capital One temporarily suspended transfers to Emirates Skywards. As of today, they are all back online and seem to be working properly. Quick Thoughts Emirates was updating its systems and had paused transfers for about a month to Chase, American Express,...

Live and Let’s Fly

Capital One Opens New Flagship Lounge At JFK Terminal 4

First Look: Spacious New Capital One Lounge At JFK Capital One has opened its newest and largest lounge yet, this time at New York JFK’s Terminal 4. While JFK isn’t exactly hurting for premium lounge space, this 13,500-square-foot facility adds something the others lack: 24/7 opening (starting next month). This...

One Mile at a Time

Lufthansa’s Boeing 787 Allegris Business Class Disaster: What’s The Latest?

The introduction of Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin concept hasn’t been without drama, to put it mildly. As I covered in late 2024, Lufthansa has a bunch of Boeing 787s that are ready to be delivered, with only one small problem — the airline is struggling to actually get the seats...

Live from a Lounge

Air India’s planned cancellations on international widebody fleet (787s and 777s)

Air India will implement a planned cut of 15% international capacity, operated by its 787 and 777 widebody fleet, in an effort to bring back schedule integrity and to account for various geopolitical issues. Here are the flights that have been cancelled or will be cancelled. The post Air India’s planned...

Travel With Grant

Survey Says… US Bank Considering Travel Credit Card with Transferable Points to Airlines & Hotels

US Bank may be considering revamping the Altitude Reserve Credit Card or introducing a new travel credit card with transferable points to airlines and hotels. The survey hints at potential features, sparking curiosity about future partnerships and card benefits. The post Survey Says… US Bank Considering Travel Credit Card with Transferable...

Points With a Crew

Is It Okay To Share Your Airline Confirmation Number (PNR)?

Your airline confirmation number, also called a Passenger Name Record or PNR, is a six digit code made up of letters and numbers. Is it okay to post pictures ...

One Mile at a Time

Air India Cancels Hundreds Of Flights To Ensure Stability, Inspect Planes

It has been a really rough several days for Air India. Last week, we saw the crash of an Air India Boeing 787, in an accident that can only be described as tragic, horrific, and mysterious. With the cause of the accident still not known, regulators have ordered Air India...

Economy Class & Beyond

Emirates to partner with Uber

Emirates and Uber have signed a strategic partnership to explore ways to make journeys more seamless and rewarding for travellers. Through this partnership, Emirates and Uber will work together to introduce several initiatives that offer travellers more seamless and effortless journeys. Developments include an integrated booking experience that combines Uber...

One Mile at a Time

Chase Sapphire Reserve $500 Hotel Credit With The Edit: How It Works

The Chase Sapphire Reserve will shortly be undergoing a full refresh. The card’s annual fee is increasing to $795, but the card is also getting a slew of new benefits. On top of that, we’re going to see the launch of the new Chase Sapphire Reserve Business.

View from the Wing

Delta Promised A Mom Racing Her Child To See Dying Grandpa, ‘Drive, We’ll Pay’—Then They Refused, But There’s A Happy Ending

The Kalispell flight diverted to Sioux Falls. Crew timed out, and they were offered rebooking a full day later. However, they suggested renting a car and received written assurance that Delta would cover the cost. Continue reading Delta Promised A Mom Racing Her Child To See Dying Grandpa,...

Frequent Miler

Current Amex Offers

This post is designed to show current Amex Offers. If you have any Amex cards, even authorized user cards, then you’re eligible to sign up for offers when you log into your Amex account. If you’re planning to shop or book travel, check this page to see if an Amex...

BoardingArea

How To Score Frontier’s $9 Airfares: Insider Tips

Frontier Airlines stands out as one of the most budget-friendly carriers in the United States, often advertising fares well under $100—even dipping as low as $9 during special promotions. I've encountered countless travelers who marvel at such low fares, but these bargains stem from a deliberate no-frills, pay-for-what-you-need strategy that...

BoardingArea

Platinum Vs. Reserve: Uncover The Best Travel Card For You

I've spent countless hours comparing credit card offers, digging through benefits, and chatting with fellow travelers about their experiences. Time and again, the American Express Platinum® and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® top the list of premium travel options. From versatile reward structures to prestige perks, both cards cater to people...

BoardingArea

Unlock Savings: Capital One Travel’s Price Match Mastery

To me, it's no secret that frequent flyers are all about hunting down the best possible fare. That's why I find Capital One Travel's price match program so appealing: it simplifies the deal-chasing experience through top-notch fare predictions, an impressive 24-hour match guarantee, and a post-booking price drop monitoring that...

BoardingArea

How to Maximize Hilton Honors Points with Dining Rewards

I've always believed that dining can be more than just a culinary indulgence—it can also be a strategic way to stack up valuable points for future travel. In my own experience, I've observed that hotel loyalty programs sometimes dwarf the benefits you'd typically get from card-based points alone. Hilton Honors...

BoardingArea

Should You Get CLEAR for Faster Airport Security?

I'm always on the lookout for ways to breeze through airport security, and CLEAR feels like one of the more intriguing shortcuts out there. By verifying your identity through fingerprint or iris scans, it promises to shave off precious minutes at security checkpoints—music to the ears of frequent flyers who...

BoardingArea

Act Now: Maximize Your Amex Points for Alaska Mileage Plan

I've always been impressed by how Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan stands out in the crowded loyalty space, thanks to those free stopovers on one-way tickets and partnerships with more than 20 global carriers. Over the years, I've observed that transferring American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points to Alaska miles can...

BoardingArea

The Best 8 ATM Cards for International Travel

I've always found that even the most travel-savvy folks need a reliable debit card to navigate those hidden corners of the world where credit isn't accepted. A recent industry survey showed that nearly 60% of frequent flyers reported needing foreign currency for public transport or local markets. That data underscores...

BoardingArea

Unlock Exclusive Travel Perks With FoundersCard

What Is FoundersCard? I remember the first time I stumbled upon FoundersCard—it felt like I had discovered an insider's club for travelers who want more than simply racking up miles or hotel points. FoundersCard is not actually a credit card but a paid membership focused on travel, lifestyle, and business. In...

Brad Lightall

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