Live and Let’s Fly

BoardingArea is highly rated for delivering insightful tips, advice, and reviews about the topic of travel and travelers’ obsession with frequent flyer miles and points. This up-to-date information is tailored to all levels of travel expertise from a diverse collection of experienced contributors, including travel bloggers, industry insiders and avid adventurers. REQUIRED READING FOR FREQUENT FLYERS.
a passport and boarding pass
Live and Let’s Fly
Unbelievable! Aero Dili Calls Me Back, Lets Me Board Flight To Timor-Leste
Ok, a very unexpected update to my Timor-Leste story that has left me with a huge smile on my face. Aero Dili decided to let me board the flight from Bali thanks to something I did the day before that I thought had failed. Aero Dili Issued My Boarding Pass...
a person holding a phone and charging a charger
Plane ‘n Simple
TSA Issues Urgent Cybersecurity Warning: Why You Should Never Use Airport USB Charging Ports
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a critical cybersecurity warning that every traveler needs to hear: those convenient USB charging ports scattered throughout airports could be stealing your personal data. In a recent Facebook post, the TSA cautioned travelers about a cybersecurity threat called “juice jacking,” where hackers install malware...
a black and white picture of a man
Point Me to the Plane
Historical Hotel and Great Location Makes This London Hyatt A Fun Choice!
London hotels come in all shapes and sizes. None are as original and quirky as this one though!
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Point Me to the Plane
My Stay At This Iconic Hyatt Hotel Was Disappointing
Should a disappointing hotel room cloud a hotel stay? In this case not entirely. Yet enough that I rate this hotel much lower than expected.
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One Mile at a Time
Transfer Amex Points To Virgin Atlantic Flying Club With 40% Bonus
The Amex Membership Rewards program has just launched a lucrative new transfer bonus, which I think will interest many people. We haven’t seen one of these offers from Amex since late last year, so this is definitely worth considering.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
‘Patriot Bonus’ Sparks Outrage: Just 5.5% of FAA Air Traffic Controllers Qualify For Trump’s $10,000 Payout
We now know just how many air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) didn’t skip a single day of work during the historic government shutdown, that meant exempted federal employees had to work without pay for a record-breaking 44 days. How do we know this? Because the...
Economondo
AirAsia in Greece? Athens to Rhodes on a Sky Express A320neo
Flying with Sky Express on an Airbus A320neo from Athens to Rhodes
One Mile at a Time
Air Traffic Controllers Furious Over $10K “Patriot” Bonus For Perfect Attendance
While I’m sure some people are very happy about this, others are really angry and feel unappreciated, and I don’t blame them…
Hawaii Calling
Best Hawai’i Black Friday Travel Deals (2025)
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, the hunt for the best Hawaiʻi travel deals can feel a bit overwhelming. This marks my fourth year putting together this annual list, and while the 2025 deals are just starting to roll in — I’ll be honest — things are looking a...
The Bulkhead Seat
Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Air Travel Expected as Holiday Rush Begins Tomorrow
The Thanksgiving travel period is officially underway tomorrow, and US airlines are preparing for… The post Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Air Travel Expected as Holiday Rush Begins Tomorrow appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
ATX Jetsetter
Air Canada is Making Significant Fleet Upgrades Across Its Brands
Air Canada is making significant fleet changes as it transfers its Boeing 737s to Air Canada Rouge in exchange for Airbus A320 family jets. The post Air Canada is Making Significant Fleet Upgrades Across Its Brands appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Points With a Crew
Hilton Honors American Express Card Review (100K Offer)
The American Express Hilton Honors card has an excellent welcome offer and benefits for a card with no annual fee. This is definitely a card to consider adding to ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Should Military Personnel Receive Special Treatment as Airline Passengers?
As I waited to board the airplane as a passenger who was seated in the first class cabin earlier this week on Monday, November 17, 2025, one of the groups of passengers who were invited to board the airplane first were those people who are veterans or currently serving in...
You Are Travel
Choice Hotels is Joining the Safari Party
tl;dr – Yet another hotel chain is entering the points on safari fray.  We are living in ‘Pax… The post Choice Hotels is Joining the Safari Party appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Miler
Capital One Shopping travel purchases: From “ineligible” to “pending” after travel is completed
Stephen recently covered a terrific targeted Capital One Shopping deal for TripAdvisor purchases. While Stephen reported the deal at 65% back, I actually got targeted for 70% back. I made a couple of bookings, all of which initially tracked as “ineligible”. However, as per Capital One Shopping terms, the purchase went from...
One Mile at a Time
Etihad’s Lowball Compensation For Broken TV & Shower In The Residence
Etihad’s The Residence is probably the most luxurious product in commercial aviation, as it consists of a three room suite. I recently reviewed the experience, and had a fantastic flight. Unfortunately a reader shared a less impressive experience with me, and it sounds like the handling of this by the...
Your Mileage May Vary
Airport Food Is Already Bad — These Five Managed to Be Worse
When you go to an airport, you know that chances are your options for food are usually going to be pretty limited. Sure, there might be a diamond in the…
2PAXfly
QANTAS & VIRGIN: What travellers need to know about the ban on power bank use on flights
If you’re the sort of traveller who boards a flight with your phone at 23%, a laptop on life support, and a power bank the size of a small brick, brace yourself. Australian airlines, that’s Jetstar, Qantas, QantasLink and Virgin Australia, are banning the use of portable power banks onboard...
You Are Travel
The Tallest Hotel in the World is Now Open and Bookable on Points
Tl;dr – Dubai, where else? IHG recently debuted the world’s tallest hotel, the Ciel Dubai Marina, part of… The post The Tallest Hotel in the World is Now Open and Bookable on Points appeared first on You Are Travel.
Monkey Miles
Chase makes Ink bonuses once in a lifetime ( no fee cards get family rule )
I was just alerted to new terms on the Chase Ink cards as seen below. Eligibility Rule Explanation: No Annual Fee Ink Cards – “The new cardmember bonus may not be available to you if you have ever had this card or any other Chase for Business card without an annual...
Frequent Miler
Capital One adds $100 travel credit to Quicksilver, VentureOne, and Savor offers (ending soon)
Update: The last day to apply for the increased welcome offers on the VentureOne, Quicksilver, and Savor cards will be 12/9/25. A $100 travel credit isn’t huge, but given that each of these cards is $200 or 20,000 miles otherwise, it does represent a pretty significant sweetener. ~~~ Capital One has...
You Are Travel
Bear Market: Japan Calling in the Military After Experiencing Record Number of Bear Attacks 
tl;dr – I know the government has been searching for ways to combat over-tourism, but…DAAAAMNNN this is next… The post Bear Market: Japan Calling in the Military After Experiencing Record Number of Bear Attacks  appeared first on You Are Travel.
View from the Wing
Viral ‘Virtual Queue’ Idea Says Planes Should Stay at the Gate Until Their Turn To Take Off — But That’s Not How Airports Actually Work
A viral proposal argues that planes should wait at the gate in a “virtual queue” instead of taxi-queuing for departure. But gate scarcity, runway-throughput requirements, and the need for a minimal physical queue mean the idea doesn’t match how airports actually operate. Continue reading Viral ‘Virtual Queue’ Idea Says Planes Should...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
IHG Hotels & Resorts Cyber Sale – Save up to 25% on stays worldwide + up to 60% off Iberostar stays
IHG Hotels & Resorts Cyber Sale offer for 2025 has officially kicked off with up to 25% off stays at most hotels worldwide and up to 60% off Iberostar stays.   Save up to 25% on stays around the world IHG One Rewards members save 25%. Everyone else can save...
You Are Travel
The NFL Wants to Bring Back the Glory of the Concorde
tl;dr – At the heart of this? League Expansion. For almost a full two decades now, the NFL… The post The NFL Wants to Bring Back the Glory of the Concorde appeared first on You Are Travel.
Points With a Crew
Credit Card Rewards: Points versus Miles
Wondering what the difference is between airline miles, hotel points, and bank points? Learn what they are and and how to maximize the value of your points.
Your Mileage May Vary
How To Double-Dip With Starbucks Rewards & Marriott Bonvoy
If you’ve read this blog for a while, you already know we’re unapologetically pro-Starbucks when we travel. It’s predictable coffee in unfamiliar places, mobile ordering in chaotic airports, and an…
One Mile at a Time
Porsha Williams’ Delta First Class Inflight Kerfuffle: What Really Went Down?
On November 16, 2025, Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Porsha Williams was seen being escorted off a Delta Air Lines flight by police. She had just flown Delta first class from Las Vegas (LAS) to Atlanta (ATL) after attending BravoCon, and we didn’t actually know what happened at the...
This is a black and white cartoon depicting a crowded airplane aisle with several passengers vying for an upgrade. One person says, "I've flown 500,000 miles this year!" Another responds, "Well, I'm a million miler!" A third person counters, "Oh yeah? Well I know Randy Petersen!" The caption reads, "The competition for upgrades intensifies!" The cartoon humorously illustrates the lengths people go to for airline upgrades.
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Art of the Upgrade
Explore the hilarious world of airline upgrades and dive into the comedic chaos of mileage bragging and insider connections as travelers humorously vie for better seats. Discover the quirky dynamics of upgrade competition and share your own stories of success and amusing defeats. Join us for laughs and insights into...
A cartoon depicts a scene at an airport gate labeled "Gate 6A." A sign above reads "Travel Quiz." Several people are interacting with a machine that resembles a polygraph, operated by a person behind a counter. The machine is connected to a man with a Hawaiian shirt. Below, text humorously describes the machine's functions: A) Records your heartbeat while waiting for upgrade clearance. B) Records your voice volume when your program changes its rules again. C) Records your blood pressure when you're denied a free award seat. D) All of the above. A caption at the bottom reads: "The TSA and Secret Service use magnetometers, but have you ever seen a mileometer being used? Now you can say you have."
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Mileometer Mystery
Welcome back to another edition of #FrequentFlyerFunnies, where we uncover the humor in the highs and lows of air travel! This week, we’re exploring the whimsical world of imaginary gadgets with the “Mileometer”—a device that captures the emotional saga of every frequent traveler. Buckle up for some laughs! What the...
A black and white cartoon depicts a person with glasses looking through a microscope at a document titled "Frequent Flyer Program Rules." The person is exclaiming "AH-HA!" in a speech bubble. Below the image, there is a caption that reads, "who ever thought it was a good idea to try and hide the fine print from frequent flyers?"
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Microscope Method for Fine Print
Discover the hilarious frustrations of frequent flyer programs in this week's Frequent Flyer Funnies! Our comic hero dives deep into the microscopic fine print to uncover hidden rules and elusive details. Laugh along as we poke fun at the absurdity of needing a microscope navigate airline loyalty terms. Share your...
Points With a Crew
What Should You Tell The Hotel Front Desk If Your Stay Was Awful?
We've all been there - a subpar hotel stay and now you're checking out. What do you tell the front desk? Do you let them know why your stay was ...
A colorful cartoon image shows a large computer screen with the text "YOU'VE WON 25,000 MILES!" and "LOVE, KELLOGG'S." Below the text is a button labeled "SEND" with an arrow pointing up. An animated character wearing a hat labeled "CRACKLE" is reaching towards the screen, while another character wearing a hat labeled "SNAP" is standing nearby. The background includes various office supplies and equipment.
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: When Elves Go Bad
Join us for a laugh in this week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies as we explore a hilarious marketing mishap involving Kellogg's and mischievous elves!
A black and white cartoon depicts a news reporter standing in front of an airport runway with airplanes in the background. The reporter is holding a microphone and a piece of paper, speaking into the camera. A speech bubble next to the reporter reads, "Times are really tough for the airlines; that's why they have to cut frequent flyer benefits." The title at the top of the cartoon says, "Those Frequent Flyer Miles... The Way It Is!"
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Way It Is vs. The Way It Ought to Be
Laugh along with this week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies as we explore the hilarious irony/paradox of frequent flyer benefits during tough times.
The image is a cartoon illustration depicting four people in a snowy, icy environment. Three of them are sitting on the ground, bundled up in winter clothing. One person is pouring a drink from a thermos, another is holding a cup, and the third is sitting with their hands in their lap. The fourth person is lying on the ground, appearing to have slipped or fallen. In the background, there are two penguins standing on the ice.
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Chilly Reality of Off-Peak Award Travel
Enjoy the hilarious irony of off-peak travel in this week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies with a family’s frigid beach vacation!
A comic depicting a frequent flyer undergoing a vision test with two charts. The first chart, read by an optimistic airline customer, shows 'MORE UPGRADES, BETTER AWARD AVAILABILITY, FEWER FEES.' The second chart, read by a skeptical frequent flyer, shows 'EVERYTHING IS FINE, ALL IS WELL.' The caption at the bottom humorously redefines the term 'BI-FOCAL.'
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Bi-Focal Loyalty Vision Test
This week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies humorously explores the contrast between airline promises and frequent flyer reality. Join us for a laugh with the bi-focal loyalty vision test!