BoardingArea

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.
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
Welcome back to Frequent Flyer Funnies, your destination for laughs from the skies. This week, we're delving into the high-stakes world of airline upgrades, where mileage and connections collide in a comedic quest for a better seat. Buckle up as we explore the fascinating dynamics of upgrade competition! What the Comic...
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 Comic...
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
Welcome back to Frequent Flyer Funnies, your weekly dose of laughs from the skies! This time, we’re zooming in on something we all know too well—those sneaky frequent flyer program rules. You might want to grab your reading glasses… or better yet, a microscope! Let’s see what happens when our...
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 ...
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View from the Wing
Holiday Inn Express Charges A Resort Fee That Gives You Nothing—And Says It’s Just To Make The Price Look Lower
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hudson I-94 surprisingly has an amenity fee, which is the same thing as a resort of destination fee. And it might just be the most honest resort fee, ever. Continue reading Holiday Inn Express Charges A Resort Fee That Gives You Nothing—And Says It’s Just...
Frequent Miler
Office Depot/OfficeMax: Buy $300+ Visa Gift Cards, Save $15
Office Depot and OfficeMax stores have returned with its profitable gift card deal on Visa gift cards through 4/19/25. The Deal Buy $300+ Visa gift cards at Office Depot/OfficeMax & get $15 off instantly. Key Terms Valid April 13-19, 2025. Limit 10 per household/business (different stores may try to impose...
The Bulkhead Seat
Earliest Ever: I Just Requalified for Marriott Bonvoy® Titanium Elite. What’s Next?
I have been traveling tons for work and some fun. Thanks to bonus nights… The post Earliest Ever: I Just Requalified for Marriott Bonvoy® Titanium Elite. What’s Next? appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Monkey Miles
30% transfer bonus Citi Thank You to Virgin Atlantic
Between now and 3/18/23 enjoy a 30% transfer bonus when you transfer Citi Thank You to Virgin Atlantic The post 30% transfer bonus Citi Thank You to Virgin Atlantic appeared first on Monkey Miles.
Points With a Crew
Should You Buy Hyatt Points With a 25% Discount? (Offer Ends Monday)
Hyatt is offering a discount if you buy points during the current promotion. But there are only a few times that it makes sense to purchase Hyatt points, like ....
Your Mileage May Vary
The Important Reasons I Still Keep These “Forgotten” Credit Cards
At least once a year, it’s a good idea to take stock of the credit cards in your wallet. Are you still using each one for the reason you signed…
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora
After a great stay at the St. Regis Rome (review here), we flew to… The post Hotel Review: Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live and Let’s Fly
Attending The Naming Ceremony For MSC World America
I was graciously invited to attend the naming ceremony for the launch of MSC World America, the company’s largest ship. If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. MSC World America Naming Ceremony As a travel agency owner, I was invited...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Is This The Most Stupid Diversion of 2025 So Far? Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Rogue iPad Is Found Onboard
Commercial airliners end up diverting to alternative airports far more often than many passengers would probably believe. Often, it’s down to maintenance issues, severe weather, or a medical emergency, whereas other times, the cause of the diversion is more of a head-scratcher. In an industry that takes safety as seriously...
One Mile at a Time
Drug Bust Cancels British Airways Transatlantic Flight
A British Airways long haul flight was canceled after authorities carried out a drug bust on the aircraft, as flagged by PYOK, and documented by a passenger on Reddit. Thats gotta be awkward.
View from the Wing
United First Class For 7,000 Points. Economy For 3,500. An Award Chart Even Experts Miss.
The absolute best deal for U.S. domestic flight redemptions (when saver awards are available) is using Air India Maharaja Club points for United Airlines flights. The option is little-known, probably because the points are tough for most Americans to earn. Continue reading United First Class For 7,000 Points. Economy For 3,500....
Your Mileage May Vary
10 of the Funniest Flight Attendant Safety Spiels Ever
We all know the drill…before the plane takes off, the flight attendants have to tell us what we need to do regarding cabin safety in the event of an emergency.…
Miles To Memories
This Is How a Longtime Amex Schwab Platinum Account Dies
Weeks ago, we decided to close my wife's Amex Schwab Platinum card. The job is done, and here's how the chat went. The post This Is How a Longtime Amex Schwab Platinum Account Dies appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
100,000 Points For Travel: Chase Just Relaunched One Of The Best Credit Card Deals Ever
We haven't seen an offer like this in nearly four years. You can redeem the points at 1.25 cents apiece towards travel through Chase's portal, or transfer them to airline and hotel points. Continue reading 100,000 Points For Travel: Chase Just Relaunched One Of The Best Credit Card Deals...
One Mile at a Time
A Winter Trip To Tokyo & Niseko
One Mile at a Time
Silver Airways Nears Liquidation, “Fails To Take Reality Into Account”
In very late 2024, Florida-based regional airline Silver Airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Executives at the airline insisted that this would be a quick restructuring, and that the company would emerge stronger than ever before in the first quarter of 2025. Well, things aren’t looking so good anymore…
One Mile at a Time
155-Room Kimpton Frankfurt Opens: A Playful New IHG Property
I realize I take more of an interest in the Frankfurt hotel market than most, so if this doesn’t interest you, by all means skip this post. I have family near Frankfurt, so I visit pretty often, and am always underwhelmed by the hotel choices. Along those lines, I’m excited...
ATX Jetsetter
Delta Strands Passengers Onboard Overnight After Diversions
Passengers on two Delta Air Lines flights from Mexico were stranded onboard overnight after weather forced them to divert to an airport without CBP facilities. The post Delta Strands Passengers Onboard Overnight After Diversions appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
One Mile at a Time
Transfer Citi ThankYou Points To Virgin Atlantic With 30% Bonus
The Citi ThankYou program has just launched its latest transfer bonus, and it has the potential to represent a good deal.
Points With a Crew
17 Tech and Travel Deals at Amazon This Weekend
Some decent Amazon weekend deals on travel and tech gear going on this weekend, including headphones, luggage, locks, packing cubes and supplies, travel books and ...
Your Mileage May Vary
What Is Stacking, and Why Should You Be Doing It?
When I’m talking about stacking, I’m not talking about stacking cups, although that is an impressive, yet useless skill. I’m also not referring to the catchy Anna Kendrick song “Cups”…
View from the Wing
As Families Boarded, Mexican Authorities Raided British Airways Flight For Drugs—Passengers Didn’t Get Hotel Rooms Until 8am
Tuesday evening April 8, British Airways flight 2202 from Cancun to London Gatwick wound up delayed more than 24 hours after Mexican authorities carried out a significant drug raid on the aircraft. Continue reading As Families Boarded, Mexican Authorities Raided British Airways Flight For Drugs—Passengers Didn’t Get Hotel Rooms Until 8am...
Frequent Miler
30% transfer bonus from Citi to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
There is a new 30% transfer bonus for transfers from Citi ThankYou points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club that just started today. This could make some of the best uses of Virgin Atlantic points significantly better if you can find availability that matches your needs. The Deal From April 13th...
One Mile at a Time
Hawaiian A330 High Speed Aborted Takeoff Due To Unstable Nose Wheel
A Hawaiian Airlines jet suffered a high speed rejected takeoff when departing from LAX, as reported by Beat of Hawaii, and there’s even video footage of it…
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
Welcome back to our sky-high series, #FrequentFlyerFunnies, where we find the humor in the hustle of racking up those miles. This week, we're navigating a hilarious marketing mishap involving Kellogg's. Fasten your seatbelts for a laugh! What the Comic Shows: The comic features a humorous take on a real incident from April...
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
Welcome back to another edition of #FrequentFlyerFunnies! Today, we're taking a humorous look at the contrast between the reality of frequent flyer benefits and the ideal world we all wish existed. Get ready for a laugh as we explore the airline industry's creative take on "tough times."   What the Comic Shows: In...
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
Ever found yourself questioning the true value of those off-peak award travel deals? This week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies takes a frosty look at the lengths some travelers go to in order to maximize their miles. Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and get ready for a laugh! What the Comic Shows: In this comic,...
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
Ever felt like your airline loyalty program was testing your vision, or perhaps your sanity? Welcome to this week’s edition of #FrequentFlyerFunnies, where we poke fun at the often convoluted world of airline rewards and upgrades. Grab your reading glasses and join us for a laugh! Take a look at the...
A cartoon illustration depicts a busy airport scene. Several people are shown walking hurriedly, carrying briefcases and wearing business attire. One man in the center is holding a ticket or document in his hand. In the background, there is a sign that reads "AIRLINES," and the area is crowded with other travelers. The overall atmosphere is bustling and chaotic.
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Ultimate Reward – Home Sweet Home?
Ever wondered if the chase for travel rewards is worth the trek? This week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies might just be the ticket to that answer—featuring the ironic twist of travel rewards! What the Comic Shows: The scene unfolds in a bustling airport, packed with travelers and buzzing with the commotion typical of such a...
a turtle on a paper money
BoardingArea
Points Game: Tortoise Strategy Triumphs [Weekly Top Posts]
1. Error in FAA Reauthorization Bill Could Let Airlines Put Travel Agents Out of Business The FAA Reauthorization bill requires travel agents to provide refunds where they are the vendor of record charging the customer - even when they’ve paid the airline and the airline hasn’t given the money back...
A comic strip depicting the various emotional stages experienced by frequent flyers when dealing with changes in airline policies. The comic is divided into six panels each representing different stages: Denial, Anger, Negotiation, Depression, Acceptance, and Change. Each panel humorously illustrates typical reactions such as a traveler in denial saying, "Nooo! They can't be changing the rules!", and one in anger shaking a fist at an airline counter. The Negotiation panel shows a traveler pleading, "But I'm one of your best customers: can't I get an exception?" In Depression, a person is slumped over a bar. Acceptance shows a resigned traveler at the elite check-in, while Change shows someone happily switching to a different airline offering a status match. The caption humorously comments, "They say that acceptance is the hardest stage of frequent flyer grief—thank goodness for status matches!"
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Turbulence of Loyalty
Welcome back to our sky-high series, #FrequentFlyerFunnies, where we find the humor in the hustle of racking up those miles. This week, we're navigating the turbulent emotions that come with changes to our beloved loyalty programs. Fasten your seatbelts and stow your tray tables—this is going to be a relatable...
A comic depicting a couple in a hotel room with the man excitedly telling the woman, 'If we stay another 274 nights, we’ll earn a free airline ticket!' He is sitting at a desk with a sign that says 'Frequent Stay Program', smiling and looking at his computer. The woman, unpacking a suitcase, does not look amused as the man adds, '...Course, we’ll have to check out and back in each day!' Caption below: 'Why is it that one person is smiling and the other is not? “It’s not the destination (free airline ticket), it’s the journey (274 hotel nights)
BoardingArea
Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Long, Hilarious Road to a “Free” Airline Ticket
Ever looked at your hotel loyalty points and felt like you were on a marathon with no finish line? Well, you’re in good company. Our inaugural #FrequentFlyerFunnies takes 'loyalty' to new heights... or should we say lengths? Take a peek at the comic below where our intrepid travelers calculate just how many...