Plane ‘n Simple

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.
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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...
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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.
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...
Also on BoardingArea
Live and Let’s Fly
Mocked For Hyatt–Rosewood Take, Now Marriott Circles
I was roasted for suggesting Rosewood should sell to Hyatt. Now leaked documents point to a Marriott-Rosewood tie-up. [Alleged] Marriott Legal Email Screenshot Leaks Rosewood Acquisition Plans Over the past few days a rumor has been making the rounds that Marriott International is positioning itself to buy Rosewood Hotel Group....
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Becomes Official Airline of Las Vegas Sphere and Opens Delta SKY360° Club Lounge
Delta Air Lines has been named the official airline of the Sphere in Las… The post Delta Becomes Official Airline of Las Vegas Sphere and Opens Delta SKY360° Club Lounge appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Rapid Travel Chai
Announcing Points Travel Festival Toronto 2026!
Points Travel Festival Toronto is April 18, 2026. Join Canada and global points travel experts for learning and partying. The post Announcing Points Travel Festival Toronto 2026! appeared first on Rapid Travel Chai.
View from the Wing
Marriott Hotels Already Ignored Requests—Now They Won’t Even Let You Type Them In
Marriott has quietly removed the freeform “special requests” text box from its website bookings, leaving only a handful of preset checkboxes. Hotels may have ignored many notes anyway, but eliminating the field doesn’t eliminate guest needs—it just pushes everything into last-minute phone calls and check-in friction, with no easy way...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Penguin on Barrientos Island Still Angry. Sunday Morning Photograph.
I did not realize that I had additional photographs which continued the saga of the angry penguin on Barrientos Island in the South Shetland Islands off the coast of Antarctica confronting a pair of south polar skuas. Where we last left off in this gripping tale, a gentoo penguin successfully scared...
From The Tray Table
Is Alaska Airlines’ first class the best recliner in the US?
Being based in New York, I don’t often have the opportunity to fly with Alaska Airlines. The airline… The post Is Alaska Airlines’ first class the best recliner in the US? appeared first on From the Tray Table.
One Mile at a Time
Huge Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card Five Free Night Award Welcome Offer
Link: Learn more about theMarriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Pointalize
Chase Pay Yourself Back Q1 categories
Chase Pay Yourself Back categories for Q1 2026 revealed. See the full list for Sapphire Reserve, Preferred, and Ink cards, plus the 1.5¢ redemption math.
One Mile at a Time
Japan Airlines’ Unique Problem? Young Locals Aren’t Traveling Internationally
Here in the United States, international travel is all the rage, including for young people. In many ways that might not even be a good thing due to the affordability problem that exists, so many young people dont even view buying a house as realistic, so they dont bother...
View from the Wing
AT&T Customer Hit With a $19,500 Roaming Bill After Two Days of Data Use [Roundup]
An AT&T customer says two days of accidental roaming data use triggered a staggering $19,500 bill. Plus in today’s roundup: United’s CEO reportedly skipping his own catering, Wyndham bringing back status matches, United pouring a prestige cabernet in Polaris, another hotels-and-ICE twist, a filthy American cabin photo, and new Bilt...
Eye of the Flyer
An End to Dual Citizenship, Fire on Asiana Flight, ICE Raids Carnival Cruise, Oceania Goes Adults Only, Best Airline Water and more Travel News!
Here are this week’s travel and cruise headlines and news from around the web and interweb: ‘Grab what you can:’ The global rush for second passports Passenger injured in fire sparked by power bank on Incheon-Hong Kong flight ICE Burst Into His Cruise Stateroom at 6:45 AM — All Because...
One Mile at a Time
Trump Plans To Cap Credit Card Interest Rates At 10%: Impact On Rewards?
Credit card issuers make money in three primary ways — through interchange fees, through interest charges, and through annual fees. Along those lines, President Trump is suggesting he’s going to be majorly regulating this, and it could have implications for consumers, both positive and negative.
Live and Let’s Fly
Aer Lingus Is Pulling Long-Haul Out Of Manchester
If you were hoping Aer Lingus’ base in Manchester would help claw back long-haul relevance, you may want to sit down. Aer Lingus is set to stop selling long-haul flights from Manchester beyond March 31, 2026, specifically the Manchester to New York, Orlando, and Barbados services.  Coverage elsewhere frames it...
TravelUpdate
What’s Aegean Airlines economy class like from London Heathrow to Athens?
As part of my quest for Star Alliance Gold, I needed to fly Aegean Airlines economy class. I…
Live from a Lounge
Marriott Bonvoy now awards half elite nights for specific brands
Marriott Bonvoy has amended its T&C to now allow for 0.5 elite nights at some of their hotel brands, instead of the earlier 1 for 2 scheme. The post Marriott Bonvoy now awards half elite nights for specific brands appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
PointsMath
Promotion Weekly January 2026 Second Edition
Here are the ongoing points and travel promotions for this week. Previous Edition: Promotion Weekly January 2026 First Edition This weekly edition is divided into three sections: Airline promotions, Hotel promotions & Award Flight tools. Use the links below to jump to what matters to you. Ending in January 2026...
2PAXfly
SYDNEY AIRPORT: Air Traffic Control stinks! Sewage smell overwhelms control tower
Air traffic controllers at Sydney Airport were forced to work through overpowering sewage odours during the peak 2024–25 holiday travel period. Some staff were reportedly dry heaving at their desks while managing aircraft movements according to a story in the Sydney Morning Herald. Incident logs from Airservices Australia show the...
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Capital One to Emirates 1:1 transfers, increased Hilton welcome offers, $15 Lyft credit, & more
Welcome to our weekly list of what’s ending this week as well as a collection of some other deals that are due to end soon. There are a dozen deals set to end this week which includes increased welcome offers on Amex Hilton cards. Monday is the last opportunity to transfer...
ATX Jetsetter
My Favorite Travel Tools
Check out some of my favorite travel tools that support my travel addiction and help me keep everything organized on the road. The post My Favorite Travel Tools appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Points With a Crew
How much to tip a hotel maid? (POLL)
Do you tip hotel maids? If you're wondering how much to tip a hotel maid, customs vary, but ranges go from never tipping hotel maids up to...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 335
Once I finished applying for a visa to visit the republic of Azerbaijan, the time had come to pay the fee of $20.00 — but that does not include a fee of nine dollars plus a fee of one additional dollar to process the payment with a credit card; so...
The Bulkhead Seat
2026 Weekly Review: January 10th
Greetings from Tampa! We just got back from Asia and I have lots of… The post 2026 Weekly Review: January 10th appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Chase Just Dropped 5 Free Marriott Nights On One Card — Up To 50,000 Points Each After $3,000 Spend
Chase just launched the biggest-ever Marriott Boundless bonus: 5 Free Night Awards after $3,000 in 3 months, valid up to 50,000 points per night (and you can top off each with 15,000 points). There is also a 2026 airline statement credit up to $100, and the no-fee Marriott Bold now...
One Mile at a Time
Could Marriott Buy Rosewood? I’m Skeptical Of The Rumors, But…
This seems somewhat unlikely to me, but I think its at least worth addressing the rumors, as Ive now had several people forward this to me
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!
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?
Explore the irony of frequent flying with this week's #FrequentFlyerFunnies! Join the laughter and dialogue on travel rewards' paradoxes.