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
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...
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One Mile at a Time
Lufthansa A350 Allegris First Class: Very Impressive, Minus The Details
Hello from Germany, as I flew Lufthansa’s Airbus A350-900 Allegris first class on the 7hr15min flight from Newark (EWR) to Munich (MUC), as part of my quick review trip. To say that I was excited about this flight would be a severe understatement.
One Mile at a Time
American Takes Delivery Of Airbus A321XLR, But It’s Going Into Storage
American Airlines is preparing to take delivery of its very first Airbus A321XLR, making it the first US carrier to get one of these jets. However, don’t expect to see these swanky planes flying with passengers anytime soon…
View from the Wing
Hertz Charged $440 for THIS Scratch—Is Their AI Damage Scanner Scamming Customers? [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading Hertz Charged $440 for THIS Scratch—Is Their AI Damage Scanner Scamming Customers? [Roundup]...
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BoardingArea
Paris One Year After the Olympics: A Frequent Flyer Update
In 2025, I've found Paris to be an entirely different city compared to the bustling Olympic season of the previous year. The infrastructure revamps and cultural buzz that swept through the City of Light didn't just fade with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame—it flourished, bringing renewed energy for residents...
Eye of the Flyer
Cruise Ship Crew Salaries, Platinum Card Refresh, AI Complaint Letters, Annoying Lounge Guests and are Mega or Smaller Cruise Ships Better?
I think I melted this week. Holy cow was it hot and humid and ridiculous. Weeks like this remind me of why, even when warm, being at sea is so very nice. I did have a great week as one of my booked NCL cruises had a price change (due...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Do Airlines Enforce Strict Dress Codes In Business Class? Only If You’re Traveling On Standby
Long gone are the days when airline passengers put on their very best suits and dresses before stepping foot on board a plane. Nowadays, athleisure wear, including shorts, leggings, and slides, is all the rage amongst today’s more comfort-focused travelers. It’s hard not to reason that when airlines are forcing...
Frequent Miler
Attention is on Citi, for a moment, the last best shot for a Southwest Companion pass and more [Week in Review]
After excitedly breaking the news of the Turkish Miles & Smiles sweet spot to Hawaii during our 40K to Far Away challenge back in 2019, you might think we became huge fans of ThankYou Rewards in my household. The truth is, after a few Turkish redemptions, we’ve largely slept on...
Live and Let’s Fly
Are Paris Restaurants Ripping Off Americans? Here’s What To Know
A Le Parisien report suggests that American tourists are being targeted with higher prices than locals in some Paris restaurants. Is this a widespread problem…or a problem at all? How To Avoid Tourist Traps In Paris Restaurants Two French reporters experimented to see if Parisian restaurants were actually charging Americans...
View from the Wing
“People Flew Out Of Seats Screaming”: Southwest Flight Plunges 500 Feet To Dodge Fighter Jet, Crew Injured
Southwest Airlines flight 1496 made a split-second dive to avoid a mid-air collision on Friday. The crew executed a startling descent of about 500 feet- dropping from around 14,100 feet to about 13,625 feet—to avoid a collision. Continue reading “People Flew Out Of Seats Screaming”: Southwest Flight Plunges 500 Feet To Dodge Fighter...
One Mile at a Time
Etihad Airways Expanding Airbus A380 Fleet: Nine Jets Set To Fly
Here’s an exciting update for those of us who love the Airbus A380…
Points With a Crew
Should you sign up for the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
Chase and Capital One both offer great mid-tier credit cards for travel points and miles. Which card is better?
The Gate with Brian Cohen
How Dynamic Pricing is Actually Good For Travel
Nobody likes to pay more for something that he or she could have purchased for a lower price — especially if nothing of value is added to justify a higher price — but at least two reasons exist as to how dynamic pricing is good for travel. People like predictability, which...
One Mile at a Time
Southwest Boeing 737 Dives To Avoid Traffic, Leading To Crew Injuries
A Southwest Airlines jet had a rather eventful flight today minutes after taking off from California, leading to injuries.
The Bulkhead Seat
Poor Bambi: Pair of Deer Struck by Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Upon Landing in Kodiak
This is so sad. A pair of deer were struck by a Boeing 737… The post Poor Bambi: Pair of Deer Struck by Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Upon Landing in Kodiak appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
3 new ways to earn transferable points | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep316 | 7-25-25 | Podcast
In today’s podcast episode, we’ll talk about how JetBlue bonvoyed Nick, how Accor bonvoyed Greg, and finally, two new transferable points programs and a new credit card that allows us to earn transferable points. 3 new ways to earn transferable points Watch the full episode below, or listen on your...
One Mile at a Time
Logical: American Airlines & Porter Airlines Plan Transborder Partnership
I don’t think this new partnership should surprise anyone, and it’s something that many of us have been predicting for a couple of years now…
Your Mileage May Vary
Is the AMEX Platinum’s Rental Car Coverage Worthy of Its Annual Fee?
When I wrote about which credit cards offer primary rental car coverage, a few readers asked, “What about American Express?” It’s a fair question—and one I initially didn’t explore in…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Makes “Most Insane Dive Ever” To Avoid Midair Collision On Flight To Las Vegas
The pilots of a Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank, California to Las Vegas had to make the “most insane dive ever” on Friday morning in order to avoid a mid-air collision with another plane, passengers on the plane have reported. Multiple passengers who were on the plane took to social...
View from the Wing
Paris Restaurants Caught Charging Americans 50% Extra—And Secretly Tricking Them Into Tipping [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading Paris Restaurants Caught Charging Americans 50% Extra—And Secretly Tricking Them Into Tipping [Roundup]...
Travel Codex
American Airlines New Grab & Go Lounge
American Airlines is shaking up the lounge scene at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a new concept designed for travelers who want the lounge experience without the long stay. Basically a place for enhanced customer service help and a grab and go option. Opening in late summer 2025, Provisions...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: VAULT3: All-Terrain Modular Backpack (Back By Saturday)
The VAULT3 modular backpack is designed to be an all-terrain backpack that can be used in any situation. It's on Kickstarter, but only for a few ...
ATX Jetsetter
American Adds Premium Economy Service on New York-Los Angeles Route
American Airlines is adding Premium Economy on its route between New York and Los Angeles as it phases out the Airbus A321T. The post American Adds Premium Economy Service on New York-Los Angeles Route appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
Visa Waiver Cost Will Nearly Triple Before it Even Starts
Depending on the country, the place you’re visiting may want to have an idea of who you are, and what you’ve been up to (mainly in terms of being a…
Miles To Memories
New Chase Offer for IHG Cards: Save Up to $50 at Home Improvement Stores
Chase has a new Chase Offer for select cardmembers, offering savings of 10% at home improvement stores. This is a targeted offer that can save you up to $50. The post New Chase Offer for IHG Cards: Save Up to $50 at Home Improvement Stores appeared first on Miles to Memories.
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 ...
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...