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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One Mile at a Time
12 Best Credit Card Welcome Offers February 2025
Every month I make a post with what I consider to be the best credit card offers at the time, with a particular focus on the best travel credit cards. It’s always a great time to start getting your points strategy in order, so you’re ready to plan your dream...
Wingtips
Offer: Prebook London Black Cabs With Freenow, Get £60.00.
You can now prebook Freenow in London. Last week I happened to get into a black taxi cab… The post Offer: Prebook London Black Cabs With Freenow, Get £60.00. appeared first on Wingtips.
One Mile at a Time
Review: La Reserve Paris (Stunning French Palace Hotel)
For the first stop of my trip to Paris and Cairo, I spent a couple of nights at the 40-key La Reserve Paris, which is regarded as one of Paris’ top properties, as it has Frances Palace distinction.
Wild About Travel
New Month, New Travels, New Challenges— One Unforgettable Border Crossing
My busy travel schedule kicks off this month! This year, I will visit Brazil, China, Colombia, Finland, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, South Africa (first time!), Switzerland and the USA amongst a few other places. January has included air and rail journeys through Malaysia and Thailand… January included a stingray attack...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Regional Jet Strikes Tug at Chicago O’Hare, Flipping Over Vehicle and Seriously Injuring Driver
An airport tug driver at Chicago O’Hare was seriously injured after his vehicle was struck by an American Airlines regional jet that was taxiing to the gate on Saturday evening, airport officials have confirmed. The aircraft involved in the collision was a CRJ-200 operated by Air Wisconsin on behalf of...
Live from a Lounge
Get the Axis My Zone Card Lifetime Free
Axis Bank is currently offering the My Zone Credit Card lifetime free. It might be a good idea to look at it, and sign up for it now. The post Get the Axis My Zone Card Lifetime Free appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
PointsMath
Airlines Status Match and Challenge Promotions [Feb’25]
Airlines and hotels launch status match promotions from time to time. Some programs also have Status challenge promotions. Here is the current airlines status match and challenge promotions you can use. Airlines Status Match/Challenge Promotions [Paid] Here is the list of status matches or challenge promotions that you can use:...
The Bulkhead Seat
2025 Weekly Review: February 1st
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. I was in Mexico City last weekend… The post 2025 Weekly Review: February 1st appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Choice points sale, Best Western promo & fee-free Visa gift cards
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. It’s a much quieter week for expiring deals this week. Only three offers are currently set to end – a Best Western promo, the latest sale...
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 286
When motor vehicles drive by this particular speed limit sign, their speeds are detected and are then flashed on the electronic sign below. For this edition of this popular game, can you guess what... The post What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 286 appeared first on The Gate.
Frequent Miler
Starwood’s return, planes causing snow, cities for middle-class spending power, and day rooms at Hilton (Saturday Selection)
Another Saturday means another peak into the reads we found interesting which didn’t quite make their way into full-feature posts. This week we’ll talk about the return of Starwood, a weird phenomenon where planes can cause snow, day rooms at Hilton, and more. Starwood Hotels Relaunches Next Month: Will It...
ATX Jetsetter
Weekly Recap: February 1, 2025
Catch up on the latest aviation and travel related news for the week ending February 1, 2025 in the ATX Jetsetter weekly recap. The post Weekly Recap: February 1, 2025 appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Reason Why High-Rise Hotels Don’t Have a 13th Floor
Have you noticed that lots of high-rise hotels don’t have a 13th floor? Ever wonder why that is? A lot of people say it’s because of superstition – the number…
Pizza in Motion
Is United Airlines Raising The Price Of Anytime Awards?
The price of most mileage awards goes in one direction, up.  We hunt for deals, and find some great ones.  But, the ceiling on the most expensive awards continue to rise, even as those deals persist.  A recent observation makes me think United has... The post Is United Airlines Raising The...
Josh Trips
United’s top 10 busiest domestic routes from San Francisco (and why #1 may not be what you think)
Simply Flying recently published a list of United’s top 10 busiest routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)…
View from the Wing
“You Stained A Towel? That’s $150.” Marriott Guests Are Getting Hit With Absurd Fees For Dirty Sheets & Washcloths
Hotels are nickel and diming guests for things I never used to hear of their charging extra for. The Aloft hotel in McAllen, Texas reportedly billed a guest $80.50 for washcloths because she used them to remove makeup. Continue reading “You Stained A Towel? That’s $150.” Marriott Guests Are Getting Hit...
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (1st February)
Dear readers, please collect your “I Survived January” medals on the table on the left. Drinks are on the right as we barrel into February. And for one last look back, it’s time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. The Palace of the Parliament – Bucharest.  I’m currently...
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: February 01, 2025
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’m at home with family, but have a review trip coming up in a few days, which I look forward to sharing the details of (it’s a fun one). On the points & travel front, of course the biggest story...
Your Mileage May Vary
Is Social Media Ruining Travel? The Danger of Overhyped Expectations
Have you ever arrived at a dream destination only to feel… underwhelmed? Maybe the streets were more crowded, the colors less vibrant, or the ‘hidden gem’ wasn’t so hidden after…
Miles To Memories
Busy Enough – Our Recent Credit Card Application Outcomes
Things have been very quiet on the new card front recently. Or so I thought. Here are our latest credit card application outcomes. The post Busy Enough – Our Recent Credit Card Application Outcomes appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Frequent Miler
2,000 Delta SkyMiles with first Turo rental (500 on subsequent rentals)
At the end of 2024, United teamed up with Turo – the Airbnb of car rentals – to offer bonus miles on rentals. However, that wasn’t the first airline that Turo had partnered with. That first partnership came about a few years ago when Delta teamed up with Turo to...
View from the Wing
‘Will You Go to $2,000?’ United Passenger Negotiates Bigger Payout After Giving Up Their Seat—And Gets It Instantly
A United Airlines passenger flying a regional jet from Chicago O’Hare to Fargo snagged $2,000 in travel credits to take a later flight on Thursday. Continue reading ‘Will You Go to $2,000?’ United Passenger Negotiates Bigger Payout After Giving Up Their Seat—And Gets It Instantly...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Answers to Past Articles — Part 50: Gavelston Time in Lost Lebanon is Not a First Class Parking Spot
In past articles in which your participation was not only requested but also helpful and humorous, I did not give the answers to questions which I have posed to you; so this article contains the answers to past articles — Part 50 — along with links to the aforementioned articles... ...and...
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...
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...