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 ...
Also on BoardingArea
Live and Let’s Fly
Mixed Financial Results Paint Murky Travel Picture In 2025
As airlines, hotel chains, and travel providers report earnings and adjust financial forecasts, 2025 is full of mixed results and conflicting signals.  Financial Winners, Bright Points Focusing on the bright spots, the first quarter of 2025 produced some winners despite tourism challenges. LATAM, United, Delta A surprising bright spot in...
One Mile at a Time
I’m Struggling With This Air Canada Aeroplan Complaint…
A traveler is angry at Air Canada Aeroplan, because her Air India business class seat was broken on an award ticket, among other things. Is there merit to this complaint, or is the frustration misdirected?
The Bulkhead Seat
Missile Strikes Near Terminal 3 Access Road at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport
A Houthi missile struck near the Terminal 3 access road at Tel Aviv’s Ben… The post Missile Strikes Near Terminal 3 Access Road at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Got an expiring Hilton free night certificate? Maybe it can be extended (YMMV).
Hilton Free Night Certificates expire one year after they are issued. Given that Hilton Free Night Certificates can be used any night of the week and at almost any Hilton property in the world (and also at Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and AutoCamp properties), it is typically...
The Bulkhead Seat
Florida Man Gets Prison Time for Assaulting American Airlines Gate Agent in Dallas
Back in January, I wrote about 53-year-old, Florida resident, Keith Charles Owens. He faced… The post Florida Man Gets Prison Time for Assaulting American Airlines Gate Agent in Dallas appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
United Gave Flight Attendants New Uniforms That Don’t Fit—Now They’re Told to Wear Baggy Dresses Until It’s Fixed [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 United Gave Flight Attendants New Uniforms That Don’t Fit—Now They’re Told to Wear Baggy Dresses Until It’s...
Live from a Lounge
Best Cashback Credit Cards in India [2025]
Here is a list of some of India's best cashback credit cards as per LiveFromALounge.com. Check it out to get started with cashback cards. The post Best Cashback Credit Cards in India [2025] appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
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BoardingArea
Discover the Magic of Royal Caribbean’s 7 Ship Classes
Frequent flyers often ask me about stepping away from airport terminals and tackling a different kind of adventure at sea. In my experience, Royal Caribbean delivers seven distinct ship classes, each with its own style, size, and lineup of onboard activities. My curiosity has led me to research their designs,...
Eye of the Flyer
Assaulted in a Royal Caribbean Elevator, Avoid Newark Airport, 24 Get Lifetime Ban on Carnival After Texas Fight, Delta’s Endeavor CEO Out, Skipping Port Due to Gang Violence and more Travel and Cruise News
Here are this week’s travel and cruise headlines and news from around the web and interweb: Man accused of beating up another cruise ship passenger because kids were jumping in the elevator Carnival Cruise Line in damage-control mode after Galveston terminal brawl Royal Caribbean suspend island stop over escalating gang...
One Mile at a Time
Missile Strikes Near Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, Evades Defense
On Sunday morning, a missile struck near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). Will this have longer term implications for air service to the country?
a clock from the ceiling
BoardingArea
Review: United Club at San Francisco (SFO), F Gates:
...Elegant but past its prime The flagship United Club at San Francisco International Airport sort of reminds me of the city it serves: it’s incredibly elegant but getting a bit shabby and could use a refresh. Nevertheless, so glad it did not fall victim to the 2010s United Club remodel. This...
TravelUpdate
Review: The Ethiopian Skylight Hotel beside Addis Ababa Airport
Ethiopian Airlines offer all passengers free hotel accommodation if they have more than eight hours between flights. People…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Flying This Summer? Airport Issues Terrifying Warning About This Common Travel Gadget
A European airport has issued an urgent travel warning for passengers who fly with a common everyday gadget that fans say they couldn’t live without, but what they probably don’t realize poses a serious safety risk, especially if it malfunctions on a plane at 35,000 feet. Tallinn Airport in Estonia...
Live and Let’s Fly
Boutique Hotels Are Eating Business Travel’s Lunch
Something’s happening on the hotel scene, and if you’ve blinked, you might have missed it. Boutique hotels, once niche and novelty, are now quietly becoming the go-to for business travelers—and that should have traditional business hotel brands very worried. I’ve stayed in more than my fair share of hotels over...
One Mile at a Time
Absurd: Black Hawk Helicopter Goes Off Course, Causes DCA Go Arounds
Just over three months ago, we saw a tragic accident at Washington National Airport (DCA), where a Black Hawk helicopter crashed into an American Eagle CRJ-700, claiming 67 lives.
One Mile at a Time
American Premium 787s With Flagship Business Suites: Routes On Sale
American’s new business class product is just weeks from debuting. The first two aircraft with the new interiors have now been delivered, and today, American has put the first flights with the new cabins on sale, so we have all the details (spoiler alert: @xJonNYC of course predicted this a...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Houthi Missile Evades Israeli Air Defenses, Strikes Near Tel Aviv Airport in Escalating Crisis
A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi military group has evaded Israel’s sophisticated defense network and has hit the outskirts of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. The Sunday morning incident occurred just minutes after Israel’s Home Command issued an emergency ‘Red Alert’ for much of Central Israel after attack...
The Shutterwhale
Hilton Honors Launches Points Plus Promotion – Earn 1,000 Bonus Points Per Stay (June to August 2025)
Earn 1,000 bonus points per stay with Hilton Honors new global promotion for stays consumed between 01 June 2025 and 15 August 2025 - register now!
PointsMath
Earn Krisflyer Miles on Pelago bookings [8 Miles per SGD]
Pelago is promoted by Singapore Airlines. It is a booking portal for your next sightseeing tours and activities. Recently, there have been many promotions to earn Singapore Krisflyer Miles on Pelago Bookings. Now, there are new promotions for bookings made in May 2025. Earn 8 Krisflyer Miles per SGD on...
ATX Jetsetter
Brand New: Delta Sky Club Atlanta (ATL) Concourse D
The all new Delta Sky Club in Concourse D at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a beautiful space to spend a layover. The post Brand New: Delta Sky Club Atlanta (ATL) Concourse D appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Marriott bonuses, cheap Uber gift cards, free Southwest points & 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. It’s another very busy week for expiring deals as we’re approaching the end of the month. There are several deals ending over the course of the...
Points With a Crew
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Review – new higher offer
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card has a new welcome offer that is potentially worth hundreds of dollars (or more). This one credit card offer could make your next vacation...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 299
In an attempt to look up rates to park a vehicle at the Atlanta Airport Marriott hotel property, I came across something that I thought should be featured here — and what I found is still there at the time this article was written if you want to see for...
View from the Wing
Hyatt’s Business Card Offer Comes With Mid-Tier Elite Status And 60,000 Points—But Globalist Chasers Will Want It For A Bigger Reason
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card has an bonus offer of 60,000 Bonus Points plus Explorist status through February 28, 2026 after you spend $7,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. This offer ends June 30, 2025. Continue reading Hyatt’s Business Card Offer Comes With Mid-Tier...
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...