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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Eye of the Flyer
Worlds Most Stunning Delta Flight Attendant, Ship Lag Stinks, Sweet Hotel Card Offers, Bus vs. Plane, Seat back Screen Game and More From EyeOfTheFlyer
It is really getting “weird” out there. I mean it seems like space craft are now blowing up every week and risking hitting jets with the leftovers and that is assuming there will be ATC and TSA folks working to get you to the gate. I mean geeezzzz?! Then, after...
View from the Wing
‘Take Me Instead!’ Video: Man Volunteers As Hostage To Save 21-Year-Old Woman, Wrestles Knife From Attacker In Airport Standoff
A 52-year old retired boxer, Musa Abdraim became a hero on Friday at the Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan when he disarmed a knife-wielding attacker who was holding a young female security officer hostage and threatening to detonate a bomb. Continue reading ‘Take Me Instead!’ Video: Man Volunteers As Hostage To...
One Mile at a Time
Saudi Arabia’s Lofty Tourism Goals Get A Reality Check
Saudi Arabia is investing an unprecedented amount of money in tourism, in an effort to diversify the economy away from oil. Ive been watching this with great interest. Not only have we never seen such a large investment in tourism, but so many of the country’s projects look downright outlandish,...
Live and Let’s Fly
Aer Lingus, Pittsburgh Steelers Partner – But No Flights?
Aer Lingus announced a new partnership with NFL team, Pittsburgh Steelers, but oddly Aer Lingus hasn’t added any flights to Steel City yet.  If you are considering booking travel LiveAndLetsFly.com appreciates your support. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today. Pittsburgh Steelers-Aer Lingus Partnership Aer Lingus and the Pittsburgh Steelers...
PointsMath
Etihad Transfer Bonus Offer Valid till 31st March 2025 [Up to 40%]
Etihad offers up to a 40% bonus on transferring miles from select eligible partners. The transfer should be completed by 31 March 2025. Etihad Transfer Bonus Details With this promotion, you can get a 40% Bonus Etihad Guest Miles; however, it is a tiered offer: Only transfer transactions made by...
PointsMath
Maharaja Club Points Plus Transfer Offer [Valid till 31st Mar’25]
Air India has taken a leaf out of Vistara history and brought its popular ” Point Fest” offer as a “Points Plus” one. With the Maharaja Club Points Plus Transfer Offer, you can get up to 50% bonus points and a maximum of 200K bonus Maharaja Points per transfer partner....
The Gate with Brian Cohen
We’re So Sorry, Cyclone Alfred…
We’re so sorry, Cyclone Alfred — but I really did not want to meet you in person. Besides, at one point, you seemed to have not moved a bloody inch all day. As I sit here at... The post We’re So Sorry, Cyclone Alfred… appeared first on The Gate.
One Mile at a Time
Clogged Toilets Cause 10-Hour Air India Flight To Nowhere
Some passengers on a recent long haul Air India flight were in for a pretty crappy time, after their flight had to divert over clogged toilets. By all accounts, it sounds like the carrier’s handling of this situation was not impressive.
ATX Jetsetter
Review: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas is a great property and the service lives up to the brand standard, though it is becoming a bit dated. The post Review: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Avios transfer bonus, Hertz Amex Offer, Hilton & LifeMiles sales & 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 some good offers ending this week. That includes a 20% transfer bonus from Citi ThankYou to Qatar Airways, $70 back when spending $250 with...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Top 5 Hotel Stay Bonus Point offers for March 2025
Here are our Top Hotel Stay Bonuses for this month! These are for stays that you credit to a hotel frequent guest program. Many of these offers go beyond this month so don’t count them out for stays you’re booking past this month. If none of the offers listed below...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Top 5 Flight Bonus Miles and Points Offers for March 2025
Here are our Top 5 Flight Bonus Mile/Point Offers for this month. This post is of course for bonuses for flying this month however many of these offers go beyond so don’t count them out for flights you need to book past this month. If none of the offers listed...
Points With a Crew
The #1 trick to tell if your flight is going to be delayed
There's one trick that I reliably use to determine whether my flight is going to leave on time. Expert travelers know that the simple way to find out is to ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 291
I am currently in Australia as this article was published; but the photograph shown below is from when I was there last year: it is one of a series of plaques that was on the walls inside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout in Australia. For this edition of this...
The Bulkhead Seat
2025 Weekly Review: March 8th
Hello from sunny Tampa. I hope you’re having a good weekend. I was in… The post 2025 Weekly Review: March 8th appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (8th March)
We’ve reached the end of the week again, where I’ve spent time typing, scheming and trying to understand the meaning of sanity. It must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.  Because coffee solves a lot of sins in the world – 200 Degrees Coffee, Birmingham  TRIP REPORT:...
Frequent Miler
JetBlue’s partnership dreams, an unfortunate 8 hour flight to nowhere, and a “new” Native American mound in Ohio (Saturday Selection)
We’ve got a few little noteworthy things for you from this week with some discussion about JetBlue’s partnership dreams, an unfortunate 8 hour flight to nowhere, and a “new” Native American mound in Ohio. JetBlue Loved Its American Airlines Partnership—Now Its CEO Is Pushing To Build Something Like It Again...
Your Mileage May Vary
Do Flight Attendants Earn Points For Staying In Hotels Between Flights?
If you’ve followed Your Mileage May Vary for any period of time, you know that in between our bona fide informative posts about credit cards, hotels, airports, airlines, our travels,…
One Mile at a Time
United Airlines Free Starlink Wi-Fi Coming To 1,000+ Planes
While there are lots of areas where United Airlines has been improving, Wi-Fi is an area where the carrier has historically lagged both American and Delta.
Points With a Crew
Comparing the no annual fee American Express Hilton with the Amex Hilton Surpass
If you're looking to score a bunch of Hilton points, the American Express Hilton Surpass and Amex Hilton are two cards to consider. But which is best? Let's take a deep dive into ...
View from the Wing
I Got A Suite Upgrade On A $163 Stay at Viceroy DC—But Breakfast Never Showed
A week ago I stayed at the Viceroy DC. The Viceroy brand participates in GHA Discovery. The hotel is part of the American Express Hotel Collection (and I had a two night stay, so eligible for benefits). And they had an amazing rate - I don't think...
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: March 08, 2025
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I apologize for my unusual posting schedule over the past week, as I’ve been in Japan. We’ve had an incredible trip so far, and I look forward to sharing more initial impressions over the coming days, and then publishing a...
Your Mileage May Vary
This AMEX Representative Saved My Membership Rewards Points
When your American Express credit card anniversary date is approaching, you need to consider the annual fee. Is the card worth keeping? Even if it was a good decision before,…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Buckle Your Seatbelts: The Aviation Industry Says The Trump Administration’s Plans For Sweeping Federal Jobs Cuts Will Be “Bad For Everyone”
Some US airlines might be fawning over the Trump administration and publicly praising plans to bolster the numbers of air traffic controllers, but the trade body that represents more than 340 airlines around the world is less enthusiastic about the President’s plans for sweeping federal job cuts. While it remains...
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...