Point Me to the Plane

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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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.
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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...
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Eye of the Flyer
Names for New Delta Card, Clear Concierge Service, Mega 100k Card Offers, Revenue Based Royal Caribbean, Dangers of Cruising and More!
Well this has been an interesting first half of the year so far including weather nightmares that seem to be disrupting everyone’s travels. Now that we are in Q3 my travels are picking up and I am looking forward to many reviews. But for now the week that was: While...
Frequent Miler
The best lounge card you didn’t know about, Turkish surprises but doesn’t delight, and more [Week in Review]
My wife and I spent all day yesterday planning our full route for JetBlue’s 25 for 25 promotion. I literally sat in a chair next to her in the nail salon yesterday as we talked over airports and flights (I can only imagine how ridiculous we must have sounded to...
Travel Points Playbook
Best Rate Guarantee Trick: Price Match Hyatt All-Inclusives to “Themselves”?
We are big fans of the Hyatt all-inclusive portfolio having visited 5 different Ziva or Zilara properties over…
Live and Let’s Fly
Great Coffee In Paris
Paris is known for many things, but coffee is not one of them. Nevertheless, I’ve found two wonderful coffee shops (chains as it turns out) that I look forward to returning to. Best Coffee In Paris First up, a little coffee shop in the Vendôme neighborhood called Café Nuances. Café...
Live from a Lounge
Bad Fuel, Bird Strikes are some of the theories now ruled out for Air India 171 Fatal Incident
In the wake of the AI 171 incident, a lot of theories came about. Some of those have been put to rest. Here is what we know so far. The post Bad Fuel, Bird Strikes are some of the theories now ruled out for Air India 171 Fatal Incident appeared...
Monkey Miles
Amex Offers: Spend $250 at IHG get $50 back
Amex Offers: Spend $250 at IHG get $50 back ( Holiday Inn®, EVEN®, etc ) The post Amex Offers: Spend $250 at IHG get $50 back appeared first on Monkey Miles.
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Aerobridge crashes into A380 causing 21 hour delay to Johannesburg flight
At Sydney Airport, an aerobridge has rammed the engine cowel of a Qantas A380, delays hundreds of passengers for 21 hours on a 14 hour flight to Johannesburg. Images of the accident, some shot from inside the aircraft show the bottom portion of an airobridge hitting the coweling of one...
Sam Chui
Preliminary Report on Air India Crash Points to Fuel Switch Error
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the Air India flight AI171 crash, pointing to a cockpit fuel switch error and raising questions about pilot actions. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner experienced a fatal loss of thrust just seconds into flight, with investigators now focusing...
The Shutterwhale
Earn 777 Bonus Points Per Night at Casino Hotels with World of Hyatt – Stay by 30 September 2025
Register now to earn 777 Bonus Points per night on eligible Hyatt stays at casino hotels between 14 July and 30 September 2025.
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Launches First-Ever Nonstop Service Between Salt Lake City and South America
Delta Air Lines is launching its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City International… The post Delta Launches First-Ever Nonstop Service Between Salt Lake City and South America appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
Amazon Prime Day 2025 Ends Tonight – Still Tons of Deals on Tech, Travel and More
Only a few hours left for Amazon Prime Day 2025, but there are still great Prime Day Deals on travel accessories, technology and other interesting deals. These go fast, so make sure and ...
The Bulkhead Seat
United Now Lets Passengers See Their Upgrade Chances 30 Days Before a Flight
I’ve long lauded United Airlines for its excellent app and website functionality. I find… The post United Now Lets Passengers See Their Upgrade Chances 30 Days Before a Flight appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
How Should You Dress As a Passenger Aboard an Airplane?
Once upon a time, flying as a passenger in an airplane was an upscale experience. If you were to believe some of the advertisements from the 1960s and prior decades, you experienced impeccable service and opulence — even when seated in the economy class cabin. Fast forward to today, where the...
You Are Travel
Hilton Just Opened a Flagship Hotel in This Underrated Italian City
Tl;dr – The Hilton Turin enters as one of just a handful of point hotels in the Northwestern…
One Mile at a Time
Air India Boeing 787 Crashed Because Fuel Control Switches Were Shut Off
On June 12, 2025, we saw anAir India Boeing 787 crash after takeofffrom Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. This is the most fatal aviation accident globally in roughly a decade, the most fatal aviation accident in India in over three decades, and its also probably the most mysterious since MH370.What would...
Frequent Miler
United Cards: Get 15,000 miles for adding an authorized user (targeted)
Earlier today, Stephen got an email from Chase offering him 15,000 bonus United miles for adding an authorized user to his United Gateway card by September 30th. The title of the email was, “Stephen, earn 15,000 bonus miles when you add an authorized user.” It sounds like this offer is...
The Bulkhead Seat
Passenger Who Punched Gate Agent at Washington Dulles Faces 10 Years in Prison
Back in March, I wrote about Christopher Stuart Crittenden, 54, of Frederick, MD. He… The post Passenger Who Punched Gate Agent at Washington Dulles Faces 10 Years in Prison appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
No longer traveling? How to cash out your transferable points | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep314 | 7-11-25
On this podcast episode, we find out that Turkish has killed their million mile promo, we talk about Ritz card rumors, and we shed some light on how Greg’s uncle can redeem his transferable points for cash. No longer traveling? How to cash out your transferable points Watch the full...
Live from a Lounge
Breaking: India’s Air Crash Investigator releases AI 171 Incident’s Preliminary Report; Fuel Switch movement at the centre of the incident
The AAIB has put out the Preliminary Report for the AI171 incident, which puts the focus on the move of two fuel control switches. The how remains unexplained. The post Breaking: India’s Air Crash Investigator releases AI 171 Incident’s Preliminary Report; Fuel Switch movement at the centre of the incident...
Altitude Yes
United Begins Narita to Kaohsiung Service, Highlights Asia Pacific Expansion
United's Narita to Kaohsiung flight began service on Friday, aiming to capture connecting passengers through Narita. The post United Begins Narita to Kaohsiung Service, Highlights Asia Pacific Expansion first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Your Mileage May Vary
10+ Bizarre Things Banned or Illegal In Other Countries
Every country has its own way of doing things. They have different things for tourists to see. They have their own food specialties. They may even speak their own language,…
Monkey Miles
Amex to open Centurion lounge at AMS
Looks like Amsterdam will get a new Amex Centurion lounge in 2026. Plans are for it to open between Concourse E and F measuring in at 6000 feet. You can read the official presser here. Currently Amex has 29 Centurion lounges in the world. The post Amex to open Centurion lounge at...
Frequent Miler
Hilton Timeshare Offer: 3 or more nights and 75K points, starting at $199
Hilton Grand Vacations is currently offering a decent vacation package that requires attending a two-hour timeshare presentation. You get 3 nights of lodging in one of several specific locations, plus 75,000 Hilton Honors points for as low as $199 + tax. (h/t: DDG) Nick once did a Bluegreen Vacations timeshare...
View from the Wing
Where Is American Airlines Secretly Building Miami’s New Business Class Flagship Lounge?
There are several lounge projects on the D and E concourses at the Miami airport. American Airlines just announced plans to (1) take the current business class Flagship lounge and fold it into the gate D30 Admiral’s Club space and (2) build a brand new business class lounge. Continue reading Where...
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!"
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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.'
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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.
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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
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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...