a person in a boat in the rain
BoardingArea
Storm-Proof Your 2025 Getaways: Flexible Bookings & Insurance Tactics
NOAA expects up to 19 storms in 2025, but there's no need to panic. From flexible award tickets to robust travel insurance, travelers can still fly with confidence.
a group of people walking on a track with a train in the background
BoardingArea
Smart Gulf Routes for Pakistan’s Independence Day 2025
As Pakistan’s diaspora converges for festive celebrations and fresh incentives, Gulf carriers offer key connections. Discover top strategies for snagging the best flights and supporting a united homecoming.
a man sitting on a table with teapots and cups
BoardingArea
5 Ways to Beat Obon 2025 Blackouts with Rural Ryokan Awards
Obon 2025 is around the corner, and major cities like Tokyo and Osaka will be packed. Discover strategies to find hidden award space and immerse yourself in Japan’s tranquil countryside.
a group of people standing on a train
BoardingArea
Securing Domestic Travel Awards and JR Pass Seats: Obon 2025
Obon 2025 in Japan runs August 13–15, with the peak rush extending August 9–18. Discover how to efficiently navigate flights, Shinkansen bookings, and the country’s cherished ancestral festival.
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2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 18 January, 2026
Hello travellers, Greetings from a very wet Sydney. We’ve been hosting a number of overseas friends. But even more enjoyable is making some reciprocal plans to visit them later this year using our hard-earned Amex Rewards points.  My next trip is a month or so away. It will be to a much...
Frequent Miler
What are “points farms”, WSJ and NYT think the newest cards are too confusing, and good news for F1 fans (Saturday Selection)
Throughout the week, our team shares articles they’ve stumbled upon that may interest our readers, even if they might not otherwise merit a full post. Here are some of the posts we found interesting this week: What are “points farms”, WSJ and NYT think the newest cards are too confusing,...
Your Mileage May Vary
How a Hollywood Affair Started the Chocolate-on-the-Pillow Tradition
If you’ve stayed at a “nicer” hotel (figure 4 stars or more), you may have gone back to your room after dinner and found that your bed had been turned…
One Mile at a Time
Air France-KLM Flying Blue Credit Card Changes Make Status Easier To Earn
The Air France-KLM Flying Blue program has a credit card in the United States, issued by Bank of America. It’s a card that I have, as someone who has Flying Blue Platinum status. We’ve just learned about some changes coming to the card, and they’re entirely positive, as I see...
The Bulkhead Seat
2026 Weekly Review: January 17th
Another week has passed and 2026 is off to a busy start. I’m in… The post 2026 Weekly Review: January 17th appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Bank of America Leaks Flying Blue Card Changes Early—Much Faster Air France KLM Elite Status Earning
Bank of America accidentally tipped its hand early on a revamped Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card, with new perks that meaningfully accelerate elite status earning. The annual fee stays $89, existing cardmembers get the changes in March, and the updated XP bonuses make Silver, Gold, and even Platinum far...
Pointalize
World of Hyatt: The Ultimate Guide
Discover why Hyatt remains the best hotel loyalty program. Learn about the 5 Free Nights offer, new Milestone Rewards, and how to maximize Globalist status.
Frequent Miler
Bilt 2.0 “simplified” – which option is better?
Now that Bilt has “fixed” its overly complicated Bilt 2.0 rewards program by introducing a slightly less complex option (see details here), I decided to take a quick look at which option is better. The answer? It’s complicated. Easy calculator: If you’re looking for advice about which option you should...
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: January 17, 2026
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! We just wrapped up a family ski trip this week (which I’m still recovering from — three-year-olds are fun but exhausting when outside their usual element!), so you can expect a few hotel reviews over the coming days. On the...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: The Time New York – JDV by Hyatt
The Time New York – JDV by Hyatt is a boutique hotel in the… The post Hotel Review: The Time New York – JDV by Hyatt appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Your Mileage May Vary
Do Airline Miles Expire? U.S. Expiration Policies by Program
Airlines have dramatically changed their policies on the expiration of loyalty program points. Previously, almost every plan required some activity in your account to keep your points active. There’s been…
Points With a Crew
What Stops People From Eating Hotel Breakfast When They’re Not Staying There?
Since most hotels (at least in America) don't have a breakfast attendant checking whether you're actually a guest, is it okay to eat the "free" hotel breakfast even if you're not a guest?
Miles To Memories
The Enduring Greatness of the Citi Strata Premier
While the bank might be a punchline here and there, the Citi Strata Premier most definitely should not be. The card still uniquely delivers. The post The Enduring Greatness of the Citi Strata Premier appeared first on Miles to Memories.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Welcome Aboard Swan Hellenic SH Minerva: The Vessel to Antarctica.
Prior to being welcomed aboard Swan Hellenic SH Minerva — which was the ship to Antarctica — I had never really been on a cruise. The closest I had come to cruising up to that point is being aboard overnight ferries or small vessels for cruises that lasted a few...
Altitude Yes
My First Flight With Free Wi-Fi on American Airlines
Despite a phased rollout, a recent flight on an Embraer 175 marked my first American flight with free Wi-Fi since the launch on Jan. 6. The post My First Flight With Free Wi-Fi on American Airlines first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (17th January)
Good news, everyone – we’re past the halfway point of January, as we head into the marketing blitz of Blue Monday and the travel deals that might not turn up. Anyway, it’s Saturday at the time of writing – it must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and...
Frequent Miler
American Airlines & United shopping portal promos: Earn up to 2,000 bonus miles
The American Airlines and United shopping portals are both offering up to 1,000 bonus miles when shopping at both in-store and online retailers. The Deals American Airlines shopping portal: Spend $200 & earn up to 400 bonus AAdvantage miles Direct link to offer Expires January 22, 2026 United shopping portal:...
View from the Wing
Airline Denies It—But Staff Accused of Stealing Aircraft Parts and Selling Them Back [Roundup]
A report claims airline employees were stealing aircraft parts and then selling the components back to the carrier—an allegation the airline is now denying. Plus: a “world record” standby list for an inaugural flight, a passenger spooked by a “JetFuelCantMeltSteelBeams” Wi-Fi network name, Southwest gate magic in Denver, and more.
Your Mileage May Vary
The One Question Flight Attendants Lie About — And Why It’s Honestly Hilarious
When they’re put in charge of a few hundred passengers, flight attendants wind up getting a lot of questions. And because their “audience” is different from flight to flight, they…
ATX Jetsetter
Weekly Recap: January 17, 2026
Catch up on the latest aviation and travel related news for the week ending January 17, 2026 in the ATX Jetsetter weekly recap. The post Weekly Recap: January 17, 2026 appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
View from the Wing
Readers Keep Getting Approved For Citi Strata Elite 100,000 Points And Over $2500 In First-Year Value
Citi’s new Strata Elite card is handing out approvals fast — and for good reason. With a 100,000-point bonus, stacked travel and retail credits, and easy eligibility rules, it delivers first-year value few premium cards can match.
One Mile at a Time
How To Redeem Avianca Lifemiles For Best Value: A Key Star Alliance Program
The avianca lifemiles program is one of the most useful frequent flyer programs out there for redeeming miles. The beauty of lifemiles is that it’s not just useful if you want to fly with avianca, but also if you want to travel on any Star Alliance carrier, especially in a...
Points With a Crew
TSA reveals the wildest items they confiscated in 2025: ‘Is this what I think it is?’
From BB guns, to ninja stars, tasers, guns hidden in guitars and more, here's a look at some of the strangest items confiscated by TSA last year.
Points With a Crew
TSA reveals the wildest items they confiscated in 2025: ‘Is this what I think it is?’
From BB guns, to ninja stars, tasers, guns hidden in guitars and more, here's a look at some of the strangest items confiscated by TSA last year.
a large airplane in a hangar
BoardingArea
Mastering the 24-Hour Award-Swap: 2025 Tactics for Frequent Flyers
American Airlines is trimming free hold times on AAdvantage award tickets to just 24 hours, forcing travelers to act swiftly. Here’s how savvy frequent flyers can secure coveted redemptions in 2025.
a person wearing headphones looking out of a window
BoardingArea
Back-to-School Airfare Dip 2025: Tracking August Shoulder Fares
August’s back-to-school season is shaping up to be an unexpected sweet spot for 2025 flight deals. Here’s how to use fare-predicting tools and Google Flights guarantees to land budget-friendly bookings.
a train on the tracks
BoardingArea
Score Elite Perks with a BOS-PVD Mileage Run on Victory Day 2025
Victory Day 2025 brings an ultra-cheap BOS-PVD route to help flyers top off elite credits. Find out how to leverage short flights for maximum rewards.
a man in a uniform standing in front of a group of people sitting outside
BoardingArea
Virtuoso Travel Week 2025: Luxury Insights and Amex FHR Perks
Top luxury travel pros from 100+ countries unite in Las Vegas from August 9–15 for networking, education, and insider intel. Frequent flyers can discover new event features and Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits to elevate their next journey.
a man riding a camel
BoardingArea
Flying with Pets in 2025: Revised Rules for Frequent Flyers
Airlines worldwide have rolled out updated pet travel regulations in 2025, covering everything from in-cabin breed allowances to stricter paperwork. This guide compares fees, seat rules, and must-know tips for a smoother journey with your furry friend.
an airplane flying over a beach
BoardingArea
Short-Haul Flight Deals: Beat 2025 Beach Traffic
Gridlocked highways can turn a beach weekend into a slog. These short-haul flight sweet spots help travelers skip I-95 traffic and maximize loyalty program mileage for a breezy getaway.
a seaplane on water with mountains in the background
BoardingArea
Seaplane Sightseeing 2025: Redeem Kenmore & Alaska Miles for PNW Water Landings
Discover the Pacific Northwest’s stunning vistas from above with Kenmore Air’s seaplane tours. Frequent flyers can redeem or earn Alaska Miles while enjoying unforgettable water takeoffs and landings.
a plane on the runway
BoardingArea
Your End-of-Summer 2025 Refresher: Amex Airline-Fee Credits That Still Work
The Amex airline-fee credit can help offset annual fees on premium cards. Here’s how to unlock key reimbursements in 2025 while avoiding common pitfalls.