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.
Also on BoardingArea
Live and Let’s Fly
Avelo Abandons ICE Deportation Flights As Politics, Protests, And The Price Catch Up
Avelo Airlines is backing away from the ICE deportation flight business, and the implications are bigger than one carrier ending one controversial contract. This is about how a small airline tried to buy stability, got swallowed by politics, and is now retreating like a dog with its tail between its...
One Mile at a Time
Best Western Rewards Elite Status Match: Super Easy But Basic
Best Western Rewards is a loyalty program I dont talk about much, given that the hotel portfolio isnt exactly aspirational. That being said, I figure its time to cover the programs status match promotion, given that its the beginning of the year, so its the ideal time to apply. This...
One Mile at a Time
New Alaska Airlines Boeing 787 Debuts In Northern Lights Inspired Livery
It’s a fascinating time for Alaska Air Group, given the company’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. In August 2025, we learned about the company’s long term branding plans, including the intention to repaint all Boeing 787s in a special Alaska Airlines livery, reflecting its global growth strategy.
One Mile at a Time
New Alaska Airlines Boeing 787 Debuts In Northern Lights Inspired Livery
It’s a fascinating time for Alaska Air Group, given the company’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. In August 2025, we learned about the company’s long term branding plans, including the intention to repaint all Boeing 787s in a special Alaska Airlines livery, reflecting its global growth strategy.
One Mile at a Time
Best Western Rewards Elite Status Match: Super Easy But Basic
Best Western Rewards is a loyalty program I don’t talk about much, given that the hotel portfolio isn’t exactly aspirational. That being said, I figure it’s time to cover the program’s status match promotion, given that it’s the beginning of the year, so it’s the ideal time to apply. This...
The Bulkhead Seat
That Was Fast: The Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis Had Its Sign Taken Down
Earlier this week, I wrote about a situation where the Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis… The post That Was Fast: The Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis Had Its Sign Taken Down appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
2PAXfly
TURKISH AIRLINES: To reverse decision on Premium Economy?
Turkish Airlines could be seriously exploring the return of premium economy to its aircraft cabins. That would fit with the carrier plans to operate some of the longest flights in its history, including nonstop services between Istanbul and Sydney. That’s a development worth the attention of Australian travellers. Premium Economy...
ATX Jetsetter
Review: Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi Ordinary Car (Tokyo-Kyoto)
The Tokaido Shinkansen is a quick and mostly enjoyable way to get between Tokyo and Kyoto but the lack of some services seems odd. The post Review: Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi Ordinary Car (Tokyo-Kyoto) appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
PointsMath
Buy United Miles with a Flat 80% Bonus [2.09¢/Mile]
United MileagePlus miles are valuable for redemptions on United Airlines and Star Alliance Airlines. You can easily earn United Miles; however, if you are short of miles, United is running a bonus promotion that lets you buy miles with a flat 80% bonus. Here are all the details about buying...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Failed Attempt to Go From Georgia to Georgia Via Amsterdam.
We just completed a failed attempt to go from Georgia to Georgia via Amsterdam; and instead went from Georgia to Georgia via Amsterdam. Please allow me to explain what I mean. Your intrepid reporter and the entire team at The Gate With Brian Cohen went to Amsterdam to see and experience for...
Frequent Miler
Greg’s elite plans for 2026
It’s my turn! Nick previously covered his 2026 elite plans here, and Stephen covered his plans here. Interestingly, each predicted that they would not requalify for Hyatt Globalist status this year. My approach is different. Hyatt Globalist status is the only status I’m willing to work for this year. Sure,...
The Bulkhead Seat
Avelo Airlines Drops Nine Cities and Cuts Around 25 Routes After Base Closures
Yesterday, I wrote about Avelo Airlines restructuring and closing multiple bases (as well as… The post Avelo Airlines Drops Nine Cities and Cuts Around 25 Routes After Base Closures appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live from a Lounge
Book Your Luxury Travel through LiveFromALounge.com (Hotels, Cruises, Limos et al)
Time to launch something new at LiveFromALounge.com. We are now powering hotel bookings as well. Here is how to get in touch. The post Book Your Luxury Travel through LiveFromALounge.com (Hotels, Cruises, Limos et al) appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
Live from a Lounge
Book Your Luxury Travel through LiveFromALounge.com (Hotels, Cruises, Limos et al)
Time to launch something new at LiveFromALounge.com. We are now powering hotel bookings as well. Here is how to get in touch. The post Book Your Luxury Travel through LiveFromALounge.com (Hotels, Cruises, Limos et al) appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
Points With a Crew
Should you sign up for the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
Chase and Capital One both offer great mid-tier credit cards for travel points and miles. Which card is better?
Points With a Crew
Should you sign up for the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
Chase and Capital One both offer great mid-tier credit cards for travel points and miles. Which card is better?
Frequent Miler
Radisson Rewards launches shopping portal with up to 30% bonus earnings (but largely ignorable)
Radisson Rewards – remember them? – has launched a new shopping portal. To celebrate the launch, you can earn up to 30% bonus points on your first three purchases through the portal. It’s highly unlikely that’s going to be worthwhile though due to the large devaluation of their points in...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: New Year, means time to plan for the next Qantas Double Status Credits & Points promotion
Each year since at least 2018, Qantas has offered a Double Status and Points promotion in February or March. Sure, it has offered similar promotions on other dates, but February/March are the most consistent and reliable. To that end, with the second week of the new year coming to a...
Frequent Miler
Leaked Bilt Card Details…Maybe | Coffee Break Ep86 | 1-7-26
We’ve known that Bilt intends to introduce new credit cards soon, with details expected for release on January 14th, but someone found some code on a website that’s got the community stirring, speculating about what it could mean. (Read more about leaked Bilt card details here). Leaked Bilt Card Details…Maybe...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hyatt Debuts Unscripted Brand Globally With Wink Hotels Addition in Vietnam
Hyatt has significantly expanded its footprint in Vietnam with the addition of six Wink… The post Hyatt Debuts Unscripted Brand Globally With Wink Hotels Addition in Vietnam appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Travel With Grant
By the Numbers: How Much I Earned from Bank Account Bonuses in 2025
Discover how I earned $3,475 from bank account bonuses in 2025, along with $2,304 in interest. Learn about the nine accounts I opened, the strategies I used, and how you can potentially maximize your own earnings. The post By the Numbers: How Much I Earned from Bank Account Bonuses in 2025...
Your Mileage May Vary
Week One: $550 Back From AMEX Platinum Credits (And Why I Did It Early)
Every January, I tell myself I’m going to be “better” about using my AMEX Platinum credits. And every December, I’m still somehow surprised by how fast the year disappears. So…
Frequent Miler
Earn 500 Hyatt bonus points per night at select properties
Hyatt offers an extra 500 bonus points per night at select new hotels around the world. They update this list periodically with new properties and the latest batch is now available when booking stays for the next few months. It’s always great to earn some extra points, but this one...
Frequent Miler
Chase Q1 cobranded business card spending offers with direct registration links
For the last few years, Chase has targeted cobranded cardholders with offers to earn 5%, 5x, or 7x (depending on the card) in a range of categories. Those offers were always on personal cobranded cards, with spending offers on business cobranded cards being few and far between. It’s therefore a...
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.