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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One Mile at a Time
Atmos Rewards Summit Card 25K & 100K Global Companion Award Basics
Link: Learn more about theAtmos Rewards Summit Visa InfiniteCredit Card
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8 taxiing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport
It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.  This week, we have a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-8 taxiing around Kuala Lumpur International Airport as it prepares to depart its home base on a mission in Asia. Malaysia Airlines currently has 14 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in its short...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Northern Lights in Sweden. Aurora Borealis.
The main part of the itinerary to most of the Nordic countries was to view the northern lights in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland, as we had never personally witnessed this phenomenon before the trip — but Aurora Borealis might not have appeared due to weather and other factors. The first...
View from the Wing
Two Coach Passengers Refused to Leave First Class on American Airlines in Miami — Police Removed Them in Cuffs
Two coach passengers reportedly sat down in first class on an American Airlines flight departing Miami and refused to move. Airport police were called, and the women were escorted out of the gate area in cuffs—caught on video. Continue reading Two Coach Passengers Refused to Leave First Class on American Airlines...
Your Mileage May Vary
Which Cruise Lines Still Allow Topless Sunbathing? Here’s the Rundown
I don’t know if you’re aware, but there is a Facebook Page maintained by John Heald, the Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Lines and a blogger…
Your Mileage May Vary
Which Cruise Lines Still Allow Topless Sunbathing? Here’s the Rundown
I don’t know if you’re aware, but there is a Facebook Page maintained by John Heald, the Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Lines and a blogger…
Miles To Memories
Chase Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred? Why My Upgrade Decision’s Easy
In order to unlock travel partner transfers, would you upgrade to the Chase Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred? My decision's quite simple. The post Chase Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred? Why My Upgrade Decision’s Easy appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Amex Platinum vs Sapphire Reserve vs Venture X vs Strata Elite: Which Premium Card Is Best For You?
Four premium cards dominate the space right now: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and Citi Strata Elite. Let's break down lounges, credits, earn rates, and transfer partners—then show which card (or pair) actually makes sense for how you travel and spend. Continue reading Amex Platinum vs Sapphire...
Live and Let’s Fly
I Tried Status Free Airline, Hotel Free Agency And Hated It
After years of frustration with loyalty programs I proudly freed myself of the elite status grind. I hated it and came crawling back to both airline and hotel status.  Why Chasing Status Had Run Its Course Every year the requirements get higher, the benefits are fewer – what’s the point...
One Mile at a Time
Gorgeous New Addis Ababa Airport To Open In 2030, Biggest In Africa
Over the past several years, we’ve heard about plans for a new international airport in Ethiopia, which is supposed to be a game changer not only for Ethiopian Airlines, but also for the region. There’s now an exciting update, as ground has been broken on the project, so the facility...
Points With a Crew
19 Tech and Travel Deals at Amazon This Weekend
Some decent Amazon weekend deals on travel and tech gear going on this weekend, including headphones, luggage, locks, packing cubes and supplies, travel books and ...
ATX Jetsetter
The Best Tools for Tracking Flights
When it comes to tracking commercial and private flights, there are a few tools which I find provide the most value. The post The Best Tools for Tracking Flights appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
How To Find Your American Airlines Flight Information After Booking An Avios Award Ticket
British Airways Avios can be a great way to book American Airlines flights — especially on shorter routes where the Avios cost can be reasonable, and the taxes are low.…
Your Mileage May Vary
How To Find Your American Airlines Flight Information After Booking An Avios Award Ticket
British Airways Avios can be a great way to book American Airlines flights — especially on shorter routes where the Avios cost can be reasonable, and the taxes are low.…
Miles To Memories
World of Hyatt Elite Status Offer for 2026 (Select Companies)
Hyatt has brought back a status challenge for World of Hyatt members who are employees of select companies. These are usually large companies such as Amazon, IBM, American Airlines and many others. The post World of Hyatt Elite Status Offer for 2026 (Select Companies) appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Miles To Memories
World of Hyatt Elite Status Offer for 2026 (Select Companies)
Hyatt has brought back a status challenge for World of Hyatt members who are employees of select companies. These are usually large companies such as Amazon, IBM, American Airlines and many others. The post World of Hyatt Elite Status Offer for 2026 (Select Companies) appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Southwest Assigned Seating Starts January 27—And It Ends Seat-Saving Games and Wheelchair Preboarding Abuse
Southwest’s open seating has always invited games—saving rows, blocking middle seats, and all sorts of “someone’s sitting here” theatrics to keep extra space. That all changes January 27 when assigned seating begins, which should end a lot of the passenger scheming (and even the wheelchair-preboarding miracles) while also stripping away...
Altitude Yes
Review: Japan Airlines Diamond Premier Lounge, Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Though the food options are minimal, it's still nice to have something apart from the main waiting area near the gates. The post Review: Japan Airlines Diamond Premier Lounge, Tokyo Haneda (HND) first appeared on Altitude Yes.
One Mile at a Time
Hotels Lying About Toiletry Brands: How Common Is It, And Does It Matter?
I have to say, I really find it disappointing that hotels play these kinds of games, especially over longer periods of time…
Live and Let’s Fly
Mocked For Hyatt–Rosewood Take, Now Marriott Circles
I was roasted for suggesting Rosewood should sell to Hyatt. Now leaked documents point to a Marriott-Rosewood tie-up. [Alleged] Marriott Legal Email Screenshot Leaks Rosewood Acquisition Plans Over the past few days a rumor has been making the rounds that Marriott International is positioning itself to buy Rosewood Hotel Group....
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Becomes Official Airline of Las Vegas Sphere and Opens Delta SKY360° Club Lounge
Delta Air Lines has been named the official airline of the Sphere in Las… The post Delta Becomes Official Airline of Las Vegas Sphere and Opens Delta SKY360° Club Lounge appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Rapid Travel Chai
Announcing Points Travel Festival Toronto 2026!
Points Travel Festival Toronto is April 18, 2026. Join Canada and global points travel experts for learning and partying. The post Announcing Points Travel Festival Toronto 2026! appeared first on Rapid Travel Chai.
View from the Wing
Marriott Hotels Already Ignored Requests—Now They Won’t Even Let You Type Them In
Marriott has quietly removed the freeform “special requests” text box from its website bookings, leaving only a handful of preset checkboxes. Hotels may have ignored many notes anyway, but eliminating the field doesn’t eliminate guest needs—it just pushes everything into last-minute phone calls and check-in friction, with no easy way...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Penguin on Barrientos Island Still Angry. Sunday Morning Photograph.
I did not realize that I had additional photographs which continued the saga of the angry penguin on Barrientos Island in the South Shetland Islands off the coast of Antarctica confronting a pair of south polar skuas. Where we last left off in this gripping tale, a gentoo penguin successfully scared...
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
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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.