a person in a boat in the rain
BoardingArea
Storm-Proof Your 2025 Getaways: Flexible Bookings & Insurance Tactics
Look out for an active season ahead: NOAA predicts 13–19 tropical storms for the 2025 hurricane season, with 6–10 developing into hurricanes and 3–5 possibly becoming major hurricanes. While most storms occur between June 1 and November 30, the peak is likely mid-August to mid-October, so staying informed and preparing...
a group of people walking on a track with a train in the background
BoardingArea
Smart Gulf Routes for Pakistan’s Independence Day 2025
A Milestone Homecoming for the Pakistani Diaspora In August 2025, overseas Pakistanis are preparing to travel back home in record numbers for Independence Day festivities. Over 1,078 diaspora members from 60 different countries recently joined local stakeholders for the latest Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad. I've observed how these large gatherings...
a man sitting on a table with teapots and cups
BoardingArea
5 Ways to Beat Obon 2025 Blackouts with Rural Ryokan Awards
Summer in Japan always feels electric during Obon, observed in mid-August to honor ancestors. In 2025, the holiday lands on August 13–15, which means intense crowds and high demand for flights and hotels in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. I've seen travelers scramble for tickets and accommodations, only to discover...
a group of people standing on a train
BoardingArea
Securing Domestic Travel Awards and JR Pass Seats: Obon 2025
Obon is one of the most fascinating midsummer traditions you can experience in Japan. When August rolls around, I've noticed just how much the atmosphere shifts—families gather, businesses operate on shortened schedules, and towns light up with bright lanterns and colorful dances. At its core, Obon is all about honoring...
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Live and Let’s Fly
For All The Saints, Who From Their Labors Rest
It’s Labor Day in the USA today and I’ve already re-published my annual “ode to work” post that runs each year on Labor Day, but today is a special Labor Day that has me humming that Christian hymn, “For All The Saints, Who From Their Labors Rest.” Labor Day 2025 Reflection It...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter – Infinity Cooling Blanket
I often see interesting travel related products that I think you guys might be interested in.  We’ve talked recently we talked about Gravel Toiletry Bags and blankets, the Evolutionary travel backpack, the RetraStrap luggage strap and the Uphold travel cutlery set, among others. Travel related Kickstarters: A-Nap Travel Pillow ($108,475 funded; back...
Miles To Memories
More Amex Platinum Leaks, Hyatt’s War On Fraud, Easiest Status Match & Hilton’s Waffle Boss?
MTM Travel – Amex Platinum Leaks This week even more leaks emerged for the pending refresh of the Amex Platinum cards coming later in September. Previously we learned that they may be adding big hotel credits, but now we know even more. What merchants could be added, how will these credits...
Frequent Miler
Alaska Atmos Business card 85K offer
When the new Alaska Atmos Ascent and Atmos Business credit cards launched, the initial welcome offers we saw were to earn 80,000 Atmos Rewards points after meeting minimum spending requirements on each of them. We have since updated that initial post to indicate that there is an 85K offer available...
View from the Wing
Alaska–Singapore Airlines Partnership Ends October 1—Last Chance To Redeem Miles
The Alaska Airlines – Singapore Airlines partnership is ending. The relationship dates to 2017 and Singapore and Virgin America had been partners before that. The full partnership ends October 1, 2025. September 30 is the last day to redeem miles from one program for travel on the other airline....
Plane ‘n Simple
Etihad’s Biggest GuestSeat Sale Ever: 50% Off Miles Redemptions to New Destinations (Act Fast!)
Update: This flash sale runs until tomorrow, September 2nd, 2025 don’t sleep on this one! If you’ve been sitting on a pile of Etihad Guest miles or have been eyeing those transfer bonuses from Amex, Capital One, or Citi, now might be the perfect time to pull the trigger. Etihad just...
Miles To Memories
Save 35% on inKind Gift Cards at Costco
Save 35% on inKind Gift Cards inKind is one of my favorite apps for savings at restaurants. New York City has plenty of options, as do many other major cities. But the selection may not be as great elsewhere. inKind lets you purchase discounted dining credits, which you can then use to...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Sunwapta Falls in Canada is Worth a Quick Visit.
I first arrived at Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park, thinking that it was on my way to Athabasca Glacier in the Rocky Mountains of Canada — and that I can sneak in a quick stop… Sunwapta Falls in Canada is Worth a Quick Visit. …but the area was under construction at the...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Lufthansa Boasts About Taking Delivery Of New Boeing 787 With Business Class Seats It Can’t Use
Lufthansa has just taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features its next-generation cabins dubbed the ‘Allegris’ concept. There’s just one problem… Most of the seats in the Business Class cabin will remain empty for the foreseeable future. That rather embarrassing fact has not, however, stopped the German...
One Mile at a Time
Alaska Airlines & Singapore Airlines Partnership Massively Scaled Back
Alaska Airlines has long punched about its weight when it comes to its loyalty program. I’d argue that a large part of this comes down to the carrier’s huge array of airline partners, even beyond its participation in the oneworld alliance (which only started in 2021).Unfortunately there’s some bad news...
Frequent Miler
Current point transfer bonuses for September 2025
The best points rewards programs, in our opinion, are those that allow points to be transferred to many different airline and hotel loyalty programs. In this way, it’s often possible to get outsized value from your points. For example, suppose you want to fly lie-flat business class to Europe. Prices...
Eye of the Flyer
WOW: 15X Points or 15% Cash Back on Dell
Shopping portal Rakuten is offering 15X earnings today on eligible purchases made with Dell. That’s especially good news for people with one of our favorite business rewards cards. 15X Membership Rewards® or 15% Cashback When you start your shopping session through Rakuten, you can earn 15% cashback for certain eligible Dell Technologies...
View from the Wing
Only A Single Route Profitable: Air Tahiti Nui In Crisis As Seattle & Tokyo Flights Face Axe
I linked earlier to One Mile at a Time‘s discussion of the problems faced by Air Tahiti Nui. Basically, they’re a state-backed airline based on a remote island. There’s a limited number of hotels, mostly premium, and only so many people who are going to fly there. They need...
Miles To Memories
New Hilton Timeshare Offer with 50K Points Bonus and $200 Gift Card
Hilton Timeshare Offer Hilton Grand Vacations has a new timeshare offer. You can get a 3-night stay, plus 50,000 Hilton Honors points and a $200 gift card, starting from $229. And, as usual, there’s a requirement to attend a timeshare presentation. But this is a good deal if you’re planning to visit...
Wingtips
Manchester Rolls Out the Red Carpet with Marhaba Meet-and-Greet
Manchester Airport has bagged itself a new trick. Airport hospitality brand Marhaba has officially landed in the UK, kicking off at MAN with a full-on meet-and-greet service. Think fast-track immigration and security, lounge access, a porter for your bags, and a friendly face to guide you through the airport maze. Essentially,...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cincinnati Airport
I had planned to spend the night at the Hyatt Place Cincinnati/Blue Ash (review here), but I did not trust the fire alarm (since it had already gone off multiple times and I needed a good night’s sleep). The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cincinnati Airport became my alternate and I’m...
Wingtips
WingTips Wallet Watch: Best UK Credit Card Offers – September 2025 Edition
Welcome to September’s Points Parade New month, new bonuses, new reasons to let your wallet earn its keep. Seeptember’s best UK credit card offers are in, and some of them are seriously upgraded. Whether you’re hunting Avios, hotel points, cashback, or just the smug joy of lounge access, we’ve got...
No Work All Travel
A Brief History of KLM asia (and Taiwan)
KLM asia Aircraft, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport AMS In 1995, KLM set up KLM asia specifically to fly to Taiwan. This was because the Chinese government wouldn’t allow national carriers to fly to both Taiwanese and Chinese destinations. Basically, to capitalize on growing business and tourism demand from both Taiwan and China,...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Receive a 60% bonus when you buy Miles & More miles
Miles & More is once again offering a excellent bonus for buying miles with their packaged Bundle&Go offers for this month. If I recall correctly this the best bonus yet for buying Miles & More miles! These Bundle&Go packages are their innovative way at selling miles to members without directly selling...
One Mile at a Time
American Airlines Baselessly Forces Busty Woman To Cover Up
An American Airlines passenger is expressing frustration online, after reportedly being forced to cover up due to her outfit. Is she right to be annoyed, or did she cross the line? Thanks to View from the Wing for flagging this — usually I steer clear of this kind of stuff,...
Miles To Memories
SoFi Checking & Savings, Earn $675 New Account Bonus
SoFi Checking & Savings Bonus SoFi is now offering up to 3.80% APY for its SoFi Checking & Savings account for all members who have direct deposit. Additionally you can earn a bonus of up to $675 when you open a new account. A bonus of $300 comes from SoFi and...
Live and Let’s Fly
Review: American Airlines 737-800 First Class Los Angeles – Pittsburgh
My American Airlines 737-800 flight in first class from Los Angeles to Pittsbrugh got me to PIT safely and on time, but left so much to be desired. American Airlines 737-800 First Class Review (LAX-PIT) Here, I chose American Airlines for a business trip to Pittsburgh because it offered convenient nonstop service...
PointsMath
Flying Blue Promo Rewards [September’25]
Flying Blue Promo Rewards are launched on 1st working day of the month. Promo Rewards is a great way to use flying blue miles for KLM & Air France Flights. However, it is not available for SkyTeam Alliance or Partner flights. All KLM & Air France flights would be via...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
September 1 Bonus Offer Highlight: Marriott Bonvoy – Earn 20,000 bonus points at Autograph Collection resorts in Barbados
Today’s bonus offer highlight is another big bonus from Marriott who are offering 20,000 bonus points for stays at select all inclusive resorts in Barbados. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The Bonus Offer Highlight: Marriott Bonvoy Earn 20,000 bonus Bonvoy points for stays of 4 or more nights at...
a large airplane in a hangar
BoardingArea
Mastering the 24-Hour Award-Swap: 2025 Tactics for Frequent Flyers
In 2025, award-travel enthusiasts will need to act faster than ever before. American Airlines is shortening its free hold period on AAdvantage award tickets to just 24 hours—down from five days—starting April 30. This shift is intended to align with other carriers' policies and reduce speculative bookings, but it also...
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BoardingArea
Back-to-School Airfare Dip 2025: Tracking August Shoulder Fares
The back-to-school period in August 2025 is set to be a hidden gem for budget-savvy flyers, thanks in part to seasonal demand shifts and cutting-edge price-prediction tools. Airlines have been trimming their late-summer capacity as schools start earlier, shifting peak season to June and July—and leaving attractive discounts in the...
a train on the tracks
BoardingArea
Score Elite Perks with a BOS-PVD Mileage Run on Victory Day 2025
I've always been fascinated by how a single short-haul flight can tip the scales on earning elite status. Victory Day 2025 seems to present just such an opportunity for grabbing those last few qualifying credits, especially when you know where to look. Over the years, I've followed countless stories of...
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
I've been eagerly following discussions about Virtuoso Travel Week 2025—it promises an incredible opportunity for anyone passionate about high-end adventures. From August 9–15, thousands of luxury travel professionals from more than 100 countries will meet at iconic Las Vegas properties like Bellagio, Aria, Vdara, and The Cosmopolitan. I've noticed how...
a man riding a camel
BoardingArea
Flying with Pets in 2025: Revised Rules for Frequent Flyers
I've been fascinated by how quickly pet travel has evolved in 2025. Over two million pets reportedly fly each year in the United States, and, from what I've seen, airlines are working diligently to accommodate that growing demand. Modern regulations allow medium-sized dogs, plus smaller animals like ferrets and rabbits,...
an airplane flying over a beach
BoardingArea
Short-Haul Flight Deals: Beat 2025 Beach Traffic
It can be tough watching cars inch forward on I-95 while I'm already envisioning toes in the sand. I've found that short-haul flights in 2025 provide a clever detour around all that stress, letting me jet off to favorite beaches and rack up loyalty miles in one go. With so...
a seaplane on water with mountains in the background
BoardingArea
Seaplane Sightseeing 2025: Redeem Kenmore & Alaska Miles for PNW Water Landings
Scenic seaplane travel offers a whole new way to experience the Pacific Northwest. Kenmore Air, operating since 1946, provides breathtaking bird's-eye views of Seattle's beloved icons—from the Space Needle to Mount Rainier—and whisks travelers across urban lakes and into serene coves. I've read countless accounts of visitors who were in...
a plane on the runway
BoardingArea
Your End-of-Summer 2025 Refresher: Amex Airline-Fee Credits That Still Work
As summer 2025 draws to a close, I've been reflecting on how these months are the ideal time to revisit a crucial travel perk: American Express's annual airline-fee credit. Over the years, I've seen how premium Amex cards—like The Platinum Card and the Hilton Aspire—can provide up to $200–$250 in...