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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Hawaii Calling
Alaska and Hawaiian Join the Bag Fee Increases — What Travelers Need to Know
Airline fees have been creeping up across the industry, but recently things have started to accelerate—and not in a good way for travelers. Alaska Airlines has announced a checked baggage fee increase that now also applies to Hawaiian Airlines, following their purchase. This move brings both airlines more in line...
Frequent Miler
Free Checked Bags via Credit Card Complete Guide
Many airline credit cards offer free checked bags to cardholders. However, the details vary a lot by airline. Are international flights included? How about the bags of companions on the same reservation? Do you have to pay for the flight with the airline credit card? Find answers about free checked...
Frequent Miler
Bagpocolypse: American, Alaska, United, Delta, and Southwest all raise checked bag fees
Earlier this week, JetBlue announced it would raise the fees it charges for checked bags “due to the rising cost of fuel.” We anticipated that all major US carriers would eventually follow in short order, similar to what happened in 2020, the last time bag fees went up across the...
The Bulkhead Seat
I’m In: Delta Launches Limited-Time Award Sale to Malta for Summer Travel
Delta Air Lines is giving travelers a new reason to plan a Mediterranean getaway…
Points With a Crew
Get An Easy $50 From Rakuten (Deal Extended!)
If you don't have a Rakuten account, sign up and get an easy $50 by signing up and spending at least $50 (including on gift cards to many retailers!) in the first 90 days.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
This Country Still Requires Shoes to Be Removed at Airport Security Checkpoints
This country still requires shoes to be removed at security checkpoints at its airports — which caught me by surprise, as I was unaware that this was policy and procedure. The country is...
Your Mileage May Vary
A Seagull Stole Our Snack in Japan—Turns Out There’s a Weird Way to Stop That
A travel mishap, some unexpected science, and a trick that might actually keep birds away from your food. If you’ve ever eaten outdoors while traveling, you might already know where…
woman shares air bnb creepy encounter (l) Air bnb app (r)
BoardingArea
‘We Lasted 20 Minutes’: Woman Books Cheap Airbnb In St. Louis. Then She Finds A Room So ‘Creepy’ She Flees To A Hotel
"POV: You book the cheap Airbnb."
Frequent Miler
TopCashback: Earn $25 bonus when you join & earn $10
If you’ve never signed up for TopCashback (TCB), now is a great time to do it, as the shopping portal is offering an increased bonus for Frequent Miler readers: $25 in bonus cashback when you join and earn $10 cashback within the first 180 days. That’s not the highest signup...
Miles To Memories
Amex Resets Referrals & Card Limits, Delta Credits May Be Dead & An Easy $300?
Huge changes at Amex, the death of a credit, limits reset & a couple of easy money offers worth grabbing.
View from the Wing
Turkish Airlines Suddenly Ousts Its Chairman And CEO — Succession Looks Politically Orchestrated
Turkish Airlines has abruptly replaced both its chairman and CEO despite strong financial results and no public scandal, framing the exits as retirements while offering little real explanation. The succession appears to have been arranged at a high political level, but the choice of an insider commercial CEO and finance-focused...
2PAXfly
NEW ZEALAND: Top of the South Island, what we did and ate in Picton, Havelock and Blenheim
We had three nights/four days at the Picton Waterfront Apartments, and were mainly interested in rest and relaxation. We also did a little sightseeing, and winery wining and dining. This post is a short summary of some of those activities. Hope it gives you an idea of what you can...
Frequent Miler
Flying Blue status match for US residents
Air France / KLM Flying Blue is out with a status match opportunity for US residents. While we’ve seen Flying Blue offer a status match for customers in other countries, One Mile at a Time reports that this is now available again for residents of the US and Canada. Unfortunately,...
Hawaii Calling
Luxury Oahu 7 Day Itinerary (2026)
I’ve lived on Oahu most of my life, and if you’re looking to experience the island at a higher level, this is exactly how I would plan a luxury 7-day trip. Oahu can be as laid-back or as indulgent as you want it to be, but when you combine five-star...
Points With a Crew
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach Hotel Review (connecting rooms)
I recently returned from a trip to Honolulu - here is my Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach hotel review, including info on wifi, food, rooms, amenities, cost and more
Your Mileage May Vary
The Truth About AMEX’s “Cancel For Any Reason” Flight Coverage
American Express has a way to cancel a flight for any reason and still get some of your money back—but it’s more like “Cancel For Any Reason (lite)” than full-blown…
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
GHA DISCOVERY: 2x D$ eligible stays at all hotels across Europe and North America (April 9 Bonus Offer Highlight)
Today’s bonus offer highlight is an excellent offer from GHA DISCOVERY that offers 2x D$ on stays at all their hotels in North America and Europe. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The Bonus Offer Highlight: GHA DISCOVERY Earn 2x D$ on eligible stays at all GHA...
Miles To Memories
Is Chase Pay Yourself Back Now More Important Than Ever?
I kick around the question, is Chase pay yourself back worth it? And why it may be worth it more now than ever. Let me know your thoughts.
woman shares cruise experience (l) royal caribbean cruise (r)
BoardingArea
Woman Takes Royal Caribbean Cruise. On The Second Day, She’s The Victim Of A Crime: ‘I Would Lose My Mind’
"I have a story for you."
Frequent Miler
(Ends Monday) Venture Rewards 75K welcome offer now also includes $250 Capital One Travel credit
Update 4/9/26: This increased welcome offer for the Venture Rewards card will end next Monday, on April 13, 2026. This is currently the best offer available for any Capital One personal card and ranks #4 overall on our Best Offers page for consumer card first-year value. If you’re interested in...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Exclusive: Interactive List of Hilton Resort Credit Eligible Properties
Whenever I look at the official list of resort properties which are eligible to be booked with the resort credit of $200.00 for people who have the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card, what bothers me is no locations are included in the list — so I created an exclusive...
Frequent Miler
Get up to 10% back at Kroger brands with new Chase Offer
One of my favorite Chase Offers is back, offering either 5% or 10% back at Kroger’s various brands. My Chase cards have the 10% version of the offer, while my wife’s have 5%. In both cases, the cashback is limited to $90 in spend, but we each have it on...
The Bulkhead Seat
Natasha Lyonne Removed From Delta Flight After Failing to Follow Crew Instructions
An incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)…
One Mile at a Time
American Airlines Venezuela Flights Resume, After Seven-Year Hiatus
Several weeks ago, American Airlines vaguely announced plans to resume flights to Venezuela, though stopped short of providing details about which route would be introduced, and when. There’s now an update, as the airline has just formally announced when it plans to launch flights, though there’s still a lot of...
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.
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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.
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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.