Bald Thoughts

Hyatt told members they could still book free nights before the new award prices kicked in. Then, as members rushed to use points before the deadline, Hyatt’s website and app started failing — turning a devaluation into a rug pull.

Philippine Airlines has long had some of the best award availability across the Pacific, but U.S. travelers had few practical ways to book it. Now Qatar Airways Privilege Club can book Philippine Airlines awards online, opening a new path from U.S. transfer points to Manila and beyond — with reasonable...

The Business Platinum Card from American Express (review) has an $895 annual fee (Rates & Fees), so one question I’m frequently asked is whether it’s actually worth that much money. After all, most people don’t want to part with that much cash unless the math adds up.

The cockpit weather radar on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300, which suffered severe turbulence during a flight from London Heathrow to Singapore Changi in May 2024, resulting in the death of one passenger, probably wasn’t working, accident investigators have concluded. In its final report into the deadly incident, Singapore’s Transport...

UPDATE: It’s your last chance to book under old rates. New pricing goes into effect tomorrow morning, 20 May, at 9am CT. My original story from February 25, 2026 is below.  Today Hyatt announced a significant update to its World of Hyatt loyalty program that will affect how members redeem...

These 3 airports in the United States successfully changed their names over the past couple of years — even though the odds were against that happening at times due to some impediments and opposition. The three airports that successfully changed their names are...

Leading Hotels of the World is running another points sale, this time giving a bonus of up to 100%. That drops the price to as low as 6 cents per point which might sound expensive, but you can get better value than that when redeeming the points. The Deal Leading...

Airport technology can be frustrating. But most travelers don’t respond by kicking apart passport control equipment and getting themselves banned from an entire country. A Chinese tourist has reportedly been…

Almost two years ago to the day, Bilt added Alaska Airlines as a transfer partner and with it came a unique (at the time) feature. In exchange for paying a 3% fee, you could pay your rent through Bilt and earn 3X on your Alaska card. That became even more...

Passengers reportedly got off a flight in Philadelphia still fighting, and the argument did not end at the jet bridge. New video near gate E8 shows the brawl spilling into the terminal, with one woman on the ground, another lunging over her, and bystanders rushing in after the fight dragged...

Buying points can be a great way to boost your balance, but only if makes sense financially! Does the new Marriott promotion fit that criteria?

World of Hyatt is offering a 20% bonus when buying their points through July 27, 2026. That means you can buy Hyatt points for 2.17 cents each. The Deal Get a 20% bonus when buying 7,000+ World of Hyatt points (i.e. 2.17 cents per point) Direct link to offer Key...

Southwest used to give everyone free bags and open seating. Now those perks increasingly belong to elites — and Southwest is letting rival airline elites match into top status, then potentially do it again year after year.