a room with chairs and a table
BoardingArea
Review: The Club at Buffalo Niagara Int’l Airport (BUF), Terminal 2, E Gates
The Club, a Priority Pass Lounge and the only lounge at Buffalo’s airport has a decent breakfast buffet and nice views of the tarmac. However, several exposed ventilation pipes severely mar the space. The summary The lounge is easily found: it is right after travelers clear security and near gate 6 in...
a room with a computer desk and chairs
BoardingArea
Review: United Club at Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport (ORD), Terminal 2, E Gates
New lounge in former Sky Club location provides United flyers with an overflow location at O'Hare's Terminal 2. The summary Taking over the space that housed the former Sky Club, which moved when Delta departed to Terminal 5, the United Club at the E gates in Terminal 2 provides additional lounge space...
a dog lying on a bed in a room with a campfire
BoardingArea
Dog-Friendly Digs 2025: Points and Perks for Pup-Perfect Travel
I've always felt there's no better feeling than sharing the joy of travel with a beloved dog. In 2025, that experience is more accessible than ever, thanks to updated airline regulations, refined pet policies, and a growing number of hotels eager to accommodate both you and your furry buddy. Harnessing...
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 close up of a person's face
BoardingArea
Miles & Points Playbook for the 2025 Little League World Series
The 2025 Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has always held a special place in my heart. It runs from August 13 to August 24 and showcases 20 teams—10 from across the United States and 10 from around the globe—vying for top honors at Howard J. Lamade Stadium...
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...
an elephant walking on a dirt road with a car driving
BoardingArea
World Elephant Day 2025: Ethical Safaris With Points
World Elephant Day 2025 offers a prime opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in authentic and ethical safaris, all while making strategic use of points to offset travel costs. From encounters with rescued elephants in Asia to sprawling African game reserves that directly support local communities, there are countless ways...
a boy holding a camera
BoardingArea
International Youth Day 2025: Big Savings for Young Globe-Trotters
I'm always thrilled to see how International Youth Day 2025 opens up new possibilities for curious travelers. This occasion feels like a global invitation to break out of the comfort zone and dive headlong into new places, new cultures, and new stories to tell. From the major gatherings at the...
a shooting stars in the sky
BoardingArea
Dark-Sky Flights For The 2025 Perseids: Alaska & The Canary Islands
BoardingArea is my go-to resource for the latest travel insights, and I've been eagerly anticipating the 2025 Perseid meteor shower for months. The Perseids, caused by debris from comet Swift-Tuttle, create brilliant streaks of light when they interact with Earth's atmosphere. It's always an exhilarating sight to see these meteors...
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...
a person wearing headphones looking out of a window
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 group of women wearing traditional japanese clothing walking down a street
BoardingArea
Nisei Week 2025: Culture and Points in Downtown LA
I've always been deeply curious about cultural festivals, and Nisei Week 2025 in Los Angeles' historic Little Tokyo is no exception. Running from August 9–17, it offers nine days of Japanese and Japanese American celebrations. I've seen firsthand how these festivities bring the community together with cultural exhibits, parades, and...