Points Game: Tortoise Strategy Triumphs [Weekly Top Posts]

by BoardingArea | May 15, 2024 | 0 Comments

1. Error in FAA Reauthorization Bill Could Let Airlines Put Travel Agents Out of Business

The FAA Reauthorization bill requires travel agents to provide refunds where they are the vendor of record charging the customer – even when they’ve paid the airline and the airline hasn’t given the money back to them (if they ever get the money back).

a man sitting at a desk using a computer

2. Let’s Go Again – My Favorite Credit Card Anniversary Bonuses

A simple perk to receive while doing nothing, credit card anniversary bonuses can bring value. These are the ones I enjoy most.

a close up of a credit card

3. Bubbling Bliss: A Review of World Of Coca Cola in Atlanta, GA Plus 5 Tips

When I was a kid, I remember being so excited to visit the World of Coca-Cola Museum. So, when I had the opportunity to go to Atlanta in October 2023, I knew I had to make a stop there.

a sign on a wall

4. Delta Adds Premium Heavy CRJ-550 to Fleet

SkyWest will begin operating CRJ-550s on behalf of Delta Connection as the airline adds much needed 50 seat regional capacity.

a plane on the runway

5. Citi Strata Premier Card Now Live

Just this week, Citi introduced the Citi Strata Premier Card, a revamped version of the Citi Premier card featuring some fresh benefits.

a red brick wall with white letters

6. Delta SkyMiles Awarding MQDs for Hotels & Rental Cars

For a limited time, Delta SkyMiles is counting hotels and rental cars toward elite status. Here’s how this interesting promotion works.

a seat with a bag and a seat belt

7. American and Alaska Flight Attendants Live in Poverty and Experience Homelessness

It’s no secret that flights are still jam packed and that airlines have been largely profitable. But not every airline is sharing the wealth like Delta did with the $1.4 billion in bonuses it paid in February. New hires at American Airlines are being issued “poverty verification letters” so that they may apply for government benefits and 9% of Alaska Airlines flight attendants have experienced homelessness in the past year. This is so unacceptable.

a woman holding a black purse

8. My Credit Card Cancellation Spree

I decided to embark on a credit card cancellation spree – a bit disillusioned by all the annual fee increases and lack of tangible benefits.

an axe stuck in a tree stump

9. Flight Attendants Charged in $8 Million Drug Money Scheme

Four flight attendants have been charged with their involvement in an $8 million drug money smuggling scheme to the Dominican Republic.

a group of airplanes at an airport

10. I’d Rather Be the Tortoise than the Hare: Slow and Steady Wins the Points Game

Discover the benefits of taking a slow and steady approach to collecting points and miles. Learn how to build your stash over time and travel like a pro.

a turtle on a paper money

11. Delta Air Lines Corporate Calls Me Within Hours After Complaint and Provides a 30,000 SkyMiles Gift

In a remarkable display of customer service, Delta Corporate swiftly responded to a complaint, contacting the customer within hours and generously offering a 30,000 SkyMiles gift as a gesture of goodwill. This proactive approach underscores Delta’s commitment to addressing customer concerns promptly and satisfactorily.

a screen on the back of a seat

12. Stolen Valor? United Passenger Reported for Faking Military Service to Get Free Snack

During a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Newark, a passenger observed a woman in coach allegedly exploiting purportedly false military credentials to receive complimentary food.

a man in uniform looking at a woman in an airplane
Weekly Top Posts
Also on BoardingArea
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 10 May, 2026
Greetings from Sydney. As you will find out below, I have been battling an awful case of jet lag. It has filled me with brain fog, sleep deprivation, irritability, and a general lack of thought capability. I’ve written a post about what I should have done to combat it. What...
View from the Wing
JetBlue Passengers Denied Hotel Rooms After Birdstrike Strands Them In St. Lucia
JetBlue flight 882 from St. Lucia to New York JFK couldn't operate on Friday due to a birdstrike. The airlnie delayed the flight until 11 a.m. on Saturday, but it telling passengers stuck overnight in the Caribbean that the airline will not provide hotel rooms.
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: May 09, 2026
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’m grateful to be at home spending time with my family, as I need a few weeks at home to catch up on trip reports. I’m also happy that just about all of my upcoming travel is family travel, so...
Points With a Crew
What’s The Worst Country You’ve Ever Been To?
If you're someone who has been to a lot of countries around the world, what's the worst country you've ever been to?
Your Mileage May Vary
Confused by United Airlines Seats? Here’s What Each Class Actually Gets You
Airlines are constantly trying to differentiate themselves from the competition. One way they try to stand out is by “branding” each service category with a name specific to the airline.…
Miles To Memories
Alila Ventana Big Sur Walks A Globalist, But Ends Up Making It Right
I share the story of my buddy being walked after his Alila Ventana Big Sur Canceled Reservation mere weeks before his stay & the resolution.
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (9th May)
It’s that time of week again, when I’ve paid for the week in sleep, as well as the point where I need to round up our headlines. Time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Looking a little sus there, Blinky – Bandi Crossstore, Birmingham  TRIP REPORT: Still for the...
Frequent Miler
Don’t get scammed over Spirit, EU discourages flight cancelations, Citi’s big boost, and more around the web
Some quick hits from around the web that may be of interest to readers include a scam over Spirit Airlines, some interesting tidbits (both good and bad) from Citi’s latest Investor Day, the EU’s intention to enforce EU261 on airlines that cancel due to rising fuel costs, and more. Citi’s...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Ponderosa Point at Bryce Canyon National Park
Working slowly back towards the main entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park on that frosty cold December morning after Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, and Black Birch Canyon, the next stop was Ponderosa Point. Access to Ponderosa Point — whose lookout is at an elevation of...
Live and Let’s Fly
CDC Preparing Quarantine Flight For Americans Trapped On Deadly Hantavirus Cruise Ship
The latest aviation mission involving the U.S. government is not a military evacuation or prisoner swap. It is a CDC-coordinated quarantine flight involving Americans trapped aboard a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship drifting off the Canary Islands. CDC Plans U.S. Evacuation Flight For Americans Trapped On Hantavirus Cruise Ship The United States...
View from the Wing
Flight Attendants Union Demands Airlines Screen Passengers For Hantavirus — And Bring Back Masks [Roundup]
A flight attendants union wants airlines to screen passengers for hantavirus symptoms, provide masks, and keep some travelers from boarding. Plus: Amsterdam bans airline ads while Europe’s air traffic system burns extra fuel, Southwest points keep losing value, and Capital One faces rewards litigation.
Miles To Memories
(Last Chance) New Limited-Time Wellness Offer for Chase Sapphire Reserve Cardmembers
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers can receive $359 cash back for a WHOOP Life annual membership.
Your Mileage May Vary
Running Late For Your Flight? Here’s How To Skip Ahead Without Being “That Person”
Most travelers know the rule: arrive early for your flight. But every once in a while, life happens—and suddenly you’re racing through the airport hoping TSA doesn’t become the reason…
One Mile at a Time
Introduction: A Two-Part Birthday Trip To The Golden Triangle
Welcome to my next trip report series, covering a trip that I just wrapped up. Usually when I travel, I write ”live” updates, and then I publish a trip report two to three months later (just to space things out, and look at an experience from a couples of angles).
Miles To Memories
A New Reason I’m Loving the Air France/KLM Flying Blue Program
Air France/KLM has come out with their own version of AA's Loyalty Points called Flying Blue Choice Benefits. Sign me up!
Frequent Miler
How to transfer your Marriott points to another person (for free)
Marriott lets you transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another person for free, and that person can receive up to 500,000 points, assuming multiple people are transferring points to them. We’ll show you how this works. (00:26) – Once you’re logged in on the Marriott Bonvoy homepage,...
Points With a Crew
17 Tech and Travel Deals at Amazon For Mother’s Day 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 ...
Live and Let’s Fly
My Dismal 737 MAX 9 First Class Flight On United Airlines…
After a string of excellent flights on United Airlines, I experienced a pretty dismal one flying from Chicago to Los Angeles on a 737 MAX 9 in first class…it really left me shaking my head. I Finally Had A Bad Flight On United Airlines… I bend over backwards to be...
One Mile at a Time
Huge Amex Platinum Card Welcome Offer, As High As 175K Bonus Points
Link: Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card
Point Me to the Plane
What Travel Rules Do You Use That Make Your Travels Easier?
See what you think of these 5 travel rules. Which ones am I missing that would make traveling even better?
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Flight Attendant Union Wants Airlines to Start Screening Passengers For Hantavirus Symptoms
The largest flight attendant union in the United States wants airlines to start screening passengers for Hantavirus symptoms, with new pre-flight emails and gate announcements informing passengers to self-report contact with rodents or symptomatic people within the past 45 days. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), which represents crew members...
Economondo
My Turkmenistan Airlines Adventure: Ashgabat to Delhi on a Boeing 737-800
Come with me as I fly from Turkmenistan to India onboard a Turkmenistan Airlines Boeing 737-800
Your Mileage May Vary
This Overlooked Marriott Bonvoy Perk Doesn’t Require Booking Direct
The Marriott Bonvoy program’s Terms and Conditions webpage scrolls on seemingly forever. When your program encompasses dozens of different brands worldwide, there are endless exceptions and carve-outs that need to…
View from the Wing
82-Year-Old Says Seatmate Beat Him On American Airlines — While Flight Attendant Watched From Arm’s Reach
An 82-year-old American Airlines passenger says his seatmate beat him “without warning” mid-flight while a flight attendant stood within arm’s reach and watched. Now he is suing the airline — but the harder question is whether American can be blamed for failing to predict another passenger’s sudden violence.

Categories

Our Bloggers