The Shutterwhale
Lounge Review: Emirates Lounge – Auckland Airport (AKL)
A look inside the Emirates Lounge at Auckland Airport, which is currently serving Qantas Business Class passengers during the Qantas lounge renovation. While pleasant and functional, the experience was ultimately unremarkable, leaving me eager to see the all-new Qantas International Lounge when it debuts in 2026.
The Shutterwhale
American Express Cards Now Accepted on Singapore Public Transport – Get S$3 Back on Every S$6 Transit Spend!
American Express is now accepted for public transport fares on Singapore’s MRT and buses. From 3-31 July 2025, eligible cardholders can register for an Amex Offer to receive S$3 back on every S$6 spent on transit fares, up to five times per registered card.
The Shutterwhale
Amex Pay to Be Discontinued in Singapore from 31 July 2025
American Express will retire Amex Pay in Singapore from 31 July 2025. Existing users can still use their Cards on Amex Pay until 30 July 2025, but no further payments will be processed after that date.
The Shutterwhale
Oman Air Officially Joins oneworld: New Opportunities for Premium Travellers
Oman Air officially joins oneworld as its 15th member from 1 July 2025, extending the alliance’s reach across the Gulf and South Asia. Premium travellers will enjoy seamless access to Oman Air’s award-winning product and an expanded network of destinations, including a new Muscat–Amsterdam route.
Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
Qatar Airways’ Free Starlink Wi-Fi Update: 777s Done, A350s Next
In October 2023, Qatar Airways made an exciting announcement when it comes to inflight Wi-Fi, as the oneworld carrier revealed it would introduce Starlink connectivity. In October 2024, we saw the first jet equipped with this service. The airline has now revealed a positive update regarding the rollout of this...
Live from a Lounge
An extra 3000 Accor Points worth INR 6,000 when you sign up for Accor Plus (get Accor status as well)
Accor Plus, the Dining programme for Accor Hotels is offering an additional 3000 ALL points worth INR 6,000. Check out the details inside. The post An extra 3000 Accor Points worth INR 6,000 when you sign up for Accor Plus (get Accor status as well) appeared first on Live From...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Lufthansa Flies Airbus A340 Across The Atlantic At Just 10,000 Feet And Unpressurized
The German flag carrier Lufthansa flew an Airbus A340-600 across the Atlantic Ocean unpressurized and at an altitude of just 10,000 feet on Tuesday in order to get the plane back to its own maintenance facility for urgent repairs. The 16-year-old aircraft was badly damaged after landing in Boston on...
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York
I have stayed at this property dozens of times through the years when it… The post Hotel Review: Hyatt Grand Central New York appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
Virgin Atlantic maps out a more premium future
Virgin Atlantic recently announced planned changes to its fleet, as well as the premium options its passengers are demanding. Let’s see what’s happening with some major premium seating increases. Boeing 787-9 fleet The airline’s Boeing 787-9s will boast a full cabin redesign, introducing new seating in all three cabins. The...
Frequent Miler
The best card for Priority Pass lounges, experiences, and restaurants
Given the (seemingly false) rumors that the Ritz-Carlton card’s annual fee will soon jump from $450 to $695 per year, Priority Pass has been on my mind lately. The Ritz card used to be the hands-down best way to get Priority Pass for yourself and your whole family. The equation...
One Mile at a Time
Allegiant Air Flight Diverts After Man Claims His Laptop Is A Bomb
We see bomb threats impacting commercial aviation with some frequency. Sometimes it’s because a passenger misinterprets something. Sometimes it’s because a passenger is going to miss their flight, and they think it’s a smart way to delay it (it’s not). Well, here’s a different kind of bomb threat, which I...
Points With a Crew
Amazon Prime Day 2025 Day 2 – Deals on Tech, Travel and More
Amazon Prime Day 2025 continues and there are still great Prime Day Deals on travel accessories, technology and other interesting deals. These go fast, so make sure and ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Shoes Off Policy Ends at Airport Security Checkpoints Effective Immediately
The shoes off policy ends at airport security checkpoints effective immediately has finally been officially confirmed amid speculation that the policy had already been in effect — meaning that all passengers are no longer required to removed their shoes when passing through a security checkpoint at airports across the United...
One Mile at a Time
American Adding First Class Seats To Airbus A319s & A320s
In March 2024, American Airlines announced plans to retrofit its Airbus A319 & A320 aircraft, to add more first class seats. This announcement coincided with American ordering 260+ Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer jets. There’s now an update, as it sounds like this project will start in the near future, so...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Just Rolled Out Elite Status For Small Businesses—Here’s What $250,000 In Tickets Buys You
American Airlines has introduced elite status in their small business program. Companies that credit $250,000 or more in a calendar year receive (3) incremental benefits. Continue reading American Airlines Just Rolled Out Elite Status For Small Businesses—Here’s What $250,000 In Tickets Buys You...
Frequent Miler
Is hotel elite status obsolete? | Ask Us Anything Ep77 | 7-2-25 | Podcast
Is hotel elite status obsolete? What’s been your favorite first class experience? And do you have favorite Hyatt hotels? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on July 2nd, 2025. Watch the full episode below, or listen on your favorite podcast...
Your Mileage May Vary
Fidelity Just Made Its 2% Cash Back Card Even Better
There’s a quiet but welcome improvement coming to the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card — and it makes a good 2% cash back card even better. By the end of…
Frequent Miler
Porter Airlines now bookable using Alaska Airlines miles; excellent value available
A couple of years ago, Alaska Airlines launched a partnership with the Canadian airline Porter Airlines. Up until now, it wasn’t possible to redeem Mileage Plan miles for those flights, but that’s recently changed. Even better, there’s some excellent value to be had depending on your travel routes/dates. For example,...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Will Add Extra First Class Seats Starting This Fall—And Remove The Last Seatback TVs
American Airlines is putting an additional row of first class into its Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. They're about the start work on the prototype A319. They expect to retrofit the first group of planes in the fall - the ones due for heavy maintenance checks - and...
One Mile at a Time
Epic: Heathrow Terminals Now Play A Soundtrack With Airport Sounds
I probably notice the little details of the flying experience more than the average person. Along those lines, I tend to think that music and sounds can create lasting memories that we associate with our travel experiences, whether it’s soothing airplane boarding music, or memorable airport jingles.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Shortest & Longest Airport Walks in the U.S. (2025)
Last year we wrote about the Longest & Shortest Airport Walks in the U.S.. The list was brought to you by Kuru Footwear, a U.S.-based shoe store that’s been around…
You Are Travel
Marriott Launching The “Outdoor Collection”: The “M” Files Trademarks for a New Brand to House Its Hybrid Accommodation Properties
Tl;dr – The new brand will presumably house brands like Postcard Cabins and Trailborn. Some interesting news out…
Points With a Crew
Amazing – 50% Off Fare Sale With Southwest (Points or Cash)
Most fare sales are nothing too exciting, but this 50% off fare sale on Southwest Airlines is worth paying attention to - you only have a limited time left to ...
Frequent Miler
UBS Visa Infinite cards: Increased annual fees, but boosted benefits to boot
The portfolio of credit cards offered by the Swiss investment bank UBS tends to fly under the radar. One reason for that is that UBS doesn’t tend to offer a welcome bonus on its cards and another is that you can’t apply for the cards online – you have to...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
FrequentFlyerBonuses Special Offer! Save 20% on Plaza Premium lounge visits
We have another great new partnership for the readers of FFB! We have teamed up with Plaza Premium Lounges to offer our readers a 20% discount on Plaza Premium single entry lounge visits! 20% off Plaza Premium lounges around the world! Plaza Premium has  lounges in 30+ countries around the...
{Tech} for Travel
OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Built for Wild Adventures
OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Ready for your next hike, these open-ear buds deliver bold sound, secure comfort, and features that keep you connected without blocking out the world. The post OpenRock S2 Earbuds Review: Built for Wild Adventures appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
One Mile at a Time
Trump Appointee Bryan Bedford Becomes New FAA Administrator
We now have a new head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which I’d consider to be good news, as there’s lots of work to be done.
Altitude Yes
Japanese Convenience Store Franchise to Offer Overnight Stays at Parking Lots for Travelers
Lawson will be the first convenience store franchise in Japan to offer this service to travelers. The post Japanese Convenience Store Franchise to Offer Overnight Stays at Parking Lots for Travelers first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Shutterwhale
DBS Woman’s World Card to Reduce 4 MPD Cap from S$1,500 to S$1,000 Monthly on 01 August 2025
From 1 August 2025, the DBS Woman’s World Card will reduce its monthly bonus cap for 4 MPD on online spend from S$1,500 to S$1,000.
The Shutterwhale
Hotel Review: Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai Airport (Suite Room) – Direct Terminal Connection
Conveniently located within walking distance from Bali’s international terminal, the Novotel Bali Ngurah Rai Airport is an ideal transit hotel for travellers arriving late into Denpasar (DPS).
The Shutterwhale
Reminder: Withdraw Your Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards Before Cancelling a Reservation
If you’re using Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards, here’s a heads-up - make sure to remove them before cancelling your booking, even if it’s fully refundable.
The Shutterwhale
Get S$450 Cash Reward, Dyson Airstrait, or Ergotune Joobie with Citi Credit Card – New Customers Only (Apply by 30 June 2025)
Get rewarded with up to S$450 cash reward, a Dyson Airstrait, or Ergotune Joobie when you apply for a Citi Credit Card via SingSaver by 30 June 2025 and spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval. Offer is only valid for new-to-bank applicants.
The Shutterwhale
Double ALL Reward Points at SLS, SO/ & Mondrian Hotels – Book by 15 July, Stay by 23 September 2025
Unlock more value on your next stay with the Accor Live Limitless Double Reward Points promotion at select SLS, SO/ and Mondrian hotels worldwide. Book by 15 July 2025 and stay by 23 September 2025 to earn 2x Reward points - get up to 15% cashback for Diamond members.
The Shutterwhale
Lounge Review: Qantas International First Lounge (Terminal 1) – Sydney Airport (SYD)
Discover the Qantas International First Lounge at Sydney Airport (SYD) with this in-depth review. From Neil Perry’s à la carte dining to panoramic runway views and oneworld Emerald access, here’s everything you need to know before your flight.
The Shutterwhale
Now Accepting Reservations: Sheraton Johor Bahru to Welcome Guests from 1 October 2025
Sheraton Johor Bahru is now accepting reservations from 1 October 2025. Featuring 345 rooms, diverse dining, event spaces for up to 600 guests, and direct access to a boutique mall, the new hotel is set to elevate the hospitality scene in southern Malaysia.
The Shutterwhale
Hotel Review: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 1 (King Bed with Sofa Bed) – Modern Rooms but Disappointing Location
Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit 1 offers a fresh, modern stay in a quieter pocket of Sukhumvit. While the rooms are spacious and the pool area is a standout with a staffed bar and happy hour deals, the property is let down by poor noise isolation, a lack of universal power...