32
Only the latest slick travel news
American Airlines ground stop lifted after Christmas Eve technical issue
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-ground-stop/
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information. Christmas Eve travel is off to a rocky start. American Airlines encountered a technical problem Tuesday morning, and requested the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily ground its flights, nationwide. The disruption lasted about an hour but is expected to cause residual flight delays throughout the …
We tried Delta’s Shake Shack burger in the sky. Does it actually work?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-air-lines-shake-shack-burger-review/
Can a cheeseburger on an airplane ever be as good as one on the ground? Or will it only ever be “pretty good, for something on an airplane”? Even as inflight meals have largely vanished from domestic coach, they’ve remained fixtures up in first class (at least, on longer flights). While the menus have varied …
How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/a-guide-to-earning-transferable-points/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. If you’re looking to improve your travel game in 2025, there’s one important strategy you can pursue: Focus on earning (and then redeeming) transferable credit card rewards. Transferable rewards are, simply put, the most valuable type of currency to earn in the world …
Skip the line: 6 airports that let you check your bags remotely
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/bags-airport-guide/
As airports and airlines attempt to innovate, one feature is becoming more widely available for travelers: the ability to check bags remotely before even stepping foot inside an airport. During the bag check process, passengers can check in for their flights and receive boarding passes while dropping off their luggage at a mobile kiosk. Bags, …
27 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-ship-embarkation-tips/
You’ve planned your cruise, and now it’s embarkation day. You can’t wait to get on board your ship and relax, sip a tropical drink and stare out to sea. You’re on vacation — woohoo! Not so fast. You might be ready to cruise, but the ship’s crew still is getting the ship ready, having just …
Iberia Visa Signature card credit card review: Earn Avios to connect with the world
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/iberia-visa-signature-card-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Iberia Visa Signature Card overview The Iberia Visa Signature® Card is an intriguing option if you’re interested in collecting Avios points. You can redeem Avios for flights across the Oneworld alliance — and even transfer them to partners like British Airways …
7 people you should always tip on a cruise
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/people-you-should-tip-on-cruise/
To tip or not to tip? Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or only have one or two cruises under your belt, you’ve likely asked this question at some point during your sailing. The cruise lines have taken some of the uncertainty out of this equation with the introduction of automatic gratuities. Most of the bigger …
Your guide to Chase’s trip insurance coverage
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/proof-needed-chases-trip-insurance/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Chase credit cards are often top of mind when travelers are booking trips because of their superior protections. Chase is one of very few major U.S. credit card issuers that offers a full suite of travel protections across its premium credit …
American adds 5 new routes, including longest from LaGuardia, and much more
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-new-laguardia-longest-nonstop-flights/
American Airlines is making several big changes to its network. The Fort Worth-based carrier filed plans over the weekend to launch five new routes, three of which are from its hub at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The updates were first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. American is also …
A new tradition: The 2024 TPG staff holiday wish list
https://thepointsguy.com/news/tpg-staff-holiday-wish-list/
It’s easy to get swept up in the magic — and madness — of the holiday season. Between decorating, gathering gifts and prepping for the new year, there’s so much to plan and keep track of at the end of December. And that’s just those of us who don’t travel for the holidays and have …
Costa Rica’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve is now open for reservations
https://thepointsguy.com/news/nekajui-ritz-carlton-reserve-costa-rica/
TPG has crowned the best hotels of 2024, but 2025 is already shaping up to be a spectacular year for new hotels — especially in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. One of the most exciting openings of 2025 is Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica, and it’s now accepting reservations. Guest reservations at …
Act fast: Get $30 in credits as a Walmart+ member
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/walmart-30-dollars-in-credits/
There is a sweet deal out there right now for Walmart+ subscribers, which will include many TPG readers since the monthly membership fee is refunded as a statement credit as a perk of holding The Platinum Card® from American Express. You can earn $15 in Lyft credits and another $15 in Walmart Cash just for …
Looking ahead: 11 things the TPG team is excited about for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/tpg-team-excited-about-2025/
Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor. As 2024 winds down, we’re looking ahead to changes coming to the travel world in 2025. From new hotels and airline routes to premium credit cards and swanky airport lounges, here are 11 things we’re looking forward to next year. Related: Points and …
Why you should always check your bag tag at check-in
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/lost-luggage-travel-tips/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. It’s never fun when your luggage fails to arrive at your destination at the same time as you. Unfortunately, that happens to thousands of travelers each day. More than 270,000 checked bags were mishandled (meaning lost or delayed) in the U.S. in August …
Our 2025 credit card predictions: New premium cards, exciting lounge openings and more AI integration
https://thepointsguy.com/news/credit-card-predictions-2025/
As we close out the year, it’s time for our annual predictions on what to expect from credit cards and rewards in 2025. On the radar? Banks aggressively courting premium credit card holders, exciting card launches and new redemption opportunities — amid a turbulent legislative environment. Let’s dive into 10 trends to expect from your …
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are offering reciprocal status matches
https://thepointsguy.com/news/alaska-hawaiian-status-match/
When it announced its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines promised that elite members of each program would be able to status match. That status match is now live, as first flagged by Gary Leff at View from the Wing. The airlines will eventually have one loyalty program, but in the meantime, reciprocal elite status …
Check your email: Delta and Hilton giving out complimentary status to some loyalty members
https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-targeted-hilton-honors-status/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Earning airline and hotel elite status solely through miles flown or overnight stays can be difficult unless you are the most ruthless of road (or sky) warriors. Luckily, there are several ways to accelerate your path to elite status … and …
The 10 best places to visit in February
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/the-best-places-to-travel-in-february/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Welcome to February, the month where 28 days pack more punch than expected. It’s a time for love, adventure and a dash of winter magic. While some are hunkered under blankets waiting for the winter blues to thaw, the savvy among …
Prime Visa limited-time welcome offer: Last chance for an instant $150 Amazon gift card
https://thepointsguy.com/news/prime-visa-current-offer/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you’re someone who orders pretty much everything from Amazon, you may consider joining the ranks of TPGers who have and love the Prime Visa. The Prime Visa is Amazon’s flagship credit card from Chase that is beloved by TPG staffers …
The best snacks in the sky: Here are a few of TPG’s favorite airline treats
https://thepointsguy.com/news/airline-snacks/
Last year, TPG conducted a taste test of the free snacks on board the major U.S. airlines, and TPG staffers and social media followers weighed in. Though the inflight snack options have changed since then, one thing has stayed the same: All snacks are not created equal, and some airlines are better at snacks than …
How to use American Airlines systemwide upgrades
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-use-american-systemwide-upgrades/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. There are many ways to upgrade your American Airlines flight. For example, you can redeem American miles for an upgrade or accept a paid upgrade offer. And when traveling on eligible flights in North America, American Airlines AAdvantage elite members can hope for …
Earn American miles and Loyalty Points with the SimplyMiles program
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-simplymiles/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Within the American Airlines AAdvantage program, travelers often look for ways to earn American miles to redeem for award flights. But many travelers are also seeking ways to earn Loyalty Points toward a specific American Airlines elite status tier or Loyalty …
Best Carnival cruise ships: Here’s which ship you should sail, based on your travel style
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-carnival-cruise-ships-for-everyone/
Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising. As one of the world’s largest cruise brands, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, …
United adds cool new international route, cuts yet another US city
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-airlines-taipei-route-cuts-us-city/
United Airlines is making two noteworthy changes to its network. It starts with an interesting new international flight from its hub in Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) in Guam to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) beginning on April 2, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. United …
KLM finishes premium economy installation on all Boeing 777s and 787s
https://thepointsguy.com/news/klm-finishes-premium-economy-installation/
Two and a half years after it first announced plans to add premium economy, KLM has finished installing the new cabins on a large portion of its long-haul fleet, the Dutch carrier said this week. Specifically, KLM has completed retrofits on all of its Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners, the airline said Thursday. The milestone …
Reminder: Americans must pay to visit the UK starting in January — how to apply now
https://thepointsguy.com/news/uk-electronic-travel-authorization/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. In a little over two weeks, the United Kingdom will require travelers to obtain a new electronic travel authorization to enter the country. This requirement applies to all visitors (regardless of age) who can travel there visa-free, including Americans, from Jan. 8, 2025. …
Mexico’s controversial Maya Train route is now complete
https://thepointsguy.com/news/mexico-maya-train-tren-maya-completes-route/
It has been a full year since the Yucatan Peninsula’s Maya Train, or Tren Maya, celebrated its inaugural departure for its first section connecting Cancun to Merida on Dec. 15, 2023. Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador set this ambitious, multibillion-dollar project in motion in 2018. On Sunday, Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, inaugurated …
Cruise port scams and schemes: Here’s how to avoid them
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-port-scams-and-schemes/
When Harry B. and his wife boarded Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, they were looking forward to a relaxing tropical getaway. Buying $10,000 of skincare products definitely wasn’t part of the plan, but that’s exactly what Harry inexplicably did when the cruise ship made a port stop in the Bahamas. Harry — whose last …
5 most exciting new airport lounge openings from 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-airport-lounges-2024/
Airport lounges can be a much-needed oasis from a stressful travel day. While there’s already a lot of variety in airport lounges, this year ushered in some stellar new outposts that are sure to impress. In fact, while lounges outside of the U.S. have generally been nicer than those back home, U.S. airports did some …
10 big changes coming to travel for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/changes-travel-2025-etias-real-id-fees-taxes/
As 2025 approaches, more than a few changes will impact international and domestic travel, particularly those related to entry requirements and tourist taxes. To keep you up to speed and ensure that your travels in 2025 go smoothly, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest changes below. Here’s what you can expect as we roll …