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Only the latest slick travel news
DOT fines JetBlue for alleged ‘unrealistic scheduling’ that causes chronic delays
https://thepointsguy.com/news/jetblue-chronic-delays-dot-fine/
The Department of Transportation said on Friday that it will fine JetBlue $2 million over chronic delays, accusing the airline of publishing unrealistic schedules that it knows it can’t actually achieve. According to DOT, JetBlue allegedly operated four routes that were delayed at least 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023 and were each …
Quick Points: When you should redeem free night certificates instead of hotel points
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hotel-free-night-certificates-before-points/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Free hotel night certificates are invaluable in a clever points and miles strategy, but you need to know how to maximize them. You can earn free night certificates for staying a specific number of nights each year with a particular hotel …
One of Greece’s most popular islands is getting a JW Marriott resort this year
https://thepointsguy.com/news/jw-marriott-crete-resort-spa/
It may be the early days of January, but it’s never too early to start pining for summer. And this coming August, Marriott Bonvoy loyalists — and those who just want to get away to Greece — can look forward to the first-ever JW Marriott resort on the island of Crete. Now accepting reservations for …
There’s a new high-speed train connecting 2 major European capitals
https://thepointsguy.com/news/paris-berlin-high-speed-direct-train-launches/
As of Dec. 16, 2024, Paris and Berlin are linked by a direct high-speed train for the first time. Though the new eight-hour rail service isn’t exactly speedy, the launch is part of a push within Europe to reduce short-haul flights in favor of more eco-friendly train options. Related: 28 best European routes where you …
The most on-time airlines (and airports) in the world
https://thepointsguy.com/news/most-on-time-airlines-airports-in-world-2024/
What was the most on-time airline — and airport — in the world in 2024? New numbers released to kick off the new year offer some answers. Aeromexico proved to be the global winner, according to data released Thursday by aviation analytics firm Cirium. In 2024, nearly 87% of the Mexico City-based carrier’s flights arrived at …
It’s a new year: Your Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue and Dell credits reset today
https://thepointsguy.com/news/amex-platinum-credits-reset/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The start of a new year means new beginnings and new opportunities. That includes new beginnings for your American Express shopping credits and new opportunities for purchases that might have $0 out-of-pocket costs to you. Specifically, I’m referring to the annual …
Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Resorts boost loyalty partnership benefits for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/marriott-bonvoy-mgm-resorts-benefits-2025/
Marriott and MGM Resorts are rolling into 2025 with a few fresh updates to their loyalty partnership. One year after the brands announced the details of their partnership, guests looking to leverage Marriott Bonvoy perks when they stay at an MGM Resort will have more benefits available. These changes went into effect on Jan. 1, …
The best credit card welcome bonuses of January 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/limited-time-card-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. With the new year upon us, now may be a great time to evaluate your credit card portfolio. Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we …
How to avoid paying parking fees in Las Vegas
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/avoiding-parking-fees-in-vegas/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Travel to Las Vegas is booming, and the year ahead promises to be another exciting one for the city. While Fontainebleau Las Vegas and The Sphere (the $1.8 billion entertainment venue and largest spherical structure in the world) opened in 2023, …
Florida-based Silver Airways says it will keep flying after bankruptcy filing
https://thepointsguy.com/news/silver-airways-bankruptucy-protection-filing/
Silver Airways, a regional airline that serves Florida and the Caribbean, continues flying after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Monday. The Hollywood, Florida-based airline plans to secure new capital and restructure its debt through bankruptcy, Silver said in a statement. It aims to emerge from bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2025 as …
9 amazing first-class seats you can book with points and miles
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/first-class-with-points-miles/
If you’re preparing for the ultimate points and miles redemption in 2025, a few airlines still offer genuine domestic and international first-class experiences. The best part is you can use your points and miles to book these luxurious first-class seats. While availability can be scarce, if you’re flexible with your dates, you may be able …
Some of the lesser-known airline partners and how to use them to your advantage
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/non-alliance-airline-partners/
The best feature of the three major airline alliances — Star Alliance, SkyTeam and Oneworld — is that you can earn points or miles on any carrier within a given alliance by flying on any other. Likewise, you can use points or miles from any carrier in that alliance for award travel on a flight …
The sober cruises trend: Best cruise lines for mocktails, plus alcohol-free charters
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/sober-cruises/
Cruises are often seen as one big booze fest at sea, and for good reason. As soon as you step on board, friendly servers make the rounds with trays teeming with rum punches and glasses of Champagne to celebrate the beginning of your vacation. That party vibe often continues throughout your time on the ship. …
How credit cards can help you kick off your New Year’s resolutions
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-card-pair-with-new-years-resolution/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Happy New Year! As we close out one year and look to the next, many of us are making resolutions to be better in the new year. And what’s better than being rewarded for keeping those resolutions? With the right credit …
Love it or leave it: TPG senior writer Katie Genter’s airline and hotel elite status plans for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/elite-status-plans-kgenter/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. You may have just finished earning elite status during the 2024 qualification year. Or, if you’re chasing status with a program that doesn’t use a calendar year as its qualification period, such as American Airlines AAdvantage, you may still have months …
I tried the only China-intensive cruise for Americans — here’s why you should too
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/china-cruise-with-viking/
“I wasn’t expecting that!” was a common refrain for me on my recent China sailing with Viking. As a first-time visitor, I had done my precruise homework, but my experiences on board and ashore in China never failed to surprise me — in a good way. From the purple potato crystal cake I ate on …
Book flights to Europe starting at 15K miles: Check out Flying Blue’s January Promo Rewards
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/flying-blue-special-promo-rewards/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. When booking discounted travel, numerous opportunities are available — from paid ticket sales to redemption promotions. One of the most reliable deals is the monthly Promo Rewards Air France-KLM Flying Blue offers. These monthly exclusive discounts are on the Flying Blue website. …
Capital One Venture X Rewards and Venture X Business cards set to lose Plaza Premium lounge access
https://thepointsguy.com/news/capital-one-venture-x-losing-plaza-premium-lounge-access/
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Business are the issuer’s two premium travel rewards cards with lounge access. Unfortunately, starting March 1, cardholders will lose access to Plaza Premium lounges, a network of over 250 independently owned lounges worldwide. It’s not all doom and gloom, though — …
Feb. 1 is the deadline for choosing Marriott Annual Choice Benefits: Here’s what to pick
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/marriott-choice-benefits/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Marriott elite status offers some impressive benefits to frequent travelers. But the perks get particularly compelling once you accrue at least 50 elite nights in a calendar year and reach Marriott Platinum Elite status. One of the benefits you’ll receive is …
Exchange your unwanted gift cards for United miles
https://thepointsguy.com/news/unwanted-gift-cards-united-miles/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. ‘Tis the season for gifts — and that includes gift cards. Unfortunately, you may have received some gift cards for the holidays that you aren’t very excited about. If that’s the case, we have some good news: You can turn those …
Chase Freedom Q1 categories now live: Supermarkets, gyms, self-care — and a surprise coming in March
https://thepointsguy.com/news/activate-chase-freedom-5x-earnings/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Chase is kicking off 2025 with a bang for Chase Freedom (no longer available to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders. For the first quarter, we’re seeing the return of three of our favorite categories and a brand-new one — …
A Delta Sky Club crackdown and 11 other airline storylines we’ll be watching in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/airline-storylines-2025/
2024 was an eventful year in the U.S. airline industry. It started early when a door plug explosively separated from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft last January, renewing scrutiny of the U.S. plane-maker and ultimately fueling a shake-up of its leadership. The year also brought us news of Southwest Airlines’ shocking move …
Bilt Rent Day (Jan. 1): Accor status match, Rent Free game, double points and more
https://thepointsguy.com/news/bilt-rent-day-promo/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor. Good news for Bilt Rewards members: Jan. 1 is another Bilt Rent Day. As on previous Rent Days, you can snag double points on Rent Day for nonrent purchases, book a Bilt Neighborhood …
Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: Compare 2 popular big-ship cruise lines
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/norwegian-vs-royal-caribbean-cruise/
If you’re considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, you’re looking for an active, big-ship cruise experience on some of the largest ships in the world. These two companies focus on cruises for everyone — couples, seniors and families — with activities and “wow” attractions to match. Their ships are highly popular, …
New year, new approach: How to choose your best credit card strategy for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/new-year-credit-card-inventory-strategies/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. January is a time for making plans for the next 12 months. And while health and wellness usually get all the attention this time of year, you’re almost certainly also taking a closer look at your finances. You may be setting up a …
Last day: Make your Delta MQM rollover decisions before it’s too late
https://thepointsguy.com/news/last-chance-delta-rollover-choices/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. It’s your last chance, Delta elite travelers. Time is running out to make your decision on how to convert any rollover Medalion Qualification Miles (MQMs) in your SkyMiles account from last year. The deadline is today, Dec. 31 — at which point they’ll automatically be converted …
2024 ends how it started: With aviation safety in the spotlight
https://thepointsguy.com/news/2024-airline-safety-azerbaijan-south-korea-crashes/
Not even a week into 2024, it became clear that aviation safety would be a major theme of the year. On Jan. 2, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 crashed into a Japanese Coast Guard DHC Dash-8 while landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, killing five of the six crew aboard the Coast Guard plane. The A350 …
British Airways rebrands loyalty program, unveils new revenue-based system for earning elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/news/british-airways-rebrands-loyalty-program-new-revenue-based-system-elite-status/
Sorry, leisure travelers: British Airways plans to shift to a revenue-based program for earning Tier Points, which determine status qualification within the airline. This change will be effective April 1, 2025, and will accompany a rebranding of British Airways’ loyalty program, Executive Club, to The British Airways Club. Here’s what you need to know. Tier …
Carnival Sunshine cruise ship review: What it’s like to cruise on Carnival’s oldest ship
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/carnival-sunshine-cruise-ship/
Editor’s note: TPG’s Kristy Tolley accepted a free trip from Carnival Cruise Line to cruise on Carnival Sunshine. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line. Sometimes it’s hard to beat an oldie but a goodie, and that’s certainly the case with Carnival Sunshine. Carnival’s oldest ship and …
Hot diggity dog! Free Disney Dining plans are returning to Walt Disney World in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/free-disney-dining-plans/
For the first time since before the pandemic, free Disney Dining plans are returning to Disney World for guests with eligible vacation packages. Disney did extend free Disney Dining plan offers to Disney+ subscribers and Disney Visa cardholders in 2024, but this is the first time they have been available to all guests since 2019. …