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FAA Suspends US Flights to Tel Aviv – Options for Travelers

On July 23, 2014 · 10 comments

in Air Canada, Airline Industry, American, Delta, Travel Industry, Travel Insurance, United, US Airways

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. As of Tuesday's nearby missile explosion, all US flights to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) have been grounded (Image courtesy of Flik47 / Shutterstock)

After a combat missile launched from Gaza landed approximately one mile from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) early Tuesday, the FAA grounded all U.S. flights to Tel Aviv for 24 hours (through 12:15 pm Wednesday EDT), by which time they will further advise. In the meantime, the European Air… Read More

What Are Points and Miles Worth? July Monthly Valuations

On July 22, 2014 · 6 comments

in Aadvantage, Alaska, American, American Express, Arrival Plus, Avianca TACA, Barclays, British Airways, Capital One, Carlson, Chase, Citi, Club Carlson, Delta, Etihad, Flying Blue, Frontier, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Rewards, JetBlue, Marriott, Membership Rewards, Mile and Point Value Series, Southwest, Starwood, ThankYou Points, TSA, Ultimate Rewards, United, US Airways, Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. How much are all those points and miles really worth?

One of the questions I’m asked most often is “how much is a point or mile worth?” That question varies from person to person and depends on how well you can maximize a particular currency for your needs. Still, some points are worth more than others.

To give readers – both old and new –… Read More

Flight Review: Cathay Pacific Economy BKK-HKG

On July 22, 2014 · 9 comments

in Avios, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Chase, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Reviews, TPG Contributors, Trip Reports, Ultimate Rewards

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Waiting to board the Cathay A330 to Hong Kong.

During his recent round-the-world trip, TPG Special Contributor Eric Rosen took a few regional flights within Asia. Here’s how he scored a good-value award on Cathay Pacific, and his review of the service in economy from Bangkok to Hong Kong.
One of the loose ends in my big itinerary traveling… Read More

Maximizing Citi Hilton Reserve Free Nights

On July 22, 2014 · 37 comments

in Citi, Credit Cards, Hilton, TPG Contributors

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Visa Signature

Today, TPG Contributor Nick Ewen offers insight into how (and where) to use the 2 free weekend nights that come with the Citi Hilton Reserve card. 
One of the best hotel credit cards out there right now is the Citi Hilton Reserve Visa card. I added it to my wallet just a few months after it was… Read More

Citi ThankYou Rewards Adds New Transfer Partners

July 21, 2014

Citi ThankYou Rewards has for a long time been the pipsqueak little brother to the major transferable points programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest. Without transfer options, the most you could hope to get from ThankYou points was about 1.25 cents apiece, and that was only for Citi Premier and Citi Prestige […]

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Malaysia Airlines Offers Refunds on All 2014 Flights

July 21, 2014

Like most people, I’m still struggling to comprehend the tragedy that is Malaysia Airlines flight 17. Unlike the last Malaysian Airlines tragedy where endless questions remain unanswered, this incident looks to be exclusively the handiwork of terrorists, and the full effects are yet to be seen. This incident could have happened to any airline, and […]

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Daytripping Through Brittany in the Summertime

July 21, 2014

We love the rewards perks we get from loyalty programs, but we also know that some of the best travel experiences are off the beaten path where nary a points hotel can be found. Contributor Adee Braun takes us to France’s bucolic Brittany region, shows us the sights and offers us affordable accommodations. Brittany is a rustic, […]

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Avianca Lifemiles Program Changes & Share Miles Last Day

July 21, 2014

Sometimes I hate getting emails from airlines. While some contain information on bonus promos, others are like the one that Lifemiles, the mileage program of Star Alliance carrier Avianca, sent out to members yesterday announcing sweeping changes to its award chart. Here’s what the email said: “To maintain a reasonable relation between the miles we […]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Ups Auto Coverage, Nixes Dividend

July 21, 2014

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of the top all-around travel credit cards- offering both valuable earning capability (2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining) and strong redemption options with 11, 1:1 transfer partners and 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards. Benefit Changes This weekend, Chase made […]

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Best Transfer Partners For Flights To Hawaii

July 21, 2014

Today TPG Contributor Jason Steele looks at the best points and miles transfer options from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest for travel to Hawaii. When it comes to redeeming miles for vacation, for many people, Hawaii is the dream destination. Perhaps that’s why Hawaii is also one of the hardest award tickets to […]

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What’s The Best Way To Find AA Awards For Use On US Airways?

July 20, 2014

This week, TPG reader Monica sent me a Facebook message with a great question: “I’ve read several of your articles about US Airways miles eventually transferring to AA miles. Is that option getting closer? We have US Airways miles that we want to use, but the flights we can afford are on AA. When I called US […]

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Giveaway Reminder: TPG Mega Sweeps Courtesy of Expedia+ Rewards

July 20, 2014

On Thursday we announced our biggest TPG Giveaway ever, a chance to win a $1500 Expedia travel voucher and VIP dinner courtesy of Expedia+ Rewards, the new loyalty program from the brand. A reminder that you have until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, July 22nd to enter to win. Visit our updated Facebook page for to […]

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Do You Earn 2x Points for Buying Miles from United?

July 20, 2014

I often purchase airline miles, especially when they’re offered at a good rate during a promotion. I never purchase them from the airline kiosk, because those rates can be up to $0.05 per mile, which is highway robbery. Usually when airlines do run specials, they’re processed through a third party called Points.com. The purchase isn’t billed […]

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Can I Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Someone Else?

July 20, 2014

I love transferable points. I’ve said it time and time again; the best way to protect yourself from program devaluations is to built up points in one of the three major transferable points programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest. TPG reader Blayne recently tweeted at me: “‪@thepointsguy Can I transfer […]

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Where Should I Bank Miles from Flying Emirates Airlines?

July 20, 2014

‪This week I got a tweet from TPG reader Mark asking about what he should do with miles earned on Emirates Airlines: “@thepointsguy I have a trip on Emirates to Asia. What airline should I assign points to, as I doubt I will fly on Emirates again soon?” Mark is headed to the Middle East on […]

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Flight Review: Norwegian Air Intra-European 737-800 OSL-ARN

July 19, 2014

During his recent round-the-world trip, TPG Special Contributor Eric Rosen traveled throughout Scandinavia and got to take a flight on European upstart airline Norwegian Air. Here’s his review of the experience. Although my round-the-world award included business class flights on EVA, Singapore and SAS, one of the flights I was most interested to take was […]

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TSA Fees, Free Iberia Miles, Etihad Launches SFO-AUH & More

July 19, 2014

Here’s a recap of points, miles and travel industry news from the past week: Reminder that TSA fees go up on Monday, July 21:  In news I shared earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon more than double – and no longer cap – the mandatory security fee they charge most airline passengers. On July […]

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Travel Blogger Q & A: Ryan Gargiulo of Pause The Moment

July 18, 2014

The best travel advice comes from other savvy travelers, and so we present a new series “Travel Blogger Q & As.” Here, we’ll introduce you to other intrepid travelers. To kick things off, Lifestyle Editor Shayne Benowitz interviews Ryan Gargiulo of Pause The Moment. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush from his adventurous world travels or practical tips ranging from gadgets to […]

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Best Travel Credit Card Offers for July 2014

July 18, 2014

Update:  As of July 20, 2014, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card no longer offers the 7% annual points dividend. The travel credit card marketplace is an ever-shifting landscape. Offers come, offers go. Bonuses rise, bonuses fall. It pays (literally) to stay on top of the latest news to make sure you get in on the […]

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Rental Cars For Family Travel

July 18, 2014

Today, TPG Contributor Jason Steele looks at strategies for renting cars that can fit the whole family without breaking the budget. When I travel by myself, I have a simple formula for choosing which size rental car to reserve: I pick the smallest and least expensive car available. Rental car agencies rarely stock sub-compact cars, […]

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TPG Mega Giveaway Courtesy of Expedia

July 17, 2014

Last week, Expedia announced the launch of Expedia+ Rewards, their newly enhanced points and loyalty program which includes tiered memberships levels, and even more opportunities to earn and redeem points. Through Expedia+ Rewards you’ll earn 2 points for every $1 spent when booking hotels, activities and packages, and 1 point for every $5 spent on flights. Not only do you earn […]

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What to Do In NYC During The Summer

July 17, 2014

Our contributors are scouring the globe in search of the best in summer travel. Today, New York City-based contributor Adee Braun brings you best bets for summer in the city. Summer is the time when New Yorkers come out to play in their urban jungle—they slow down just enough for happy hours on rooftopss and lounging in parks. […]

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Win Trips To Tuscany, New York, San Francisco & More

July 17, 2014

There are a few fun travel contests and sweepstakes going on around the web this week. Here are my top picks to win some great travel prizes! Win a Trip to NYC or LA: IHG Rewards (formerly Priority Club) is giving away a free three day, two night trip to New York City or Los Angeles to […]

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Online Travel Agency Loyalty Programs – the Basics

July 17, 2014

Lately, there have been quite a few changes in the world of online travel agencies (OTAs), including the launch of Expedia + Rewards, a new credit card from Orbitz, and the end of Chase Ultimate Rewards’ online shopping portal bonuses at a number of sites like Travelocity and Priceline. With all that in mind, I thought […]

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