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The best airline for flying to Asia, secret card fees to avoid overseas and more

Jan. 04, 2020
4 min read
Hogwarts Castle at Christmas
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Each Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here’s what you need to know:

6 of the worst types of travelers

The best cards for travelers in the Amex and Chase lineups offer great bonuses and great redemption options. Image by DuKai photographer / Getty Images
The best cards for travelers in the Amex and Chase lineups offer great bonuses and great redemption options. (Image by DuKai photographer / Getty Images)

After 27 years in the business, TPG credit cards editor Benét Wilson is clear on the types of passengers she hates to encounter on an airplane.

Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!

8 reasons why Delta One is my go-to strategy for Asia travel

(Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)
(Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)

Take it from someone who travels to Asia half a dozen times a year.

One of the world's biggest cruise ships is heading to Texas

Everything really is bigger in Texas.

This is the most important thing to bring to Disney World

(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

And it won't cost you a penny.

Here's why you should Always check where the tag says your bags are going

(Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)
(Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)

You can do everything right and still end up luggage-less.

Marriott top-tier elites can claim United status in under 5 minutes

Bogot√°, Republic of Colombia, September 2, 2015. -- A United Airline and a JetBlue airliner are seen in El Dorado International Airport (Bogota airport). (Photo by Thierry Tronnel/Corbis via Getty Images)
United Airline and JetBlue airliners at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Columbia, 2015. (Photo by Thierry Tronnel/Corbis via Getty Images)

That's less time than it takes to order a Starbucks.

This sneaky debit fee could cost you big on your next foreign transaction

Do you know about the exchange rate markup?

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Surprise and delight: Some Southwest travelers have been gifted free elite status

(Photo courtesy of Southwest.)
(Photo courtesy of Southwest)

Here's how to check your account to see if you've been targeted.

Here today, Ghosn tomorrow: how a former auto CEO used $130,000 and a fake passport to escape Japan

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn (R) leaves his residence in Tokyo on April 3, 2019. - Ghosn was freed from a Tokyo detention centre on March 6 after his shock arrest on November 19 when Japanese prosecutors stormed into his corporate jet. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT (Photo credit should read JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn (right) in Tokyo in April, 2019. (Photo by JIJI PRESS /AFP via Getty Images)

It's a fascinating story.

Beyond Hogwarts: 7 magical destinations for every Harry Potter fan to visit

Image courtesy of the Jacobite Express.
(Image courtesy of the Jacobite Express)

We have our sights set on the Airbnb getaway in the Philippines.

Talking Points: What travel means to the TPG staff

On this special holiday edition of Talking Points, TPG employees share why travel is meaningful for them.

Featured image by Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando

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How we chose these cards

Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
See all best card offers

TPG featured card

OFFER ENDS 5/3/23
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

2 - 6X points
6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

Earn 125,000 points75,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

Annual Fee

$125

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.
Apply for Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.