The Transportation Security Administration rolled out a new program in September that allows TSA PreCheck members to travel through airport security without a ticket, harkening back to the days before 9/11, when people could greet or bid farewell to their traveling loved ones right at the gate.

But now it looks like TSA plans to roll that program back — at least for now.

The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program launched in September 2026 at 13 airports as part of a pilot program. It appeared to quietly expand to 300 U.S. airports several weeks ago. While TSA did not publicize the change or update its website to include the broader list of airports, its application page for gate passes offered users a choice from that wider selection, and passes were offered.

Related: Big changes for our favorite airport shortcuts: How TSA PreCheck, Clear, Global Entry are evolving

Earlier this week, however, the expansion appears to have been retracted, with only the original 13 airports available through the TSA's application portal.

A representative from the Norfolk Airport Authority in Virginia told local TV news station WAVY that the TSA had informed him that the program was on hold indefinitely, except for the original pilot airports.

It's not clear why the expansion was pulled back. TSA did not immediately return TPG's request for comment or additional details. The TSA's Gateside website notes that the program "will roll out to more airports across the country in the coming months."

The 13 airports that are still participating in Gateside are:

• Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
• Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
• Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Several other U.S. airports offer their own version of a gate pass for non-travelers to proceed through security; however, non-passengers cannot use TSA PreCheck lanes and must go through the main security checkpoint instead. Those airports include:

• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) in California
• Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California
• Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Michigan
• Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Washington
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Louisiana
• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Bottom line

The pilot Gateside by TSA PreCheck program has been rolled back to the original 13 participating airports, down from an expanded list of some 300 airports that were allowing members of TSA PreCheck to get passes through airport security even when they weren't traveling.

The program allows loved ones to accompany family members or friends to the gate even when they aren't flying themselves. It's a bit surprising that the expansion was pulled since the announcement garnered a lot of positive media attention for the government.

The TSA hasn't said why the expansion was scrapped, but still says more airports will be added in the coming months.

We'll see if that timeline sticks and will bring you updates as they come in.

Related reading:

• 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• What to do if a boarding pass isn't marked TSA PreCheck
• TSA PreCheck hits record 20 million members — up 33% since last year
• It's official: Travelers no longer have to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?

United Airlines has extended its "Switch To Better Wi-Fi" status-match offer through Oct. 22. The match had been set to end Oct. 15. See the original story below for all the details.

The gloves are off in the battle for frequent flyer loyalty.

United Airlines this week rolled out a new status match offer targeting the elite customers of rivals Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Status match offers are nothing new. United already had its standard offer in place, allowing elite members of other big carriers to request that United match their existing status.

But it's United's "Switch To Better Wi-Fi" offer that's drawing attention across both mainstream media and aviation blogs thanks to its particularly pointed message at rival Delta.

In-depth: Was the 'fast, free' Wi-Fi really slow on your flight, too? Here's what's going on

An airline dust-up over inflight Wi-Fi

United is in the process of equipping its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi, widely acknowledged as the fastest and most reliable inflight internet service provider today.

Delta is taking a different track, instead choosing Amazon's Leo service – so far unproven for in-flight capabilities – on a rollout that will lag United's.

American, which also plans to install Starlink beginning next year, also jumped into the fray — though only to promote its standard status match.

But it's what prompted United to take aim at Delta that's generating publicity.

More: United hits milestone in Starlink Wi-Fi rollout, plans 2027 completion for high-speed tech

United's new status match offer came after comments Delta CEO Ed Bastian reportedly made to employees about Delta's decision not to use Starlink were leaked. Included in those comments was commentary on perceived difficulties working with Starlink founder Elon Musk.

That set off a firestorm of online chatter, with some Delta frequent flyers lamenting that United was going with a quicker rollout of a Wi-Fi product they perceived to be better.

Both United and American opportunistically used the kerfuffle as a way to promote their existing status matches.

But then United went further, launching a new and separate status match offer aimed at Delta — though it also included American in the match opportunity.

"Don't keep buffering: switch to United and get the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky," the airline said.

"This is war, airline style," airline analyst Henry Harteveldt told CNBC. "It's very rare for an airline to be as blatant as United is being" in its pitch against its main rivals.

Regardless of where one stands in the back-and-forth over Starlink and Musk, there's a clear opportunity here for frequent flyers to try out the elite benefits of United's MileagePlus program.

Here's what you need to know about United's match offers, including the carrier's newest internet-inspired one that United calls "our most flexible and straightforward status match yet."

'Switch To Better Wi-Fi' status match details

This offer is open to customers with elite status on Delta or American (U.S. residents only). Typically, United allows a customer to request a status match only once every three years, but it is waiving that requirement for the Wi-Fi match. (United's full terms and conditions are here.)

If approved, United will match applicants to a United Premier status tier that corresponds with the current status a customer has earned on either Delta or American. Approved applicants will keep that status with United for 90 days, with the opportunity to extend it into January 2028 by hitting spending thresholds on qualifying flight purchases with United. The thresholds vary by status level.

Additional match offers are also available for the invitation-only status levels for Delta (Delta 360) and American (Concierge Key).

United's standard status match details

The Wi-Fi offer also differs from United's standard match. It's open to loyalists from a wider variety of airlines. With that offer, customers typically have 120 days to complete a challenge conferring full-year status, though those challenges consist of a combination of "Premier Qualifying Dollars" (PQDs) and "Premier Qualifying Flights" (PQFs) that United typically uses to determine status.

United's Wi-Fi match will offer AA and Delta elites a simpler path to elite status with lower spending required. But that status match has a much shorter calendar in which to complete the challenge required to earn full-year benefits.

As with the Wi-Fi match, additional offers are also available for the invitation-only status levels for Delta (Delta 360) and American (Concierge Key).

Bottom line

This back-and-forth over airline Wi-Fi and status comes as carriers are increasingly leaning on free Wi-Fi as a perk for loyalty members.

Delta has rolled our free connectivity for its SkyMiles members to a majority of its fleet, though the service is generally viewed as less fast than what Starlink offers.

Its current Wi-Fi provider, Viasat, recently activated a new satellite that the company said will significantly improve bandwidth as Delta awaits Amazon Leo installations in the coming years.

American also has plans to add Starlink to about 500 of its narrowbody planes, but — so far — has not detailed plans to expand the service to more of its fleet.

Related reading:

Since Europe launched its automated border control system, you may have heard about another new addition for travelers: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, which will require many tourists to obtain a waiver before entering most continental European countries. You may even have seen websites offering these waivers.

Don't take the bait. Since Europe is still grappling with the disastrous rollout of EES, the ETIAS has been postponed until at least 2027. These waivers are not required or available yet, but scammers don't want you to know that.

Read on to learn more about ETIAS, what you actually need to enter Europe right now and how to stay safe online.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a forthcoming system that will be used to allow visitors to enter 30 countries in Europe's Schengen Zone. These include popular tourist destinations like France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Spain; see the full list here.

When the system goes live, travelers from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. It's technically not a visa, but an electronic waiver will allow you to stay in the 30 applicable countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It will be valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

The planned cost of an ETIAS waiver is 20 euros (around $22) per adult; travelers under 18 and over 70 can apply for free.

How is ETIAS different from the U.K. ETA?

ETIAS is easily confused with the United Kingdom's electronic travel authorisation (ETA), but there is a big difference.

When introduced, ETIAS will apply to 30 Schengen Zone countries across continental Europe (and Iceland). It does not apply to the U.K. or Ireland.

An ETA, on the other hand, is an existing document that most tourists need to enter the U.K., Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. It costs 20 pounds ($26) and allows access to these areas for up to six months.

While ETIAS is not yet available, you can (and should) apply for an ETA if you are visiting the U.K.

How can I get an ETIAS travel authorization?

The short answer? You can't — yet.

ETIAS was slated to roll out soon after Europe introduced its biometric border control Entry/Exit System. However, EES has been plagued by software bugs and long delays since its launch earlier this year, and as a result, ETIAS has been put on hold until sometime in 2027.

Per an official EU site, "ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point."

That means travelers to Europe don't need to do anything at the moment. Keep an eye on the site, and when ETIAS is rolled out, you will need to apply before visiting one of the applicable countries. But until then, nothing is changing about the entry process.

Unfortunately, scammers are trying to take advantage of the ETIAS delay by setting up fake websites that prey on travelers. So, the main thing you need to know right now is how to avoid scams.

Beware of scam sites

Although ETIAS has not been introduced yet, that hasn't stopped various websites — over 150 of them — from trying to sell "ETIAS waivers."

These sites often try to hoodwink travelers by mimicking the layout and domain name of the official EU website and creating a false sense of urgency. They may also provide inaccurate information about ETIAS and who needs to apply for it.

For now, if you stumble across a site offering ETIAS waivers, it is a scam. ETIAS is not operational yet, and you do not need to apply for a European travel waiver until at least next year. If you do, you will likely end up giving money or personal information to bad actors.

Bottom line

The main takeaway is: Do not apply for an ETIAS waiver right now. Instead, keep an eye on this page to see when ETIAS launches, at which point you will most likely need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before you visit the Schengen Zone.

When you do, be sure to apply through the official EU website only. According to pan-European border agency Frontex, commercial sites can legitimately apply for ETIAS waivers on behalf of clients, but they may charge exorbitant fees, do dubious things with your data and even put you at risk of identity theft.

Stay safe out there.

Many loyalty programs don't let you transfer points to other members, while others charge a fee to move points to another member. But with World of Hyatt, members can gift points to other members for free and with few restrictions.

That's right: Hyatt members can transfer points to other members without paying a fee. And the program just made it easier to do so. Here's what you need to know about transferring Hyatt points to other members.

Can you transfer Hyatt points to another person?

You can transfer Hyatt points in your account to any other World of Hyatt member as long as you and the other member have active accounts that have been open for at least 60 days.

No family or household affiliation is required, but you can gift Hyatt points from your account to another only once per calendar month and up to six times per calendar year. Similarly, you can receive Hyatt points from another account only once per calendar month and up to six times per calendar year.

There's no cost to transfer Hyatt points to another member. However, you can only transfer up to 525,000 points per calendar year and receive up to 525,000 points per calendar year. You must transfer at least 1,000 points per transfer, but transfers are otherwise available in 500-point increments.

Related: Maximize your Hyatt points: 5 smart award redemption strategies

How to gift Hyatt points to another member

Before this, if you wanted to transfer Hyatt points from your account to someone else's, you had to undertake a convoluted process that involved downloading a PDF and emailing it back to Hyatt.

Now you can transfer Hyatt points to another member much faster via an online process. Head to Hyatt's purchase, share and gift page, and click on the "Gift your points" link.

Doing so will take you to the Hyatt gifting page on points.com's website. Here, you can select how many Hyatt points to gift.

On the next page, you'll need to enter the World of Hyatt number, first name, last name and email address of the person to whom you want to gift Hyatt points. For a successful transfer, the details you enter should match the information on their Hyatt account.

You can enter an email address on the next page for your confirmation email, and check the box to accept the terms.

Double-check the recipient's account information and the number of points you're transferring before submitting your request, as Hyatt's terms state that transfers are final. Once you submit the transfer request, you'll see a confirmation page and get a confirmation email.

Hyatt says points generally transfer within 24 hours, but may take up to 10 business days if additional review is needed. However, when I tested out the new digital transfer process, the points were posted to the recipient's account immediately.

Related: The 14 best Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in the world

When should you gift Hyatt points to another person?

Gifting points might seem like an excellent idea if you're planning a vacation with other World of Hyatt members. While there are some great Hyatt Category 1 hotels, higher-category properties can require significantly more points under the current Hyatt award chart. Transferring points into a single account from which you can redeem them can bring these more expensive award stays within reach.

Pooling your points with friends or family could also allow you to redeem Hyatt points for an upgraded room or to book a longer stay than might otherwise be possible.

You might also consider transferring your Hyatt points to another member to prevent them from expiring. You'll forfeit your World of Hyatt points if your account is inactive for 24 consecutive months, but transferring points counts as account activity.

Related: 22 best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points

How to earn more Hyatt points

If you need to earn more Hyatt points, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt. Points earned with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) transfer at a 1:1 ratio to World of Hyatt.

Meanwhile, points earned with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees) transfer at a 4:3 ratio to Hyatt.

You can also currently transfer Bilt Points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. However, this ratio will drop to 4:3 on Jan. 1, 2027.

If you want to earn Hyatt points directly, consider the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) or the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees). Both cards offer valuable welcome offers and let you earn Hyatt points when making purchases.

Related: Is the World of Hyatt credit card worth the annual fee?

Bottom line

World of Hyatt has long allowed members to transfer points to each other for free, but the new digital process makes this benefit much easier to use. Whether you're pooling points with friends or family for a more expensive award stay or simply topping off another member's account, being able to complete the transfer via an easy online process is a welcome improvement.

Are you looking for the most activity-packed, megaresort-like Royal Caribbean cruise ships at sea? If so, you'll want to get on one of the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

These ships are, by nature, the Royal Caribbean ships with the most pools, waterslides and other top-deck activities, as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, as well as the largest number of cabins and suites — and the most variation in cabin and suite types.

With room for more than 6,000 passengers, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships are truly massive resorts like the ones you'd find at landlocked destinations such as Orlando and Las Vegas. If you're in the "bigger is better" camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Royal Caribbean ships for you.

Royal Caribbean doesn't only operate massive vessels, though. The Miami-based cruise giant also operates several relatively small ships that carry just 2,000 or 3,000 passengers and have a much more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half or one-third of the size of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships. These ships, notably, have far fewer top-deck activities and interior venues than the biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.

To ensure you end up on the right ship for you, it pays to study which Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here is every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation, ranked from biggest to smallest.

Note: Ships are ranked based on gross registered tonnage — the measure of a ship's interior volume. Passenger numbers listed are based on double occupancy (two people per cabin).

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

Royal Caribbean cruise ships, biggest to smallest

What is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

The three biggest Royal Caribbean cruise ships are Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. All three are Icon Class ships measuring 248,663 gross tons, making them tied for the biggest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet — and also the biggest cruise ships ever built by any line. They're loaded with more bars, restaurants, theaters and top-deck attractions than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

Icon of the Seas debuted in 2024, followed by Star of the Seas in 2025 and Legend of the Seas in 2026. A fourth ship in the Icon Class (Hero of the Seas) will debut in August 2027, followed by another three as yet unnamed ships in 2028, 2029 and 2030.

How big is Legend of the Seas?

At 248,663 gross tons, Legend of the Seas (and the rest of the Icon Class ships) is about 5% larger than Royal Caribbean's second-largest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Legend of the Seas can carry up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship.

The bigger passenger capacity is partly due to the ship's greater focus on family travelers. Icon Class ships were built with many more cabins with plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with children. They also have more amenities geared toward families. The ships include a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside, which is dedicated to families with young children.

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship?

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Measuring just 73,817 tons, it's just one-third of the size of Icon of the Seas.

Grandeur of the Seas dates to 1996, a time when cruise ships were built far smaller than they are nowadays and with far fewer amenities and dining venues. At 30 years old, it's the oldest vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the notable Royal Caribbean top-deck attractions — such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks — found on the newest Royal Caribbean vessels. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sun-deck areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.

That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.

Royal Caribbean is building a new series of smaller ships that could replace Grandeur of the Seas and other older, smaller vessels in the line's fleet.

Are bigger Royal Caribbean ships coming?

Royal Caribbean currently has seven new cruise ships on order, some of which will be among its biggest cruise ships ever.

These ships include four more vessels in the line's Icon Class, which are similar in size and amenities to Legend of the Seas. They're on order from a shipyard for delivery in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030, respectively. The first will be named Hero of the Seas; the second, third and fourth are currently unnamed.

Related: The ultimate guide to Icon of the Seas itineraries, attractions and more

Royal Caribbean also has one more ship in its popular Oasis Class series on order for delivery in 2028.

Launched in 2009 with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, the Oasis Class vessels have dominated the world of mega-sized cruise ships since then. When the class began rolling out, the vessels were around 40% larger than the next-largest cruise ships, and they have remained among the largest and most amenity-laden ships in the world ever since.

The new Oasis Class vessel, which hasn't yet been named, is expected to be roughly the same size as Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-biggest cruise ship, but smaller than Icon Class ships.

Are smaller Royal Caribbean ships coming?

Royal Caribbean has a new class of smaller ships in the works. The line's first Discovery Class vessel is scheduled to debut in 2029, with a second ship due in 2032.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis and Icon Class ships, the Discovery Class ships are being designed to visit smaller ports that can't accommodate the line's biggest vessels. The new ships are also expected to replace some of the oldest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

What's the difference between bigger and smaller Royal Caribbean ships?

Royal Caribbean's largest ships have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than its older ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big, bustling megaresort experience to a stay at a smaller resort.

On Royal Caribbean's biggest Oasis Class vessels, for instance, you'll find three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on the top decks. Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and theaters with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are one-half to one-third smaller than the Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Oasis Class and Icon Class ships can hold more than 5,400 passengers at double occupancy, the line's four oldest vessels (known as the Vision Class) are designed to carry only about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive per day for cruisers.

Related: Don't miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks

Additionally, because of their size, the smallest Royal Caribbean ships can operate itineraries to destinations that aren't as easy for larger ships to reach. Not all ports in the world can handle ships the size of Icon Class vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

If you haven't evaluated your credit card portfolio lately, now is a great time to do so.

Twice a month, we update this list to feature top welcome bonuses from cards that made the cut for our best credit cards list. Consider bookmarking this page and checking back regularly for the latest bonuses.

Earning new card bonuses is the fastest way to accumulate a stash of points and miles, so if you're working on building up your travel rewards balance, it's likely that one of the options below might be a good fit for you.

Since many issuers have restrictions on how often you can earn a bonus on a card, it's important to time your application for when there's a solid offer. Also, higher bonuses don't always stick around for long, so if you're considering one of these offers, you'll want to hop on it sooner rather than later.

If you're not ready to add a higher-end card, consider these great starter cards or even one with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate.

The best rewards card offers of October 2026

*The welcome offer value is determined using TPG's October 2026 valuations and is not provided by, nor reviewed by, the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Best for: Frequent business travelers who can maximize premium travel perks and statement credits.

This business card stands out not only for its extremely valuable welcome offer but also for travel perks that can easily cover its $895 annual fee.

Cardmembers enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs (enrollment required), along with some of the best lounge access perks of any business card out there for eligible cardmembers.

As far as earning rates go, cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com and 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Business Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Best for: High-spending business owners who want premium travel perks and strong rewards on travel and advertising.

The Sapphire Reserve for Business is a solid choice for high-spending business owners who can maximize valuable statement credits and get the most out of the card's high earning rates.

These earning rates include:

• 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel℠ bookings
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising (up to $1 million per dollar spent each anniversary year, starting Nov. 15, 2026)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

American Express Business Gold Card

Best for: Business owners who want to earn bonus points in their highest spending categories.

The Amex Business Gold is a fantastic card for business owners looking to maximize earnings from a single card.

It has 4 points per dollar spent earning categories that automatically reflect your highest spending areas (on the top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle; capped at $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Platinum Card

Best for: Frequent travelers who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status and other premium travel perks.

Often referred to as the king of the premium travel rewards cards, the Amex Platinum offers a slew of benefits for an annual fee of $895.

Cardmembers enjoy perks like automatic elite status with Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club from The Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required), plus some of the best airport lounge access of any card for eligible cardmembers.

Cardmembers also enjoy 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent), 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Platinum.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

American Express Gold Card

Best for: Travelers who spend heavily on dining and groceries and can maximize the card's statement credits.

The Amex Gold Card is a favorite of many TPG staffers, largely thanks to its terrific earning rates on dining at restaurants worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets (subject to spending caps).

It earns at the following rates:

• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™
• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airlines, on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked on amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

The card also offers multiple dining statement credits to help offset its relatively manageable $325 annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the American Express Gold.

Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Apply here: American Express Gold Card

Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Best for: American Airlines loyalists who value Admirals Club access and premium perks.

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive is a strong option for frequent American Airlines flyers, particularly those who can take advantage of its Admirals Club membership and suite of travel benefits.

Following a recent refresh, the card now offers perks including up to $500 annually toward American Airlines vacations (two biannual statement credits of up to $250 each), up to $100 credit annually toward eligible inflight and eligible Admirals Club purchases, automatic Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status and Avis President's Club status. Enrollment required for select benefits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive Mastercard.

For a limited time, earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card

Best for: Air Canada loyalists.

The refreshed Air Canada Aeroplan card offers valuable perks for frequent Air Canada flyers that can help offset its $195 annual fee.

Cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K Status each year with no spending requirement, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada award flights and up to $100 in annual statement credits for Air Canada purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Air Canada Aeroplan card.

Earn up to 115,000 bonus points: 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 40,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening.

Apply here: Air Canada Aeroplan Card

Capital One cards

Best for: Frequent travelers who want to earn transferable miles.

The Capital One Venture and Venture X are both strong options for travelers looking to earn transferable Capital One miles.

The Venture X is the premium option, with perks such as a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and access to Capital One airport lounges.

Meanwhile, the Venture carries a lower $95 annual fee while still earning transferable miles that can be redeemed for travel or transferred to Capital One's more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year upon account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Bilt Palladium Card

Best for: Bilt loyalists who want strong rewards on everyday spending and valuable hotel benefits.

The premium Bilt Palladium Card is an excellent choice for those all-in on Bilt. Cardholders will earn 2 points per dollar and 4% Bilt Cash** (as long as you choose to earn Bilt Cash) on everyday purchases, which guarantees a sky-high 4.4% return on everyday purchases, per TPG's October 2026 valuations.

You'll also receive a $400 Bilt Travel portal hotel credit each calendar year, split into two biannual $200 statement credits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Bilt Palladium Card.

**Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

Earn 50,000 bonus points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash upon approval.

Apply here: Bilt Palladium Card

IHG One Rewards cards

Best for: IHG loyalists who want premium perks.

IHG's newly launched premium card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Select, packs a strong mix of hotel and travel benefits at a $350 annual fee.

Cardholders can earn up to 28 points per dollar on IHG purchases and get perks including up to $300 in annual food and beverage rewards to redeem at IHG properties, a $200 airline statement credit (after spending $250 directly with airlines each year) and a free night award worth up to 60,000 points.

If you want a slightly more affordable IHG card that still packs premium benefits, the IHG One Premier is a great alternative.

To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier and our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Select.

Earn 200,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

Earn 180,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

United Airlines cards

Best for: United flyers who want to earn bonus miles and enjoy airline-specific perks.

The United Explorer and United Gateway are two solid options for travelers looking to earn United MileagePlus miles, with different benefits depending on how frequently you fly with the airline.

The Explorer offers more travel perks, including a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same reservation (terms apply), priority boarding and two United Club one-time passes each anniversary year. It also comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

Meanwhile, the Gateway is a good option for more occasional United flyers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer and our full review of the United Gateway.

Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Apply here: United Gateway Card

Hilton Honors cards

Best for: Hilton travelers who can maximize hotel perks.

Two Hilton cobranded cards are offering standout welcome offers: the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.

The Aspire is the premium option, with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and an array of Hilton statement credits and travel perks.

The Surpass offers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status and useful Hilton credits with a much lower annual fee, making it a strong choice for more occasional Hilton guests.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Aspire and our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass.

Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Earn 130,000 bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Jan. 13, 2027.

Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

Delta SkyMiles cards

Best for: Frequent Delta flyers.

Right now, several of Delta's cobranded Amex cards are offering elevated, limited-time welcome offers. All of these limited-time offers end on Nov. 4.

If you fly with Delta at least a few times each year, you'll easily be able to maximize any of these cards' benefits. The two SkyMiles Reserve cards include Delta Sky Club access (subject to limitations), offering you a place to sit back and relax while you wait for your next flight.

These four cards also offer day-of-travel benefits that can make your flight smoother, including free checked bags (may be subject to additional terms) and priority boarding.

To learn more, check out our full reviews for the Delta Reserve, Delta Reserve Business, Delta Platinum and Delta Gold.

Earn two domestic round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates (valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 50,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. A 21+ day advance purchase is required; up to $80 per person in taxes and fees apply. Other restrictions apply. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Earn 200,000 bonus miles after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount. This offer ends Nov. 4.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Bottom line

The quickest way to earn points and miles is by applying for a new credit card. If any of these offers interest you, act sooner rather than later, as several are only available for a limited time.

Remember that Chase's 5/24 rule means that it's often best to apply for Chase cards before other issuers' products. If you want some guidance on what card to go for next, here's some help on how to choose the best credit card for you.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Aspire, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass, click here.

Earning Choice Privileges points through stays, promotions and credit cards is relatively easy. However, once you have a stash of Choice Privileges points, you might wonder how to redeem them.

As with most points and miles, the value you'll get when redeeming Choice points will vary. TPG's October 2026 valuations peg the value of Choice points at 0.85 cents each, so we typically recommend aiming for at least that redemption value. Choice offers different redemption options depending on your country of residence, but here's what U.S. residents need to know about redeeming Choice Privileges points.

Redeem Choice points for hotel stays

You'll typically get the most value from Choice Privileges points when you redeem them for hotel stays. There are three primary ways to do this: reward nights, points-plus-cash stays and Preferred Hotels & Resorts stays.

Reward nights

Reward nights start at 6,000 points, though most properties require at least 8,000 points per night. You may also find discounted reward nights through Choice's RewardSaver program.

If you want to stay at a particular property, you can check award availability and pricing by clicking on the check-in date box.

When redeeming Choice points, you can often book more than just the base room type at many properties. For example, at the Quality Inn Bastrop in Texas, you can often book a room that can sleep up to six guests for the same number of points as a room that can sleep up to two.

You can book far more than Choice-branded hotels with Choice points, though. For example, you can use Choice Privileges points to stay at select Bluegreen Vacations properties. Note that there's usually a two-night minimum stay.

You can also book Westgate Resorts properties with Choice points. Most properties have a two-night minimum stay, but they are another option if you're looking for more space than most hotel rooms provide.

Additionally, you can redeem Choice points for stays at participating Radisson-family hotels in the Americas but not the rest of the world.

You can use Choice points to book select casino hotels and resorts as well. Check here for the current casino properties you can book with Choice points.

You can also book all-inclusive resorts with Choice Privileges points. At the time of writing, Choice points are redeemable at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Choice Titanium members receive a Titanium travel award that provides a 50% discount on one qualifying reward night reservation each year. This travel award is valid for a stay of up to seven nights in a single room at participating properties and must be used within the same calendar year it was awarded.

Related: How to earn Choice Privileges points

Points plus cash

Choice also offers points plus cash rates if you have at least 6,000 Choice points in your account. Log in to your account, search for a reward night and select a result that shows a points-plus-cash rate.

Once you click "See Availability" for the property you want to book, you can compare the reward night, the points-plus-cash rate and paid rates for each room type.

In the above example, you could pay 15,000 points, $142 or 6,000 points plus $77 per night for a rate that allows you to cancel until shortly before your stay. If you redeem 15,000 points, you will get a redemption rate of 0.95 cents per point. If you redeem 6,000 points plus $77, you'd use fewer points and get a better redemption rate of 1.08 cents per point.

You're effectively buying points with the cash portion of a points-plus-cash rate. So, you won't earn any points on points-plus-cash stays. And if you cancel, you'll be refunded the full number of points used for the reservation, including those you bought with the cash portion of the booking. You can only buy up to 250,000 points per calendar year by booking points-plus-cash rates.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Choice Privileges members can redeem Choice points for stays at participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties. For single or double occupancy, you can expect to redeem 20,000 to 250,000 points per night.

You can browse properties and book stays online by starting at this link and logging into your Choice Privileges account.

Transfer Choice points to travel rewards partners

You can use the online Choice Privileges Rewards Exchange to transfer points to the following partners:

• Aeromexico Rewards: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Aeromexico points
• Air Canada Aeroplan: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Aeroplan points
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Flying Blue miles
• Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Atmos Rewards points
• Avianca Lifemiles: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Avianca miles
• LATAM Pass: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 LATAM miles
• Qantas Frequent Flyer: Convert at a ratio of 2,000 Choice points to 800 Qantas points
• Saudia AlFursan: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Saudia miles
• Southwest Rapid Rewards: Convert at a ratio of 6,000 Choice points to 1,800 Southwest points
• Turkish Miles&Smiles: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 Turkish miles
• United MileagePlus: Convert at a ratio of 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 United miles
• Velocity Frequent Flyer: Convert at a ratio of 2,000 Choice points to 800 Virgin Australia points

Transfers usually occur within 72 hours but may take up to seven days.

Use Choice points for gift cards

You can also redeem Choice points for many types of gift cards. You can usually redeem 8,000 Choice points for a $25 gift card, 16,000 points for a $50 gift card and 32,000 points for a $100 gift card.

However, you'll usually only get 0.31 cents per point when redeeming Choice points for gift cards. This is below the value you can typically get when redeeming points for stays, so we typically don't recommend redeeming Choice points for gift cards.

Related: How to use points and miles to give gifts with zero out-of-pocket cost

Redeem Choice points for an AARP membership

You can also redeem Choice points for a one- or three-year AARP membership. A one-year membership costs 5,000 points, while a three-year membership costs 12,000 points.

A one-year membership typically costs $20, while a three-year membership costs $55. So, you'd be getting 0.4 to 0.46 cents per point.

Transfer Choice points to another member

You can transfer Choice points to another member via the Choice website if both accounts have been open for at least 30 days and you have at least 5,000 points in your account. There's no cost to transfer points to another member.

You must transfer at least 5,000 points per transfer, but you can only transfer in increments of 1,000 points, and there's a maximum of 100,000 points per transfer. You can also only transfer up to 200,000 points per calendar year and receive up to 100,000 points per calendar year.

Exchange Choice points for cruise credits

It's possible to redeem Choice points for cruise credit when you book by phone with Cruises for Choice Privileges (powered by Cruise411) at 800-596-0451. You can redeem 85,000 points for $250 in cruise credit or 160,000 points for $500 in cruise credit. However, you'll only get a redemption rate of 0.29 to 0.31 cents per point when redeeming for cruise credits.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Redeem Choice points for experiences

You can also redeem Choice points for college sports experiences, NASCAR tickets, concerts and other events on the Experiences by Choice website.

Most of the options are experiences you can bid on rather than buy outright.

Donate Choice points

Finally, you can donate Choice points to select charities. Choice will donate $5 per 1,000 points redeemed to most charities. However, if you donate your points to Polaris, Choice will donate $10 per 1,000 points.

Related: How you can donate your points and miles to charity

Bottom line

You'll typically get the most value from your Choice Privileges points when redeeming them for hotel stays. However, with options ranging from budget-friendly hotels to upscale resorts, it's worth comparing award rates with paid rates before redeeming.

Although you can also use Choice points for airline miles, gift cards, cruises and other rewards, most of these options provide less value than TPG's October 2026 valuation of 0.85 cents per point. I'd generally recommend saving your Choice points for hotel stays where you can get at least that much value.

The Sunshine State is in the middle of a dengue fever outbreak.

Florida health officials recently reported more than 250 locally acquired dengue fever cases in 2026 so far, most of them in Hillsborough County, home to Tampa. According to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, the outbreak "appears to be the largest in several decades in the continental United States."

The outbreak has prompted a state of local emergency in Hillsborough County and its neighbors, with workers applying insecticide "day and night" to combat the mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

If you're heading to Florida soon or planning a trip, here's what you should consider.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue, pronounce DEHN-gay and nicknamed "breakbone fever" for the excruciating pain it can cause, is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical climates.

Most infected individuals experience mild or no symptoms and will recover on their own in a week or two, though they may feel fatigued for several weeks afterward. However, some patients develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening and requires hospitalization. Individuals who have had dengue in the past are at a higher risk of contracting severe dengue.

There is currently no cure for dengue; patients are treated with pain management.

Dengue has spread rapidly in recent decades, in part due to climate change: Rising temperatures extend the mosquito breeding season and accelerate the growth of mosquito larvae. As a result, dengue is spreading to new areas that used to be too chilly for mosquitoes, including parts of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to WHO, 2024 saw a record-breaking dengue year, with over 14.6 million reported cases and 12,000-plus deaths around the globe.

How to protect yourself

Some parts of Florida have historically been a dengue risk, but the current outbreak increased your chances of catching the virus, especially if you are heading to the Tampa area.

This doesn't mean you should cancel your plans, but you should be extra cautious.

There is no widely available vaccine for dengue. Because the virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, your best bet is to avoid bites by wearing protective clothing and bug spray while outdoors.

I personally recommend permethrin, which you can apply to your clothes before you travel. Once dried, this waterproof bug repellant has no odor or oily feel, and it will stay on through several washes. In mosquito-prone areas, I wear permethrin-treated pants and long sleeves, then apply bug spray to any exposed areas.

What to do if you get sick

While visiting Florida, keep an eye out for dengue symptoms, including:

• high fever
• severe headache or pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pain
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash

If you exhibit these symptoms, there's a good chance they can be self-managed and will go away in one to two weeks.

However, if you develop symptoms of severe dengue — which often present after the fever subsides — you should seek medical attention immediately:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums or nose
• fatigue
• restlessness
• blood in vomit or stool
• extreme thirst
• cold, pale skin
• feeling weak

Dengue is not spread person-to-person, so you don't have to worry about giving the virus to your travel companions.

Bottom line

Florida draws countless tourists to its beaches, theme parks and natural wonders like the Everglades. But it's also home to pesky, disease-carrying mosquitoes — which are active year-round due to the state's warm climate.

The current dengue outbreak should not stop you from traveling this winter, but you should take appropriate precautions. Pack the right clothes and bug repellant to protect yourself from mosquitoes, and know the symptoms of dengue in the unlikely event that you need medical attention.

That way, you can travel safely and stress-free.

There's a lot of news today from Southwest Airlines, including new elite status tiers and qualification requirements, a first look at its forthcoming Icon Lounges, faster ways to earn Tier Qualifying Points toward elite status and more.

But there's one change that really jumped out at me: The way you qualify for a Southwest Companion Pass is changing in 2027, and some points travelers aren't going to like it.

For years, the Southwest Companion Pass has allowed a designated companion to fly with the passholder for just the cost of taxes and fees. It's a valuable and much-loved perk that many travelers chase year after year.

But beginning in 2027, the Companion Pass will become a benefit of Southwest's newly announced top-tier Platinum status, meaning travelers will need to qualify using Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) or qualifying flights.

And that comes with a pretty big catch for those who have relied on credit card welcome bonuses to earn the Companion Pass.

Credit card welcome bonus points will no longer count for the Companion Pass

Previously, the Companion Pass was earned with Companion Pass qualifying points, which weren't quite the same as the TQPs used to earn elite status.

Most notably, this meant that welcome bonus points earned from signing up for Southwest credit cards counted toward earning the Companion Pass, even though the bonus points didn't count as TQPs toward elite status.

This was a really big deal.

Welcome bonuses on Southwest credit cards can sometimes get you 80,000 Rapid Rewards points (or even more) once you meet the spending requirements. That has gone a long way toward reaching the 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points currently needed to earn a Companion Pass.

But that strategy is going away starting next year.

Southwest's website now states (bolding mine):

"Starting January 1, 2027, certain activities that helped you qualify for a Companion Pass by earning Companion Pass qualifying points do not earn Tier Qualifying Points. Therefore, these activities, while still earning Rapid Rewards points, will not assist you in earning Companion Pass benefits. These include new Cardmember welcome bonuses, referral bonuses, anniversary points, and bonus points from spend (e.g., 2x on gas), as well as partner spend (e.g., hotel, car)."

In other words, those big credit card welcome bonuses that have helped so many travelers unlock the Companion Pass will no longer get you any closer to earning it beginning in 2027. Travelers who earn a Companion Pass under the existing rules in 2026 will still enjoy its benefits through the end of 2027.

New ways to earn Southwest Companion Pass benefits in 2027

Beginning in 2027, to receive unlimited Companion Pass trips, you'll need to earn 140,000 TQPs or complete 100 qualifying one-way flights to reach Southwest's new Platinum status.

There is some good news here, however.

Southwest will provide a 10,000-TQP boost once you reach 130,000 earned TQPs in 2027, pushing you to the 140,000 TQPs needed to unlock Platinum status and its Companion Pass benefit for the remainder of 2027 and all of 2028.

Southwest is also introducing a new Milestone Reward that provides three Companion Pass trips once you earn 95,000 TQPs or complete 75 qualifying one-way flights.

And there's another potentially helpful change for those who can put significant spending on Southwest credit cards.

Beginning in 2027, all Southwest credit cards will earn 1 TQP per dollar spent, making it easier to earn elite status — and ultimately Companion Pass benefits — through credit card spending on any of the Southwest credit cards.

Of course, that's quite different from earning tens of thousands of qualifying points all at once from a welcome bonus.

Bottom line

There's certainly some good news coming out of Southwest Airlines today, but it isn't all good news — especially for travelers who have relied on credit card welcome bonuses to earn the Companion Pass.

For years, strategically timing Southwest credit card applications and welcome bonuses has been one of the most popular ways to unlock this valuable perk without spending a fortune on flights.

And while Southwest is introducing some new ways to earn companion benefits, including a three-trip Milestone Reward and more TQPs from credit card spending, those changes won't necessarily make up for losing one of the easiest shortcuts to one of the most valuable perks in the world of points and miles.

Related reading: Southwest overhauls Rapid Rewards with new elite tiers, credit card changes and companion passes

Alaska is a gigantic playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering once-in-a-lifetime adventures unique to the 49th state.

During an Alaska cruise, you can book a helicopter ride to land on a glacier and go dogsledding or take a journey on the historic narrow gauge railroad, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (also known as "The Scenic Railway of the World"), in Skagway; take a floatplane into a remote location for a bear-viewing adventure from Anchorage; or go crabbing in Ketchikan on the famed Aleutian Ballad from the Discovery Channel show "Deadliest Catch."

If that's not enough excitement, you can ramp up the thrill level a few more notches with these six adventure-filled excursions. They are only available if you've booked a cruisetour (a type of package that combines a cruise with a multinight land-based tour) to Alaska and will be heading north to Denali and Fairbanks — or are independently traveling to the National Park and Fairbanks before or after your cruise. Large cruise lines offering cruisetours include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Since these are small group tours and specialty excursions with limited space, you'll want to reserve them as far in advance as possible. Also make note of the cancellation policy when booking in case you need to alter your travel plans.

It's important to know that several cruise lines can offer the same or similar excursions, however, the physical and age requirements may be different — and the pricing can vary. If you're comfortable going it on your own, consider contacting the tour provider or outfitter directly to book the excursion as the pricing may be lower.

Search for bears and other wildlife in Denali National Park & Preserve

The National Park Service offers several excursions that you can book through its website, and the tours range from five to 13 hours. with costs starting at around $144 per person ($65.00 for kids 15 and younger). The approximately 5 1/2-hour narrated "Tundra Wilderness Tour" is the most popular outing. It offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities to see Denali's "Big Five:" brown (or grizzly) bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou.

If you want to spend a full day in Denali, learn about the park's history from a NPS Interpretive Ranger and visit the old mining town of Kantishna (which gives you multiple chances to see the "Big Five"), book the "Kantishna Experience" tour. The 13-hour adventure, which takes guests to the end of the drivable portion of the Denali Park Road at mile No. 92, will be available to reserve in 2027. (The road is currently closed.)

Complimentary shuttle service to the Denali Visitors Center and the Denali Bus Depot (where you'll meet your tour) is available when you're staying in one of the cruise line's hotels, such as the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or the Holland America Denali Lodge. You can also book tours through the property's guest services desks, but it's advisable to book them in advance, as they often sell out.

It's important to note that private vehicles are limited to the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road, which ends at Savage River. You'll need to book either a transit bus or a narrated tour bus to explore farther into the park.

Ride the rapids in Denali with a white water rafting tour

This 3 1/2-hour adventure on the Nenana River takes thrill-seekers on an 11-mile journey through white water rapids with views of Denali's Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. You can opt to hold on as an oar boat rider, making the tour accessible for almost anyone. More intrepid and active travelers (15 years of age and older) can paddle through the waves along with the guide.

The minimum age for the tour is 12. There's also a weight limit of 265 pounds for Princess Cruise Line. The outfitter provides the appropriate gear, including a dry suit, a helmet, paddle river shoes and a life jacket. You can reserve the excursion in advance or through guest services at one of the wilderness lodges.

Be sure to bring a waterproof case for your smartphone so you can take photos and videos during the wild ride. Expect to pay around $149 for the excursion.

Take the drive of a lifetime along the Denali Highway

This 135-mile stretch of gravel road was once the gateway to the park and was named the No. 2 "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler. With the guided and narrated 4 1/2-hour "Denali Highway Jeep Excursion," you'll travel approximately 50 miles along the Denali Highway (100 miles round-trip) for unparalleled views and photo opportunities.

The four-wheeling Jeep tour will take you past some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery, including vast glaciers, the snowcapped mountains of the Alaska Range, far-reaching vistas and, on a clear day, views of Denali's peak. You may also encounter some wildlife, so be sure to bring your binoculars (in addition to your camera). Expect to pay around $189 per adult and $119 for kids 12 and under. You must be 25 or older to drive.

Chase the northern lights in Fairbanks

Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to witness the magical (but sometimes elusive) northern lights. On a cool, clear evening, you may be able to see the light show dance across the night sky during aurora season, which falls between Aug. 21 and April 21.

The Explore Fairbanks website has an Aurora Tracker that correlates data from three different sources to predict the chances of seeing the lights across six areas in and around Fairbanks, so you can check the probability of viewing the lights while you're in town.

Cruise lines offer late-night to early morning tours (typically 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.) as optional excursions during aurora season, but you can also book an independent tour through a local provider. Some companies also offer photography tours, where you can learn how to capture natural phenomena.

A top-rated excursion that you can book on your own is the 9-hour Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks with Face the Outdoors. The small-group experience (maximum 10 guests) includes a pickup from your hotel where you'll travel to a private wilderness lodge for optimal aurora viewing. Here, you'll have a toasty warm indoor space with a fireplace, panoramic windows along with complimentary hot drinks and snacks. If necessary (due to weather), the guide may chase the northern lights by heated van to another location. In addition, tour-goers will receive photography assistance with cameras or smartphones and aurora photos from the experience. (Note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.) Prices start at $359 per person.

Take a flightseeing adventure over the Arctic Circle

This bucket-list trip from Fairbanks crosses the Arctic Circle, which is approximately 140 air miles north of town. Once you've arrived, you'll be in the far north polar region, formally known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun."

Holland America Line's approximately six-hour optional excursion across the Arctic Circle includes a flight over the Yukon River valley and the Brooks Range, landing just outside Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve in Coldfoot. You'll also have 2 1/2 hours on land to visit the wilderness communities of Coldfoot and Wiseman and learn how the few residents who call this remote area home survive the winter with extreme temperatures that reach as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A souvenir Arctic Circle Certificate is awarded at the end of the trip. The weight limit is 340 pounds.

You can also reserve one of these tours independently with a local tour operator. Prices start at $729 per person, but vary based on the length of the excursion, departure time and season.

Play a round of golf at the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the US

You'll come home with another certificate saying you played at the northernmost golf course in the country after a round of golf at the Midnight Sun Golf Course in Fairbanks. This six-hour excursion (prices from $169 per person) is a true Alaska adventure, featuring a late-evening golf game between May and July (when the sun doesn't set, from approximately May 17 to July 27) on a rustic course underlain with permafrost. The golf course also offers views of Fairbanks and the Alaska Range — and even Denali from the eighth and 17th tees.

The price for the excursion (offered by Holland America Line and Princess Cruises) includes transportation to the Midnight Sun Golf Course and everything you'll need for your golf game, such as a golf cart, a standard set of clubs, green fees, balls and tees. In addition to your certificate, you'll also take home a bag tag, hat clip or pint glass as a souvenir.

Having a family makes just about everything more expensive. Trust me, I've spent years raising four kids, and I've learned a thing or two about making every dollar — and every credit card perk — count.

The American Express Platinum Card® might have a reputation as a card for business travelers and luxury jet-setters, but it's surprisingly family-friendly, too.

From airport lounge access and hotel perks to everyday savings, here's how to make the Amex Platinum work for your whole family.

Maximize the Amex Platinum for family travel

Get the whole family into airport lounges

I'm actually writing this article from an airport lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where I'm riding out a long layover with my kids.

Having a place to spread out, grab some food and give everyone a little breathing room (including me!) makes traveling together a whole lot easier. But getting the whole family into a lounge? That's another story.

The Amex Platinum provides access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges. At Centurion Lounges, cardmembers pay $50 per adult guest or $30 for children ages 2 to 17. Spending $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year unlocks complimentary access for up to two guests, but that's a steep threshold.

Here's a better strategy: Before paying Centurion Lounge guest fees, check for a participating Priority Pass lounge. Amex Platinum cardmembers can bring up to two guests at no additional charge, without meeting a spending requirement. Enrollment is required, and individual lounges may restrict guest access.

For larger families, adding another Platinum cardmember for $195 annually (see rates and fees) could also be worthwhile. Two adults with eligible Platinum Cards and separate Priority Pass enrollments, for example, could bring four kids into a participating lounge without paying guest fees.

Related: How to enroll in Priority Pass with eligible credit cards

Make the most of family hotel stays

Some of our most memorable family hotel stays have happened thanks to the Amex Platinum. On a trip to Porto, Portugal, we paid very little out of pocket and even scored a suite upgrade that gave us enough room to stay together without being too close for comfort.

The Platinum offers up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits, split into two up to $300 credits (one from January through June and another from July through December), for eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.

Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings also come with perks like daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit toward eligible charges and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout. That property credit is great for covering a meal, while late checkout is especially useful when you're traveling with kids.

Of course, these properties can be pricey, so compare rates and room occupancy limits before booking.

Related: Get complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Breeze through airport security with the family

The Amex Platinum can also make getting through airport security with your family a little (and sometimes a lot) easier.

For starters, it offers up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year toward a Clear+ membership (subject to auto-renewal; enrollment required). Children 17 and under can accompany a member through Clear+ lanes at no additional charge.

You'll also receive a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or up to $85 in statement credits for TSA PreCheck every four years when you pay the application fee with your Platinum. Even better, eligible additional Platinum and Companion Platinum cardmembers receive their own application fee credits — another useful perk for families.

Keep in mind that Clear+, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are separate programs. Clear+ expedites identity verification, TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening and Global Entry expedites U.S. reentry while also including TSA PreCheck benefits.

Save on travel extras and protect your family trips

There's an up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit, which can cover eligible charges like checked baggage fees and in-flight refreshments on your selected qualifying airline. That's especially handy when you're paying for multiple travelers. Enrollment is required, and airfare itself isn't covered.

The card also offers valuable travel protections, including trip delay insurance**, trip cancellation and interruption insurance**, and baggage insurance***. Depending on the benefit, coverage can extend to eligible family members, potentially helping reimburse expenses if something goes wrong on your trip.

Coverage depends on how you pay for your trip and the circumstances involved, so always review the terms first.

**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: Who is covered by credit card travel insurance?

Make the Amex Platinum work for your family at home, too

With an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Amex Platinum isn't exactly cheap. And while getting some extra value out of your family vacations is great, occasional travel perks alone probably aren't enough to justify that price tag for many.

But some of the Platinum's most useful benefits are for everyday expenses.

Save on groceries, takeout and family meals

The Amex Platinum offers up to $12.95 in monthly statement credits, plus applicable taxes, toward a Walmart+ monthly membership (enrollment required, subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups excluded). That membership includes complimentary grocery delivery on eligible orders of at least $35, complimentary shipping on eligible purchases and other perks.

Of all the Platinum's everyday benefits, this is probably the one I find most useful. Whether I'm stocking up on groceries, ordering last-minute school supplies or simply avoiding another trip to the store, it's a fantastic timesaver.

The card also offers several credits that can help with family meals and transportation:

• Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash for eligible U.S. rides and Uber Eats orders (up to $15 monthly, plus an extra up to $20 in December), after you add your Platinum to your Uber account and use an eligible American Express card for payment.
• Up to $120 in annual statement credits toward an eligible auto-renewing Uber One membership.
• Up to $400 in annual Resy credits, distributed as up to $100 in quarterly statement credits at qualifying U.S. restaurants. Enrollment is required for the Resy benefit, no reservation is required.

These benefits can be valuable if they fit your family's existing habits. Just remember that the credits have separate enrollment requirements and restrictions, and they're not worth much if you have to change your spending habits to use them.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the American Express Platinum

Save on family entertainment

The Amex Platinum offers up to $300 annually in digital entertainment credits, broken down into up to $25 monthly statement credits. Enrollment is required.

Eligible services include Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube Premium and more. You can split the credit across multiple subscriptions, which is especially handy when everyone in the family has different favorites.

This can be an easy win for families already paying for streaming services. However, the credit only covers select providers, so it won't be much help if your favorites aren't on the list. Unused monthly credits don't roll over.

Related: How to use the Amex Platinum digital entertainment credit

Help your kids build credit as authorized users

One of my favorite credit card strategies has nothing to do with points or travel. It's adding my kids as authorized users to help them get a head start on building credit. I've done this with my own kids, and my oldest recently headed off to college with excellent credit.

Amex allows children as young as 13 to be added as additional cardmembers, and you don't have to pay the $195 annual fee for an additional Amex Platinum. Instead, you can add a no-annual-fee Companion Platinum Card (see rates and fees). American Express generally reports eligible additional cardmember account activity to credit bureaus once they turn 18, which may help them begin establishing credit history.

However, the primary cardmember remains responsible for purchases made by additional cardmembers, so it's important to establish spending expectations before adding your children.

As a bonus, purchases made by additional cardmembers earn Membership Rewards points for your account. Amex occasionally offers targeted bonus points for adding authorized users who meet spending requirements, so check your account before adding someone.

Related: Complete guide to authorized users on the Amex Platinum Card

Know when the Amex Platinum isn't the best fit for your family

For all its surprisingly family-friendly perks, the Amex Platinum isn't the right fit for everyone. The $895 annual fee is a lot to justify, especially if you're not regularly using the card's benefits.

It's also not a particularly strong card for everyday family spending.

While you'll earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent) and 5 points per dollar spent on eligible prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, most other eligible purchases earn just 1 point per dollar spent.

If groceries, gas and dining make up a big chunk of your household budget, pairing the Platinum with a card that rewards those purchases more generously could make sense.

The real question is how much value your family will get from benefits you'd use anyway.

Related: How to decide if a credit card's annual fee is worth paying

How much value could a family get from the Amex Platinum each year?

Here's what a hypothetical family taking one or two vacations a year might save by using a handful of the Amex Platinum's everyday credits (some of which requre enrollment).

In this example, the family uses one $300 hotel credit toward an eligible vacation booking, receives $20 per month in digital entertainment credits, uses the $15 in Uber Cash six times and takes advantage of two $100 quarterly Resy credits. The family also receives a full year of Walmart+ membership credits.

Altogether, the family receives $985 in statement credits, Uber Cash and membership benefits, exceeding the card's $895 annual fee by $90. That's before considering airport lounge visits, hotel upgrades or other travel perks. Those benefits could make the Platinum even more valuable for families who travel regularly or maximize more benefits.

The welcome offer can also take some of the sting out of the annual fee, especially in your first year. New applicants can find out if they're eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

That's worth up to $3,500, according to TPG's October 2026 valuations, which put Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece. That's a substantial boost toward your next family vacation, provided you can meet the spending requirement without making unnecessary purchases.

Your family's numbers might look completely different, though. A $300 hotel credit isn't worth $300 in savings if you spend hundreds more than you otherwise would have on the room. The best way to decide whether the Platinum belongs in your wallet is to look at the benefits you'll actually use, not just their advertised value.

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum might not be the first card that comes to mind for families, but it has a surprising amount to offer beyond luxury travel perks.

Between airport lounge access, hotel benefits, everyday statement credits and opportunities to help your kids build credit, there are plenty of ways to spread the value across your household.

Still, an $895 annual fee is a big commitment. The key is finding benefits that fit your family's existing habits rather than spending extra just to use a credit. If you can do that, the Platinum could earn its place in your family's wallet.

To learn more about the card, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

Southwest Airlines has spent the last two years overhauling its policies and the customer experience on its planes. Open seating is gone, checked bag fees are in, and lounges are coming.

Next up? A major overhaul to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program.

The airline on Thursday outlined sweeping changes to its points and elite status tiers.

"A-List" and "A-List Preferred" are being replaced by "Silver" and "Gold" — and a new top-tier "Platinum" level.

Meanwhile, credit card spending will count more toward earning status. Plus, Southwest is finally rolling out partner awards, unlocking Rapid Rewards redemptions to Europe, Asia and beyond.

However, there are also some key changes that will affect how flyers can earn the airline's popular Companion Pass.

It's a packed slate of news rolled out by Southwest. Let's walk through what it means for your travel and loyalty with the airline going forward.

Earning status with a credit card is getting easier

Southwest flyers will soon have a lot more incentive to put everyday purchases on their Rapid Rewards credit cards.

Beginning Jan. 1, all Southwest credit card holders will earn 1 tier qualifying point per dollar charged to their card.

TQPs are the points system Southwest uses to award elite status.

Today, not every Southwest card earns TQPs on swipes. And none of its cards currently offer a TQP for every dollar spent.

But that changes in 2027, when every Southwest-branded credit card will earn holders 1 TQP per dollar spent.

That goes even for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees), which doesn't currently offer cardholders any TQPs toward status.

Elite status overhaul: Farewell to 'A-List'

Southwest's elite status tiers are also getting a shake-up.

"A-List" and "A-List Preferred" will disappear in favor of more traditional airline status labels — including a new top-tier rung.

Starting in 2027:

• A-List will become "Silver"
• A-List Preferred will transition to "Gold"
• Plus, there's a new top-tier status: "Platinum," which comes with the airline's unlimited Companion Pass.

2027 Southwest elite status qualification requirements

Southwest's changes include some adjustments to what it takes to earn status.

You can still opt to earn status either by earning enough TQPs or racking up enough qualifying flights.

However, you'll generally need more flights to qualify for elite status that way.

There are also some changes to the TQP requirements — and it's not all bad news.

Generally speaking, A-List and A-List Preferred benefits will transfer to the new "Silver" and "Gold" tiers, the airline said.

For instance, A-Listers' baggage perks and extra-legroom seat access remain as-is.

New top-tier status: Comes with Companion Pass

However, Southwest is making its Companion Pass part of a new top-tier Platinum status.

That tier will include unlimited access to the carrier's famous "two-for-one" flying benefit.

Members who reach Platinum status will also get up to three free checked bags.

Qualifying for Southwest's Companion Pass had always been the top perk for members of its Rapid Rewards program. The perk isn't changing.

But there are changes to how you earn it.

A popular Companion Pass shortcut goes away

Southwest is phasing out "Companion Pass Qualifying Points," the metric it's historically used to award the two-for-one pass.

Instead, members will earn the Companion Pass via TQPs, just like status.

That eliminates a favorite shortcut of flyers hoping to unlock one of the best deals in travel: Credit card sign-up bonuses will no longer count toward earning the Companion Pass.

Full details: How Southwest's changes affect earning the Companion Pass

What you'll need to earn Companion Pass in 2027

To earn the Companion Pass in 2027, you'll still need 100 flights.

Southwest is increasing the number of TQPs members will need from 135,000 to 140,000.

However, upon reaching 130,000 TQPs, the airline will give flyers with a cobranded credit card a boost of 10,000 TQPs in 2027.

Milestone rewards

On the other hand, there will be a new way to unlock a few round-trips with the Companion Pass without reaching top-tier Platinum Status.

Members who reach 75 flights or 95,000 TQPs can unlock three "Companion Pass Trips."

At the lower end of the spectrum, Rapid Rewards members who take 15 flights or reach 20,000 TQPs can choose from two Milestone Rewards options: 2,000 bonus points or two preferred seat coupons.

Another Rapid Rewards 'earn' shake-up

Southwest also made some changes to the number of points travelers can earn on flights.

Fewer points for some fares

• Going forward, customers who book its second-highest fare class (Choice Preferred) will earn 8 points per dollar spent on their trip instead of 10 points per dollar.

• Southwest's highest fare class (Choice Extra) will earn 10 points per dollar spent instead of 14 points per dollar.

The airline's basic economy fare will continue to earn 2 points per dollar spent. And its standard economy fare (Choice) will keep earning 6 points per dollar spent.

Changes to earning on flights

There was also a bit of bad news for Southwest flyers who earn the carrier's current A-List Preferred status, which will become "Gold" in 2027.

The mileage bonus those flyers get on flights will shrink in the new year. Gold members will earn a 60% points bonus on bookings — down from the current 100% bonus for A-List Preferred members.

However, the 25% bonus for A-List members will jump to 40% for Silver members in the new year. Customers who earn Southwest's new Platinum tier will get 120% bonus points on flights.

Rapid Rewards partner awards launching in 2027

Starting in 2027, Southwest loyalists will be able to earn and redeem their Rapid Rewards points on long-haul international flights.

Next spring, the airline will launch partner redemptions on three international carriers:

• Icelandair, which you can use to travel to Reykjavik or connect on to Europe
• Etihad Airways, the premium Gulf airline based in Abu Dhabi
• China Airlines, based in Taipei, Taiwan

This move had been expected since Southwest began striking up international partnerships for the first time in 2025. I'd expect the carrier to add additional partners for Rapid Rewards earning and redemption in the future.

Other Southwest news to know

Southwest dropped a few key additional updates amid its flurry of news on Thursday.

'Icon Lounges'

"Southwest Icon Lounges" will be the name of the airline's new clubs. It's a nod, executives said, to past icons like the airline's founder, Herb Kelleher.

The first outposts are slated to debut in 2027, with access granted to Rapid Rewards members who carry a new premium credit card that the airline is planning with its banking partner, Chase.

Southwest has confirmed initial outposts are coming to Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville — with at least seven more to follow.

Starlink rollout expanded fleetwide

Earlier this year, the carrier announced it would install ultrafast Starlink Wi-Fi on some of its planes.

Now, Southwest plans to install the high-speed internet service on its entire fleet.

Interestingly, the carrier on Thursday said it expects to be the first U.S. airline to roll out the technology to all its jets — by the fall of 2027.

That revelation comes as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines race to put Starlink on their own aircraft — a week after American Airlines also said it would be an all-Starlink carrier for connectivity in the coming years.

More than 40 Southwest planes currently have Starlink.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
• The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
• Southwest's new seating and boarding policies: What to know
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Reverse redeye? Southwest is launching one of America's wildest itineraries

I've said again and again during my time as a United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) cardholder that it's one of my favorite credit cards.

For travelers who fly with United a few times a year, perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding and United Club passes can help justify the card's $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year).

That said, cobranded cards are generally not meant for wide audiences, and the United Explorer is no exception. If you rarely fly with United, don't transit through airports with United Clubs or consider yourself a member of the carry-on-only club, it will be difficult to justify this card's place in your wallet.

Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

United Explorer: The basics

The United Explorer is a step up from the no-annual-fee United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees).

It can be a great first airline credit card for travelers who want United-specific benefits without paying a premium annual fee.

Key United Explorer benefits include:

• Free first checked bag: You'll receive this perk for you and one companion when you pay with your United Explorer.
• Priority boarding: You'll be able to board in Group 2 of 6, ahead of general boarding.
• United Club passes: Each cardholder year, you'll receive two United Club passes. These passes can be used when you fly any Star Alliance airline, not just United.
• Travel and lifestyle credits
• Elite status boost via spending

With this card, you'll earn United MileagePlus miles, which can be redeemed for a wide variety of options. Two of the best include using your miles for United flights and redeeming them to cover your annual fee.

United Explorer pros and cons

United Explorer benefits

Where I see the United Explorer offering the strongest value for the widest audience is in its United-related perks. Airlines across the board have been increasing baggage fees due to higher fuel costs, making this card's free checked-bag perk more valuable than ever.

Your first checked bag each way costs $50 with United (or $45 if you prepay). That means you'll offset this card's annual fee as long as you check a bag with United at least three times each year.

Priority boarding may not have a monetary value, but it can be a huge help when your flight is full, and there's a risk of your carry-on getting gate-checked.

I also really appreciate the two United Club passes that come every cardholder year with the United Explorer. You don't need to fly with United to use one; I was able to get into a United Club while flying with Air Canada, for example.

United Club passes are $59 each, so the two annual passes can provide meaningful value if you use them.

If you're on your way to United elite status, the United Explorer earns 1 Premier qualifying point (PQP) for every $20 spent (up to 1,000 PQPs each year). Unlike higher-tier United cards, however, it doesn't offer a lump sum of PQPs at the start of each year. Personally, I don't view this card as being the best aid for achieving elite status.

The biggest reason I tout the Explorer as often as I do is because of how easy it is to get meaningful value from it without needing to use merchant credits that may not fit your spending habits.

The card also offers several statement credits, though their usefulness will depend on your spending habits.

Some of these, such as the up to $100 annual JSX credit and up to $10 monthly Instacart credit (activation required; through Dec. 31, 2027), may be too niche for most cardholders to get meaningful use out of.

The up to $60 annual ride-hailing credit (yearly opt-in required) is nice, but it's broken down into small $5 monthly increments. With ride-hailing prices soaring due to high gas prices, this credit may feel more like a negligible discount than a proper credit card perk.

That said, this credit will likely be the easiest for cardholders to maximize.

How to earn and use your rewards

As mentioned earlier, the United Explorer earns United MileagePlus miles. As a cardholder, you'll earn at the following rates:

• At least 6 miles per dollar spent on basic economy fares and at least 9 miles per dollar spent on standard fares (earning rate may be higher if you have status with United)
• 3 miles per dollar spent on all other United purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent on hotels booked directly and dining
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Your miles can be redeemed for lots of options, including gift cards, statement credits through Chase Pay Yourself Back and to book experiences. These redemption options often don't offer the best value for your miles, so your best bet is to use them to book flights or to pay for your card's annual fee.

Miles can be redeemed for flights on United or with one of its partner airlines, such as Air Canada or Lufthansa.

TPG credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens recently redeemed 28,200 United miles for two nonstop, one-way economy flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Lihue Airport (LIH) in Hawaii. Flights were around $550 each, making this a great domestic redemption.

If you redeem your miles to pay for your card's annual fee, you'll receive a value of 1.5 cents per mile. That's higher than TPG's October 2026 valuation of United miles at 1.2 cents per mile.

Where the United Explorer falls short

Cobranded cards are intended for a fairly specific audience, which means they won't be right for everyone. The United Explorer may not be for you if:

• You rarely fly United or other eligible airlines
• You rarely or never check a bag
• You rarely transit through an airport with a United Club
• You already have extensive lounge access through other cards
• You're chasing status with United, since this card limits your PQP earning to 1,000 PQPs each year

United fans who don't have an appetite for a higher annual fee card should be able to get a lot out of the United Explorer, but it's still important to make sure you can properly justify its $150 annual fee (after the first cardholder year).

United Explorer vs. United Quest

The $350-per-year United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees) is the next step up from the United Explorer.

It offers substantially more perks, including an annual 10,000-mile flight discount, your first two checked bags free (versus just one), and a 1,000 PQP head start each year. You'll still earn PQPs at the same rate — 1 PQP for every $20 spent — but you'll be able to earn up to 18,000 PQPs in a year (versus just 1,000 PQPs).

It's worth noting that, despite its annual fee, the United Quest doesn't offer any kind of United Club lounge access. If you already have extensive lounge access from other cards, that may not matter much to you. Otherwise, it's worth giving some thought.

I think the United Quest and United Explorer are both compelling options. The decision between these cards largely comes down to which benefits you value most. The Explorer has a lower annual fee and two United Club passes, while the Quest offers additional checked-bag benefits and a stronger path toward United elite status.

I'm very happy with my United Explorer, whereas Stephanie is an outspoken fan of her United Quest.

Is the United Explorer worth it?

The United Explorer is worth it for most United fans, as long as you fly more than once a year with the airline. It's very easy to recoup this card's $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), as long as you check a bag when you fly and can make use of two visits to a United Club.

Even in years when your flights aren't taking you on board United jets, this card comes with statement credits to help justify its cost. Unless you want more extensive benefits, a better path to elite status or aren't willing to pay an annual fee, the United Explorer is worth seriously considering.

If you rarely fly United or don't use these benefits, a more flexible travel rewards card may be a better fit.

When to apply for the United Explorer

Currently, new United Explorer cardholders can earn up to 80,000 bonus miles:

• Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Earn an additional 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's valuations, these 80,000 miles are worth $960 (including the points from adding an authorized user). This offer matches the highest we've seen in the card's history (so long as you add an authorized user), making now a great time to apply.

Other cards to consider if you don't want the United Explorer

If the United Explorer doesn't feel like the right fit for you, consider these other cards instead:

• If you want a no-annual-fee United card: The United Gateway has no annual fee, but comes with fairly limited benefits. However, you'll still earn bonus miles on United flights and receive an inflight discount for eligible purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the United Gateway.
• If you want unlimited United Club access: The United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) provides a basic United Club membership, with a value of at least $750 each year. If you're able to maximize this perk, that will easily justify this card's $695 annual fee. To learn more, check out our full review of the United Club card.
• If you want a more flexible travel card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) earns Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to any of Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners, including United. To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best United cards and best travel cards.

Bottom line

The United Explorer will remain in my wallet for the foreseeable future, thanks to how easy it is for me to get solid value from it each year. It doesn't require me to juggle multiple statement credits to justify it, nor does it require me to be exclusively loyal to United.

Whether you have zero cobranded airline cards or five, I recommend you give the United Explorer proper consideration. For regular United flyers who want meaningful perks without paying for a premium airline card, the United Explorer hits a sweet spot.

Apply here: United Explorer Card

Rove has been quickly adding transfer partners that are familiar to U.S. travelers, including Air Canada Aeroplan in May and Frontier Miles in July. Now, Rove has added another 1:1 transfer partner that U.S. travelers know: JetBlue TrueBlue.

JetBlue TrueBlue is Rove's 22nd transfer partner. To celebrate, Rove is giving users a 20% bonus on eligible transfers to JetBlue TrueBlue until 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 14. That means that for every 10,000 Rove miles you transfer, you'll get 12,000 TrueBlue points.

You can redeem JetBlue points for flights operated by JetBlue. These awards tend to track paid rates, but you can sometimes find JetBlue Mint awards on long-haul domestic routes for under 32,000 points each way.

Plus, JetBlue prices some economy awards under 4,000 points each way. Just keep in mind that the rates you see are usually basic rates with no free seat selection option and fees to change or cancel — you'll need to redeem more points to get standard or flex rates.

You can also redeem JetBlue points for flights operated by JetBlue's partners, which include Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Condor, Icelandair and Etihad Airways. For example, you can book a one-way flight on Icelandair from New York to Iceland for as little as 12,700 JetBlue points and $102 in taxes and fees.

And you could fly Qatar Airways business class one-way from Chicago to Doha for as little as 83,000 JetBlue points plus $8 in taxes and fees.

You'll see JetBlue TrueBlue redemption options when searching for flights directly through Rove, as it displays both directly booked paid flight options and transfer partner award options for its partners in the search results.

Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, JetBlue points are worth 1.35 cents each. That's similar to the value you'll often get when redeeming Rove miles for paid flights through its travel portal, and direct bookings through Rove can earn airline points or miles. However, the 20% transfer bonus may make transferring to JetBlue more appealing, especially if you find a particularly valuable award.

Most JetBlue TrueBlue award flights can be canceled before departure without a fee, although some fare types (such as base fares) have cancellation penalties. Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue points don't expire. So, if you transfer Rove miles to JetBlue for an award that you subsequently cancel, you can generally get your points back into your TrueBlue account and save them for another redemption.

However, Rove transfers are irreversible, so make sure you confirm award pricing and availability for the fare class you plan to book before transferring miles.

Related: The best ways to redeem Rove miles, including flights to Europe from just 88 miles

Bottom line

Adding JetBlue TrueBlue as a 1:1 transfer partner gives Rove members another way to redeem miles for flights within the U.S. and abroad. The limited-time 20% transfer bonus makes this new partnership especially appealing, but be sure to compare redemption rates and confirm award availability before transferring Rove miles.

You don't have to be a frequent American Airlines flyer to get value from one of its cobranded credit cards.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers perks like free checked bags and preferred boarding, plus the opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases.

With a $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), the card can be worthwhile even if you only fly American a few times a year.

Here are six reasons to consider adding the card to your wallet.

Valuable welcome offer

For a limited time, new Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening. This is the best offer we've seen on this card, making it an especially compelling time to apply.

Based on TPG's October 2026 valuations, AAdvantage miles are worth 1.45 cents each, making this welcome offer worth $1,160. From round-trip first-class flights to Alaska to one-way business-class flights to Europe or Asia, there are plenty of ways to make excellent use of those miles — especially when redeeming for partner awards within and outside the Oneworld alliance.

TPG principal spokesperson Clint Henderson has found great value in redeeming AAdvantage miles for premium-cabin flights on partner airlines. For example, he booked a Japan Airlines first-class flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) for just 80,000 miles.

Free checked bags

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select waives the first checked bag fee on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation.

While this benefit isn't particularly unique to an airline credit card, it can be valuable for those without American Airlines elite status.

Since American charges $50 (or $45 if you pay online) for the first checked bag on domestic itineraries, checking a bag on just one round-trip flight could save you up to $100 — enough to offset the card's $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year).

Best of all, the benefit is linked to your AAdvantage account, so you don't need to pay for your ticket with the card to use it.

Preferred boarding

As a cardholder, you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation will receive Preferred Boarding for your flights, allowing you to board in Group 5.

This perk is especially beneficial when flying basic economy on American, as boarding earlier can improve your chances of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on.

25% off inflight purchases

If you frequently fly American domestically and purchase food or drinks on board, this benefit could save you some serious cash. You'll receive 25% back as a statement credit each time you use your Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select to purchase inflight food and beverages.

Savings apply only to domestic flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by American or any of American's regional airlines.

Bonus miles on dining and gas

In addition to 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases, the card also earns 2 miles per dollar spent on dining and at gas stations.

According to TPG's valuations, American AAdvantage miles are worth 1.45 cents, giving you a 2.9% return on eligible American Airlines, dining and gas purchases.

You'll also earn 1 Loyalty Point per dollar spent on eligible purchases, helping you work toward American Airlines elite status as you use your card.

While these returns aren't outstanding — and you can do better in each category with other cards — the additional bonus categories can be useful if you're looking to rack up AAdvantage miles.

Ability to earn a $125 flight credit

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select card also offers a $125 American Airlines flight credit after you make $20,000 in purchases in a cardmember year and renew your card. Your card must remain open for one full billing cycle after your card renews to receive the credit.

The credit is redeemable for flights marketed by American Airlines and must be used on itineraries originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

While the $20,000 spending requirement may be difficult to meet, this credit could provide additional value if you already plan to put that much spending on the card. However, I wouldn't recommend spending beyond your normal budget just to earn it.

Bottom line

The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select is a solid choice for occasional American Airlines flyers who want to enjoy benefits like free checked bags and preferred boarding without paying a hefty annual fee.

While the card doesn't offer premium perks like lounge access or extensive travel protections, its practical benefits can help justify the annual fee, which starts after the first year. Plus, the ability to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for valuable partner awards adds to its appeal.

For travelers who fly American a few times a year, the card's benefits — combined with the opportunity to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for valuable partner awards — can make it a worthwhile addition to their wallets.

To learn more, check out our full review of the AAdvantage Platinum Select.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Breeze, the fast-growing budget airline, is expanding.

The airline said on Wednesday that it will add four new cities to its route network, while also announcing 16 new routes between the new cities and between existing ones.

The airline will start flying from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS); Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in New York; Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; and Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The first flight from Boston is set to begin May 4. Service from Buffalo begins in late June, while Latrobe's first flight starts in February, and Santo Domingo flights begin in June.

The new routes, other than those from the new cities, are largely based out of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina, from which Breeze already flies to 15 cities on year-round and seasonal bases, according to data provided by Cirium.

With the new MYR flights, Breeze will be the largest airline at the airport in both the number of destinations and the total number of seats, by the end of 2027, the airline said.

"Every route we add to our network starts with the same question," David Neeleman, Breeze's founder and CEO, said in a statement. "Where can Breeze's direct service bring travelers a convenience they don't already enjoy today?"

He added: "These new routes and destinations now bring Breeze's high-value, low-cost service to 95 cities, making affordable travel to great destinations more convenient than ever."

Including the new cities, the new nonstop routes announced Wednesday are as follows:

Breeze offers introductory fares for each route. Those promotional fares vary by route, ranging from $49 one-way (BUF-RDU) to $149 one-way (SDQ-TPA). Those promo fares are only available for certain dates, depending on when the routes are scheduled to start, so you may need to search a few dates to find one.

The airline also announced several new "BreezeThru" routes, which allow passengers to fly a route with one stop, but no change of airplane. Those include:

All flights are on Breeze's relatively new fleet of Airbus A220-300s, which feature Wi-Fi and the airline's "Ascent" first-class seating.

Breeze uses a point-to-point model that focuses on nonstop flights between underserved cities or on routes with no direct competition. The airline started flying in 2021 while still under the haze of coronavirus pandemic-era restrictions, but managed to quickly grow its presence to 95 cities with more than 300 routes, becoming profitable in 2025. Initially, Breeze flew short flights of less than two hours using a fleet of Embraer jets leased from Azul, before building a fleet of brand-new A220s.

In 2025, the airline launched a revamped rewards program, Breezy Rewards, which offers travelers points on every flight and features elite status tiers with benefits for frequent flyers.

With over 20 transfer partners, Citi ThankYou Rewards provides plenty of options for travelers to redeem their ThankYou points. Whether you have a Citi card or are considering stepping into the ThankYou Rewards program, it's important to understand where your points can go.

Transferring points to airline and hotel partners is often one of the best ways to maximize Citi ThankYou Rewards, but the value you receive depends on which card you hold and how you redeem your points.

Here's everything you need to know about Citi's 22 transfer partners.

Citi transfer partner overview

Here is a list of Citi's transfer partners and their transfer ratios (Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Red are separate transfer partners, but are listed together):

Occasionally, a transfer bonus may be offered, in which you can score a higher ratio when transferring your ThankYou Rewards points.

How to earn Citi ThankYou points

You can earn transferable Citi ThankYou Rewards points with some Citi credit cards, including:

• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Keep in mind, not all ThankYou points have the same value. To transfer Citi ThankYou points at the highest ratio, you must hold a premium Citi ThankYou card such as the Citi Strata Elite, Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to applications) or the Citi Strata Premier.

However, if you hold both a no-annual-fee Citi card and a premium Citi card, you can combine your ThankYou points into a single account and then transfer them to partners at a 1:1 ratio.

The information for the Citi Prestige cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For more information about which cards can transfer rewards to Citi's partners, check out this guide.

How to transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points

To transfer your Citi ThankYou points, follow these steps:

1. Visit ThankYou.com and sign in.
2. Click 'Travel' at the top navigation bar and select 'Points transfer.'
3. Ensure the name on your loyalty account matches the name on your Citi card.
4. You must transfer in increments of 1,000 ThankYou points, but cannot transfer more than 500,000 points in one transaction.

Although transfers to most partners are instant, some can take more time. Citi states that a transfer can take up to 14 days to process. If you notice a transfer is taking longer than expected, I suggest being proactive and contacting that loyalty program's customer service sooner rather than later. I didn't do this earlier this year and it cost me.

Before transferring points, confirm your desired award is available and compare the required miles and taxes and fees. Transfers are generally irreversible, so it's best to have a specific redemption in mind before moving your points.

What are the best Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners?

Not all transfer partners are alike, and although Citi ThankYou points can transfer to 21 travel partners, some are better than others. Ideally, the best partner for you is based on which airlines you fly often and to which destinations you fly.

That said, here's a rundown of some of our favorite Citi ThankYou transfer partners.

Related: Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou points

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage is one of Citi's most compelling transfer partners, particularly for travelers looking to book domestic flights or award travel on American's Oneworld partners, such as Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines. Citi is currently the only credit card issuer that offers transfers to AAdvantage, making this partnership especially valuable for fans of the program.

I enjoy using my AAdvantage miles for domestic flights, since AAdvantage commonly offers the most affordable redemptions among popular award programs that I have access to.

For example, I recently redeemed AAdvantage miles for two separate one-way flights so my mom could visit me in early 2027. The first, from Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Portland International Airport (PDX), cost me 8,500 miles plus $11.20 in taxes and fees. The return trip was for 8,500 miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees.

In total, this saved my mom almost $585, meaning I received roughly 3.4 cents per mile for the entire booking. That's more than double TPG's October 2026 valuation of AAdvantage miles at 1.45 cents per mile.

Keep in mind that AAdvantage uses dynamic award pricing, so redemption rates can vary depending on your route and travel dates.

Related: Not enough AAdvantage miles for an award? American's new cash and miles option can help

Book flights to Europe on Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France-KLM Flying Blue has long been a favorite here at TPG, since you can often find solid award deals on flights to Europe through this program.

For example, TPG credit cards writer Stephanie Stevens recently redeemed 18,750 Flying Blue miles plus $33 in taxes and fees for a one-way flight from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

The cash price for this flight was $675.50, netting her 3.4 cents per mile in value. That's far above TPG's October 2026 valuations of Flying Blue miles at 1.4 cents per mile.

We recommend checking out Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards to possibly lock in an even lower award flight price.

Related: How to find the cheapest redemption rates using Flying Blue miles

Fly from the US to Italy or Greece on Emirates Skywards

Emirates Skywards is the most straightforward way to book business-class or first-class award tickets on the ever-popular and opulent carrier. A fun and unique way to fly the carrier is through its fifth-freedom routes between the U.S. and Europe.

For example, you could fly between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Athens International Airport (ATH) at the following rates:

• Economy Saver: 17,500 miles
• Business Saver: 59,000 miles

Note that to redeem miles for Emirates first-class, you must hold Skywards Silver status or higher. However, we have a handy hack on how to book a premium seat on this airline without status.

Also keep in mind that Citi points transfer to Emirates at a 1:0.8 ratio with eligible premium Citi cards, so you'll need more ThankYou points than the number of Skywards miles required for an award.

Related: The complete guide to the Emirates A380 onboard bar and lounge

Qatar Airways Privilege Club

Qatar Airways Privilege Club is most well-known for its Qsuite business-class product. Privilege Club releases more space to its own program than it does to partner loyalty programs, so it may be worth using your ThankYou points for Qatar flights.

Qatar Qsuite business-class seats typically start at 70,000 Avios one-way, such as for routes from the U.S. to Doha.

Since the program uses Avios as its loyalty currency, you can combine your Avios across other programs that use the same currency.

Related: Qatar Airways has just made it more difficult to book Qsuite for companions with your transferable credit card points

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is one of the best ways to book Singapore Airlines first-class. If you're flying on the carrier's Airbus A380, you'll be in for a treat as the first-class suite offers maximal privacy — and if booking two seats, you can combine them to give you and your travel partner even more space.

At the saver level, you can book a first-class suite for as little as 32,000 KrisFlyer miles when flying to Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei or up to 209,500 miles when flying to the U.S. West Coast from Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Notably, the KrisFlyer program allows you to waitlist if an award isn't available.

Singapore Airlines still uses an award chart, unlike many airline loyalty programs. That can allow you to more easily plan for certain redemptions. If premium cabin rates seem high and you're looking for a deal, the monthly KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes program offers value.

Related: Worth the upcharge? Flying Singapore Airlines premium economy

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has been a favorite of award travelers, and although the program uses dynamic pricing for Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, there are opportunities to fly between the U.S. and London for cheap in Upper Class.

For example, you can fly in business class on Virgin Atlantic from the East Coast to London for as few as 35,000 miles one-way or 41,000 miles from the West Coast.

If you want to fly to Europe for as few as several thousand miles, you can get to London from the East Coast for as few as 6,000 miles.

As with Air France-KLM Flying Blue, you can expect to pay hefty taxes and fees on most Virgin Atlantic redemptions. For example, a typical business-class flight between the East Coast and London will run you over $600 in taxes and fees.

Economy is somewhat cheaper, at roughly $150 per award ticket. Still, this is quite a bit higher than other award programs. These taxes and fees will reduce the overall value of your redemption.

Related: How to book Delta award flights with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points

What are Citi ThankYou points worth?

According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, Citi points are worth 1.9 cents each. Transferring your points to an airline or hotel partner will give you the best value and the chance of maximizing the value of your Citi points far beyond 1.9 cents each.

You can book travel through Citi's own travel portal — but at most, you'll only earn 1 cent per point, so it's not the greatest option for maximizing points. There are additional ways to redeem points, such as purchasing gift cards, shopping with points and cash back; however, these will not get you the best value.

I recommend avoiding them if you want to maximize your points.

TPG senior editor for loyalty programs, Christine Gallipeau, recently transferred 230,000 Citi ThankYou points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to contribute to a round-trip business-class flight between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI).

If Christine paid cash for this round-trip, she would've paid $10,443.73. Considering the total cost of her award booking was 344,000 miles, she received roughly 3 cents per mile in value. According to TPG's October 2026 valuations, that's more than double what KrisFlyer miles are typically worth at 1.3 cents per mile.

Related: Qatar Airways Qsuite review: Still setting the standard for business class (and a mileage sweet spot)

Bottom line

Knowing how to use your Citi ThankYou Rewards is important if you want to get maximum value from them. Citi offers a range of great transfer partners, but the ones that appeal the most to you will depend on your travel plans and which airlines and hotels you book with most often.

Whenever you're ready to transfer your ThankYou points, use this guide to help you determine which partner will offer you the most value. Pay close attention to transfer ratios and bonuses, since they can make a difference worth thousands or even tens of thousands of points.

And since transfers are generally irreversible, it's best to have a specific redemption in mind before moving your ThankYou points.

Related: The best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards based on offer history

If you frequently stay at IHG properties, such as those in the InterContinental and Kimpton brands, a cobranded IHG credit card can provide useful perks during your stay. Depending on the card, they can include elite status, an anniversary free night and food-and-beverage vouchers.

Knowing when to apply for a card can be difficult, especially considering that earning a sizable welcome bonus may be the primary factor.

Offers change frequently, and whether you're after a large number of points or free night certificates, knowing the history of credit card offers can help you distinguish between amazing and not-so-good bonuses.

Here's a list of the credit card welcome bonuses for Chase's cobranded IHG cards, including their offer histories and when you should apply for a card based on its best-ever welcome bonus.

Related: Current offers on the IHG One Rewards cards

Best IHG credit card welcome bonuses

IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

The $350-a-year IHG Premier Select is the newest card in the IHG lineup and is suited to frequent IHG guests. Cardholders receive one free anniversary night each year (worth up to 60,000 points), Platinum Elite status, 20 elite night credits every calendar year and up to $75 in quarterly food-and-beverage rewards to use at IHG hotels.

Here are the offers we've seen on the IHG One Premier Select card:

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The card's launch offer is the only offer we've seen: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

Apply when you can earn at least 200,000 points.

Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The $150-a-year IHG Premier offers perks like one free anniversary night each year (worth up to 50,000 points), Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits every calendar year and up to $25 in quarterly food-and-beverage rewards to use at IHG hotels.

Here are the offers we've seen on the IHG One Premier card over the past few years:

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could earn five free nights (each worth up to 60,000 points) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (offer no longer available).

When to apply

When the offer is for at least 170,000 points — whether that's extra points or a free night award added on — it's a good time to apply.

Learn more: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Credit Card

The no-annual-fee IHG Rewards card is the program's entry-level credit card, offering Silver Elite status and five elite night credits each year.

Here are the offers on the IHG Rewards card from the past few years:

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

With this card's highest-ever welcome offer, new cardholders could earn two free nights (valued at up to 50,000 points each) plus 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (offer no longer available).

When to apply

Whenever the offer is for at least 120,000 points, it's time to apply.

Learn more: IHG One Rewards Credit Card

IHG One Business Credit Card

The $200-a-year IHG Business card offers perks like one free anniversary night each year (worth up to 50,000 points), Platinum Elite status, 15 elite night credits every calendar year and up to $25 in quarterly food-and-beverage rewards to use at IHG hotels.

Here are the offers on the IHG Business card from the past few years:

*Bonus offer value is based on our valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer allowed new cardholders to earn up to 200,000 bonus points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 on purchases in the first six months (offer no longer available).

When to apply

Applying for the card is worthwhile if the offer includes at least 190,000 points.

Learn more: IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card

Bottom line

Keep this guide handy if you ever want to apply for a cobranded Chase IHG credit card. That way, you can see the trends and know when it's the right time to apply.

Submitting your application at the right time can mean the difference between a short stay and a spectacular stay at one of the more luxurious IHG portfolio properties.

Keep in mind Chase's infamous 5/24 rule to ensure your chances of approval aren't affected.

To learn more about credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

• The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards based on offer history
• The best time to apply for these popular Citi cards based on offer history

Huge news for Hyatt loyalists: starting tomorrow, Oct. 15, World of Hyatt members will be able to digitally transfer points to another member directly on Hyatt.com.

For now, specific details about how the digital transfer process will work are scant, but it will certainly make the process more efficient, from what we understand.

Historically, transferring World of Hyatt points between members has been a pain point. You think it'd be as simple as pulling out your phone, opening the World of Hyatt app and tapping a few buttons. But alas, the process actually requires filling out a PDF form online and emailing (or mailing) it directly to Hyatt for processing. Many considered the process slow and inefficient, especially when booking hotel stays on the go, trying to lock in a great points deal or simply traveling as a group or a family.

"Since we often travel as a family and book award trips together, being able to easily move Hyatt points between accounts — whether mine, my husband's or even my parents' — will make things so much simpler than having to print out and upload a form circa a bygone, paper-based era," said Summer Hull, TPG's senior director of content.

While we know for sure digital points transfers will roll out, it's unclear if other changes are coming. Currently, World of Hyatt members can transfer points for free, and no family affiliation is required, but transfers are limited to one transfer per member every 30 days.

"An electronic transfer process is a long time coming to Hyatt, which has trailed some of the other major hotel programs, including Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors," said Eric Rosen, TPG's director of travel content, before sharing other changes he'd like to see.

"I hope that some of the other current limitations on transfers of Hyatt points between accounts will also be updated. For instance, while it's free to transfer points between World of Hyatt accounts, members can only transfer or receive points once every 30 days, which is a significant limitation. Hopefully, these transfers will continue to be free without per-transaction or annual caps on the number of points you can transfer, too.

It's been a big year of change for the World of Hyatt program. In May, a new award chart went live, expanding it to five award rates (Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper and Top) from the previous five. The hotel loyalty program also launched a new partnership with Air Canada. And at the beginning of October, certain Chase credit cardholders who could transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt saw their transfer ratio shift from 1:1 to 4:3.

Stay tuned for more details about the new World of Hyatt digital transfer system as more information becomes available.

This summer, World of Hyatt and Air Canada launched a new partnership offering benefits for loyal members of both programs, including the chance to earn, burn and transfer points between the two.

Now, the duo is back with new offers for travelers who have linked their Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt accounts. These offers include the chance to status match World of Hyatt status to Air Canada and, for a limited time, accrue points across both programs at the same time.

World of Hyatt members can link their Aeroplan account here.

A new Aeroplan status challenge

Once a per calendar year, World of Hyatt members linked to Aeroplan can "earn Aeroplan status by completing a 90-day challenge," a Hyatt spokesperson shared with TPG. During the 90-day challenge, members must earn the required Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) through qualifying Aeroplan activity (based on eligible spend and fare type). Just don't forget that you have to enroll in the challenge to participate.

World of Hyatt Explorists must earn 8,000 SQC to unlock Aeroplan 25K status. Globalist members can reach further by earning the following:

• 8,000 SQC = Aeroplan 25K
• 12,000 SQC = Aeroplan 35K
• 17,000 SQC = Aeroplan 50K
• 25,000 SQC Aeroplan 75K

Air Canada's Aeroplan elite status comes with a series of perks, all of which are detailed in this guide.

Dual accrual opportunity

Now through Nov. 11, 2026, World of Hyatt members can register to earn their standard World of Hyatt points, plus 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 USD spent on eligible Hyatt stays through Feb. 14, 2027.

Outside of this offer, only Aeroplan credit card holders can earn both Aeroplan points and World of Hyatt points on hotel stays. Typically, World of Hyatt members can elect to earn 500 Aeroplan points instead of World of Hyatt points.

While this isn't a long-term way to earn points across both programs, it's worth registering for the chance to double-dip while you can.

Bottom line

World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan's partnership isn't the most lucrative partnership (unless you're Canadian and carry an Air Canada-branded credit card in Canada). But these temporary offers certainly sweeten the deal, especially considering Aeroplan points can pack a heavy punch. Elite World of Hyatt members can potentially gain elite status with a new airline (and Star Alliance, too), which could be a win if travel aligns. And we'll always welcome the chance to earn bonus points in any program simply by registering.

Related reading:

• How to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value
• Your guide to the World of Hyatt award chart
• 22 best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points