From bonus points on your next hotel stay to sales on award tickets, we're always looking for travel deals that help you earn more points and miles and redeem them for maximum value. In other words, we want to help you book the vacation of your dreams.

This time around, we've got elevated welcome offers on two popular cash-back cards, a lucrative transfer bonus on Citi's newest airline partner and a chance to win 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Each week, we help our readers by rounding up promotions so they don't have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. This includes everything from frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers and rental car deals. Here's our latest list of noteworthy new points and miles promotions for September.

Airline loyalty program promotions (September 2026)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on specific dates, the opportunity to earn more points or miles for future travel and exclusive deals to accumulate points or miles toward elite status. Below is one of the best offers we found for September.

Earn 50k Atmos points on a home loan

If you're thinking about buying a home, refinancing or taking out a home equity line of credit, you'll want to check out this deal. Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards program has teamed up with Rate.com to offer a chunk of 50,000 Atmos points — worth $775 by TPG's September 2026 valuations — who apply through this link by Dec. 31 and are approved. Your bonus points should post within six to eight weeks of closing.

Save at Starbucks with Delta gift cards

If you need a Delta gift card, the airline's latest offer will reward you not with extra miles, but with coffee (or your pumpkin spice beverage of choice). You can earn $10 in Starbucks eGift Cards (up to $100 total) for every $150 you spend on Delta gift cards through Oct. 12.

Plus, new Delta SkyMiles members can score up to 5,000 bonus miles when they join the program and complete various activities, including opting in to emails, dining out and taking their first flight.

Related: Delta changes Starbucks-SkyMiles earnings again, bringing back 1 mile per dollar spent

Hotel loyalty program promotions (September 2026)

Hotel loyalty programs regularly offer discounted award stays and new ways to earn extra points. Here are some September deals to consider when booking your next stay.

Earn bonus Best Western points in North America

Whether you're planning a leaf-peeping trip or beach getaway, this Best Western Rewards offer could earn you extra points in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean this fall. Once registered, you'll earn 2,000 bonus points on every stay at a Best Western branded property between October 1-28, up to a maximum of 20,000 bonus points.

The deal page mentions "select Best Western Rewards members," so it seems this offer may be targeted. Log in here to see if you're eligible, in which case you will be automatically registered.

And keep reading for a Best Western Chase Offer that you could stack with this deal to save some cash on your stay.

Get thousands more points per stay with Hilton Honors

Hilton's More Points to Play promo is awarding up to 3,000 bonus Honors points per stay over the next few months, which could add up to a lot of value if you book multiple short stays. That's 3,000 bonus points on stays at Hilton's luxury, lifestyle, resort or all-inclusive hotels and 1,000 bonus points at any other property in the Hilton portfolio.

Register first, and stay between Oct. 15 and Dec. 31.

Related: Why you should register for hotel promotions — even if you don't think you'll use them

Credit card promotions (September 2026)

Card issuers offer deals and discounts on a wide range of products, from airfare to dining. Here are some of the offers we've rounded up this week. Note that these are targeted, so they may or may not be available on your account. You must activate these offers on your card and use the enrolled card to make the purchase in order to earn bonus rewards.

Targeted Amex Offer at Radisson Hotels

Travelers heading to Europe or Africa, this Amex Offer is for you. We saw it on the American Express Platinum Card®.

Through Dec. 31, get $50 back as a statement credit when you spend at least $250 on stays at select Radisson Hotels properties in Europe and Africa.

Targeted Chase Offer at Best Western

If you plan to take advantage of Best Western's bonus points promo at North American and Caribbean properties, be sure to check your Chase account for this offer. We spotted it on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).

Earn 10% cash back on your Best Western stay of $100 or more, with a $32 cash-back maximum. This offer ends Oct. 31 and does not apply at SureStay Hotels, WorldHotels, BW Signature Collection or BW Premier Collection.

Targeted Chase Offer at Emirates

Booking a flight with Emirates? The airline flies to over 140 destinations, and this next offer could help you get there for less.

Earn 5% cash back, up to $100 total in savings, on your Emirates purchase between now and Oct. 18.

Targeted Citi Merchant Offer on rental cars

Here at TPG, we love our food delivery services. After all, who isn't hungry after a long day of traveling?

Citi is offering targeted cardmembers $10 back on a single Uber Eats order of $30 or more, and you can use this offer up to twice. You must activate it by Oct. 24 and use it by Oct. 31.

Related: The ultimate guide to saving money with Amex Offers

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, many others from previous weeks are still available:

• New players can earn 7,500 bonus Bonvoy points by joining BetMGM, placing a bet of at least $5, and linking their Marriott Bonvoy account. Those points are worth around $56 by TPG's September 2026 valuations, so you'll come out ahead even if you don't win your $5 bet.
• If you live in Washington State, you can earn one Delta SkyMile for every passing yard the Seahawks complete this season. Sign up to start earning.
• Singapore KrisFlyer's monthly Spontaneous Escapes deals provide discounts of 20 to 30% on select award flights. This month's offerings include economy-class tickets between Seattle and Singapore for 30,800 miles each way, and premium economy seats between New York and Singapore for 59,150 miles each way (plus taxes and fees). Book by Sept. 30 for travel between Oct. 1-31; blackout dates apply.
• Emirates Skywards is offering double miles on paid Emirates or flydubai flights in any cabin. Register and book by Sept. 30, and travel by Nov. 30.
• Until Sept. 30, earn 25 AAdvantage bonus miles for every dollar you give online on donations of $25 or more. You can double your bonus miles by paying with an American Airlines cobranded card.
• Earn 3,000 bonus World of Hyatt points per stay — up to 30,000 total — when you spend at least three nights at participating Hyatt Place and Hyatt Select hotels in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Register first, then book and complete your stay(s) by Sept. 30.
• Earn 2,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points per night, up to 6,000 total, at 60 participating properties across Thailand. Book with code "S2449" and stay by Sept. 30.
• Save up to 25% on award flights to and from Europe with Flying Blue's September Promo Rewards. Book by Sept. 30, 2026, and travel by Feb. 28, 2027.
• You can score 20,000 bonus points on a vacation package of three-plus nights in Hawaii or Mexico through Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy. Book by Sept. 30, 2026, for travel through March 31, 2027.
• Through Sept. 30, you can double your Hyatt points on eligible dine-in and takeaway spending at participating Hyatt restaurants and bars across Asia Pacific with this promotion.
• Earn 5,000 bonus points when you complete a stay at any Bonvoy hotel by Sept. 30. Link your accounts and register for the promotion here.
• With this lucrative World of Hyatt promotion, you can earn a Category 1-4 Free Night Award for every three nights you stay across Latin America and the Caribbean — up to five free nights total. Register by Sept. 30, 2026, then complete your stay(s) at participating hotels between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2027.
• Marriott Bonvoy is offering a whopping 50,000 bonus points per stay, plus complimentary breakfast for up to two guests, for guests who visit the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Kyoto by Sept. 30. Just be sure to book with the promo code, which can be found here.
• New members who join Chevron Texaco Rewards by Sept. 30 can save $1 per gallon on their first five fill-ups.
• Earn 2,000 bonus Bonvoy points per night, up to 10,000 per stay, at eligible Marriott Homes & Villas vacation rentals. Register and book by Oct. 1 for stays through Dec. 31.
• United MileagePlus is awarding extra miles on car rentals booked through the program's portal: 2,000 bonus miles on rentals of three to five days, or 2,750 bonus miles on rentals of six-plus days. Book and complete your rental by Oct. 31 (blackout dates apply).
• Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program partners with Wyndham Rewards to let members earn miles on hotel stays, and right now, you can triple your miles. Book by Nov. 4, stay by Dec. 31, and make sure your Wyndham Rewards account preferences are set to Miles&Smiles miles instead of Wyndham points.
• Double your earnings at Thompson properties this fall when you register, book through the World of Hyatt app and stay by Nov. 10. Even better, you can take advantage of this promotion multiple times up to a cap of 30,000 bonus points.
• Earn up to 4,500 bonus Bonvoy points per qualifying stay: 1,500 bonus points when you stay two or more nights, plus an additional 3,000 bonus points at resort properties. Register by Nov. 13 for stays from Sept. 22 through Nov. 22.
• Get a 15% points rebate on stays at World of Hyatt's Under Canvas locations. Register by Nov. 30 for stays through Dec. 1.
• Earn double Bonvoy elite night credits on vacation rentals through Homes & Villas by Marriott when you stay at least two nights by Dec. 15. Plus, if you stay during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 21-30), you'll earn double points toward your next free night on top of the bonus elite night credits. Register and book by Sept. 30.
• New members of the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program can save up to $50 on their next flight simply by joining the program by Dec. 31. U.S. residents outside Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here for their discount code; residents of Alaska, California and Hawaii can register here.
• Earn 5,000 bonus Hyatt points on each stay of five-plus nights at participating Hyatt House and Hyatt Studios properties. Register, book and stay by Dec. 31.
• Best Western is awarding double points at more than 4,000 participating hotels worldwide with this promo. Register first, then book and stay by Dec. 31.
• IHG One Rewards members can earn double points starting on their second stay, or triple points when booking through the IHG One Rewards app, LINE or WeChat — with no limit to the number of points you can earn. Register first, then book and stay between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.
• Hertz is offering a fifth day free when you book an SUV or minivan for 4-27 days at participating Hertz locations in the U.S. Book with promo code 212109 and pick up your vehicle by Dec. 31.
• If you're targeted for Hilton's "Stay More, Earn More" offer, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus points in total on your next five stays. Check to see if you're targeted and register here by Dec. 31, then complete your stay(s) within six months of registration.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Earn a $50 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $250 in one or more qualifying purchases of flights booked with Allegiant Air online. This offer expires Sept. 30.
• Get a $350 statement credit after spending a minimum of $1,000 in qualifying purchases at participating Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy properties. Book here by Sept. 30.
• Earn a $15 statement credit on a pet boarding purchase of $75 or more at meowtel.com. You can use this offer up to two times, for a total of $30 back, through Oct. 19.
• Get a $30 statement credit on a purchase of $250 or more at Airbnb through Oct. 20.
• Earn $50 back when you spend at least $250 on prepaid Europcar rentals booked online by Oct. 21.
• Get a $200 statement credit after you spend a minimum of $750 in one or more qualifying Holland America purchases of cruise reservations. Book online, by phone at 1-877-932-4259, or through a Holland America travel advisor by Oct. 22.
• Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 on room rate and room charge purchases at select Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Luxury Destinations around the world. Book on the Wyndham website, and complete your purchase by Oct. 27.
• Earn $200 back when you spend at least $1,000 in one or more qualifying purchases online by Oct. 31. Excludes Canada locations.
• Earn a one-time $100 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $500 at participating Hyatt properties in the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America by Nov. 15.
• Earn $200 back when you spend $450 or more at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by Nov. 30.
• Get $50 back on a single purchase of $250 or more with Italo Treno when you book online or through the Italo Treno mobile app by Dec. 27.
• Earn a $30 statement credit after spending $150 or more on a Turo rental in the U.S. or Canada. Your car must be returned and paid for by Dec. 31 to qualify.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn 10% cash back (up to $226 maximum) on your The Excellence Collection stay at Excellence Carmen Punta Cana, Excellence Punta Cana or Finest Punta Cana. Book by Sept. 28, 2026, for travel through Jan. 31, 2027; blackout dates apply.
• Get $100 cash back when you spend $600 or more through Chase Travel℠ in a single transaction by Sept. 30.
• Earn 7% cash back (up to $50) on your U.S. Hyatt Place purchase of $100 or more by Sept. 30.
• Earn 15% cash back on your Uniworld River Cruise purchase, up to a $50 cash-back maximum, by Sept. 30.
• Earn 5% cash back (up to $10 total) on your first two payments at Viator or Trip Advisor Experiences by Sept. 30.

Targeted Citi Merchant Offers

• Get a $30 statement credit after spending at least $250 in a single transaction with Avis, either in-store or online. You can use this offer up to twice before Oct. 31.

Related reading:

• The 10 best places to travel in October
• Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US in 2026
• How to pick the right travel credit card for you
• Travel gear and packing tips to help you avoid rising checked bag fees

Did you know that you can join TSA PreCheck through Clear?

Travelers hoping to enroll in the fast-track security program or renew their membership can now go through Clear at dozens of airports across the U.S.

That's on top of hundreds of retail locations that now offer PreCheck enrollment services.

Clear, the expedited (paid) security service, became an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider in 2024. Since then, the company has significantly expanded its enrollment network to a host of major hubs across the country.

Clear also allows travelers to bundle a TSA PreCheck membership with Clear+. If you're a frequent traveler who was already prepared to pay Clear's annual membership fees, bundling your enrollment can be a great way to save on your PreCheck enrollment costs.

What to know about enrolling in TSA PreCheck through Clear

As a reminder, TSA PreCheck is the expedited security service offered by the government. It allows vetted members who pay the enrollment costs to pass through faster security lanes at airport checkpoints.

Clear is a paid, membership-based program that helps flyers jump to the front of the TSA line.

The two programs remain separate.

However, for the last couple of years, Clear has begun offering TSA PreCheck enrollment services.

How it works

To sign up for TSA PreCheck via Clear, applicants start the enrollment process online, before visiting a participating Clear location to complete the registration. No appointment is necessary, though applicants must bring the required documentation.

How much does TSA PreCheck through Clear cost?

Travelers who want both programs can bundle TSA PreCheck with Clear+. New applicants pay $219 total for a five-year TSA PreCheck membership and the first year of Clear+.

Clear+ costs $219, so by signing up for TSA PreCheck via Clear, you're effectively getting your PreCheck enrollment for free.

TSA PreCheck renewals can also be bundled with the first year of Clear+ for the same total price.

After paying for TSA PreCheck through Clear, travelers receive a unique promotional code to sign up for Clear+ at the lower rate. After the first year, Clear+ renews at its standard annual rate, currently $219.

Travelers don't need to be existing Clear customers to enroll in TSA PreCheck through the company. Likewise, existing TSA PreCheck members can renew through Clear even if they originally enrolled through another provider. Most travelers can complete their renewal online, and the process can begin up to six months before their membership expires.

Clear is one of three authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment providers, along with third-party companies Idemia and Telos. Enrollment and renewal prices vary by provider, so travelers may want to compare their options before applying.

Also, keep in mind: certain credit cards offer statement credits that can cover the cost of both TSA PreCheck and Clear+ memberships.

Related: 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

Why enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear?

No matter which enrollment provider you choose, you'll ultimately get the same TSA PreCheck membership and benefits. The main differences are where you can enroll and how much you'll pay.

Clear may be a convenient option for travelers who live near one of its enrollment locations. But the biggest benefit may be for travelers who also want Clear+.

New applicants who bundle TSA PreCheck with Clear+ pay $219 for a five-year TSA PreCheck membership and their first year of Clear+. Since Clear+ alone normally costs $219 per year, travelers who plan to sign up for Clear+ anyway essentially get TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.

The two remain separate programs and require separate applications, and you don't need a Clear+ membership to enroll in or use TSA PreCheck through Clear.

Card benefits can make the deal even more valuable. Many travel cards offer statement credits covering TSA PreCheck application fees, while some premium cards offer separate Clear+ credits. For example, several American Express cards offer up to $219 per calendar year toward Clear+, including the American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal).

However, Clear isn't necessarily the cheapest way to get TSA PreCheck if you aren't interested in Clear+. Enrollment and renewal prices vary among the three authorized providers — Clear, Idemia and Telos — so it's worth comparing prices, nearby enrollment locations and any credit card benefits you have before choosing a provider.

TPG tip: If you want to try Clear, sign up using TPG's special offer for Clear+, which offers $40 off your first year of membership and a free booking of Clear Concierge, valued at $99.

In addition to airport locations, travelers can enroll in or renew TSA PreCheck at many Staples stores and select other retail locations across the U.S.

Related reading:

• How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums
• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?
• Which airports and airlines use TSA PreCheck?

The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) now offers an improved perk to reduce the cost of your next Air Canada award flight.

Since the card's September refresh, primary cardholders pay at least 15% fewer Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada flight rewards than members without the card. The new savings also stack with Aeroplan's Priority Rewards, offered as Milestone Benefits for elite members.

Air Canada's Aeroplan is one of the best Star Alliance loyalty programs for U.S. travelers, thanks to its transfer partners, long list of partner airlines and reasonable award pricing. Now its own airline is even cheaper to book for cardholders too.

Here's how the discounts work and how you can save on your next redemption.

What is the 15% Air Canada discount for cardholders?

Primary cardholders of the Aeroplan Credit Card now pay at least 15% fewer Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada flight rewards.

For example, an award that costs a non-cardholder 100,000 Aeroplan points would cost a cardholder no more than 85,000 points.

To get the discount, you must:

• Be the primary cardholder — authorized users aren't eligible — though the discount will apply to everyone on the booking
• Link your card to your Aeroplan account
• Book through Air Canada's website, app or call center

You'll receive the discount as long as at least one segment of your itinerary is operated by Air Canada (or its subsidiaries, Air Canada Express or Air Canada Rouge). That means you could fly United from Chicago to Montreal, then Air Canada from Montreal to London, and still receive the discount.

If you're booking a redemption entirely on a partner (or partners), then you won't receive the discount.

The discount only reduces the points portion of the base fare; taxes, fees and charges don't change. Neither do the cash portion of a points-plus-cash booking, travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, purchases from third-party partners or Air Canada's carbon offset program.

You can pay with points from a pooled Aeroplan family account, as long as it has enough points for the booking.

Changes and cancellations follow Aeroplan's standard flight reward rules. If you change your booking later, you must remain the primary cardholder for the discount to apply to the new itinerary.

And this award discount can stack with Priority Rewards, saving you more points.

Related: Is Air Canada premium economy worth it?

What are Aeroplan's Priority Rewards?

Priority Rewards are vouchers that take 50% off the points price of an eligible flight reward for one passenger. (Taxes, fees and charges are not discounted.)

Where you can travel with a Priority Reward depends on your Aeroplan status when you earn it:

• 25K: Economy within Canada and the U.S.
• 35K and 50K: Up to premium economy within North America
• 75K: Up to premium economy worldwide
• Super Elite: Up to business class worldwide

Confusingly, Priority Rewards are not automatically granted at each elite status level above. Instead, members can choose a Priority Reward as a Milestone Benefit when they reach certain levels of Status Qualifying Credits. The first opportunity comes at 20,000 Status Qualifying Credits, and more follow at higher thresholds. Other key rules include:

• Each Priority Rewards voucher is valid for 12 months from when you select it, and you only need to book (not travel) before it expires
• Every flight on the itinerary must be eligible under your voucher
• Vouchers can't be transferred to another Aeroplan account
• Basic economy fares are excluded

Fortunately, the refreshed Aeroplan Card doesn't even require you to step onto a plane to earn Milestone Rewards.

The card earns up to 25,000 SQCs toward Aeroplan elite status per calendar year: 5,000 automatically; an additional 10,000 after spending $25,000; and another 10,000 after spending $50,000. If you reach the full $50,000 spending threshold, you'll pass the 20,000 credits level to select a Priority Reward.

Related: Air Canada to debut luxe new cabins and business-class seats

How to stack the 15% redemption discount with Priority Rewards

The card's 15% discount on Air Canada redemptions stacks with Priority Rewards, provided your booking meets the voucher's destination and cabin restrictions described above.

Say you find a one-way economy award on Air Canada from the U.S. to Canada for 30,000 Aeroplan points and have selected a Priority Reward as a Milestone Benefit. A Priority Reward halves that to 15,000 points. Then, the card's 15% discount applies to the reduced price, meaning you'd pay 12,750 points, for total savings of over 57%.

For elite members with higher status, the savings add up quickly. A Super Elite member using a Priority Reward on a business-class flight to Asia will save far more points than a 25K member flying economy to Canada.

Related: Air Canada is the latest airline to join the Airbus A321XLR revolution, and TPG was on the first flight

Can the 15% discount cover the card's annual fee?

TPG values Aeroplan points at 1.5 cents each in our September 2026 valuations, so you'd need to save 13,000 points in a year to cover the card's $195 annual fee (solely by maximizing this benefit).

You can easily save that on a premium cabin redemption to Europe for one person or round-trip economy fares for two or more.

The Aeroplan Card also comes with up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits each year. You get one $50 credit for the rest of 2026. From 2027, you can earn up to $50 from January to June and up to $50 more from July to December.

The credits cover purchases coded as Air Canada, including paid fares, award bookings and inflight purchases.

The card also offers:

• Automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status every year, with no spending requirement. Perks include priority check-in, Zone 2 priority boarding and five eUpgrade Credits a year.
• Up to 5 points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada flights (3 points per dollar from the card, plus an additional 2 points per dollar from Air Canada when traveling as an Aeroplan 25K member)
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores* and on dining at restaurants* and at gas stations
• A free first checked bag (for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same itinerary).

*Dining and grocery store purchases earn a boosted 3 points per dollar spent through the end of 2026.

Plus, every four years, you'll be reimbursed up to $120 toward your application fees for any of these three Trusted Traveler Programs: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus.

Why Aeroplan remains such a great loyalty program

Aeroplan has long been my favorite Star Alliance loyalty program. It has a wide range of excellent Star Alliance airline partners, as well as unique nonalliance partners like Emirates and Virgin Australia, offers generous award charts for partner-operated flights, and doesn't add carrier-imposed surcharges. You can also add a stopover to a one-way award for 5,000 extra points, an excellent way to extend your vacation.

If you need to top up your account, Aeroplan is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

You will still receive the 15% discount on Air Canada redemptions regardless of where the points were transferred or earned from, provided you have the Aeroplan Card.

Bottom line

The 15% discount is one of the most useful redemption benefits of the newly refreshed Aeroplan Card. While a discount was previously offered to those with Aeroplan 25K elite status, it varied by route and date, and I usually found it to be less than 10%.

Pair it with a Priority Reward, and the savings can get even bigger, covering the cost of the annual fee without factoring in all the other great perks of the card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Aeroplan Credit Card.

Apply here: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card

Showing loyalty to Norwegian Cruise Line can get you some great rewards.

Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program offers members enticing perks, such as discounts on normally pricey shore excursions and spa treatments, after only a few sailings. And that's just a hint of what's to come for loyal cruisers who reach the program's top tiers.

At the very top tier of the Latitudes Rewards program, the Ambassador level, members get one of the most spectacular rewards in the cruise loyalty program universe: a free cruise for two.

Other perks Norwegian doles out to higher-tier members include discounts of up to 25% on internet packages, free wine tastings and free dinners at high-end restaurants on Norwegian ships.

NCL Latitudes Rewards at a glance

• How to join: You're automatically enrolled in Latitudes Rewards after your first Norwegian cruise.
• How to earn points: You earn 1 point for every night you spend on a Norwegian ship, with additional points available for qualifying suite, Haven and Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer bookings.
• Number of tiers: There are seven Latitudes Rewards tiers, ranging from Bronze to Ambassador.
• Top tier: You'll need 700 points to reach Ambassador status, which comes with a complimentary seven-night cruise for two, subject to the program's terms and restrictions

Ways to earn points

Earning points in the Latitudes Rewards program is relatively straightforward. You will get:

• 1 point for every night you spend on a ship
• An additional point per night when staying in a Concierge-level cabin, full-fare suite (not minisuites or club balcony suites) or The Haven rooms.
• An additional point per night when on a cruise booked via a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer. These are special offers for Latitudes Rewards members.

Note that the extra point per night for suites applies only to stays in suites booked when the reservation is originally made. It doesn't apply to stays in suites that result from an upgrade.

You also won't earn Latitudes Rewards points on charter sailings, inaugural events, heavily discounted fares and some specially priced bookings. The exception to this is Family & Friends and Casino at Sea rates, which are still eligible to earn points. If you're booking a cruise under a special fare or promotional offer, it's worth checking the terms before assuming you'll earn points.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Program tiers and benefits

There are seven tiers to the Latitudes Rewards program:

• Bronze (1 to 19 points)
• Silver (20 to 44 points)
• Gold (45 to 74 points)
• Platinum (75 to 149 points)
• Sapphire (150 to 349 points)
• Diamond (350 to 699 points)
• Ambassador (700 or more points)

The Latitudes Rewards program is one of the more robust cruise line loyalty programs, with some solid perks available, particularly at the top level.

After just one cruise, as a newly minted Bronze member, you will receive a 10% discount at onboard duty-free shops, early access to new product information and exclusive offers, a signature pin and a few other minor things.

Related: Cruise line loyalty program guide: How to earn perks with the biggest brands

Moving up to the Silver level of the Latitudes Rewards loyalty program will bring all the above, plus:

• An invitation to a complimentary onboard cocktail party
• A 10% discount on shore excursions
• A 20% discount on photos
• A 15% discount on spa treatments performed when the ship is in port
• A higher 15% discount at onboard duty-free shops

The Gold level bumps up the discounts on photos and spa treatments to 25% and 20%, respectively, and also brings:

• A complimentary carton of water
• A 50% discount on a bag of laundry
• Priority tender tickets
• Priority disembarkation (U.S. citizens and some international passengers only)

As noted above, it'll take you just one cruise to reach the initial Bronze tier. Reaching the Silver level would require three seven-night cruises, assuming you stay in standard cabins. If you book suites or book only Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, you'll reach the Silver level much faster.

Reaching the Gold tier can be done in as few as three seven-night cruises if you book a suite and also only book Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers. If you book standard cabins and don't use Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, it would take five seven-night cruises.

The elite level that makes a difference

The Platinum level is where being a loyal Norwegian customer really starts to pay off.

Once you reach Platinum, you'll get all the above, plus a 15% discount on internet packages, which is a great perk. Internet packages on Norwegian can be pricey.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

Another great perk at the Platinum level is access to two free dinners at some of the top restaurants on Norwegian ships on every voyage of five nights or longer.

Norwegian relatively recently expanded the value of this perk by making the free dinners available at more onboard restaurants. Previously, one of the free dinners, which included a complimentary bottle of wine, could only be booked at Cagney's steakhouses and Le Bistro French eateries on Norwegian ships. Now guests can book it at any onboard restaurant that has a complimentary wine list, except Palomar. Guests can also book a second free dinner at a wider range of eateries.

Note that upcharges apply to certain premium menu items when using the free dinner perk.

Platinum members also get:

• Priority check-in and embarkation
• Chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to their room
• A Wines Around the World tasting
• A behind-the-scenes ship tour
• A higher 30% discount on photos
• A higher 25% discount on spa treatments
• A dedicated precruise service desk
• Concierge service onboard

Additionally, Platinum members can prebook dining 125 days before sailing and typically prebook shore excursions one year before sailing.

Related: Why Norwegian's new Prima Class may be its best ever

It can take as many as 11 seven-night cruises to reach Platinum status if you stay in standard cabins. However, it can also be done in as few as four cruises if you stay in higher-level cabins and book using Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers.

Also worth noting is that when two guests with different Latitudes Rewards status share a cabin, certain perks tied to the cabin are extended to both passengers based on the higher-tier member's status. This includes laundry and dinner for two. Individual benefits, such as discounts on internet and shore excursions, are still based on each person's status.

Best elite perks

Once you reach the Sapphire level, you'll get all the above perks, plus an additional carton of water, a dinner with ship officers and priority restaurant and entertainment seating (subject to availability). The latter is really a wonderful perk, as it means you won't be stuck dining too early or too late on nights when shipboard restaurants are busy (which is pretty much every night). It also means you can breeze into theaters for onboard shows with the knowledge that a decent seat is waiting for you.

Added in 2022, the Diamond tier brings two new perks to the program: access to a complimentary Sail & Sustain Mixology experience and a one-time free cabin upgrade.

But the ultimate perk for Latitudes Rewards members comes upon reaching the top Ambassador tier. You'll get a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin. You can pick any destination, but you can't select a holiday sailing (Christmas and New Year's).

The free cruise is for two people. You can bring a third and fourth guest, but you'll pay their fares. You'll also pay all taxes, fees and service charges (including gratuities). You have one year to take your free cruise after hitting the Ambassador tier.

If you are approaching the Ambassador tier, it's worth noting that you can book a longer cruise and pay the difference. You can also upgrade from the complimentary cabin to a suite or The Haven, and again, pay the difference in fare offered for that cruise. And if two people reach Ambassador tier at the same time, they can combine their rewards for a 14-night cruise.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

Sapphire, Diamond and Ambassador members also get bigger discounts on shore excursions. For Sapphire and Diamond members, the discount on shore excursions amounts to 15%. It jumps to 20% for Ambassador members.

Sapphire, Diamond and Ambassador members also get bigger discounts on internet packages. For Sapphire members, the discount on internet service amounts to 20%. It rises to 25% for Diamond and Ambassador members.

When it comes to dining, Sapphire and Diamond members can book restaurants up to 126 days ahead of the sailing, the same as Platinum members. For Ambassador members, it's 130 days in advance, giving them first pick on any dining onboard.

The Ambassador level, in particular, isn't easy to reach, as it requires 700 points. That means you might have to take as many as 100 seven-night cruises to qualify. If you stay in higher-end cabins and book a lot of Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers, you could reach the Ambassador level far more quickly — in as few as 34 seven-night sailings.

Do NCL Latitudes Rewards points expire?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards points never expire.

As is often the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Norwegian customers do not have to requalify for status each year. Latitudes Rewards members keep their points at the end of each year and continue accruing them indefinitely. That means someone who reaches Ambassador status will remain at that top-tier level forever (or until Norwegian changes the program).

Such "forever status" is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. By contrast, many airline frequent flyer programs require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Does NCL match status with other cruise lines?

Yes. One useful feature of the Latitudes Rewards program is that your loyalty status can carry over when you sail with one of Norwegian Cruise Line's sister brands, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The program, launched in October 2025, allows members of Latitudes Rewards, Oceania Club and Seven Seas Society to have their status recognized at the corresponding level when sailing with another brand in the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings family. Sapphire members are recognized as Platinum on Oceania and Regent, while Diamond and Ambassador members receive Diamond status on Oceania and Titanium status on Regent.

You have to request the status match 10 days before each cruise, and it applies only for the duration of that sailing. Your status then reverts to the level you actually earned with that cruise line within seven days of the cruise ending.

One thing to keep in mind is that not every perk carries over. The free cruise that comes with Ambassador status and the one-time cabin upgrade that comes with Diamond status are not included.

Is Latitudes Rewards worth it?

Staying loyal to Norwegian can pay off, particularly if you tend to take longer cruises. Most of the better perks in the Latitudes Rewards program apply to sailings of five nights or longer, including some of the free dining and other benefits that come with higher tiers.

The program also makes more sense if you regularly book suites or The Haven, take advantage of Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers or sail with Norwegian's sister brands. Those factors can help you move up the tiers faster, while status match means you can take some of your loyalty benefits with you when you sail with Oceania or Regent.

If you tend to take shorter cruises or only sail Norwegian occasionally, there may be less reason to go out of your way to build status. And if you're chasing Ambassador status for the complimentary cruise, keep in mind that it takes 700 points to reach the top tier. That could mean as many as 100 seven-night cruises if you're staying in standard cabins and not taking advantage of Insider Offers.

Bottom line

Norwegian has one of the more alluring frequent cruiser programs. Even after just a few cruises, loyal fans will find they are entitled to a nice array of valuable perks, from discounts on various types of onboard spending to exclusive cocktail parties. We're particularly fond of the free dinners at extra-charge onboard eateries that come with Platinum-level status.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

One of the most valuable perks of the Marriott Bonvoy family of credit cards is the annual elite night credits they offer. Depending on the card, you can receive 15 or 25 elite night credits each year.

If you carry both a personal and business Marriott card, you can stack these credits and earn up to 40 elite nights each year, giving you a significant head start toward higher tiers of Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Holding multiple Marriott cards can also mean earning multiple annual free night awards, depending on which cards you have.

Here's a closer look at the value of holding both a personal and business Marriott card.

Accelerate to Platinum status and Annual Choice Benefits

One of the biggest reasons to hold both a personal and business Marriott card is the ability to stack the annual elite night credits.

Select Marriott credit cards come with 15 elite night credits annually, including the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

However, the more premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers 25 elite night credits per year, which can provide an even faster path toward Marriott's elite-night thresholds.

You may wonder why this is relevant, given that several Marriott cards and the American Express Platinum Card® also offer Gold Elite status (enrollment required) or the ability to earn higher status based on spending.

The big difference is that this automatic status doesn't come with elite night credits, meaning you'd still need to meet the standard qualification thresholds if you want to enjoy the program's Annual Choice Benefits or hit even higher status tiers, like Titanium Elite.

If you regularly stay at Marriott properties, stacking your travel with elite night credits from a personal and business card can help you reach the next elite tier faster.

For example, when you pair two cards that each come with 15 elite night credits — like the Boundless and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — you'll have 30 elite night credits at the beginning of each year.

Platinum Elite status requires 50 nights per year, so you'd already be 60% of the way there. You'd need just 20 additional elite nights to reach the threshold, whether through stays or other qualifying activity.

Once you've reached Platinum Elite status, benefits can be incredibly valuable. Some benefits include access to hotel lounges and Nightly Upgrade Awards.

Those with the Brilliant receive complimentary Platinum Elite status each year as a perk of the card. This entitles you to benefits such as room upgrades and complimentary breakfast at select brands. However, you will not have the necessary elite nights (50 nights) to earn the Annual Choice Benefit associated with Platinum status, which includes your choice of:

• Five elite night credits
• Five Nightly Upgrade Awards
• $1,000 off a mattress
• A $100 charity donation
• Gifting Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status to someone

That said, the 25 elite night credits you earn on the Bonvoy Brilliant card can be stacked with the 15 elite nights you'll get with the Bonvoy Business, allowing you to start each year with 40 elite night credits.

That's 80% of what you need to earn your first Choice Benefit selection (at 50 nights) and more than halfway to the 75 nights required for Titanium Elite status. Reaching Titanium unlocks another Annual Choice Benefit, along with added perks like the ability to be upgraded to standard suites at Ritz-Carlton properties.

Related: The complete guide to earning Marriott elite status with credit cards

Annual free night awards

Elite night credits aren't the only reason to consider holding multiple Marriott credit cards. Many Marriott cards also offer annual free night awards that can provide significant value year after year.

Holding both a personal and business Marriott card can, therefore, mean receiving multiple free night awards annually, depending on which cards you carry.

Both the Boundless and Business cards offer an anniversary reward night worth up to 35,000 points. However, the premium Brilliant — with its $650 annual fee (see rates and fees) — offers an annual award night worth up to 85,000 points (certain hotels have resort fees).

Based on TPG's September 2026 valuations, Marriott points are worth 0.75 cents each, meaning 35,000 points are worth $263.

Depending on how you travel, you might be able to get an even higher return from these certificates.

Even with Marriott's dynamic pricing, you can often redeem annual free night awards for rooms that would otherwise cost more than the card's annual fee. If you can consistently do so, that benefit can go a long way toward justifying the cost of keeping the card.

But there are two exceptions: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card do not offer free night awards automatically each year. On both cards, you would need to make $15,000 in purchases each year to receive a free night award worth up to 50,000 points. (Certain hotels have mandatory resort charges.)

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Spending category bonuses

Aside from annual award nights and elite night credits, having a personal and business Marriott card can help you earn more points across several spending categories.

All Marriott cards listed below earn at least 2 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases and 6 points per dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. But it's the other bonus categories, most of which do not overlap, that can help you maximize your earnings:

• Boundless ($95 annual fee): Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants (then 2 points per dollar after that).
• Bevy ($250 annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar on the first $15,000 spent in combined purchases at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 2 points per dollar after that).
• Bountiful: Earn 4 points per dollar on the first $15,000 spent in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining each year (then 2 points per dollar spent after that).
• Brilliant ($650 annual fee): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Business ($125 annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. shipping purchases.

So, if you're a big Marriott fan and want to focus your earning strategy on Marriott Bonvoy points, holding multiple cards can help you earn bonus points across a wider range of spending categories.

Related: Are you eligible for a new Marriott Bonvoy card? This chart tells you yes or no

Current Marriott card welcome offers

If you're considering adding a personal or business Marriott card to build a two-card strategy, several cards currently have limited-time welcome offers:

• Marriott Bonvoy Business: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Resort fees apply. Offer ends Nov. 4.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy: Earn 125,000 bonus points and a $150 statement credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Sept. 30.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: Earn 150,000 bonus points and a $250 statement credit after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends Sept. 30.

If you've already been considering one of these Marriott cards, now could be a great time to apply. For more context on how these offers compare to previous bonuses, check out our guide on the best time to apply for Marriott cards based on offer history.

Bottom line

Marriott makes it easier to work toward elite status by allowing cardholders to stack elite night credits from one personal and one business credit card. In fact, several TPG staffers use this strategy to start off each year with 40 elite night credits in their accounts before spending a night at a Marriott hotel.

But elite nights aren't the only reason to consider a two-card strategy. Depending on which cards you hold, you can also receive multiple annual free night awards and earn bonus points across complementary spending categories.

Before adding another Marriott card, weigh the combined annual fees against the elite night credits, free night awards and other benefits you'll realistically use and make sure you're eligible for the card's welcome offer.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.

Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan, is a favorite among points and miles enthusiasts ... and for good reason. It's easy to earn Aeroplan points, and the redemption rates are great, with plenty of sweet spots.

Unlike some major U.S. loyalty programs, Aeroplan still publishes award charts for most partner flights. However, Air Canada flights and flights operated by a group of "select partners" now use variable pricing, while most other partner awards remain fixed according to Aeroplan's distance- and region-based charts.

Aeroplan's Star Alliance membership also makes it a highly valuable rewards program.

Given its many pluses, we've rounded up the best ways to use Air Canada Aeroplan points for maximum value.

How to redeem Aeroplan points

You can redeem Aeroplan points for flights to more than 1,300 destinations on 45-plus airline partners worldwide. Partners include Star Alliance carriers and some nonalliance partners like Azul Brazilian Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Etihad Airways. Many partner airlines can also be combined on the same award itinerary, though some carrier-specific restrictions apply.

Aeroplan's award chart is valuable for short-haul economy flights or international premium cabin seats, particularly on partner airlines.

Air Canada makes every seat it operates available for redemption, but award pricing varies. Aeroplan also uses variable pricing for flights operated by select partners, including United Airlines, Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad, Canadian North, Calm Air, Bearskin Airlines and PAL Airlines. Most other partner awards continue to be priced at fixed rates according to the published award chart.

The Aeroplan program uses a hybrid award chart that factors in the distance you fly and the departure and arrival regions.

Aeroplan does not impose carrier surcharges on award tickets. However, awards that include a partner-operated flight incur a 39 Canadian dollar (around $28) partner booking fee per ticket, in addition to applicable taxes and third-party charges.

Travel within North America

The chart below shows the estimated one-way award costs for Aeroplan awards within North America; round-trip awards are available at double the cost.

One of the best sweet spots is still short-haul economy travel of up to 500 miles. Air Canada and select partner awards start at 6,000 points, while awards operated by other partners cost a fixed 6,000 points. TPG values Aeroplan points at 1.5 cents each, per our September 2026 valuations, so 6,000 points are worth $90. Routes under 500 miles include most flights within the Northeast and to and from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).

Short-haul flights, such as one-way flights from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., can therefore start at 6,000 Aeroplan points. Just keep in mind that United is now one of Aeroplan's select partners, so its awards are no longer necessarily fixed at the chart's starting price.

Related: 6 award chart sweet spots that will save you money on domestic flights

Travel to Europe

Aeroplan shines with award rates for long-haul travel — even more so, as Aeroplan does not impose fuel surcharges.

This means you can book business class on most fixed-price partners from the East Coast to Western Europe for 60,000 points, while longer journeys from the West Coast cost 75,000 points, one of the best sweet spots across the Atlantic of any program.

Air Canada and select partner flights use the same distance bands but variable pricing, so the figures in the chart are starting rates rather than guaranteed prices.

Travel to Asia

You can also get great deals heading west. Fixed-price partner awards between North America and the Pacific cost 32,500 to 70,000 points in economy, 55,000 to 115,000 points in business class and 90,000 to 150,000 points in first class, depending on the distance. Air Canada and select partner awards use variable pricing, with starting rates shown in Aeroplan's award chart.

Take, for instance, a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) operated by All Nippon Airways. This route is just under 5,000 miles; therefore, a business-class ticket would cost 55,000 points when partner award space is available. Cash fares are usually upward of $3,000 each way, giving your Aeroplan points a value of over 5 cents each, which is phenomenal.

Related: I finally flew ANA's The Room business-class product to see if it lives up to the hype

Use Aeroplan for family travel

Aeroplan is one of the best loyalty programs for families. Existing Aeroplan Family Sharing accounts allow up to eight family members to pool their points, though creating new Family Sharing accounts is currently unavailable.

Aside from the family-points-pooling feature, Aeroplan charges some of the lowest fees for traveling with a lap infant. Infant awards are free for travel wholly within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. and cost just CA$25 ($19) or 2,500 Aeroplan points for all other itineraries.

You can also add stopovers for just 5,000 points each. You can add one stopover for each one-way trip and two for each round-trip itinerary. Stopovers can last up to 45 days and are not permitted within Canada, the U.S. or China.

How to earn Aeroplan points

The easiest way to earn a lot of Air Canada Aeroplan points is with the right credit card.

For a limited time, new Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) applicants can earn up to 115,000 bonus Aeroplan 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.

At TPG's September 2026 valuation of 1.5 cents per point, the full welcome offer is worth up to $1,725. The card now carries a $195 annual fee for new applicants.

The refreshed card also provides automatic Aeroplan 25K status for as long as the primary cardmember keeps the account open and in good standing, with no spending requirement. Cardmembers can also save 15% on eligible flight rewards where the applicable direction of travel is fully operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada Rouge.

Cardmembers receive up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits each calendar year, with up to $50 available from January through June and up to $50 from July through December on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada. For the remainder of 2026, eligible cardmembers can receive one $50 credit.

Aeroplan transfer partners

You can also transfer the following credit card rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 transfer ratio:

• American Express Membership Rewards points
• Bilt Points
• Capital One miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards points

This means that the following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses with rewards that you can transfer to your Aeroplan account:

• American Express Platinum Card®
• American Express® Gold Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)

Related: Why transferable points are worth more than other rewards

Bottom line

Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program continues to offer attractive redemption rates, flexible stopovers and no pesky carrier-imposed surcharges. Most partner awards retain predictable, fixed chart pricing, though Air Canada and a growing group of select partners now use variable pricing, for which it is harder to know in advance how many points you will need. Aeroplan also partners with many of the largest transferable points programs, so you may already be sitting on various rewards that can ultimately become Aeroplan points.

The refreshed Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card adds another way to maximize the program, particularly with automatic Aeroplan 25K status, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada-operated award journeys and up to $100 in annual Air Canada statement credits.

Even if you rarely fly Air Canada or have no plans to visit Canada, Aeroplan remains a terrific program to consider when booking Star Alliance and other partner awards.

Delta Air Lines will connect two additional hubs with two of Europe's most popular tourist destinations next summer.

The Atlanta-based carrier on Friday announced new routes to Venice and Athens for 2027.

Both flights will run during the peak summer rush.

With that new service, Delta is certainly doubling down on what's been a relentless interest in southern Europe for travelers.

Calendar watching: These are the best times to buy an international flight

Over the last few years, airlines have responded with a slew of routes to places in Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Portugal.

Now, add these two new Delta routes to the mix:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Venice, launching on May 7
• Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW) to Athens, launching June 8

3 new routes in Europe for 2027

Venice and Athens are both cities Delta already flies to. But now, the carrier will connect more of its hubs with those markets — both, of course, history-rich cities that tourists visit by the millions every year.

For those keeping track, these new Boston-Venice and Detroit-Athens flights will give Delta a total of three new routes to Europe for summer 2027.

Last month, the carrier revealed new service from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Paris — its first long-haul service from its Texas focus city.

"We're giving customers more choice, greater flexibility and more opportunities to travel when and how they want," Jeff Arinder, Delta's vice president of international network planning, said in a statement Friday.

Details: New Delta flights to Venice, Athens

Delta will operate its service from BOS to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) four times per week between May 7 and Oct. 29. The carrier will use its Airbus A330-300 on the route.

Boston to Venice

Boston will be the third U.S. airport Delta will link nonstop to Venice, joining Atlanta and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

More nonstop service to Venice means more opportunity to fly directly into the world-famous city instead of taking a flight to Rome (or Milan) and then taking the train. Just be sure to factor a water taxi ride into your trip budget!

Venice hotel review: My 4 favorite things about using Hilton points to stay on an island in Venice

Detroit to Athens

For Delta's new service from DTW to Athens International Airport (ATH), the carrier will use its slightly smaller Airbus A330-200.

The airline is planning three weekly round-trips through Oct. 28.

Delta currently offers nonstop ATH flights from its Atlanta, Boston and JFK hubs. So this will give the carrier a total of four routes to the Greek capital, which for some travelers is the final destination — and for others a gateway to the Greek islands.

Review: The highly anticipated Conrad Athens The Ilisian blew me away — here's why

A longer 'summer' season

The last two summers, Delta opened up all-new destinations in Europe like Catania (Sicily), Olbia (Sardinia), Malta and Porto.

For 2027, the carrier appears to be focusing on stepping up its service to existing European destinations. With this expansion, it's giving Boston and Detroit new links to the continent, along with that new Paris nonstop from Austin.

Expanding into earlier spring

But it's not just new routes.

Delta on Friday also revealed it will lengthen its peak "summer" travel season across the Atlantic.

In recent years, a host of carriers — especially Delta — have noted how a growing number of flyers are visiting Europe earlier in the spring, or later in the fall.

TPG deep dive: Is autumn the new August? How fall became Europe's new peak travel season

This can be a great way to avoid the brutal heat waves and massive crowds that are increasingly a reality for travelers making the trip in June or July.

Plus, the spring and fall "shoulder" seasons are often when prices (and award redemptions) are lower.

Delta on Friday said its seasonal routes from Minneapolis and Detroit to Rome will begin earlier than usual in 2027, with flights starting in early March.

Seattle-Rome service will return in April.

And the carrier is also planning an earlier start for its Catania, Porto, Prague, and Copenhagen flights, along with a handful of other routes.

Bottom line

Delta's Europe plans for 2027 look very different than those of top rival United Airlines. United is using its new, smaller Airbus A321XLR to open up routes to some truly off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Delta, meanwhile, is sticking with service on larger widebody jets — and with this announcement, it's focusing on linking more U.S. cities to some of Europe's most tried-and-true tourist hot-spots.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program
• How to redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value
• Best Delta credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status in 2026
• How many first-class seats is too many? Delta is willing to find out
• Best US airlines: Delta edges out rivals to win 8th straight title

The American Express Platinum Card® is a powerhouse for travelers who enjoy premium benefits, broad airport lounge access and valuable statement credits.

Those benefits come at a cost: The Amex Platinum charges a $895 annual fee (see rates and fees), but for frequent travelers who maximize its benefits, the value can easily outweigh the cost.

Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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

Amex Platinum: The basics

The Amex Platinum offers a long list of premium travel benefits. Here's a quick look at what you'll get:

• Rewards: The Amex Platinum earns transferable American Express Membership Rewards points, worth 2 cents apiece per TPG's September 2026 valuations.
• Airport lounge access: Eligible cardmembers receive access to a vast network of airport lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
• Travel statement credits: Multiple travel statement credits can help offset the annual fee.
• Lifestyle statement credits: Additional statement credits are available for select lifestyle purchases.
• Elite status perks: You'll receive complimentary elite status across various hotel and car rental programs.

Related: Get instant Hilton, Marriott and LHW hotel elite status with the Amex Platinum Card

Amex Platinum pros and cons

Related: Amex Platinum cardmembers can save hundreds with these new Amex Offers

Amex Platinum benefits

The Amex Platinum is loaded with valuable benefits. Here's what cardmembers need to know.

Lounge access

With the American Express Global Lounge Collection, you'll receive access to the following lounges as an eligible cardmember:

• Centurion Lounges (complimentary guest access after spending $75,000 in a calendar year)
• Aspire lounges
• Delta Sky Clubs (eligible Platinum cardmembers will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card, per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go locations when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight (excluding basic economy), unless they spend $75,000 or more on their card to unlock unlimited visits)
• Escape lounges
• Lufthansa lounges (until Oct. 1)
• Plaza Premium lounges

Cardmembers also receive complimentary Priority Pass Select (enrollment required). Two guests can come with you to Priority Pass lounges at no charge.

Guest access policies vary across the other lounges.

The breadth of the Global Lounge Collection network makes the Amex Platinum my top choice for an airport lounge card since it's great for both primary cardmembers and authorized users.

Statement credits

The Amex Platinum offers one of the most extensive collections of statement credits among travel rewards cards. One of the best ways to offset the card's $895 annual fee is to take advantage of the credits that align with your spending habits.

Travel and dining statement credits

• Hotel credit: Receive up to $600 in hotel statement credits per calendar year (allotted as up to $300 biannually) on prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel® when you pay with your Amex Platinum. Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum. TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak recently used this statement credit for a one-night stay at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, an FHR property.
• Resy: Receive up to $400 per calendar year in Resy statement credits (distributed as up to $100 per quarter). Simply pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant; no reservation is required.* Resy partners with thousands of restaurants across the U.S., and I find this credit easy to redeem each quarter, regardless of my travel plans.
• Clear+: Receive up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year to cover your Clear+ annual membership (subject to auto-renewal).*
• Airline incidental credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by one eligible airline you select.* This year, I selected American Airlines. I used part of this statement credit for a day pass to the Admirals Club lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) during a layover.
• Uber: Receive up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year (split into monthly up to $15 credits plus an up to $20 bonus in December), valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Note: Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.
• Uber One: Receive up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year toward an Uber One membership to fully cover an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: Receive a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or up to an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck every four years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).

Fitness and lifestyle statement credits

• Digital entertainment: Receive up to $300 per calendar year in statement credits for digital entertainment (disbursed as up to $25 monthly statement credits).*
• Oura: Receive up to a $200 Oura statement credit per calendar year (valid only for hardware purchases).* I used this statement credit to buy one for my sister as a birthday gift this year.
• Equinox: Receive up to $300 in Equinox statement credits per calendar year to use on Equinox gym and Equinox+ app memberships (subject to auto-renewal).*
• SoulCycle: Receive up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year toward the purchase of a SoulCycle bike (up to 15 bikes per calendar year); must be enrolled in an Equinox+ membership to be eligible for this benefit.*

Shopping statement credits

• Lululemon: Receive up to a $300 Lululemon statement credit per calendar year at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online (allocated as up to $75 per quarter).*
• Walmart+: Receive up to a $155 Walmart+ statement credit per calendar year (up to $12.95 monthly, plus applicable taxes) that covers the cost of a monthly membership when paying with the Amex Platinum (on one membership, subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups excluded).* TPG partnerships and newsletter editor Emily Thompson has enjoyed getting her groceries delivered from Walmart with her Walmart+ membership.

Travel and lifestyle benefits

• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors*
• Complimentary Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy*
• Complimentary Sterling status with Leading Hotels of the World*
• Complimentary car rental status: This perk includes complimentary Hertz Gold+ Rewards President's Circle, Avis Preferred Plus and National Emerald Club Executive status.*

Travel and purchase protections

• Trip delay insurance**
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance**
• Extended warranty protection***
• Purchase protection***

*Enrollment is required

**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: Amex Platinum tightens digital entertainment credit eligibility for Peacock subscriptions

How to earn and use Membership Rewards points

Earning Membership Rewards points

With the Amex Platinum, you'll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
• 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Amex Platinum earns well on airfare and prepaid hotel bookings. However, the card may not be your best overall earner, considering that most purchases net you just 1 point per dollar spent. That's why many cardmembers pair it with another Membership Rewards-earning card for categories like dining, gas and groceries.

If you have an Amex Platinum, you're also eligible for targeted Amex Offers that could boost earning rates at select merchants, such as Amazon.

Redeeming Membership Rewards points

Membership Rewards points are among the most valuable and flexible loyalty currencies. You have several options for redeeming Membership Rewards points, including transferring them to travel partners, booking through Amex Travel, statement credits and gift cards.

You can redeem points for airfare through Amex Travel at 1 cent apiece, while hotel redemptions generally provide less than 1 cent per point. Statement credits and many gift-card redemptions are also redemption options, but they tend to provide less value.

Generally, the best way to maximize your points is to transfer them to one of Amex's loyalty program partners.

Related: Best ways to use Amex Membership Rewards points

Transferring Membership Rewards points

According to TPG's September valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, largely thanks to the program's airline and hotel transfer partners. Those include at least one helpful option in each major airline alliance: Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance.

Notable Membership Rewards partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Club, Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy, giving cardmembers plenty of options whether they prefer premium flights, hotel stays or everyday travel.

This year, I transferred 39,000 Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and redeemed them for my first business-class flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR), paying $581 in taxes and fees for the one-way ticket in May.

I've also transferred Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors to top off my balance for hotel stays. Since Amex points transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio, I was able to turn 20,000 Amex points into 40,000 Hilton points. This helped me redeem 100,000 Hilton points for two nights at the Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill during a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels basketball game weekend.

Those are exactly the kinds of high-value redemptions that make Membership Rewards one of my favorite transferable points currencies.

Related: Travel to Europe using points and miles: How to redeem your rewards for flights

Where the Amex Platinum could fall short

I'm a big fan of the Amex Platinum, but it's not for everyone. Here are some reasons the card may fall short for others.

You don't want to pay a high annual fee

The Amex Platinum's $895 annual fee is a primary detractor. If you don't want to pay nearly $1,000 for a card, this one won't be a good fit.

Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee?

You don't want to keep track of statement credits

Along these lines, you'll want to maximize the statement credits to get the most value for that $895 annual fee. If you find it overwhelming to track statement credits quarterly, biannually and annually, you may want to find a simpler option.

You want a card with more bonus categories

Outside of direct airfare purchases and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, the Amex Platinum isn't a particularly strong everyday earner. Most other eligible purchases earn just 1 point per dollar spent.

American Express Platinum vs. American Express Gold

The Amex Platinum suits frequent travelers seeking premium perks: hotel credits, lounge access and high earnings on flights and prepaid hotels.

The American Express® Gold Card charges a lower $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) and prioritizes everyday rewards. It earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $50,000 and $25,000 per calendar year, respectively, then 1 point per dollar spent).

Choose based on your spending patterns — the Platinum if you travel frequently and maximize its credits, the Gold if you spend heavily on dining and groceries. Many cardmembers hold both, using the Platinum for travel and the Gold for everyday rewards.

Related: American Express Gold vs. American Express Platinum

When to apply for the Amex Platinum

The current bonus on the Amex Platinum is its standard welcome offer: New cardmembers can find out their offer and may be 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.)

This bonus is worth up to $3,500, per TPG's valuations — more than three times the card's $895 annual fee.

When it comes to eligibility, you may not qualify for the Amex Platinum bonus if you have previously had or held this card or another variant.

Related: American Express Platinum: Valuable benefits and an offer as high as 175,000 bonus points

Other cards to consider instead of the Amex Platinum

If you aren't interested in the Amex Platinum, consider these other options:

• If you prefer earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) comes with a slightly lower $795 annual fee. It offers a flexible travel credit, its own luxury hotel credit and a dining credit and earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
• If you want a premium card for a lower annual fee: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card packs a punch for a more affordable $395 annual fee. It also offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases outside its bonus categories, making it a stronger choice than the Amex Platinum for non-bonus spending. To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
• If you're a business owner: The The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is better suited to frequent business travelers and those with substantial expenses. It offers business-focused bonus categories and statement credits. To learn more, read our full review of the Business Platinum.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best lounge access cards.

Related: 7 cards that can replace your Amex Platinum

Bottom line

The American Express Platinum remains one of the best premium travel rewards cards on the market.

Between its broad lounge access, extensive statement credits, elite status benefits and valuable Membership Rewards points, it delivers exceptional value for frequent travelers.

Its $895 annual fee is undeniably high, and the card isn't a strong choice for most everyday spending. It also takes some effort to keep track of its many statement credits throughout the year.

If you'll regularly take advantage of those benefits, the card can provide enough value to justify its premium price tag.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

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

The next time you book a flight with points, double-check fare you're booking: t might be basic economy.

A growing number of U.S. airlines now offer basic award fares. That means — even if you're using miles — you could face restrictions like no seat selection, no lounge access and no upgrades.

For years, Delta Air Lines was the only carrier in America with "basic" mileage redemptions.

Then last year, both JetBlue and Southwest Airlines started offering up no-frills award tickets.

What this means for travelers: increasingly, when you go to search for a mileage deal, the cheapest award price you'll see is often a restrictive basic ticket.

And with nearly every major airline shaking up their basic economy policies in recent months, I wouldn't be surprised if more airlines follow suit.

This affects the number of points in your account, the loyalty perks you'll get when you fly, and your ability to make changes to your itinerary after booking.

Which US airlines sell basic economy award tickets?

Three of the six largest U.S. airlines now offer a basic economy product even to customers booking with points and miles:

• Delta
• JetBlue
• Southwest

Delta's basic SkyMiles awards date back to the late 2010s. JetBlue started offering basic TrueBlue bookings last year. And last year when Southwest replaced "Wanna Get Away" with basic economy, it immediately opened up those fares for Rapid Rewards redemptions.

Read more: Basic economy and the 'evolution' that's sweeping over airlines' cheapest fares

What's the big deal?

When you search for award bookings on those three U.S. carriers, the first (and best) price you see may not be the price you'll actually wind up paying — unless you're willing to settle for restrictions.

Here's an example: a December JetBlue flight from Boston to Orlando. Initially, main cabin awards display as 16,100 TrueBlue points.

But once you click into the fare, you'll see that 16,100 points is actually a basic ticket (JetBlue calls it "Main Base").

To get a true standard economy booking, you'll need over 19,000 points — 22% more.

Here's an example on Delta: a flight from Atlanta to Seattle. Initially, the SkyMiles price is 28,100 miles.

But, again, that's basic. For a regular coach ticket, you'll need over 35,000 miles — a 27% jump.

Why not just book basic, then?

Booking basic award tickets can certainly save you some miles (sometimes a lot of miles).

But just like with paid fares, you'll deal with some onerous restrictions.

On both Delta and JetBlue, basic economy passengers can't enter airport lounges — even members that typically get access via a credit card.

On all three airlines, there are seat selection restrictions; if you don't have any status or carry a credit card, you could be assigned a seat at check-in. And that might mean a middle seat.

Plus, Delta's basic passengers don't earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) toward status.

The flexibility of award travel disappears

Basic award fares also come without the flexibility typically enjoyed by flyers who book with points.

Typically, mileage bookings are really flexible: If you book and later need to cancel, you'll get the miles redeposited into your account and all taxes and fees are refunded.

But that's not always the case with basic award tickets.

• Delta charges members a 9,900-mile "fee" to cancel domestic SkyMiles awards. For international, the penalty is 19,900 miles. If your ticket was less than that, you'll get nothing back if you have to cancel.
• JetBlue charges its members a $150 change or cancellation fee on basic TrueBlue bookings.

Southwest's policy is more generous: as long as you cancel your ticket at least 10 minutes before departure, you'll get your Rapid Rewards points back.

What about basic business?

A growing number of U.S. carriers now offer basic versions of their business-class, domestic first-class and premium economy fares.

As of today, those skinnier premium tickets are only available to customers booking with cash — not points.

But I imagine it's only a matter of time before we see "basic business" award tickets.

Related: Delta launches 'basic' business, premium, first-class tickets: What to know before booking

The other airlines

American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines do not offer basic economy mileage redemptions.

On budget airlines like Frontier, the cheapest award deals typically will be basic-ish unbundled fares.

Bottom line

Just like with paid fares, basic economy award tickets can be a great way to save if you truly don't care about getting into a lounge, picking your seat or getting upgraded.

Airlines have long argued basic offerings give customers more choice.

But that choice comes with major trade-offs.

And increasing, those are trade-offs that even customers booking with points and miles have to weigh.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• Which US airline is best? TPG's 2026 rankings
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Sports travel is having its 'Eras Tour' moment. Airlines have noticed

Luxury small-ship cruise specialist Ponant Explorations may be a relatively small line, but it offers a big loyalty program that can bring you all sorts of great benefits.

The Ponant Yacht Club, as the program is called, has multiple status tiers that come with valuable perks, such as significant discounts on cruises, onboard spending credits and free onboard laundry service.

What's more, the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program gives you access to some of the best perks from its very first tier — something that isn't always the case with cruise line loyalty programs.

Plus, the Ponant Yacht Club program has one of the most fun tier-level naming structures in the cruise business. Seriously, who can turn down the opportunity to officially be titled an "Admiral" or a "Commodore" when cruising?

Ways to earn points

The Ponant Yacht Club points-earning system is about as straightforward as can be. Every time you sail on one of the line's 13 vessels, no matter how long the voyage, you will get credit for one sailing. Your status level in the program depends entirely on your total number of sailings and nothing else.

Unlike on some lines, your status level will not be affected by how many total days you sail or the type of cabins you book.

That said, there is also a not-so-obvious way to accumulate more credits for sailings than you might think possible. You can also get credit for any sailings you take with South Pacific cruise specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises.

This is one of the happy results of the two lines becoming part of the same company in 2019, after the Ponant Explorations Group purchased Paul Gauguin Cruises.

In fact, the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program is now the official loyalty program for Paul Gauguin Cruises as well, as that brand no longer has its own separate loyalty program.

Given that Ponant operates 13 ships around the world, while Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one vessel, you'll probably be building up most of your status in the Ponant Yacht Club through Ponant sailings. But it pays to keep an eye on Paul Gauguin Cruises offerings, too, when looking for a cruise where you can take advantage of your Ponant Yacht Club perks.

Program tiers and benefits

There are four tiers to the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program:

• Major (after your second sailing)
• Admiral (after your fourth sailing)
• Grand Admiral (after your seventh sailing)
• Commodore (after your 20th sailing)

You are awarded status after you complete the sailing needed to reach the sailing count needed for each of the tiers. For instance, you become a Major in the program after completing two sailings and will be a Major during your third and fourth cruises with the line. You then become an Admiral after completing your fourth cruise and will be an Admiral for your fifth, sixth and seventh cruises.

Even at the lowest Major level, the perks of the Ponant Yacht Club are solid. As soon as you take your second cruise with Ponant, you will qualify for a 5% discount on any future cruise. That's a great perk, as it amounts to real money in your pocket.

Additionally, you will receive:

• Shipboard credit of 50 euros (about $58) per person
• Complimentary onboard laundry service, up to two items per day, per person

The next tier of the program, the Admiral tier, brings an even bigger discount of 7.5% when you book a future cruise. Also, the onboard credit you receive doubles to 100 euros (about $116) per person, and you'll get up to five free items of laundry done daily.

Related: Why Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot is unlike any other cruise vessel

But perhaps the most enticing perk at the Admiral tier is that you qualify for a cabin category upgrade when you sail, should a cabin for such an upgrade be available. There's nothing like a free upgrade to make a cruiser feel good about their loyalty to a line.

Plus, as an Admiral, you'll get a 20% discount on onboard purchases (with some caveats mentioned below).

Note that the discount on future bookings applies only to port-to-port prices and excludes taxes, discretionary expenses and transfers. This discount can be combined with the Ponant Bonus discount, the discount applied to onboard cruise sales, the Referral Program offer, the Privilege Single offer and the consecutive cruises discount.

Other fine print on the perks at the Major and Admiral levels:

• Certain restrictions apply to the discount for onboard purchases. Among purchases that are excluded from the discount are all shore excursions. Also excluded are "Prestige" brands in the Boutique, including jewelry, watches and tobacco products; premium alcohol, cocktails and Champagne purchases; and Premium Pass on all ships. Exceptional wines served on board Le Commandant Charcot are also excluded from this benefit.
• The onboard credit is nonexchangeable, nonrefundable and nontransferable. It is valid for all onboard expenses (including excursions) once all eligible discounts have been applied.
• The onboard credit cannot be used for prebookable and prepayable tours, excursions, cruise programs or gratuities.
• As noted above, the cabin category upgrade is subject to availability. Cabin categories will be offered within 48 hours of boarding.

The elite level that makes a difference

We're fans of both the first two tiers of the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program for the quality of their perks. But the Grand Admiral tier of the Ponant Yacht Club is where we think your loyalty to the line really starts paying off.

For starters, as a Grand Admiral, you get a bigger 10% discount on your cruise fare. Given that the line's cruises often start at around $500 per person, per day, this can add up to hundreds of dollars of savings per cruise.

Related: I went to the North Pole on a Ponant ship; here's how you can, too

At the Grand Admiral level, your onboard credit will rise to 150 euros (about $174) per person, which is more real money in your pocket. You can use it to cover the costs of, say, pampering yourself at one of the relaxing spas found on all Ponant ships.

Other perks at the Grand Admiral level include:

• A higher 25% discount on onboard purchases
• A waiver on change fees if you need to switch your cruise date within 12 months of your original booking

Note that for the latter perk, the change must be made at least 90 days before your original sailing date (at least 150 days if the sailing is an expedition cruise).

Best elite perk

It's a tough call on the best elite perk of the Ponant Yacht Club loyalty program. Unlike some frequent cruiser programs, there isn't one clear standout perk, such as the free cruise that Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society members get after reaching the top Pinnacle Club level.

That said, at the top Commodore tier of the Ponant Yacht Club program, passengers get an even bigger 12.5% cruise fare discount. In addition, upon reaching the Commodore tier, you'll get a more hefty onboard spending credit than at other tiers: 200 euros (about $233) per person.

Related: I went on a Paul Gauguin cruise around French Polynesia. I didn't want to leave

As at the Grand Admiral level, your discount on onboard purchases at the Commodore level will be 25%. You'll also get a complimentary cabin category upgrade when booking at the Commodore level.

Plus, at the Commodore level, you'll be able to alter your cruise dates without fees when changing within 12 months of your original booking if the change is made 90 days or more before your original sailing date (150 days if it is an expedition cruise).

In addition, French-speaking customers at the Commodore level have access to a dedicated phone line.

A final perk for Commodore-level members: Priority boarding is available at certain ports of embarkation.

Note that, as is usually the case with cruise line loyalty programs, Ponant Yacht Club customers do not have to requalify for status each year.

Status in the Ponant Yacht Club program is based on the number of sailings you have taken over your lifetime, and such "points" never expire. That means someone who reaches top-tier Commodore status will remain at that level forever (or until Ponant changes the program).

Such "forever status" is one of the great allures of cruise line frequent cruiser programs. By contrast, many airline frequent flyer programs require loyalty members to requalify for status each year.

Ponant Yacht Club status match

Do you have high-level status with another cruise line? The good news is that Ponant is one of only a handful of cruise lines that offer a status match feature that will instantly catapult you to a high level in the Ponant program, too.

The Ponant Yacht Club Status Match Program allows guests who hold loyalty status at any of a dozen or more cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises, to match their status to equivalent tiers in the Ponant Yacht Club before sailing.

Members of the Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society who are at the Diamond level of status, for instance, can status-match to the Major level of the Ponant Yacht Club program. Members of the Royal Caribbean program at the Diamond Plus or Pinnacle level can status-match to the Admiral or Grand Admiral level of the Ponant program, respectively.

A full list of the loyalty programs you can status match into the Ponant program is available here.

Bottom line

The Ponant loyalty program is more robust than you might expect for a cruise brand of Ponant's size. You can get a lot of value from being a member, even if you only qualify for its first status tier. There are varying amounts of discounts on cruises and onboard credits available at all four levels of the program.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money

Bilt launches special promotions on or around the first of each month. For this upcoming Bilt Rent Day, members can enjoy a status-based transfer bonus to Hilton Honors, a status match and challenge with Hilton Honors, a status-based transfer bonus to Amtrak Guest Rewards and several types of neighborhood experiences.

Plus, some Bilt cardholders are targeted for bonus earnings at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. And as on previous Rent Days, Bilt cardholders can also snag double points for nonrent purchases (up to 1,000 bonus Bilt Points) and play the "Rent Free" game.

Here's what you need to know about the Bilt Rent Day promotions for October.

Not a member? Join Bilt now to start earning and redeeming Bilt points.

Transfer bonus to Hilton Honors, plus a status match and challenge

Bilt members can enjoy a status-based transfer bonus to Hilton Honors, plus a status match and challenge, when they transfer Bilt points on Oct. 1. The standard transfer ratio is 1:1, so here's how the transfer bonus breaks down based on your Bilt status tier:

• Blue: 75% bonus
• Silver: 100% bonus
• Gold: 150% bonus
• Platinum: 175% bonus

Bilt members can use $200 Bilt Cash to buy up to the next tier. And, Platinum members can use $200 Bilt Cash to buy up to a 200% transfer bonus. However, you'll only receive the bonus on the first 100,000 Bilt points that you transfer to Hilton Honors on Oct. 1.

Plus, when you transfer any amount of Bilt points to Hilton on Oct. 1, you'll unlock the following status match and challenge based on your Bilt status tier for the transfer (including any buy-up to the next tier):

• Blue and Silver: Instant Hilton Silver status through Dec. 31, 2026; earn Hilton Gold status through March 31, 2028, if you stay six nights in 90 days.
• Gold: Instant Hilton Gold status through Dec. 31, 2026; earn Hilton Diamond status through March 31, 2028, if you stay 12 nights in 90 days.
• Platinum, including Platinum members who buy up to a 200% bonus: Instant Hilton Diamond status through Dec. 31, 2026; maintain Hilton Diamond status through March 31, 2028, if you stay 12 nights in 90 days.

TPG's September 2026 valuations peg the value of Bilt points at 2.2 cents each and Hilton Honors points at 0.4 cents each. So, even with the 200% bonus, you won't come out ahead mathematically. But if you have a high-value Hilton Honors redemption in mind, it could still make sense to transfer Bilt points — especially if you'd benefit from the status match and challenge offer.

However, you can sometimes buy Hilton points for as little as 0.5 cents each. And you can get Hilton Honors status as a benefit of many cards, including cobranded Hilton Honors cards. So, consider your other options for earning Hilton Honors points and status before using this Rent Day transfer bonus.

Related: 7 ways to redeem points with the Hilton Honors program

Transfer bonus to Amtrak Guest Rewards

Bilt members can enjoy a status-based transfer bonus to Amtrak Guest Rewards when they transfer Bilt points on Oct. 1. Bilt just added Amtrak Guest Rewards as a transfer partner on Sept. 23. The standard transfer ratio is 2:1, so here's how the transfer bonus breaks down based on your Bilt status tier:

• Blue: 25% bonus
• Silver: 50% bonus
• Gold: 75% bonus
• Platinum: 100% bonus

Bilt members can use $400 Bilt Cash to buy up to the next tier. And, Platinum members can use $400 Bilt Cash to buy up to a 125% transfer bonus. However, you'll only receive the bonus on the first 100,000 Bilt points that you transfer to Amtrak Guest Rewards on Oct. 1.

TPG's September 2026 valuations note Bilt points are worth 2.2 cents each. TPG's valuations don't account for Amtrak points, but they're generally worth about 2.6 cents each. So, only the 75% bonus or higher means you'd come out ahead mathematically. But if you have a high-value Amtrak Guest Rewards redemption in mind, you only need to top up your Amtrak account by a few thousand points for a redemption or if you usually redeem Bilt points for less than 2.2 cents each, it could make sense to transfer Bilt points at a lower bonus.

Related: 9 great ways to use Bilt Cash — from bonus points to helicopter rides

Extra points on nonrent purchases

As on previous Bilt Rent Days, you'll earn double points from Oct. 1 at midnight EDT until Oct. 2 at 2:59 a.m. EDT when you use your Bilt card to make nonhousing purchases. You'll earn as follows for purchases with your Bilt card each Rent Day:

• Bilt Blue Card (see rates and fees): 2 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases (regularly 1 point per dollar), up to 1,000 bonus points
• Bilt Obsidian Card (see rates and fees): 6 points per dollar spent on your selected category of dining or groceries (regularly 3 points per dollar; grocery has a $25,000 spending cap annually, then 1 point per dollar), 4 points per dollar spent on travel (regularly 2 points per dollar) and 2 points per dollar spent on other everyday purchases (regularly 1 point per dollar), up to 1,000 bonus points
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees): 4 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases (regularly 2 points per dollar), up to 1,000 bonus points

Related: I earned points paying my mortgage via Bilt — how to set up your account to do the same

Bonus points at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's for targeted cardholders

Bilt has targeted select cardholders for an additional 5 points per dollar spent (up to 1,000 bonus points) at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's for purchases between now and Oct. 30 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. If you are targeted, you'll earn as follows at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's during this promotional period:

• Bilt Blue Card: 6 points per dollar spent, up to 1,000 bonus points
• Bilt Obsidian Card: 6 points per dollar spent if your 3 points per dollar category is dining or 8 points per dollar spent if your 3 points per dollar category is groceries (regularly 3 points per dollar; grocery has a $25,000 spending cap annually, then 1 point per dollar), up to 1,000 bonus points
• Bilt Palladium Card: 7 points per dollar spent, up to 1,000 bonus points

If you are targeted for this offer, you don't need to do anything besides use your Bilt card at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's during the bonus points period.

Related: 11 best grocery credit cards

'Rent Free' game

In August 2023, Bilt launched a new way to win free rent (up to $2,500) for a month: the "Rent Free" game show. Bilt has since offered the "Rent Free" game show each Rent Day, with a new creator or personality taking the stage each month. This month's guest is artist and producer John Legend.

You can visit the Bilt app to play the game between Sept. 25 at noon EDT and Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. EDT. Then, return to the app after Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. EDT to see your score.

You'll earn points by matching your answers in the game show with the celebrity guest's. The top 10 winners will have their rent paid for a month (up to $2,500) and win a signed John Legend x Bilt Custom Vinyl. Plus, Bilt will add additional rent winners based on how many answers Legend gets correct. The next 100 winners will earn 1,000 Bilt points, while the next 500 winners after that will earn 100 points.

October Rent Day neighborhood experiences

Each Rent Day, Bilt offers a variety of neighborhood experiences you can book. Here's what you need to know about the neighborhood experiences available this Rent Day.

Comedy shows

Bilt is offering comedy shows at 17 venues across 12 cities — Atlanta; Austin; Boston; Chandler, Arizona; Chicago; Denver; Los Angeles; New York City; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; and Somerville, Massachusetts — throughout October.

Each Bilt member can buy up to four tickets, with bookings opening Sept. 26 at 11:50 a.m. EDT for Platinum and Gold Bilt members and at noon EDT for other members.

The October comedy show lineup includes some comedy club experiences, which cost $30 to $40 or 2,000 to 2,500 Bilt points per person and include two drinks. However, the lineup also includes bespoke comedy experiences at premium venues, priced at $75 or 5,000 Bilt points per person, with drinks and light bites included. You can apply up to $50 in Bilt Cash to a single comedy experience (the remainder must be paid in cash).

Bookings close when reservations sell out or at 11 a.m. EDT the day of each show, whichever occurs first.

Dining experiences

Bilt is offering its Neighborhood Dining experiences at 45 restaurants in nine cities — Arlington, Virginia; Boston; Fort Lauderdale; Jersey City, New Jersey; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; and Washington, D.C. — on Oct. 1.

Most dining experiences cost $40 to $75 or 2,500 to 5,000 Bilt points per person and include a three- to four-course tasting menu or omakase, depending on the venue.

However, Bilt is also offering two elevated events this month at a higher price point. The first elevated event is a 10-course dry-aged fish tasting at The Butcher's Counter at Joint Seafood in Sherman Oaks, California, for $280 or 18,500 Bilt points per person. And the second elevated event is a four-course New York City Wine & Food Festival dinner at Carne Mare for $350 or 23,500 Bilt points per person.

You can add a drink package at the time of booking for meals at select venues. You can apply up to $50 in Bilt Cash to a single dining experience (the remainder must be paid in cash).

Each Bilt member can buy up to four seats per booking; bookings open Sept. 26 at 11:50 a.m. EDT for Platinum and Gold Bilt members and at noon EDT for other members. Bookings close when reservations sell out or Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. EDT, whichever occurs first.

Fitness experiences

One of Bilt Rent Day's most popular aspects for many members is the complimentary Rent Day fitness classes. Bilt members can book complimentary Oct. 1 SoulCycle and Barry's classes for this Rent Day. Specifically, 875 bikes are available for Rent Day SoulCycle classes, and 580 spots are available for Barry's Rent Day classes.

Bookings for these experiences become available Sept. 26 at 11:50 a.m. EDT for Platinum and Gold members and at noon EDT for other members. However, once you book a Rent Day fitness class, you can't cancel and will face a fee if you don't attend. Bookings close Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. EDT or when they sell out, whichever occurs first.

Bilt Locals Collection pop-up

Bilt is hosting a Locals Collection pop-up outside its New York City headquarters at 837 Washington St. on Oct. 1. During this pop-up, you can browse the new Bilt Locals Collection in person and grab a complimentary treat.

While supplies last, Bilt members can stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT on Oct. 1 to collect a complimentary hot dog from Cookshop and purchase Bilt Locals Collection items. You can RSVP for the pop-up via the Bilt app, but this is optional and doesn't guarantee that Locals Collection items or hot dogs will be available when you arrive.

Bilt and John Legend

This month, Bilt is also offering several other promotions and offers tied to or inspired by John Legend. For example, Bilt members will have a chance to unlock access to a private John Legend show on Oct. 21 in San Francisco. We don't have additional details at this time, but Bilt says more details will follow. So, keep an eye out if you want to attend this show.

Bilt members can also secure a custom vinyl of John Legend's "Muse," designed exclusively for Bilt members. This custom vinyl is currently available on preorder via Bilt for $19.95 but will ship around Oct. 23.

Finally, Bilt is covering rent this month for 50 students across four universities that Legend personally selected: Morehouse College, Central State University, Wilberforce University and the University of Pennsylvania. Bilt members can now also donate Bilt points in any amount to Scholarship America, although these redemptions aren't tax-deductible and you won't get a charitable receipt.

History of Rent Day promotions

Bilt offers at least one special promotion each Rent Day in addition to its standard offerings. Here's a summary of the highlights from previous Rent Days:

• September 2026: Up to 100% Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red transfer bonus and up to a 100% statement credit redemption bonus
• August 2026: Accor Live Limitless status match when transferring points
• July 2026: Up to a 200% Hilton Honors transfer bonus and up to a 100% gift card redemption bonus
• June 2026: Up to a 125% TAP Air Portugal transfer bonus
• May 2026: Up to a 100% Avios (British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia) transfer bonus
• April 2026: Up to a 125% Wyndham Rewards transfer bonus and up to a 50% Amazon redemption bonus
• March 2026: Up to a 125% Japan Airlines Mileage Bank transfer bonus
• February 2026: Up to a 125% Accor Live Limitless transfer bonus and, for the first time, the ability to redeem Bilt Cash to unlock the transfer bonus of the next-highest tier
• January 2026: Targeted redemption bonuses of 30% or 40% when redeeming points for Amazon purchases or rent credits
• December 2025: Up to a 100% British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus transfer bonus and up to a 100% redemption bonus on select gift cards
• November 2025: Up to a 100% Etihad Guest transfer bonus
• October 2025: Up to a 50% Amazon redemption bonus and a targeted up-to-75% rent credit redemption bonus
• September 2025: Up to a 100% Virgin Red transfer bonus
• August 2025: Up to a 100% Avianca Lifemiles transfer bonus and the launch of a concert series at Bilt Home Away from Home resorts
• July 2025: Up to a 100% gift card redemption bonus
• June 2025: Up to a 200% Accor Live Limitless transfer bonus and up to a 100% Lyft redemption bonus
• May 2025: Up to a 100% Southwest Rapid Rewards transfer bonus and a targeted 25% Amazon redemption bonus
• April 2025: Up to a 100% Avios transfer bonus and up to a 100% Lyft redemption bonus
• March 2025: Up to a 200% Hilton Honors transfer bonus and the introduction of Rent Day Barry's fitness classes
• February 2025: Status-based transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles and the launch of the first Bilt Neighborhood Cafe in New York City
• January 2025: Accor Live Limitless status match, with the option for Bilt elite members to redeem points for higher tiers of Accor status
• December 2024: Amazon redemption bonus, triple points on nonrent purchases that typically earn 1 point per dollar and the launch of Neighborhood Comedy experiences
• November 2024: Targeted 50% to 100% British Airways transfer bonus
• October 2024: Hilton Honors Gold status match, with the opportunity to extend Gold or upgrade to Diamond for an extended period, and the ability to book Virgin Voyages experiences with a second guest free
• September 2024: 50% Avianca Lifemiles transfer bonus; 20% to 100% Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Virgin Red transfer bonus; a buy-one, get-one ResortPass offer; and the ability to book Virgin Voyages experiences with a second guest free
• August 2024: The ability to book select Virgin Voyages with a second guest free and access to a party at Blade Lounge East in New York City
• July 2024: Launch of the Neighborhood Dining series and a status-based Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan transfer bonus and status match
• June 2024: Ability to earn 5 or 10 bonus points per dollar spent at Neighborhood Dining restaurants
• May 2024: 100% of points back (with a minimum of 1,000 points and a maximum of 50,000 points) toward the Bilt Home Collection when redeeming points for rent
• April 2024: Launch of fitness experiences at studios nationwide
• March 2024: Ability to book men's college basketball tournament tickets as Bilt Experiences and vote via a single-elimination bracket for March Rent Day benefits (the ability to earn 1,000 points per card when linking up to two new credit cards to the Bilt Cards tab won, while the chance to earn 5 points per dollar spent at grocery stores [valid for up to 2,000 points] when paying with the Bilt Mastercard finished second)
• February 2024: Status-based Air Canada Aeroplan transfer bonus
• January 2024: Return of some of the top Rent Day promotions, including a $5 Lyft credit for Bilt cardholders; a 50% Amazon redemption bonus; and status-based transfer bonuses to IHG One Rewards, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• December 2023: More points at Bilt Dining restaurants and double points on purchases that would normally earn 1 point per dollar
• November 2023: Status-based Emirates Skywards transfer bonus
• October 2023: Launch of Bilt Experiences at three professional football games and 5 points per dollar spent on eligible sports tickets (up to 10,000 bonus points)
• September 2023: Expansion of Rent Day Rides to every SoulCycle studio across the U.S.
• August 2023: A 75% to 150% Virgin Red transfer bonus
• July 2023: $10 to $25 Lyft ride credits
• June 2023: Gifts for solving the June 1 Rent Day Challenge puzzle
• May 2023: A 100% Air France-KLM Flying Blue transfer bonus
• April 2023: Ability to enroll to get World of Hyatt Explorist status for 90 days and then keep Explorist status or unlock Globalist status for longer by staying 10 or 20 qualifying nights within three months
• March 2023: A 50% Amazon redemption bonus
• February 2023: A 100% HawaiianMiles transfer bonus
• January 2023: Launch of the ability to earn points each month through Rent Day trivia
• December 2022: A 100% IHG One Rewards transfer bonus and double points on nonrent spending
• November 2022: Ability to enroll in a complimentary United MileagePlus Premier status challenge
• October 2022: Double points on nonrent spending and themed SoulCycle Rent Day rides

Tanzania made our Where to Go 2026 list for a few obvious reasons, like its wide variety of landscapes and wildlife. What travelers might not know, though: The destination also has a rapidly growing selection of safari lodges bookable with points, putting this bucket-list trip within easier reach for those playing in the points and miles game.

When I headed to Tanzania this summer to see the Great Migration — the crown jewel in the country's safari industry — I couldn't miss checking into the new Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection. This all-inclusive member of Marriott Bonvoy just opened last year as Autograph Collection's first safari camp.

With all the usual trappings of a luxury hotel, plus safari-specific offerings like game drives, there's a lot to unpack in this stay. Let's dive in.

Related: A new JW Marriott just opened in Kenya, located on a 45,000-acre private conservancy

First impressions

Mapito Safari Camp is tucked away in the bush behind the small village of Robanda, on the outskirts of Serengeti National Park.

When my husband and I arrived, sweaty and tired after a five-hour drive, we were greeted by a whole team of Mapito staff bearing damp towels, welcome drinks and handmade bracelets. We gratefully handed off our luggage and made our way along the gravel paths that wind between the property's heavy-duty tents.

On the outside, the impression was one of quiet luxury coexisting with the rugged landscape, which spilled over in the form of scrubby plants and slithering snakes. Once inside our tent, I saw the full extent of the hotel's carefully curated beauty.

The rooms

Mapito Safari Camp contains three deluxe tents, six one-bedroom tented suites and six two-bedroom tented suites. There is also one tented villa with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a game room and a private pool.

That's right — the accommodations are technically tents, though they're so huge and sturdy you would hardly know it from inside. That is, until you open the retractable roof that each tent is equipped with, letting in expansive views of the sky and sounds of the savannah. (Don't worry, there's a screen to keep out unwanted visitors.) This is glamping at its most luxurious; no shared bathrooms or headlamps here.

My one-bedroom suite contained a deck, two bathrooms and a dual indoor-outdoor shower. The interiors were layered with gentle reminders of the surrounding landscape and culture: natural materials like stone and wicker, bold-print textiles and animal sculptures.

Every detail seemed carefully thought out, from the welcome sweets (a traditional Swahili concoction made of peanuts and wild honey) to the "do not disturb" gourd (used by local peoples to keep others out when the elders were discussing important matters).

The result was undeniably gorgeous, though the designers could be accused of putting aesthetics before practicality with some details — like a polished stick used as a bathroom door handle that fell off anytime it was used.

Dining at Mapito Safari Camp

As far as all-inclusives go, Mapito has taken a quality-over-quantity approach. Guests take all meals at Njia Restaurant (unless you're heading out on an early-morning game drive, in which case the kitchen staff will pack you a boxed meal big enough to feed an elephant). There is also the stunning Mapito Bar and relaxed Njia Lounge, complete with board games and a hidden speakeasy.

Dining and drinks are pretty much all-inclusive, with the exception of premium liquors, but you won't find any buffet-style meals here. Instead, guests head to Njia Restaurant whenever they're ready for a meal (or a snack) and choose from the day's menu — though options are almost endlessly customizable. The chef was happy to accommodate my dietary needs, and even came to our table before each meal to discuss what options he could make with the ingredients on hand that day.

The property also hosts a small farm-to-table vegetable garden.

Everything we tried was delicious, with a mix of influences from Tanzania, India and beyond. For instance, my favorite dish was wali marage (a Tanzanian staple of beans in coconut sauce) with chapati (an Indian flatbread).

The food and atmosphere are upscale, but not at the expense of the effusive warmth you'll find in other Tanzanian safari lodges. The entire team even put on a special song and dance to celebrate one guest's birthday.

Amenities

Mapito Safari Camp offers several standout amenities that are included in the price of your room:

• Infinity pool looking into the bush, with a small, manmade watering hole in the distance that often draws zebras and Cape buffaloes
• Small fitness center
• Pickleball court
• Boma experience: An evening of traditional music and storytelling around a bonfire, courtesy of cultural ambassadors from nearby villages.
• Unlimited laundry: A real treat after a week of sweaty game drives and bush hikes.
• Unlimited game drives in the greater Serengeti region

What's not included?

• Spa treatments in one of the two treatment rooms (one for single guests and one for couples). I tried the Signature Treatment, a 90-minute massage incorporating warmed calabashes, or squash, that is guaranteed to iron out every knot in your body.
• Add-on activities, like a private barbecue dinner ($100 per person)
• Transportation to activities booked with an outside operator, such as a balloon safari

Related: The best all-inclusive resorts in the world

The service

I was blown away by Tanzania's hospitality throughout my trip, but Mapito took it to another level.

Guests are assigned specific team members throughout their stay, allowing your server, safari guide, etc. to get the hang of your personal preferences.

And that's not to mention the personal butler that is assigned to every room. Our butler, Nadya, walked us to and from our various activities and even ran back to our tent to get my phone when I left it behind one night.

By the time we left (to a farewell dance, of course), we felt like we were part of the Mapito family.

Although your butler will remind you of spa appointments and game drives, the schedule isn't rigidly enforced by any means. Everything is customized and on your time — so you can make your vacation as active or as "pole pole" (Swahili for "slow") as you desire.

The wildlife

One of Mapito's biggest draws is unlimited game drives. And since you're already out in the bush, you don't have to go far to spot wildlife.

This allowed us to venture out on thrilling game drives at dawn and after nightfall. Instead of barreling down dusty main roads crowded with other safari vehicles, we meandered off the beaten path and saw few other people.

The downside was that, while staying at Mapito, we were limited to a smaller area with less variety of wildlife. Guests can explore the Serengeti at will, but farther-flung wildlife areas like Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park are out of reach time-wise.

Another thing to note: This is the bush at its most luxurious, but it's still the bush. That means you might see flies hovering around your poolside beverages or the occasional African pygmy dormouse trying to sneak into your tent in search of snacks. Staff will advise you not to leave your tent after nightfall, and if you need to walk around the property near dawn or dusk, you'll be accompanied by an armed guard (with a nightstick or bow and arrows).

It's important to stay aware of your surroundings, respect the wildlife and follow staff instructions.

Related: How to prepare for Kenya's new travel insurance requirements

Location and logistics

Mapito Safari Camp is tucked away in the Tanzanian bush within an hour's drive from Fort Ikoma Airstrip and Seronera Airstrip. The nearest major airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about nine-hour drive away.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into JRO and hop on a bush flight to Ikoma or Seronera; Mapito provides complimentary transfers to and from either airstrip.

If, on the other hand, you're already doing a larger safari tour on four wheels, it could make more sense to drive here. In our case, since we were making our way by safari truck from JRO to the Serengeti, we added Mapito as a stop on our week-long itinerary. We explored the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater in the morning, then made the five-hour drive across the Serengeti to Mapito.

How to book Mapito Safari Camp

Rates start at $1,710 or 188,000 Bonvoy points per night in the low season, based on double occupancy, but can climb much higher during peak safari months (June to October). For my dates — a weekend during the Great Migration — my one-bedroom tent cost around $2,400 or 245,000 points per night for two people.

Interestingly, while cash prices change depending on the number of guests, the award rates I have searched stayed constant for either one or two people. So, you can potentially squeeze more value from your points if you bring a plus-one.

For instance, on an upcoming weekend in October, a basic tent is priced at $2,100 per night for one guest or $2,757 for two. However, award rates show 241,000 points per night for either one or two guests. And, since the experience is all-inclusive, those rates cover most if not all expenses during your stay.

Related: How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for maximum value

When booking the Mapito Safari Camp, you'll want to use a credit card that rewards you on Marriott purchases. Here are some great options that earn bonus points on Marriott stays and provide automatic Bonvoy elite status (and thus valuable benefits during your stay):

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card
• https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-bountiful-card-review
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees)

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Accessibility

One area where Mapito falls short is accessibility. As you might expect, the rugged property is not ideal for wheelchair users, and the hotel has no amenities for guests with visual or hearing impairments.

However, based on the stellar service and endless customization I experienced during my stay, I think it's worth calling the property before booking to see if they can make arrangements for you.

Bottom line

If you want to experience the epic landscapes and heart-pounding wildlife of the Serengeti in ultimate luxury, Mapito Safari Camp certainly fits the bill. Even better, you can save money on your safari trip — not just on lodging but also on game drives, meals and more — by booking an all-inclusive stay here with points.

My advice? Plan to stay at least a couple full days to fully immerse yourself in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and sample activities like night game drives, spa treatments and the Boma. Even on a short visit, the Mapito staff will feel like family by the time you check out.

Flight cancellations are on the rise in 2026. Since Jan. 1, U.S. carriers have canceled roughly 2% of all flights, according to FlightAware, putting this year on pace for the highest cancellation rate since 2022. And delays remain common: About one in four departures nationwide was delayed between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

While most flights leave on time, there's no doubt that delays and cancellations remain a reality of air travel — whether due to bad weather, mechanical issues, scheduling problems or other unforeseen circumstances, including recent events in Mexico and the Middle East.

Most recently, passengers on the East Coast had to deal with snarled flights at the Northeast's busiest hubs due to an air traffic control outage Monday. And already, the next threat looms: an unusually early Nor'easter that could bring severe weather and further flight disruptions at airports across the mid-Atlantic and New England.

In case you experience flight delays or cancellations, here are tips on how to decrease your chances of getting stuck and increase your odds of arriving at your destination as quickly as possible. Plus, check out our advice on how to get reimbursed for unexpected expenses due to your flight delay or cancellation.

How to find out if your flight might be delayed

In this era of full flights and easily available information, don't wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem. You can keep an eye on general flight trends across the country by using FlightAware, which gives you a good overview of how a day in the sky looks.

FlightAware's "MiseryMap" focuses on delays. In the 24 hours before travel, you can manually check the status of your flight on your airline's website. If possible, be sure to check the plane's origin. Even if the conditions are clear where you are, there's a good chance your plane won't get to you on time if it's sitting in a snowstorm somewhere else.

It's also a good idea to sign up for flight notifications from your airline. Here are details on how to opt in to that process with American Airlines and United Airlines.

You can get flight status updates sent directly from FlightAware. TPG staffers are also fond of the Flighty app, which offers a reliable "Where's My Plane?" feature to track your plane starting 25 hours before your flight.

Be sure to download your airline's app on your phone, too. Many airlines will show you where your incoming plane is currently. In fact, your airline's app often has more up-to-date flight departure information than what's on the departure and arrival boards at the airport.

When to arrive at the airport if your flight is delayed

This can be a tricky one. If your flight is still listed as "on time" in the app, leave for the airport according to the original schedule.

Even if your flight shows as delayed in the app, that status is subject to change. So, in most cases, it's best to be at the airport ready to go at the originally scheduled time. We've certainly heard stories of flights being delayed only to depart sooner than expected, leaving some passengers behind.

Sometimes, you'll receive confirmation well in advance, letting you know if your flight will be significantly delayed. Say you are at an airport that isn't a hub for the airline you are flying (meaning there's less chance of spare planes and crew), and the plane that's supposed to operate your flight is nowhere close to arriving at the airport. In that case, it's likely that your posted delay will be a real delay. However, it's still safer to be at the airport, just in case.

Bad weather can sometimes cause a temporary ground stop at the airport. As soon as the weather improves and the stop lifts, airlines will try to get their flights off the ground ASAP. So, it's best to be close by should things change on short notice.

Related: 3 things to do if your flight is delayed

Know your rights

It's important to know your rights as an airline passenger, which have been changed in recent years. For instance, if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a refund, no matter the reason for the disruption. According to current rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation, passengers on domestic flights that are significantly changed, including arriving three or more hours late, and international flights arriving six or more hours late are entitled to automatic refunds if they choose not to travel and don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits. Those refunds must be issued within seven days for credit card purchases and 20 days for cash payments.

However, if you get stranded overnight, you may also be able to recoup costs for extra meals, hotel nights and ground transportation.

You'll find these and other passenger rights guarantees on flightrights.gov, the DOT's dashboard.

On that website, you'll find a rundown of what airlines guarantee in the event of "controllable" delays and cancellations — disruptions within an airline's control. Keep in mind that these controllable situations typically exclude weather-related problems.

When looking at the dashboard, you'll quickly see that some airlines promise to do more than others regarding overnight hotel stays, ground transportation, credit vouchers and rebooking on partners. Give that list a look not only when you're deciding which airline to book with but also in the event of a long, controllable delay or cancellation. This way, you'll know what the airline has promised to do in those situations. You can file a complaint with the DOT if the airline doesn't hold up its end of the bargain.

What to do if there is bad weather

Monitor weather patterns a few days before your flight to see if any major systems are anticipated. It's vital to check the forecast the night before and on the day of travel to see how any issues could affect your departure and arrival airports.

Again, be sure to opt in to receive updates on your flight's status. If you know bad weather is coming later in the day, ask for an earlier flight if you can. Alternatively, leaving the night before the weather arrives is a good idea if you want to minimize the risk of delays.

Many airlines will issue travel advisories during (and ahead of) severe weather, such as blizzards, ice storms or even heavy thunderstorms. These advisories allow travelers to make changes even when flying on a restrictive ticket that typically can't be altered — like some basic economy fares. In some cases, the airline may even proactively change your flight.

If you know bad weather is on the horizon, visit your airline's website and look for an advisory notice or call the airline to discuss options. If an airline gets ahead of weather issues, you may be able to reschedule your flight by a few days in either direction with no fees. Additionally, you can try asking for a nonstop flight if the weather jeopardizes your connecting flight.

However, if the airline hasn't issued its own advisory, you might need to pay out of pocket for any fare differences if you really want to be proactive in changing plans.

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

In 2026, standing in a long line at the airport or waiting on hold by phone is usually not the best (or most enjoyable) way to rebook when a flight is canceled or delayed.

Most major airlines will allow you to rebook yourself using a mobile app. You may be able to rebook for a new time or even to a new nearby origin or destination city. For that reason, the airline app should probably be your first stop when you learn of a hiccup in your travel plans.

That said, there are times when automated rebooking systems are not your best option. Sometimes, the only automated option is a red-eye flight or a flight several days later that will head to your destination. That's especially true when many flights are full.

If you can't locate what you need on the app, find an airline employee who can work the ticketing desk. Check their uniforms and name tags to ensure you get a ticket agent, versus a baggage handler or a similarly outsourced contractor who is less likely to be able to help.

If the U.S. call center has a long hold time (which happens during widespread issues), try dialing an international number for faster service. You can often find those numbers on the airline's website. You might also find success reaching out to an airline on the social platform X or other social media channels when customer service lines are busy.

For example, when the first leg of an American Airlines flight from New York to Arkansas just before Christmas was delayed, TPG Managing Editor Madison Blancaflor missed her connection. She contacted American Airlines on X to help ensure she was rebooked on the earliest possible flight. She still had to endure a long layover in Charlotte, but it was better (and less stressful) than rushing to the customer service desk to try rebooking upon arrival in Charlotte.

Additionally, some airlines offer live online chat or text options that can be quicker than calling.

If there are no reasonable booking options left with your carrier, ask whether there are options available on another airline. If the delay is weather-related and you are on a basic economy ticket or are flying on a low-cost carrier, there might not be other airline options at your fingertips. Still, it's worth asking — and, if possible, presenting options you have researched yourself.

Related: Don't wait on hold: Here's how to reach airline customer service quickly

Retreat to a lounge

If you have airline lounge access at a United Club, a Delta Sky Club or something similar, you can head there for help from experienced agents with potentially shorter lines. Use it as a spot to gather your thoughts, charge your phone and make level-headed decisions. The agents there might be able to help you change or track your flight, as there are usually agents with that knowledge and ability in the airline lounges.

In third-party lounges, such as an American Express Centurion Lounge, you won't be able to get that type of airline-specific assistance, but you'll probably be in a better spot to wait out the storm than in a crowded terminal.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Rebook your flight

Sometimes, if you really need to get home, you may need to do the work and pay for a new flight yourself.

During some of our prior experiences, the airlines we originally booked weren't able to get us home within 24 hours of our initial flights getting canceled. In cases like these, you may be able to book a nonstop flight with at least one last seat available on another carrier.

Keep in mind, though, that rebooking yourself is typically not covered by any insurance provider or carrier. Still, you should be able to get your original ticket refunded, which will at least offset some of the pain of a new ticket. The extra work may be worth it to control your own destiny and avoid being stuck as options narrow.

Your credit card's built-in trip delay or trip cancellation coverage can help with many unexpected expenses in the face of delays and cancellations, but a brand-new flight home isn't likely to be one of them. Still, in some cases, it may be the only way home for a while, so you'll have to weigh the pros and cons.

Fortunately, many airlines now allow you to cancel main cabin tickets and, at the very least, get airline trip credit; you can use this credit to book a future flight — even if you are being proactive to try and avoid possible delays and, ultimately, your originally scheduled flight does not experience a delay. (This does not necessarily apply to basic economy fares or low-cost carriers' flights.)

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Check airport hotels

While thinking through what to do in case of a flight delay or cancellation, consider your options at airport hotels; they can fill up during major delays and cancellations. Sometimes, it is best to call it a day, get some rest and try again in the morning.

Airport hotels are generally pretty affordable on points, but cash rates can skyrocket when demand surges. Accommodations are typically covered by trip delay protection in the event of cancellations or very long delays via cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and American Express Platinum Card®.*

*Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: Why my favorite use of Hyatt points is a Category 1 airport hotel

Show up early for standby flights

If you know in advance that your flight will be canceled or delayed, heading to the airport early could score you a same-day standby flight that gets you to your destination on time.

For example, one TPG staffer used this strategy to avoid getting stuck overnight when a hiccup with his flight from Austin to New York would have caused him to miss a connection in Dallas. He arrived at the airport a bit early and was placed on the standby list for an earlier flight connecting to a different city.

Getting on the standby list isn't foolproof, especially if the earlier flight is almost full. This is a case where having elite status can help since you'll have priority over non-elite travelers. Additionally, some airlines charge non-elite travelers a fee to be added to the standby list for an earlier flight.

Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status

Book with credit cards that provide travel protection

The hard truth is that in the event of airline delays and cancellations caused by weather, the airline itself is not going to help you out with the extra expenses you incur due to the change in plans, since the weather is outside its control. Travel insurance may have your back if you purchased it, but beyond that, the credit card you booked your flight with may also be able to reimburse you for unexpected expenses due to your flight delay or cancellation — even if it was caused by weather.

Many rewards credit cards confer valuable travel protections when you have a delayed or canceled flight (if you used one of them to book your flight). Below are just a few examples of cards that provide some built-in coverage:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 annual fee): The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a $300 annual travel credit, trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per covered traveler and $20,000 per trip, up to $75,000 in car rental coverage and trip delay benefits of up to $500 per person that kick in starting at a six-hour delay, among other benefits.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees): The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per covered person and emergency assistance services, among other benefits.
• American Express Platinum Card ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees): In addition to its extensive lounge benefits and up to $200 in annual airline fee statement credits with one selected qualifying airline (enrollment required), the Amex Platinum also provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance for up to $10,000 of a covered trip and incident (up to $20,000 per 12 consecutive month period).*

*Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

To highlight how valuable this can be, a couple of years ago, one TPG staffer's flights home from Colorado during the busy winter holiday season were canceled due to a snowstorm.

She was faced with an unexpected $1,100-per-night hotel stay during peak season in a pricey ski town, based on what was still available at the last minute. Ultimately, her eligible Chase card covered not only the $1,100 unexpected hotel stay but also the unexpected car service and meals during the delay. Within 26 days of the unexpected cancellation and delay, she had a check for $1,401.74 in her hand, thanks to using the right credit card to book the flight.

Bottom line

Last but not least, we recommend being decisive when making travel decisions amid delays or cancellations. The longer you wait to switch flights or book a hotel, the greater the chances you'll be at the mercy of whatever dwindling options are left as hundreds (or thousands) of other passengers rebook their plans.

Most of the time, your flight will get you where you need to be, close to when you want to be there. Still, flight delays and cancellations are a reality of air travel. If your flight is delayed by an hour or two, there's not usually much to do other than be patient. However, when facing a long delay or cancellation, it's good to have a plan to reduce the odds of getting stuck.

Given the common theme of full flights these days, acting quickly, researching options and making a speedy decision will put you ahead of the pack.

Related reading:

• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 7 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 10 ways to get through airport security faster

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

If you're looking for a less expensive way to get Admirals Club access, becoming an authorized user on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is worth considering.

The card charges $175 to add up to three authorized users, so the effective cost is under $60 per person if all three authorized-user slots are used. Each authorized user gets their own Admirals Club access, though they don't receive all the benefits available to the primary cardholder.

Let's break down what you get as a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user, how it compares to an Admirals Club membership and who should consider this option.

How much does it cost to add a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user?

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive charges $175 per year to add up to three authorized users. Any additional authorized users cost another $175 each.

That means the effective cost per person depends on how many authorized-user slots are used:

If all three authorized-user slots are used, the effective cost comes down to just $58.33 per person annually.

For comparison, a single Admirals Club membership costs $750 per year and provides Admirals Club access only to the member, with no guest privileges or access to partner lounges.

A standard Admirals Club membership, which includes guest privileges and access to eligible partner lounges, costs $1,200 to $1,400 per year (depending on your AAdvantage elite status).

That makes becoming an authorized user a much cheaper way to get Admirals Club access, including guest privileges.

Related: American Airlines raises Admirals Club membership rates, adds lower-price solo option

What do Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized users get?

The main benefit for authorized users of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive is that they receive their own Admirals Club access.

Notably, this access isn't tied to the primary cardholder; authorized users can visit Admirals Club lounges even when the primary cardholder isn't traveling with them.

To enter, an authorized user must present their Citi / AAdvantage Executive card, a government-issued ID and a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated or marketed by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines or a Oneworld carrier.

Authorized users can also bring either their immediate family — their spouse or domestic partner and children under 18 — or up to two guests into Admirals Club lounges at no additional cost. Guests must accompany the authorized user and present a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight.

That's a key advantage over American's $750 single Admirals Club membership, which provides access only to the member and does not include guest privileges.

Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges

What don't authorized users get?

The biggest limitation is a lack of access to partner lounges. Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized users can access Admirals Club lounges, but they don't receive access to American's partner lounges through the card.

These partner lounges include select Alaska Lounges in the U.S., such as those at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), as well as Qantas Clubs in Australia.

By comparison, a standard Admirals Club membership — which costs at least $1,200 annually (depending on AAdvantage status) — includes access to Admirals Club and eligible partner lounges, while the single membership — costing $750 — only includes Admirals Club access.

Authorized users also miss out on several perks reserved for the primary cardholder, such as up to $120 in statement credits toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee (every four years), priority check-in and boarding, and a first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries.

In other words, the $175 buys Admirals Club access, not a second full set of card benefits.

Related: Everything you need to know about authorized credit card users

Do authorized-user purchases earn Loyalty Points?

Yes, purchases made by authorized users can earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points, and those rewards are credited to the primary cardholder's AAdvantage account.

That means spending by authorized users can help the primary cardholder make progress toward AAdvantage elite status and the card's Loyalty Point bonuses.

Is becoming an authorized user worth it?

Becoming a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user makes the most sense for travelers who primarily want Admirals Club access and don't need the broader benefits of being a primary cardholder or an Admirals Club membership.

TPG editor-in-chief Nick Ewen uses this benefit to give friends and colleagues their own Admirals Club access: "I can add authorized users at an affordable rate ($175 for the first three, and then $175 each after that) to get their own Admirals Club access. I have a few friends and colleagues who frequently fly American, so they get a lot of value from being on my account."

If all three authorized-user slots are used, the effective annual cost comes down to under $60 per person. But even if you're the only authorized user and cover the full $175 fee yourself, that's still significantly less than the $750 annual cost of a single Admirals Club membership — and authorized-user access includes guest privileges that the single membership doesn't.

However, travelers who want access to partner lounges or the card's broader travel benefits may be better served by another option.

And if becoming an authorized user isn't an option, it's worth comparing the cost of an Admirals Club membership with getting the Citi / AAdvantage Executive yourself. The card's $695 annual fee is lower than the cost of both the single and standard Admirals Club memberships, and primary cardholders receive a standard Admirals Club membership along with the card's other travel benefits.

Plus, as a primary cardholder, you could earn a sizable stash of American miles through the welcome offer. For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.

Related: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive's new benefits are live: 6 things to do now

How can you add a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user?

Primary Citi / AAdvantage Executive cardholders can add authorized users to their account online, via the Citi mobile app or by calling the number on the back of their card.

Once added, each authorized user will receive their own card, which they'll need to present to access Admirals Club lounges when traveling without the primary cardholder.

Bottom line

If all three authorized-user slots are used, Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized users can get Admirals Club access for under $60 per person annually, making this an enticing option for travelers primarily interested in lounge access.

Just remember that the access and other perks aren't identical to those available with a standard Admirals Club membership or as the primary cardholder.

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

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

Chase's premium Sapphire lineup includes both a personal and a business option: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

Together, they form the backbone of Chase's top-tier travel rewards offerings.

Chase allows cardholders to hold both cards simultaneously, which raises a common question: Can you apply for both and earn both welcome bonuses?

While it is possible to hold both cards, approval and welcome bonus eligibility depend on key rules and timing. Here's what to know before applying.

How does the Sapphire Reserve compare to the Sapphire Reserve for Business?

While the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve for Business share a name and a $795 annual fee, they're designed for different cardholders and offer distinct ways to earn and maximize rewards.

Both cards include premium travel benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, access to Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges, and enhanced Points Boost redemption rates through Chase Ultimate Rewards. But the key differences lie in how you earn points.

The personal Sapphire Reserve is a strong fit for foodies and frequent travelers, offering 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked directly through the airline, 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 2027), and 8 points per dollar on all Chase Travel℠ purchases.

Conversely, the business version is tailored to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. It swaps earning 3 points per dollar spent on dining for 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). Meanwhile, all other point-earning rates remain identical.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business

Can you earn the welcome offer on both the Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cards?

Yes, you can earn the welcome bonus on both the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve for Business (as long as you meet the individual eligibility requirements for each card).

Chase limits how often you can earn a welcome bonus on Sapphire-branded cards. For example, you generally cannot receive a new personal Sapphire Reserve bonus if you've earned one on a previous personal Sapphire Reserve card. The same applies to the business version.

Keep in mind, the Sapphire Reserve for Business is treated as a separate product from the personal Sapphire Reserve. As a result, the bonus eligibility rules do not prevent you from earning the welcome offer on the business version.

Just make sure you're also in good standing under Chase's 5/24 rule, which may affect your approval odds for either card. Generally, this rule means you will not be approved for a new Chase card if you've opened five or more new cards (with any bank) over the past 24 months.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve lifetime bonus rule: What the bonus eligibility pop-up message means

Time your applications strategically

While you can apply for both cards, the timing matters. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of approval:

• Space out your applications. Applying for two premium cards on the same day may lead to one being declined or flagged for review. Give it a few days to a few weeks between applications, especially if you've opened other cards recently.
• Monitor your 5/24 status. If you've opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months (from any issuer), you'll likely be denied — even if you have excellent credit.
• Create a plan to meet the spending minimums and earn the welcome bonuses. Make sure your upcoming expenses meet both thresholds before applying for both.
• Know your credit profile. A strong credit score, stable income and an existing relationship with Chase may help improve your approval odds.

If you're strategic about your timing and spending, applying for both cards can be a powerful move, especially while these welcome offers are still available.

Related: How to apply for a credit card

Should I get both the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve for Business?

If you qualify for a small-business credit card, holding both cards can be a powerful strategy. You could use the business card for work-related travel and business expenses, while putting personal travel and dining expenses on the personal card, maximizing rewards across more spending categories.

If access to valuable Chase points and maximizing point transfer potential is a top priority, you'll probably just want to have the personal Sapphire Reserve in your wallet.

However, if you're looking to separate business and personal expenses, access robust business credits, and still enjoy high-value travel redemptions, the Sapphire Reserve for Business adds exceptional value in its own right. And starting in 2027, the business card will offer double the personal card's The Edit hotel credits (four up-to-$250 credits each year compared to two).

Best of all, you can combine points from both cards in your personal Ultimate Rewards account. Doing so allows you to earn points through business purchases and then transfer them to your personal card. This can make it easier to manage your points and redeem them strategically.

Related: Who should get the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business?

Bottom line

You can apply for and hold both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve for Business, and doing so can supercharge your ability to earn and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points. By leveraging each card's strengths and applying strategically, you'll unlock valuable perks and access one of the most flexible rewards ecosystems available today.

Just be sure to review Chase's eligibility rules, stay under 5/24 and plan your applications carefully to get the most from this powerful duo.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

When boutique air carrier JSX debuted its first ATR turboprop in December, CEO Alex Wilcox was optimistic but skeptical.

JSX made its name selling upscale convenience: seating in a 1-1 configuration on most of its Embraer ERJ regional jets, with high-speed Starlink connectivity, flying from private air terminals at major airports or secondary airports in major cities.

Whether deserved or not, turboprops like the ATR carry a stigma in the U.S. that they are less comfortable than jets.

Nine months in, though, and Wilcox is happy with the results.

Club JSX: Earn rewards and fly in comfort with JSX's new loyalty program

"People really love the airplane," he said on the sidelines of the Regional Airline Association Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. "Once it works, people love it."

A presentation by ATR at the same event estimated that the net promoter score — a measure of customer satisfaction — for JSX's ATRs is 2.5 points higher than for its ERJs.

The "works" part is the challenge. Despite plans to have four ATR 42-600s configured with 30 seats in a 2-1 layout flying by summer, supply chain and maintenance issues slowed the rollout, Wilcox said.

JSX's fourth ATR entered service on Aug. 30, data from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows.

Those delays forced JSX to push off plans for new mountain service to Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) in Colorado and, potentially, Truckee Tahoe Airport (TKF) in California until at least summer 2027, Wilcox said. Local restrictions on jet operations at both airports mean JSX can only serve them with turboprops like the ATRs.

JSX currently flies its ATRs from the Santa Monica Airport (SMO) on the west side of Los Angeles to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Napa County Airport (APC), Scottsdale Airport (SCF) near Phoenix and, as of Sept. 14, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK).

Members of the Club JSX loyalty program can earn and redeem points on all of the air carrier's flights, including those flown with ATRs. United Airlines' MileagePlus program members can also earn points on JSX flights and redeem them on select flights.

ATR versus ERJ

JSX began flying an ATR on one of its multiple daily flights between Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and LAS on Sept. 14 in what Wilcox described as something of an A/B test to see how the turboprop performs against the air carrier's Embraer jets.

"The NPS is high but is that Santa Monica or that the ATR?" he said. "We don't know. Now we're going to find that out. We're going to put it into regular rotation where the jets go."

SMO is a more convenient airport for much of Los Angeles' west side compared to either Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or BUR in the San Fernando Valley.

JSX's website shows the BUR-LAS flight on the ATR scheduled at one hour and 20 minutes compared to the ERJ at one hour and 10 minutes.

FlightRadar24 data show the turboprop consistently takes about 10 minutes longer than the jet to complete the trip.

The results of the ATR versus Embraer test will inform JSX's decision on whether or not to finalize a deal for up to 25 new ATR 42-600s from the manufacturer, Wilcox said. While he previously hoped to make a decision by the end of this year, he now anticipates one by the middle of 2027, citing the delays JSX experienced with its first four turboprops.

JSX's future Heart

JSX is not putting all its eggs in the ATR basket. The air carrier on Wednesday put down a deposit for 50 of the planned hybrid-electric Heart Aerospace ES-36 turboprops.

If the plane achieves certification by 2031, as hoped, it would be the first entirely new turboprop in decades and one with operating expenses roughly 40% lower than those of fossil-fuel-powered planes.

"Someone needs to build it," Wilcox said. "No one's building 30- to 50-seat airplanes anymore other than ATR. For something that's going to have 40% of the energy costs, it could fly all electric with zero emissions if you had the right solar infrastructure and everything else, I think that's the future. It's also more reliable."

Asked how confident he is in Heart achieving its development target, he cited the company's first flight of a demonstrator model in August as evidence that it was "more than a paper organization."

"Seeing is believing," Wilcox said.

The ES-36 will seat up to 36 passengers in a single-class layout, though JSX can only configure its planes with 30 seats under the public charter model it uses to operate its flights. The plane can fly up to 745 miles — far enough to fly nonstop from SMO to TEX.

JSX hopes to begin flying the ES-36 by the "early 2030s" if Heart is able to certify the plane in five years, said Wilcox.

Heart also has commitments for the ES-36 from Air Canada and United Airlines.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

My husband and I use ExpertFlyer every time we book a flight. It helps us monitor everything from schedule changes and aircraft swaps to award and upgrade availability, but setting up several alerts for every segment has always required a bit of manual work.

Luckily, ExpertFlyer made that process significantly easier earlier this year. Now, the automated alerts feature lets Premium and Elite members create multiple alerts simply by forwarding a flight confirmation email. Meanwhile, a new disruption alert feature that's in public beta phase can notify travelers of major schedule changes, delays or cancellations and suggest alternative flights.

The platform has also recently added more resources, including a new blog, free monthly webinars and an affiliate program for travel creators.

Here's a look at what ExpertFlyer has recently added, and how the new features work.

Automated alerts

Every time we book a new flight, my husband goes into ExpertFlyer and sets up several alerts for each leg of our trip:

• Flight alert: We use it to tell us if the flight has been zeroed out (a good indication the airline may cancel it, unless it occurs within a few days of departure). But you could also use it to monitor a flight for award or upgrade availability in a specific fare class.
• Flight schedule alert: We use it to let us know if the airline retimes any of our flights (this can let us call and force a rebook to our ideal itinerary before the airline automatically rebooks us).
• Aircraft change alert: We use it to know if the airline changes the aircraft type or seat layout for a specific flight (this lets us select new seats or try to switch to another flight).

ExpertFlyer recently launched Quick Alerts, which let you set up all three of these alerts in a single form. But now it's even easier for Premium and Elite members to set up these three alerts thanks to a new automated alerts feature.

To get started with automated alerts, head to the Quick Alert page and click "Set Up Now" under "Create Alerts Faster."

Then decide which alert types you're interested in, set your preferences for each, and click Save. For reference, here's how I set up my default preferences.

Once you save your preferences, the hard work is done. Then all you have to do is forward airline confirmations to createalerts@expertflyer.com from the email associated with your ExpertFlyer account each time you book a new flight. You could even set up an auto-forward feature in most email clients, so that the alerts would be set up automatically without any work from you each time you book a flight.

When you forward an airline confirmation after setting up the automated alerts feature, ExpertFlyer will create the specified alerts for all segments of your flight itinerary.

Related: How to use ExpertFlyer alerts to snag a better seat on the plane

Disruption alerts

You might have noticed the disruption alerts option in the automated alerts set-up steps described above. Disruption alerts are a new ExpertFlyer feature, currently in public beta, for Premium and Elite users that monitors cancellations, delays and schedule changes before your flight.

If a disruption alert detects a cancellation, delay or schedule change that exceeds the threshold you set when creating the alert, it will email you several alternative flight options.

For each option, ExpertFlyer includes a short statement on why it believes it is one of the best options. You can then use these options as you work with the airline to get on a new flight.

One of the limitations of these disruption alerts is that they only consider the one flight leg if you happen to be on a multi-leg journey. The ExpertFlyer team is aware of this limitation and says it is already working on a process that will allow disruption alerts to consider all remaining legs of a journey.

Even if you don't forward your flight confirmation and set up a disruption alert as part of the new automated alerts workflow, you can still set up a disruption alert for a flight from the disruption alert page.

Finally, you'll also see the airline's confirmed reason for the delay or cancellation at the bottom of the email.

You can use ExpertFlyer to retrieve the reason your flight was delayed or canceled if you have a Premium or Elite membership, even without setting up a disruption alert. But you can only do so within the three days before your flight or the seven days after it. So, having the reason in an email is nice if you might otherwise forget to retrieve the delay or cancellation reason within this time frame.

Related: These 14 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find

Support for ExpertFlyer users

ExpertFlyer recognizes that its product can be confusing and intimidating to casual or inexperienced users. To help their users level up and become power users, ExpertFlyer has launched two new beginner-friendly features: a blog and free monthly webinars.

The blog offers content to help users make the most of their ExpertFlyer membership. For example, you can learn how to check flight availability on ExpertFlyer, how to set up and use ExpertFlyer alerts and the difference between open and available seats (and why it matters).

Additionally, ExpertFlyer now offers free monthly webinars that are open to all ExpertFlyer users. These sessions are usually interactive, so come to each session logged into your ExpertFlyer account and ready to learn something new.

Related: These new tools will track your flights and get you refunds if the price drops

ExpertFlyer affiliate program

We'd obviously love it if you sign up for ExpertFlyer through TPG's affiliate link. But if you are a creator and have your own audience, you can now earn up to a 30% commission on ExpertFlyer plans. That means you could earn almost $72 on a single Elite annual referral.

The ExpertFlyer affiliate program is operated through Awin; to learn more and get started, check out this page.

Related: My experience connecting Gondola to ChatGPT for personalized travel planning

Bottom line

ExpertFlyer has always been a powerful tool, but getting the most from it has traditionally required knowing which searches and alerts to create.

The automated alerts feature removes some of that friction. Once you set your preferences, you can simply forward your airline confirmation and let ExpertFlyer create alerts for flight, schedule changes and aircraft changes for you. That is especially useful for travelers who routinely create several alerts for every flight they book.

Disruption alerts could be particularly valuable during irregular operations, since receiving alternative flight options immediately may help you rebook before other passengers begin competing for the same seats. Just remember that the feature is still in public beta, so I would treat its suggestions as a helpful starting point rather than a substitute for checking all your options.

The blog and webinars should also make ExpertFlyer more approachable. But for existing Premium and Elite members, automated alerts are likely the most immediately useful addition.

Alaska Airlines fliers will soon have more flight options from Paine Field (PAE) in Everett, Washington — north of Seattle.

The hometown carrier plans to boost seats from PAE by half through next spring through a combination of new routes, additional flights and larger planes to destinations in California and Oregon.

"Paine Field is an important part of our Puget Sound network, giving guests a simpler, more convenient way to access Alaska's West Coast flying," Andrew Harrison, the chief commercial officer of Alaska, said in a statement. "As we grow, we're strengthening our presence across the region."

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program: How to earn and redeem points, elite status and more

Alaska is the only airline at PAE. Frontier Airlines served the airport briefly in 2025 and United Airlines from 2019 through 2021.

New Silicon Valley route

Alaska will connect PAE to San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) in California from April 14, 2027. The airline will offer two daily flights on an Embraer E175 with 76 seats.

SJC is in the heart of Silicon Valley and the preferred airport for the southern Bay Area. Alaska is the second largest carrier at the airport after Southwest Airlines, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.

Alaska last flew the PAE-SJC route in 2019 and 2020.

More: Alaska Airlines to remove earning on basic economy tickets, increase ticketing fees

Expanded West Coast service

Alaska will also expand options for travelers to four West Coast destinations: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon, San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The airline will add a second daily flight to both LAX and PDX from PAE next spring. In addition, the PAE-LAX route will shift to all-Boeing 737s from the smaller E175s, an at least 63% seating increase per flight.

Alaska's daily SAN flight will shift to a 737 from an E175 on Nov. 1, Cirium schedules show.

The airline has not said when its up to three daily PAE-SFO flights will shift to a larger plane.

Why expand at PAE?

Alaska's expansion at PAE expands its utility for Seattle-area travelers where the airline already has a large and deep base of Atmos Rewards members. More seats from Seattle's second airport helps solidify its position as the ubiquitous airline choice in the Puget Sound region.

More flights from PAE also give Alaska another edge over Delta Air Lines that operates a competing hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Atlanta-based carrier does not serve PAE and is about half the size of Alaska at SEA, Cirium schedules show.

SEA, Seattle's main airport, is also constrained with limited room to grow. The recently opened Concourse C Expansion takes advantage of the only option the airport really has to add square footage: go up. A similar vertical expansion is planned for the South Satellite.

A proposed north terminal at SEA is being studied but not expected to open before the early- to mid-2030s.

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• Best airline credit cards
• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do next
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
• Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

If you found yourself stuck at an airport or stranded overnight this summer, you're not alone.

So far, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the worst years for flight cancellations in the past several years.

This summer, the number of canceled flights on U.S. carriers surged by about 15% over last year, according to data from FlightAware.

And the problems didn't stop as Americans returned to work and school.

Earlier this week, airlines had to shutter more than 1,000 departures as an air traffic control equipment outage snarled operations on the East Coast.

Things were pretty much back on track a day later, but for passengers, it was just the latest snafu in a year that has brought plenty of them.

Worst year for flight cancellations since 2022

Since Jan. 1, U.S. carriers have canceled roughly 2% of all flights, per FlightAware.

That puts 2026 on pace to see the highest rate of cancellations since 2022 — a forgettable year right after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing and operational woes fueled one airline meltdown after another.

There's no single problem behind this year's disruptions.

January brought a series of punishing winter storms to several key cities, including the worst weather disruption in American Airlines' history. Then came runway construction at busy hubs like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Meanwhile, congestion and air traffic control delays continue to plague busy markets like New York City and Washington, D.C.

And, of course, summer storms are always a major factor — especially when they hit airports with jam-packed flight schedules.

The worst airports for flight cancellations this summer

Which airports were the worst in terms of cancellations? We have the numbers:

Source: Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

A word about New York

If you're flying out of New York City, the risk of getting stuck is real.

All three of the region's busiest hubs ranked among the nation's worst airports for flight cancellations.

Which of those airports is your best bet? After plenty of troubles (and headlines) in 2025, Newark was the New York City area's best airport for delays and cancellations this summer, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

The worst airports for flight delays this summer

Source: Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Interestingly, while flight cancellations were higher this summer than in 2025, delays didn't jump meaningfully from last year.

Still, about one out of every four departures was delayed, nationwide, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

Which airports had the best on-time record?

Meanwhile, here are the large airports that saw the best on-time performance this summer.

Looking ahead to summer travel 2027, you might want to aim for these hubs — especially if you have to make a connection.

Source: Cirium data for U.S. airports with at least 30,000 flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Frequent United Airlines and Delta Air Lines flyers should be happy: Each of those five airports is a hub for one (or both) of those carriers.

Best airlines report flashback: This airline was named 'most reliable' in America

TPG tips for avoiding travel woes: Morning is still your best bet

So what are the best ways to avoid flight trouble?

For starters, book the morning flight.

We see it every year, and it was certainly true in 2026: Morning flights tend to run more smoothly than afternoon and evening flights.

Flight woes tend to compound as the day goes on. Maintenance issues arise. Afternoon storms fire up. Planes fall behind as they criss-cross the country over the course of the day.

So, if you can stomach the early alarm clock, you'll likely stand a much better chance of getting to your destination on time.

"If you start cleanly in the morning, the airline tends to run on time for the rest of the day," Frontier Airlines CEO Jimmy Dempsey told me this summer.

I'd be especially cautious about booking an itinerary with a connection in the late afternoon or evening hours — particularly during peak spring and summer storm season.

A credit card with travel insurance is more important than ever

If you get stranded because of the weather, the airline typically won't pay for your pop-up expenses like meals or a hotel stay.

That's where a credit card that has travel protections can come in clutch. I've recouped hundreds of dollars in expenses on multiple occasions.

Just make sure you initially booked the trip with that card, because that's typically required to make a successful claim.

And having a credit card like this is about to get even more important. Starting in October, airlines may not cover your costs for some mechanical delays.

Be glued to your phone

I know, I know: Most of us probably don't feel like we need more screen time. But these days, you often have to navigate flight woes on your phone.

You can use airline apps to rebook yourself and search for backup flights. Apps like Flighty offer early warnings about potential disruptions.

And airlines have bolstered their technology to offer mobile bag-tracking and self-help tools for flight cancellations and delays.

Downloading all the apps, loading your reservations and familiarizing yourself with the different tools can make you a pro if a flight disruption occurs.

Have water, snacks and entertainment at the ready

One-hour flights can easily turn into three hours on the plane when lightning forces a ground stop or air traffic control halts departures.

If you don't have the essentials, that can make the taxiway delay even more unpleasant.

Pack water and snacks in your bag and download entertainment on your devices. Don't count on the inflight service to hold you over, because you could end up waiting awhile.

And, while we're on the subject, might I offer a reminder to use the restroom before you board? Typically, if you're stuck on a taxiway, the seat belt sign is on.

Related reading:

• Flight delayed or canceled? Here's what to do
• Getting a refund for your flight: What to know in 2026
• TPG's favorite credit cards with travel insurance
• EU261 compensation: What is it, and how does it work?
• Maintenance delay? Airlines may soon have fewer reasons to compensate you
• Why it's so important to make sure your boarding pass says 'TSA PreCheck'

It's easy to earn bonus rewards on most purchases. For example, most of my purchases fall into the travel, gas, dining and grocery bonus categories offered by many of the best rewards credit cards.

However, you may occasionally need to make a purchase that doesn't fall into a bonus category on any of your cards. You don't have to settle for earning just 1 point per dollar (or 1% cash back) on these purchases, though. Instead, you can use one of the best credit cards for everyday spending.

One of our favorite everyday spending cards here at The Points Guy is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. So, I decided to see just how many types of purchases I could come up with that wouldn't earn bonus rewards on most of the best rewards credit cards, but would earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent with the Capital One Venture Rewards. Here's what I found.

Why the Capital One Venture Rewards is good for all types of purchases

Since the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every eligible purchase, you don't have to worry about how each purchase will be coded.

This makes it an appealing option if you prefer to consolidate to a single card, or if you simply need an everyday spending card for purchases that don't earn more bonus rewards when made with other cards.

Plus, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card earns Capital One miles, which you can redeem at a fixed value or transfer to airline and hotel transfer partners. This gives you a lot of flexibility when redeeming your hard-earned rewards.

Related: Reasons to get the Capital One Venture Rewards card

Purchases to make with the Capital One Venture Rewards

Now, let's consider some purchases that generally earn only the base rewards rate on most of the best travel rewards cards and cash-back cards. Of course, all of these purchases would still earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Automotive expenses

You can earn bonus rewards when fueling up if you use one of the best cards for gas purchases. And you can often snag bonus rewards on tolls, parking and rental cars when you use one of the best cards for travel purchases. But you generally won't earn bonus rewards on other automotive expenses, including:

• Automotive repairs
• Body repair shops, tire repair shops and paint shops
• Car washes
• Motor vehicle parts and supplies
• Towing services
• Vehicle purchases, including cars, trucks, boats, campers, trailers, motorcycles, motorhomes and snowmobiles

Childcare and education

Childcare and education are considerable expenses for many consumers. Sure, you can maximize points and miles on back-to-school shopping deals and use the best credit cards for school supplies.

But, even if you can use a credit card, you generally won't earn bonus rewards on the following types of purchases:

• Childcare services, including daycare expenses and preschool
• College tuition
• Elementary and secondary school tuition
• Professional and trade school tuition
• Testing fees

Home care and furnishings

Since I'm a digital nomad, I don't have any home improvement or furnishing expenses. But I know many people who have moved recently who seem to be racking up costs on home repairs and furniture. And unfortunately, the following types of purchases usually don't earn bonus rewards:

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning services
• Drapery and fabric stores
• Furniture and carpet stores
• Furniture reupholstering shops
• Glassware and crystal stores
• Home repairs, including general contractor services
• Landscaping and horticultural services
• Purchases from nurseries and lawn or garden supply stores
• Swimming pool sales and services

Granted, a card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card can earn 6% cash back (for the first year, then 3%) with select online shopping merchants or home improvement and furnishings merchants if you choose either of these as your category (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter; then 1%).

The Customized Cash Rewards card can offer a stronger return on eligible purchases, especially during the first year. But its bonus categories are capped, whereas the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases, with no cap.

Related: Savings and soft serve: The Ikea Family program makes my shopping trips even more fun

Specialty stores

It can be challenging to determine how specialty stores will code. So, I generally assume I won't earn bonus rewards and instead use an everyday spending card when shopping at the following types of stores:

• Art and craft shops
• Art dealers and galleries
• Bicycle shops
• Bookstores
• Camera and photo supply stores
• Cosmetic stores
• Duty-free stores
• Hobby, toy and game shops
• Music stores
• Newsstands
• Pet stores
• Shops that primarily sell precious stones, metals or jewelry
• Specialty clothing stores
• Sporting goods stores
• Stationery stores
• Used merchandise stores

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card might earn better on some of these purchases, depending on what you've selected as your two 5% cash-back categories (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter). However, if you use the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you know you'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all your eligible purchases.

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Earn points, miles or cash back: How to maximize online shopping portals for your purchases

Healthcare

Thankfully, my out-of-pocket healthcare costs are generally low; however, they are a large expense for many consumers.

Luckily, most healthcare providers accept credit cards. However, you usually won't earn any bonus rewards on the following types of charges:

• Ambulance service
• Counseling services
• Hearing aid sales and service
• Hospital care
• Medical and dental lab services
• Medical services
• Nursing and personal care services

As such, if you incur frequent healthcare costs, you should use an everyday spending card such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. By doing so, you can earn more rewards on these unavoidable expenses.

Miscellaneous services

Many other services aren't classified as bonus category purchases on most rewards cards. In particular, I generally don't expect the following services to earn bonus rewards:

• Catering services
• Cleaning services
• Clothing and costume rental services
• Courier services
• Dating services
• Detective and protective services
• Exterminating and disinfecting services
• Florist services
• Funeral services and crematoriums
• Hair salons and barbers
• Health and beauty spas
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Legal and attorney services
• Management, consulting and public relations services
• Marina services
• Massage services
• Photography services
• Public warehousing
• Publishing and printing services
• Shoe repair, shoeshine and hat cleaning services
• Shopping services
• Tailor, seamstress and alteration services
• Tax preparation service
• Technology services
• Veterinary services

Of course, these services may earn bonus rewards in some situations. For example, photography services offered at a hotel may earn bonus rewards for travel. And catering services done by a restaurant may earn bonus rewards for dining.

Related: Cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more

Other purchases

Finally, there are a few other types of charges that you may want to put on a credit card that generally won't earn bonus rewards:

• Charity donations
• Court costs
• Government services
• Membership fees
• Registration for sporting and recreational camps (although this might code as entertainment or travel in some cases)
• Tax payments

But with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all eligible purchases.

Related: Why nearly every purchase should be on a credit card

Bottom line

Even if you maximize bonus categories, you'll inevitably have purchases that don't earn extra rewards on any of your cards. That's where an everyday spending card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card can be useful, since eligible purchases earn at least 2 miles per dollar regardless of how the merchant is coded.

Just be sure to check whether another card offers a bonus for your specific purchase. And, for expenses like taxes, tuition and utilities, check whether any credit card fee outweighs the rewards you'll earn.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card