I've been collecting points and miles via credit cards for over two decades, and it takes a lot to impress me. Sure, I spread the love around with my 25+ open, active credit cards — but for one to earn a spot near the top of my wallet, I need a really solid value proposition.

For years, one of those cards has been the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), which is currently offering 150,000 bonus points earned after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is the card's best-ever public offer.

Even after last year's overhaul with an increased annual fee, which sadly hit my account on Nov. 1, 2025, this card has been a key part of my rewards strategy for years — a fact reinforced by a recent trip to Atlanta to catch a Bruno Mars concert with my family.

Here are 4 of the biggest reasons I love my Sapphire Reserve.

Best-ever public offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Apply now!

Flexible travel credit

Let's start with the easiest one: the card's $300 annual travel credit.

Each year, you'll enjoy up to $300 in statement credits for any travel purchases charged to the card. While other premium cards impose restrictions on their credits, like limiting them to certain fees or requiring purchases through a specific site, the Sapphire Reserve requires no hoops. Charge travel purchases; get statement credits. It's so simple.

Here's how I utilized this perk over the last five years:

• 2021: A Hertz rental car and part of a Disney cruise
• 2022: Multiple (smaller purchases) for parking, tolls, trains — plus a city tour and an intra-Europe upgrade on Iberia
• 2023: Multiple ride-hailing services and subways in New York City, plus parking purchases in Europe
• 2024: Parking, a Lyft ride, two sightseeing tours in Vienna and part of a hotel stay
• 2025: A flight booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal

These all posted automatically within a day or two of the purchase, making this one of the easiest credit card perks out there. And the best part is that you don't have to use it all at once.

Hotel and dining credits

Beyond the travel credit, the Sapphire Reserve offers multiple additional statement credits each year, and two of my personal favorites involve hotel stays and restaurant purchases.

First, cardmembers enjoy up to $500 in annual statement credits (split into two, up-to-$250 credits) for prepaid stays of two nights or more at properties in The Edit, Chase's luxury hotel collection. These high-end hotels belong to some of the best brands in the world, including Four Seasons, St. Regis, Shangri-La and Rosewood.

But more importantly, stays include a number of valuable add-ons, including:

• Daily breakfast for two
• An on-property benefit worth up to $100
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A space-available room upgrade (when available)
• Early check-in and late checkout (when available)

My first 2026 credit came in handy for the concert, as we opted to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta. The two-night stay in a deluxe room cost $872.72 but dropped to $622.72 after the $250 credit was applied. Plus, since many properties in The Edit now count as loyalty-eligible stays, I earned over 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the stay.

The hotel is in downtown Atlanta and is easily accessible from the airport via public transportation. And while there were no upgrades available, we still had a really comfortable stay.

We received a pair of lovely welcome amenities — chocolates and a bottle of sparkling wine — along with notes from two different managers.

Breakfast was served in AG Steakhouse, where we received an $80 credit ($40 per person) each morning. This easily covered a couple of entrees plus drinks, though with my daughter's kids breakfast, we went just a few bucks over each morning.

We also opted to burn the on-property credit for dinner our first night, also at AG Steakhouse. We were celebrating a big work accomplishment for my wife, so we splurged for the seafood tower, which did not disappoint. The cocktails were spectacular, as was the southern tartare. And upon checkout, I had a $100 credit toward the meal on my folio.

During our time in Atlanta, we also used part of the card's annual dining credit.

Each year, cardmembers receive up to $300 in statement credits (up to $150 from January to June and up to $150 from July to December) at a curated set of OpenTable restaurants through Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables. There are several eligible spots in Atlanta, but we went with The Optimist, a self-proclaimed "seaside fish camp experience" in the city. No prepayment, payment or reservation through OpenTable is required.

Our afternoon reservation coincided with happy hour, where we polished off three orders of a baker's dozen oysters plus fresh haddock chowder and a spicy kale salad. And when our waitress mentioned roasted oysters, we couldn't resist adding them to our order.

There was even a three-hole mini golf course on the grounds, but it was drizzling during our meal, so we had to skip it.

Just two days after my visit, the $150 credit was posted to my account.

Travel protections

Statement credits get a lot of coverage, but there's another set of benefits on the card that I love — and they've saved me over $1,000 in unexpected costs over the years.

I'm referring to the Sapphire Reserve's suite of travel protections, which includes:

• Trip delay reimbursement
• Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
• Primary car rental coverage

These come into effect when you use the Sapphire Reserve for eligible purchases, and they offer valuable peace of mind when things go wrong, which I've experienced on three separate occasions.

In 2019, I was flying back from Chile when a power outage shut down the computer system at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL). Our flight to Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) was delayed, which meant we missed our connecting flight to Miami International Airport (MIA). We were rebooked the next day, and because this delay resulted in an unexpected overnight stay (and since I charged the taxes and fees on the award ticket to my Sapphire Reserve), I knew we were eligible for trip delay reimbursement.

So, I booked the JW Marriott, and after a pair of Uber rides plus a lovely dinner in the Miraflores area of the city, we had spent an additional $383.26. Upon returning home, I submitted a claim for reimbursement (with full documentation). Within six weeks, I had my money back.

Then, in January 2022, we were booked on a long-weekend trip to Cozumel, Mexico, but 48 hours before we left, I was hit with a nasty bout of COVID-19. Our hotel room was refundable, but our American flight was booked with British Airways Avios, which meant a $55 cancellation fee per person. Since I once again charged the taxes and fees on the award ticket to my Sapphire Reserve, I knew I could invoke the trip cancellation coverage on the card — and sure enough, I was reimbursed $165 in just a few weeks.

Finally, we spent part of last year's holiday break in Canada, which included a rental car from Avis. I declined the additional coverage at the airport and charged the entire rental to my Sapphire Reserve in order to use the card's primary car rental coverage. And sure enough, at some point on the trip, a small crack appeared in the windshield. It grew to several inches long by the time I returned the car, and the company filed a claim for damages. Once again, I knew I was covered.

I submitted documentation to Chase's benefits provider, and my claim was approved within a month, covering the $541.92 expense.

Read more: Why a Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the best premium card for rental cars

All told, that's $1,090.18 in extra expenses that I didn't need to cover, just because I used my Sapphire Reserve for the corresponding purchases.

Combining rewards for valuable redemptions

But perhaps my favorite feature of the Sapphire Reserve involves the redemption options via Chase Ultimate Rewards and how easy it is to combine rewards from my other four cards:

• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom® (no longer available to new applicants)

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

All four of these cards are technically billed as cash-back products, with more limited, fixed-value redemption options.

However, since I have the Sapphire Reserve, I can easily move the points earned on those cards into my Sapphire Reserve account. This effectively converts them into full-fledged Ultimate Rewards points.

I pursue the same strategy for my wife's points as well, since she has her own Freedom Unlimited and Ink Business Cash cards. As an eligible household member, I can instantly move her cash-back rewards to my Sapphire Reserve.

Doing so unlocks some of my favorite redemptions through Chase, including transferring points to partners like World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan. It also means I can access Points Boost, which can push the value of each Chase point as high as 2 cents per point (or even higher at select properties in The Edit).

Related: Points Battle: 2 trips, 250,000 points, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card — who will win?

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has been a mainstay in my wallet for years, as there's a lot to love about the card — from the variety of valuable statement credits to the extensive travel protections and lucrative redemption options.

I didn't even touch on the issuer's fantastic Sapphire Lounges, which won the 2026 TPG Award for best credit card lounge network. I can still access those locations with my wife and daughter (for free), a notable differentiator from other premium products.

It's true that the card has a high annual fee, but I easily cover it (and then some) with the benefits above.

With the card's highest-ever public welcome offer, now could be a great time to consider adding it to your wallet.

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

Apply here: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

With more than 9,000 properties across 35-plus brands worldwide, Marriott Bonvoy offers plenty of ways to earn free hotel stays.

Right now, the three Marriott credit cards from American Express have welcome offers that match the highest we've ever seen — but some of them are ending soon. So, if you're considering adding a Marriott card to your wallet, now is the time to apply.

Below, we break down the current offers and help you decide which Marriott card might be worth it.

Comparison of Marriott credit card welcome offers

Right now, the welcome offers on the Amex cobranded Marriott cards match the highest offers we've ever seen on those cards. Even better, the offers are relatively straightforward:

• You won't need to complete any paid Marriott stays.
• The spending requirements are quite reasonable, especially since they're spread over six months.

(Note that the first card listed is a business credit card, so you'll need to be eligible for a business card to apply.)

However, these offers on the personal cards are ending soon. So, if you're interested, you'll want to act now.

Two Chase cards are currently offering their standard welcome bonuses, so we wouldn't recommend applying for those right now — it's better to wait until those offers increase again. And one is offering a slightly higher-than-normal offer with an additional free night after extra spend.

We've ordered the cards below from most bonus value to least:

*The bonus value is based on TPG's May 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit 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.

Related: Which credit card should you use for Marriott stays?

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is Marriott's only business card currently available to new applicants.

Annual fee: $125

Welcome offer: Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional two free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending an additional $3,000 ($9,000 in total) within the first six months of card membership. (Certain hotels have resort fees.)

According to TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $2,000.

This matches the highest bonus in the card's history, making now a great time to apply — especially if you can earn the additional two free night awards.

Earning rates: Cardmembers earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent on Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 18.5 total points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 25% bonus points from the Gold elite status the card provides, which equates to about a 14.8% return on spending based on TPG's valuations)
• 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. gas stations and on wireless telephone services from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping purchases
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Why we like it: With this card, you'll get automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and a 7% discount on eligible bookings made directly with Marriott through an eligible channel at participating properties with this card's rate.

The card also comes with 15 elite night credits annually (which can be stacked with a Marriott Bonvoy consumer card) and a free night award annually after your card renewal month (worth up to 35,000 points and can be topped up with up to 25,000 points from your Bonvoy account for a total of 60,000 points per night). In addition, you can earn a second free night (also worth up to 35,000 points) after $60,000 of purchases on your card in a calendar year. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Marriott's use of dynamic pricing may make it hard to use these awards. Still, you should be able to find a participating property that can cover your annual fee (and then some), as our data indicates that there's still a lot of value in the program.

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

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is one of Chase's two mid-tier Bonvoy cards.

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn three free night awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases.

Nights are valued at up to 50,000 points each. Certain hotels have resort fees.

If you max out each of the free night awards, this offer could be worth up to 200,000 points. According to TPG's valuations, that makes this bonus worth up to $1,600, not including the statement credit for airline purchases.

This is close to the best we've seen in the card's history (five free night awards, no longer available).

Earning rates: Cardholders earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 17 points per dollar on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 10% bonus points from the Silver elite status the card provides, which equates to a total 13.6% return on spending based on TPG's valuations)
• 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on dining and at gas stations and grocery stores
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Why we like it: The Boundless gives you great Marriott perks without having to pay a high annual fee. With this card, you'll get automatic Bonvoy Silver Elite status and 15 elite qualifying nights every year. You'll also earn one elite night credit toward the next level of elite status for every $5,000 spent, and you can reach Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Perhaps the most valuable perk is the annual free night award (worth up to 35,000 points) at each account anniversary, though Marriott's lack of award charts could hinder your ability to use this benefit. Fortunately, as of March 12, this free night award can be topped up with up to 25,000 points from your Bonvoy account for a total of 60,000 points per night. Certain hotels have resort fees.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is Marriott's top-tier card.

Annual fee: $650

Welcome offer: Offer ending soon: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $1,600.

This is the highest offer we've seen in the card's history, so now is the best time to apply. And, this offer is ending soon, so if you're interested, you'll want to apply now.

Earning rates: Cardmembers earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 21 total points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 50% bonus points from the Platinum elite status the card provides, which equates to a 16.8% return on spending based on TPG's valuations).
• 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

Why we like it: The card also has valuable perks, such as automatic Platinum Elite status, an annual free night award (worth up to 85,000 points; certain hotels have resort fees) after card renewal month, up to $300 per year (up to $25 in monthly statement credits) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, Priority Pass™ lounge access and 25 elite qualifying night credits per year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Remember that Marriott uses dynamic pricing, so you may need to work harder to find a property where you can use your free nights. But you can top up free night awards with up to 25,000 points now, which allows you to book a night worth up to 110,000 points.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card is Bonvoy's mid-tier card from American Express. It has earnings, benefits and an annual fee that mirror the Bountiful.

Annual fee: $250

Welcome offer: Offer ending soon: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends May 13.

This bonus is worth $1,400, per TPG's valuations.

This is the highest bonus in the card's history, so applying now is ideal. Remember that this offer is ending soon.

Earning rates: Cardmembers earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 18.5 points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 25% bonus points from the Gold elite status the card provides, which equates to a 14.8% return on spending based on TPG's valuations).
• 4 points per dollar spent on the first $15,000 per calendar year in combined purchases at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (then 2 points per dollar spent thereafter)
• 2 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

Why we like it: This card also offers mid-tier perks, including complimentary Gold Elite status, a solid earning rate at Marriott properties and elite night credits. However, it lacks several benefits that you might expect from a mid-tier card.

For example, you must spend $15,000 in a calendar year to earn a free night (worth up to 50,000 points; certain hotels have resort fees). Other Marriott cards with lower annual fees include a similar perk with no spending requirement, making this card tough to justify holding beyond earning the welcome offer in the first year.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Bevy.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Credit Card is the other mid-tier Bonvoy card from Chase.

Annual fee: $250

Welcome offer: Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $680.

This is typically the standard welcome offer we see in the card's history. Unless you absolutely need this card now, you're better off applying when the offer is higher.

Earning rates: Cardholders earn:

• 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 18.5 points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 6 points from this card and 25% bonus points from the Gold elite status the card provides, which equates to a 14.8% return on spending based on TPG's valuations)
• 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants and grocery stores (on the first $15,000 per calendar year in combined purchases, then 2 points per dollar spent thereafter)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

Why we like it: While American Express issues the Bevy, this card comes from Chase. The two cards have mostly the same benefits, meaning the perks that come with this card struggle to justify its $250 annual fee. However, the welcome bonus may be of interest to you.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is Chase's entry-level card for Bonvoy enthusiasts.

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The bonus points are worth $240, according to TPG's valuations.

This is the standard bonus in the card's history, so it's best to wait for a more lucrative offer to apply.

Earning rates: Cardholders earn:

• 3 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels (You'll earn up to 14 points per dollar spent on eligible Marriott stays: 10 points from being a Bonvoy member, 3 points from this card and 10% bonus points from the Silver elite status the card provides, which equates to an 11.2% return on spending based on TPG's valuations)
• 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and on ride-hailing services, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Why we like it: The card offers automatic Bonvoy Silver Elite status and five annual elite night credits. It also has no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the Bold features Chase's Pay Yourself Back benefit in eligible quarters (up to $750 total in redemptions per year).

This is a solid set of perks for a card with no annual fee. However, frequent Marriott guests may do better with a card that offers more perks during each stay.

To learn more, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Can you apply for more than one Marriott card offer?

If multiple Marriott card offers intrigue you, you can indeed have more than one open Marriott card. Some TPG staffers have two or three.

It can make sense to leverage the annual anniversary award nights and to stack the 5 to 25 elite nights awarded by carrying both a personal and a small-business Marriott card.

However, with six total Marriott cards available for new applicants, there are several restrictions on who can earn the welcome offers across the available cards, especially since cards are issued by both Amex and Chase.

Note that these restrictions are all in addition to Chase's 5/24 rule (which applies to new applicants for the Bold, Boundless and Bountiful cards) and Amex's one-bonus-per-lifetime rule (which applies to the Bevy, Brilliant and Business cards).

Make sure you're eligible for these offers before applying.

Related: Here's how to calculate your Chase 5/24 standing

Bottom line

Marriott credit cards regularly rank among the best hotel credit cards thanks to the long-term value they can provide through perks like elite status and annual free night awards.

Right now, three Marriott Bonvoy cards are offering their highest welcome offers ever, making this an excellent time to apply if you've been considering adding one to your wallet. And since some of these offers end on May 13, you'll want to make your decision soon.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful review
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Bold

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

World of Hyatt fans, rejoice! The Standard, Brussels, is now officially integrated into the company's loyalty program.

In 2024, Hyatt acquired Standard International and its collection of super-chic hotels like The Standard, High Line in New York City and The Standard, Bangkok.

Now, The Standard, Brussels — which opened last year — is ready for World of Hyatt members to earn and burn valuable World of Hyatt points.

Located in Brussels' ever-changing Northern Quarter, the hotel is set in a reimagined 28-story building from the 1960s. Though ripe with towering office buildings, the business district is seeing "a new wave of design, cuisine and greenery," according to The Standard, making it an ideal location for the hip hotel.

In the hotel, guests can enjoy one of 200 rooms and suites, which range from entry-level standard king rooms to long-stay apartments with kitchenettes and everything else one would need to feel right at home.

Dining at The Standard, Brussels comes in three forms: Double Standard, serving American comfort food and Belgian classics for breakfast and lunch; Lila29, a rooftop restaurant serving amazing views, cocktails and Iberian food; and Lobby Bar, serving drinks and small bites from the afternoon until late night.

It's also worth a visit to the Greenhouse, right next to Double Standard, for a walk through a beautiful, tree-filled space.

Throughout the year, the hotel also has a bustling schedule of activities and events, like rooftop dance sessions, live DJs and more.

"What I love about Brussels is that it's unexpected, it's one of those cities that quietly surprises you and really stays with you. I lived there for a couple of years, and my daughter was born there, so I have a deep personal connection to it," Amar Lalvani, Hyatt's head of lifestyle, told TPG. "It's always been a place I've loved introducing people to because it still feels like a bit of a hidden gem, which makes this moment especially meaningful. As we continue to grow The Standard's presence in Europe, having our Brussels location, which is also World of Hyatt's first in the capital of Europe, makes this moment incredibly special."

To celebrate The Standard, Brussels integration into World of Hyatt, the program is offering two exclusive World of Hyatt Find experiences, on which members can use points to bid for a chance to win. The two experiences include:

Stay in Brussels, Shop Antwerp: A Belgian Fashion Escape

• Step into the world of avant-garde elegance with an exclusive, one-time Belgian fashion escape
• Enjoy a two-night stay at The Standard, Brussels, paired with a curated excursion to Antwerp including a tour of the MoMu Fashion Museum and a private shopping tour and styling session with $5,000 credit to spend at Antwerp Six designer stores
• 200,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles are redeemable for the traveler to book their flights
• Starting bid: 10,000 World of Hyatt points

City to Coast: The Ultimate Standard Europe Itinerary

• Experience Europe through The Standard brand's signature lens with a three-part trip across Brussels, London and Ibiza featuring bespoke stays and dining
• The multi-city escape includes first-class train travel, seamless transfers throughout the journey and airline miles, allowing the winner to book their own flight to Ibiza at a time that suits them
• Whether indulging in world-class cuisine, exploring dynamic local neighborhoods or unwinding by the sea, this is European travel, elevated
• Experience includes a total of six nights, with a two-night stay in a Suite Spot at each of The Standard properties (Brussels, London, Ibiza), curated dining experiences in each destination, local transportation, a flight from London to Ibiza and first-class train travel from Brussels to London
• 300,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles are redeemable for the traveler to book their flights
• Starting bid: 10,000 World of Hyatt points

Both experiences are available for bidding through World of Hyatt points from May 8 to May 20, 2026.

How to book The Standard, Brussels

Cash rates at The Standard, Brussels, start around $150 per night. As a World of Hyatt Category 4 hotel, award availability starts at 12,000 points per night.

Related reading:

• What it's really like using Hyatt perks at Standard hotels
• Singapore's coolest new hotel for drinking and dining: A review of The Standard, Singapore
• 5 reasons I love my World of Hyatt Credit Card and plan to keep it for the long term

Spirit Airlines' planes are grounded, and its former competitors are swooping in to take over routes it used to fly.

Now, the big question: What price will consumers ultimately pay?

After all, you likely benefitted from Spirit's presence — even if you never set foot on one of its big yellow planes, sipped one of its signature BuzzBallz cocktails, or cared much for the bare bones fare, add-on fee model that once earned it the "bus with wings" moniker.

The airline long served as a key layer of competition in a heavily consolidated, top-heavy airline industry, helping to keep fares in check at the big carriers.

Now, it's gone. And experts have already warned that travelers' wallets could ultimately feel the void.

"Without [its] competitive presence, prices are likely to rise," Kerry Tan, airfare expert on the faculty at Loyola University in Maryland, said.

The price impact may not be immediate

Now, I do want to keep things in perspective: We're certainly not likely to see flight prices immediately shoot up dramatically across the whole country as a result of Spirit's demise.

For one, the Florida-based airline had been shrinking its national footprint for months prior to the shutdown, pulling out of cities and cutting routes as its finances deteriorated.

In February, Spirit's share of the U.S. market was nearly 25% smaller than it was the year prior, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

This is to say, Spirit was already a lot less of a factor at airports.

Read more: Spirit refunds 'most' passengers, but points and vouchers in major jeopardy

And, despite its exit, there is still competition at the discount end of the airfare spectrum – and those airlines are making moves.

Frontier — along with JetBlue, Allegiant Air and relative newcomer Breeze Airways — has moved quickly to add service in some former Spirit stronghold cities like Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Low-cost airlines will still have a presence at U.S. airports, however diminished.

And travelers hoping for discounted fares will likely be rooting for those carriers to keep the pressure on their larger rivals.

Related: Had elite status with Spirit? These airlines are offering a status match

Consumer concerns

Make no mistake, though: The end of Spirit is not a positive development for consumers.

Historically, the airline's exit from markets has led to higher ticket prices.

Our friends at Thrifty Traveler shared a sobering example last month, noting that when Spirit pulled out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) late last year, average fares doubled on routes it vacated.

So which cities should you watch for fare increases?

According to Cirium data, Spirit last year was the biggest challenger to the dominant top carrier at a handful of major hubs, including:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), where it was a distant second-place to United Airlines
• Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW), where it was runner-up to Delta Air Lines
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where it offered the second-most seats of any carrier last year, behind No. 1 Southwest Airlines.

Spirit had also been the top carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), though JetBlue took over the mantle there in recent months.

Basic economy to suffer most

If we see fare hikes, Tan suspects the big airlines' basic economy tickets are most likely to be affected, since those fares are where Spirit (like Frontier today) provided the bulk of the competition.

"That product," he reminded travelers, "was the legacy carriers' response to Spirit's stripped-down base fares."

Deep dive: Basic economy and the 'evolution' that's sweeping over airlines' cheapest fares

Jet fuel prices already affecting airfare

Of course, travelers aren't currently finding much in the way of cheap fares right now, period.

The run-up in global jet fuel prices that has triggered higher ticket prices and fees across the industry.

Nearly every major carrier has raised checked bag fees. International airlines have tacked on fuel surcharges. Fares have risen noticeably, too: As of April 27, travel search engine Kayak reported average domestic economy fares were running 27% higher than last year.

Still, travel demand remains strong

Yet, airlines have broadly concurred that travelers remain undeterred by the higher fares, booking summer trips at a rate that makes it unlikely we'll see widespread flight discounts anytime soon.

In its earnings call on Tuesday, executives at Frontier — once Spirit's biggest competitor — cited "durable demand" even as the budget carrier confirmed it joined United Airlines and other carriers in raising fares across the board five times since the start of the war in Iran.

A collapse not seen in decades

All told, it's likely travelers have still yet to experience all the shockwaves from Spirit's demise, even as the engines on its jets quiet and its stranded passengers find their way home.

The lingering uncertainty is no surprise, considering we haven't seen the collapse of an airline at this scale since 1991, argued Shea Oakley, a commercial aviation historian — who recalled the folding of Eastern Air Lines and Pan Am amid circumstances that echo decades later in 2026.

"You had the Gulf War, in 1991, which caused a massive increase in fuel prices," Oakley recalled. "Both of these airlines were in very bad shape financially and just trying to survive prior to the war … and that's basically what put them both over."

TPG's coverage of Spirit Airlines' collapse:

• Spirit refunds 'most' passengers, but points and vouchers in major jeopardy
• Spirit shuts down: What consumers need to know
• A sad ending for a storied budget airline
• What happens to your Spirit Airlines credit card?
• An ode to Spirit Airlines: Yeah, they were all yellow
• Picked Spirit for your Amex airline benefits? How to change your selection

At TPG, we talk a lot about how loyalty programs and credit cards can elevate your trips and everyday life. We all love the exclusive access we get as members — and Bank of America's new program, BofA Rewards™, offers premium benefits without requiring a specific credit card or an annual fee.

For a growing number of people, the idea of "everyday luxury" is shifting. It's becoming less about flashy logos and more about curating seamless, high-quality experiences that prioritize convenience and peace of mind. This mindset is often called "quiet luxury." This quiet luxury is what millions of eligible BofA Rewards members can now experience.

As a BofA Rewards member, you can access credit card rewards bonuses, cash back deals, exclusive discounts and enhanced fraud and identity monitoring. At the Preferred Honors tier, which is available to Bank of America clients with $100k+ in assets, you'll unlock a wide range of lifestyle benefits across luxury brands and experiences — again, just for being a member. If you're a Premier tier member, you'll have access to even more exclusive benefits.

Here's how BofA Rewards can bring a sense of quiet luxury to your everyday life, both at home and while away.

Making luxury escapes a reality

Of course, for many of us, planning our next trip is what makes everyday life that much sweeter. Whether you're looking at getaway options for this weekend or planning a major celebratory trip, BofA Rewards lifestyle benefits partners help make travel planning more seamless.

Choosing where to go and how to get there can be one of the most stressful parts of planning, but BofA Rewards helps make mapping out your next trip a breeze. Preferred Honors tier members receive access to exclusive bookings with companies like Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises, plus use of travel planning services with luxury travel agencies like Indagare Travel, so you can get insider access to expert travel recommendations.

And once you know where you want to go, BofA Rewards helps you have a great experience wherever you are. You can explore a new course thanks to savings on a WorldVantage golf membership, which offers access to over 200 private clubs and resorts. Or, if you're more of a fan in the stands, you can get tickets to major events like the U.S. Open.

If you're looking for arts and entertainment, BofA Rewards has something for you as well. As a Preferred Honors member, you'll receive access to hard-to-score tickets to major events like Harry Styles' "Together, Together" residency at Madison Square Garden and Noah Kahan's "The Great Divide Tour" shows.

And for Premier tier members, the travel experience includes door-to-door first-class service thanks to benefits like discounted Blacklane rides to and from the airport, passport concierge services and airport escort services.

Elevating your home life

As a BofA Rewards member at the Preferred Honors and Premium tiers, you'll access benefits to make even the basics of your life at home feel special. Whether you're upgrading your next car or want to experience high-end dining from home, you'll receive member benefits that can turn daily routines into simple luxuries. It's the kind of luxury that isn't solely reserved for special occasions — it's built into the way you live every day.

For instance, you can elevate your weekend ride with savings across luxury car brands like Lexus, Audi, BMW, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz.

And if you want to take your wardrobe to the next level, BofA Rewards has you covered with style and fashion partners. At the Preferred Honors level, you'll access savings on premium brands like Rhone, Billy Reid and Frank & Eileen. And at the Premier level, you can unlock even more elevated style benefits, with member access to a dedicated personal shopper who can orchestrate a wardrobe refresh and unlock access to the latest collections before anyone else.

Great style doesn't have to stop at your closet. Thoughtful, upscale home design is all about choosing the right finishing touches. And with BofA Rewards, you can enjoy exclusive offers on premium furnishings and decor from Crate & Barrel, CB2 and Hudson Grace — each known for their modern, timeless aesthetic and high-quality craftsmanship.

For those looking for elegant and modern children's furniture and accessories, BofA Rewards partners with Lalo to offer member discounts on popular children's items.

And soon, Premier members will be able to host memorable dinner parties, thanks to Michelin-star private chef services from Gradito.

Fitting customized wellness into your everyday life

Taking good care of yourself is the truest luxury, and BofA Rewards Preferred Honors lifestyle benefits make it easy to integrate wellness into your everyday life.

And there's nothing like a good workout to make your mind and body feel amazing. With BofA Rewards, you'll get savings on select SoulCycle class packages. If you can't fit a workout class into your schedule, no sweat — you can bring the workout studio home with savings on Tonal equipment. Plus, upgrade your fitness apparel with exclusive discounts on Fleet Feet shoes, which carries running and fitness shoes from brands like On, Hoka, Brooks and more.

And you can elevate your post-workout shower or bath experience with savings on clean, vegan skin care and body products from Osea Malibu.

At the Premier level, you can access a Sollis Health concierge medicine membership. With your membership, medical care becomes a seamless VIP experience, including access to immediate emergency care from world-class ER doctors — giving you priceless peace of mind.

Bottom line

Previously, lifestyle benefits were only available to the highest tier members, but they are now available to members in both the Preferred Honors and Premier tiers. Members receive benefits that bring quiet luxury to nearly every aspect of life — from everyday experiences close to home to bucket-list trips to destinations across the globe.

And BofA Rewards has no annual fee and no requirement to hold a specific credit card, making everyday luxuries more accessible than ever.

If you want to learn more about how the program works and what benefits you may qualify for, visit the BofA Rewards website.

Banking services provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. For full terms and conditions, visit bofa.com/bofarewards.

BofA Rewards™ Eligibility. Customers can enroll and maintain their membership in BofA Rewards™ if they have an open, qualifying Bank of America® checking account. BofA Rewards tiers are based on each customer's combined average balance in qualifying deposit and investment accounts. The minimum balance for each tier is: Member, no minimum balance; Preferred Plus, $30,000; Preferred Honors, $100,000; and Premier, $1,000,000. When you enroll, you'll be placed in the appropriate tier for your combined average balance and then moved to the highest tier you're eligible for based on one of the following:

1. For the 30 calendar days following your first enrollment, the combined end-of-day collected balance of your qualifying accounts ("Daily Balance"), provided that your Daily Balance remains above the required amount for a minimum of three business days; or
2. Subsequently, the combined average balance of your qualifying accounts calculated on the third business day of each month.

Eligible customers will be moved to the higher tier within 3 business days. New tier benefits may take up to 30 days to become effective. For full terms, including qualifying accounts and the method of calculation of average balances, refer to your Personal Schedule of Fees.

To participate, you just need an eligible Bank of America checking account. Checking accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee if waiver requirements are not met.

BofA Rewards™ Lifestyle Benefits. You must be enrolled in the BofA Rewards™ program's Preferred Honors or Premier tiers to be eligible for lifestyle benefits or experiences. Lifestyle benefits are provided by third-party vendors not affiliated with Bank of America®. Terms and fulfillment of the offers are the responsibility of the third-party vendors, not of Bank of America. Bank of America does not provide your customer information to the third-party vendor, but by contacting them to take advantage of an offer you will identify yourself as a Bank of America customer. Some offers may be open only to a limited number of BofA Rewards members. Offers can change without notice. You must be 21 years of age or older to participate in offers which include alcohol.

For a luxurious home base to explore Morocco's capital, look no further than the brand-new Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé.

The country's first Waldorf Astoria has opened its doors in the Mohammed VI Tower, suspended between the twin cities of Rabat (the capital) and Salé. The iconic skyscraper is the tallest in Morocco and third-highest in Africa, and the hotel's location on 18 of its top floors provides sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bouregreg river and the Maâmoura forest.

The brand-new Hilton Honors property and its gleaming high-rise home provide a stark contrast with the long and layered history of Morocco's coastal capital. Travelers can explore everything from 12th-century medinas and ancient Roman ruins to early 20th-century Western architecture from the city's time as a French Protectorate — all within a 10-minute drive of Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé.

The hotel is also conveniently located a few minutes from Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA).

Old meets new inside the hotel as well, with décor that pays homage to both traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and the Tower's curvilinear architecture.

The hotel's 55 rooms and suites feature luxe touches like marble and gold, Moroccan-inspired design elements, and pops of blue and green in a nod to the city's natural surroundings. Many have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the views.

Whether you book a deluxe room (the lowest-tier option) or a three-bedroom suite, you can feel like a VIP with a dedicated Personal Concierge, available to all guests.

As if the accommodations weren't plush enough, Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé boasts an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and spa. The spa offers Moroccan-inspired treatments, hammam rituals, a heated quartz sand table and an infrared sauna to help guests unwind — but the views from the 31st and 32nd floors alone are pretty relaxing, too.

Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé is also home to one of North Africa's largest art collections, with 6,000-plus pieces from Morocco and beyond on display throughout the guest rooms and common spaces.

Guests will find several dining options offering flavors from Morocco and around the world.

Flagship restaurant Aldabaran Alain Ducasse, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, "offers a journey to the French Riviera" according to the hotel website, with refined dishes starring premium ingredients such as line-caught sea bass and wagyu beef tenderloin.

Meanwhile, Brasserie Magnolia showcases Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in a setting inspired by riads, the courtyards of traditional Moroccan homes.

On the 30th floor, in the heart of the hotel, is Peacock Alley, the brand's signature lounge and gathering space. Two more dining outlets have yet to open: coffee bar Après and pan-Asian bar The Sapphire Room.

Cash rates at Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé start around $975 per night. Standard room rewards will typically set you back 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night, making this an ideal place to redeem your free night certificate for maximum value.

From rising airfare costs to long security lines, the past year has been full of travel surprises. So, it might be surprising to hear that airline customer satisfaction has risen, according to a new report from major consumer analytics firm JD Power.

Its annual ranking of the top North American airlines surveyed customers over the past year about their experiences in each of the key cabins: first- and business-class, premium economy and economy. JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines topped the lists, respectively.

In the first- and business-class cohort, JetBlue ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the second year in a row. JetBlue's Mint cabin is widely regarded as one of the best domestic and transatlantic business-class products, thanks to its lie-flat suites, privacy doors on select aircraft and high-quality dining experience. In this category, JetBlue was followed by Delta and Alaska Airlines.

In the premium economy section, Delta took the gold for the fourth consecutive year. Its premium seats offer generous recline, extra legroom and much better food options than economy class. Alaska in second place with a score of 720 and JetBlue in third with a score of 701.

We should note, the study considered extra legroom seats to be premium economy on the domestic front (Neither Alaska nor JetBlue has a true international-style premium economy product).

And, in terms of economy class, Southwest's finish kept it in the top spot for the fifth year in a row. The Texas-based airline remained on top by a slight margin, even after making many changes last year — most notably abandoning its open seating concept in favor of assigned seating. In this category, Delta Air Lines came in second and JetBlue sat in third place.

In recent years, consumers have increasingly been prioritizing premium seats and elevated onboard experiences, in hopes of maximizing the value of their cash or points.

Official ranking of the major North American airlines:

First and business class

• JetBlue (759)
• Delta (750)
• Alaska Airlines (720)
• United Airlines (700)
• American Airlines (698)
• Air Canada (694)

Average score: 717

JetBlue finish in the top spot in this category last year came as the airline complemented its on-board Mint experience with the lauch of its first BlueHouse lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The second outpost of this lounge is set to open at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) this summer, and the carrier is even teasing a third location in Florida.

As the list shows, Delta also offers a popular premium product, and recently announced a next-generation iteration of its Delta One cabin and badly-needed upgrades on some of its oldest jets. It will remain to be seen, however, whether customers will be satisfied with a more restrictive basic business-class cabin it's been teasing.

Premium economy

• Delta (736)
• Alaska (720)
• JetBlue (701)
• United (665)
• American (657)
• WestJet (641)
• Air Canada (633)

Average score: 682

Delta's Premium Select product is popular for its spacious seats and curated dining experience. Plus, premium flyers can enjoy Sky Priority service at the airport prior to their flight, which includes a more efficient check-in process in addition to other perks. On the domestic front, the carrier has noted it's expanding the number of extra-legroom Comfort seats it offers.

Alaska, for its part, only offers a "premium" cabin on its domestic service, which is essentially an extra legroom product. Those seats come with early boarding as well as complimentary beer, wine and cocktails on most flights over 350 miles. Alaska has teased a full-scale global premium economy product customers should see, in the coming years, on its international service.

Though not fully a premium cabin, JetBlue's Even More Space seats helped the airline remain in the top three in this category since last year.

Economy and basic economy

• Southwest (670)
• Delta (667)
• JetBlue (655)
• Alaska (648)
• Allegiant (630)
• American (624)
• United (608)
• Air Canada (576)
• Spirit Airlines (560)
• WestJet (553)
• Frontier (533)

Average score: 627

In last year's rankings, Southwest led this category by 31 points, but now, only three points separate it from runner-up Delta. This could be partly because Southwest has made major changes to its passenger experience, including introducing assigned seating and adding checked baggage fees.

Methodology

To compile its rankings, JD Power polled more than 10,000 customers between March 2025 and March 2026. To be eligible for the survey, customers had to have flown on a major North American carrier within the previous month.

JD Power surveyed customers on seven factors: airline staff, digital tools, ease of travel, level of trust, on-board experience, pre- and post-flight experience, and value for the price paid.

Looking ahead

TPG's Best Airlines Report — our annual data-driven rankings of the top U.S. carriers — will be released later this spring.

Related reading:

• The ultimate guide to Delta One Suites
• JetBlue TrueBlue program: Earn and redeem points, transfer partners and more
• Delta SkyMiles: Your complete guide to earning, redeeming and elite status
• Best credit cards for airport lounge access
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights

Airport hotels can be a blessing or a curse ... it depends on why you're there, right? On the positive front, an airport hotel might be a much-needed respite between long international flights or a place to call home the night before an early morning departure. On the flip side, sometimes an airport hotel is where you begrudgingly end up because of stressful delays or cancellations.

Whichever reason you find yourself booking one, though, not all airport hotels are created equal. And some of the best-of-the-best airport hotels are found at major international airports around the world.

Here, you'll find a look at a handful of TPG's favorites, from the crown jewel, Crown Plaza at Singapore's out-of-this-world Changi Airport (SIN), to a soundproofed Fairmont where the motto is "where layover meets luxury" — and plenty of others in between.

Related: First look: Inside the newly renovated Grand Hyatt DFW — one of the best airport hotels in the US

Hilton Munich Airport — Munich, Germany

A hotel just steps away from airline check-in desks, and one with a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site? You'll find this traveler's dream-come-true at Munich International Airport (MUC). Sure, come for the comfortable rooms and a relaxing place to recharge, but stick around a little longer to enjoy a meal at Mountain Hub Gourmet, followed by a nightcap under the towering atrium at Nightflight Bar.

And if you need to sit somewhere a little more formal for a business call, you can check into the executive lounge (with Hilton Honors Diamond or Diamond Reserve status or select room types). If that's not enough to entice you, there's a spa with an indoor swimming pool, day-use rooms for a quick turnaround trips, and event and meeting spaces. And for what it's worth, more than just a few TPG staff members mentioned this hotel as a favorite.

Rates at Hilton Munich Airport start from $171 or 53,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle — Zurich, Switzerland

Just steps away from Zurich Airport (ZRH), this Swiss-centric Hyatt Regency is a great place to rest up ahead of a flight out of Switzerland's biggest airport. There, guests can check into totally relaxing park-facing rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, not the norm for a typical airport hotel. There's even a Regency Club for elite members with access for folks who book a club-level room or suite. If you can't get into the lounge, there's still a Lebanese restaurant and hotel bar, plus other highend perks like a sauna to help relax before jetting off.

Rates at Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle start from $250 per night. A World of Hyatt Category 5 property, award availability starts at 17,000 points per night.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport — Vancouver, British Columbia

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is one of Canada's legendary hospitality companies, and it makes no exceptions when it comes to airport hotels. At Fairmont Vancouver Airport, an in-airport property located above the E Gates, the little differences go a long way. Think soundproof windows to ensure a restful sleep, a restaurant with sweeping views and wellness-focused experiences like pools, saunas and a 24-hour fitness center. In fact, you don't even have to stay at the Fairmont to take advantage of its health club; three-hour passes are available for $30.

Rates at Fairmont Vancouver Airport start from $250 per night. Accor Live Limitless (ALL) members can redeem points for a fixed rate worth about 2 cents each.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport — Singapore

A legend among airport hotels, the Crown Plaza Changi Airport, located at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport (SIN), is an easy place to rest up at one of the best airports in the world. With 575 rooms and suites, the hotel is massive and offers everything from an outdoor pool for a swim to a club lounge with buffet-style meals. Even better, the hotel is easily connected to airport terminals and the indoor waterfall at the airport's Jewel experience, something that shouldn't be missed by any traveler passing through Singapore.

Rates at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport start from $239 per night. IHG One Rewards members can book from 43,000 points.

Hilton Rome Airport

To get between the Hilton Rome Airport and Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO), guests don't even have to walk —because moving walkways down a covered path will get you there. Once inside the hotel, great things await, like an indoor pool, an all-day restaurant with Italian and international fare, and sleek rooms perfect for catching a few hours' sleep in between flights.

Rates at Hilton Rome Airport start from $250 or 65,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Oryx Airport Hotel — Doha, Qatar

At Hamad International Airport (DOH), there's no better place to stay than Oryx Airport Hotel, located above the Hermes store in the airport's South Plaza. Convenience is key at this hotel, and the location alone makes it a winner for transiting Doha. But everything else is what will make you want to keep coming back, like an indoor swimming pool, a fantastic gym, a spa, squash courts and even virtual golf. One other great bonus is that room service is available 24/7 so no matter what time you get to your room, you don't have to worry about being hungry.

Rates at Oryx Airport Hotel start from $205 per night.

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Set in a design-forward towering building next to bustling Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), this hotel is easily accessible via a covered walk. Inside, guests will find chic rooms, with many looking into the interior courtyard; a spa with treatment services, a sauna, steam room and pool; and a large restaurant and cute cocktail bar. Best of all, you can book a stay with Hilton Honors points.

Rates at Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol start from $275. Hilton Honors members can book award nights from 60,000 points per night.

Sheraton Gateway Hotel — Toronto, Canada

Multiple TPG staffers vouched for the Sheraton Gateway Hotel at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Located right in Terminal 3, the team was quick to note that the property has comfortable rooms and a very solid club lounge for folks with access. For TPG's editor-in-chief Nick Ewen, day-room rentals were a godsend after managing flight cancellations and a sick child. Not to mention the hotel has an indoor heated pool, a gym, a lounge-like restaurant and room service.

Rates at Sheraton Gateway Hotel start from $270 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport

Another Hilton favorite among the TPG staff, the Hilton Frankfurt Airport is a convenient stay for folks passing through Frankfurt. Connected to the airport via a covered pedestrian bridge, the hotel has contemporary rooms (including connected rooms perfect for families), an executive lounge for eligible guests (inclusive of a buffet breakfast), and a few other bars and restaurants on-site.

Rates at Hilton Frankfurt Airport start from $180 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related reading:

• These are the hotel openings TPG is most excited for in 2026
• How my travel credit cards keep me on the go within a modest budget
• The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Whether you are a spur-of-the-moment traveler or you plan vacations months in advance, this week's flight deal is for you. We found wide open availability on American Airlines from now through early 2027 from several major U.S. airports (primarily in southern and eastern states) to Cancun, Nassau, Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. All you need are a few thousand Atmos Rewards points (plus taxes and fees) and your best pair of sunglasses.

Before you pack your sunscreen and swimsuits, here's what you need to know to book this deal.

(Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.)

TPG's deal of the day basics

• Airline: American Airlines
• Routes: Miami International Airport (MIA), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Cancun International Airport (CUN), Turks and Caicos' Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, Bahamas
• Best way to book: Through the Alaska Airlines website
• Price: 4,500 points (plus between $20 and $74 in taxes and fees) for economy fares
• Cash price: From $240 in economy
• Travel dates: Open availability now through early 2027

How to find and book TPG's deal of the day

We recommend starting your search with the handy Seats.aero tool to narrow down your options. Then, head to the airline's website to confirm award availability and book your tickets.

This deal is booked through Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards program, but the flights are operated by partner airline American Airlines. If you don't have enough Atmos Rewards points to book this deal, you can transfer Bilt Points to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Just remember that transfers are irreversible, so always confirm award availability with the airline before transferring your rewards.

Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets

How to earn the points or miles required for TPG's deal of the day

The following cards earn Atmos Rewards points on everyday purchases, and they offer welcome bonuses to help you rack up points fast:

Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 120 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 90 days from opening your account.

With offers starting at 80,000 points, you could earn more than enough to cover round-trip flights to one of these sunny spots from a single welcome offer. You can bring several friends or family members along, too (if you are feeling generous).

Related: How the current Atmos card offers could cover your next five (or more) trips

Bottom line

With airfare this good to popular beach locales, you'll have even more money (or points) in your pocket for an amazing hotel stay, delicious local food and excursions that take you beyond the shore to discover the culture, history and natural beauty of these destinations.

Continue planning your sunny vacation:

• The best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
• 5 detour destinations in Mexico beyond the tourist hot spots
• 16 things to know about Beaches Turks & Caicos before you book
• Spectacular Turks and Caicos all-inclusives for beach getaways
• The 8 best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card overview

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers several useful perks for frequent IHG guests. However, you may not get enough ongoing value from this card if IHG One Rewards isn't your primary hotel loyalty program. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers many perks for travelers who frequently stay with IHG.

One perk alone — the anniversary free night each year, valid for a night costing up to 40,000 points — can easily provide enough value for you to justify paying the IHG Premier's annual fee each year.

You'll also get automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you're a cardholder. And you'll get another useful perk: a free fourth night when redeeming points for stays of four nights or more.

We typically recommend that applicants have a credit score of at least 670 to increase their chances of being approved for this card.

Now, let's look at whether the IHG Premier is a good choice for you.

IHG One Rewards Premier pros and cons

IHG One Rewards Premier welcome offer

New IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card holders can earn up to 185,000 bonus points:

• Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Plus, earn an additional 35,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

TPG's May 2026 valuations peg IHG points at 0.6 cents each, making this bonus worth up to $1,110.

Note that you won't be eligible for this card (or its bonus) if you currently have any IHG personal credit card or have earned a welcome bonus on another IHG personal credit card within the last 24 months.

However, this rule doesn't apply to IHG One  Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) holders who earned a bonus on that card. You also need to be under Chase's 5/24 rule.

Related: Want to open a new Chase card? Here's how to calculate your 5/24 standing

IHG One Rewards Premier benefits

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card carries a relatively modest $99 annual fee. However, the card's actual value hinges on whether you'll use the benefits frequently enough to justify that annual fee. Here's an overview of the card's main IHG-related perks.

Anniversary free night

Cardholders receive a reward night certificate valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property costing up to 40,000 points each year.

Although IHG uses dynamic award pricing, finding an appealing redemption option for your certificate isn't difficult. For example, I've redeemed anniversary free night certificates for stays at the InterContinental Buenos Aires in Argentina, the InterContinental Madrid and the Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam.

Note that you can use an unlimited number of points to top off this certificate and use it for higher-priced properties. For example, you can book a room priced at 55,000 points using the free night plus 15,000 points from your IHG One Rewards account.

Elite status

IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite members enjoy 60% bonus earnings on paid stays when booking directly with IHG One Rewards, as well as room upgrades based on availability at check-in, a welcome amenity and several other perks.

There is also a pathway to Diamond Elite status through the end of the next calendar year if you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Fourth night free

When you redeem points for a stay of four nights or longer, you'll pay zero points for every fourth night. If you can find four nights of consecutive award space at a property you like, this can be a great way to stretch your points even further.

Of course, the value of this perk depends on how frequently you redeem IHG points for stays of at least four nights.

Other noteworthy perks

• 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000: You'll earn 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit after spending $20,000 in a calendar year. Based on TPG's valuations, the bonus points are worth $60; combined with the statement credit, this bonus can be worth up to $160. However, consider whether you'll realistically spend $20,000 on your card during the calendar year, especially if you can otherwise put those purchases on an everyday spending card with a better earning rate.
• 20% off when buying IHG points: You'll save 20% on your purchase of IHG points when you pay with your IHG Premier card. However, this discount doesn't stack with other discounts when IHG puts points on sale. Note that these points are considered nonqualifying, so they won't count toward elite qualification. That means the value will be minimal for most cardholders.
• Application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus: You can get reimbursed up to $120 every four years when you charge a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee to your card.
• United TravelBank cash: You can get up to $50 in United TravelBank cash per calendar year after linking your IHG Premier with your United MileagePlus account.
• Travel and purchase protections: You'll get perks like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and purchase protection.

These benefits could be a serious factor when choosing a new credit card.

However, as discussed in the next section, you won't get a high return rate on most purchases with the IHG Premier card.

Related: Last-minute strategies for earning IHG One Rewards elite status

Earning points on the IHG One Rewards Premier

Hotel credit cards usually aren't great for earning points, but this card does well when you use it at IHG hotels. Here are the earning rates you can expect:

• 10 points per dollar spent on IHG stays
• 5 points per dollar spent on all other travel, on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and at gas stations
• 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

When you combine the 10 points per dollar spent by using your card with the points you'll earn as an IHG Platinum Elite member, you'll earn 26 points per dollar spent on most IHG stays.

Based on TPG's valuations, this equates to a return on spending of around 16% on IHG stays, 3% on travel and around 2% on all other purchases.

These are decent returns for these bonus categories but are easily beaten by many other cards.

Related: How to earn IHG points via stays, credit cards and more

Redeeming points on the IHG One Rewards Premier

IHG One Rewards does not have an award chart; instead, it uses dynamic award pricing. IHG's website states that nights start at 10,000 points, though we've seen nights priced as low as 5,000 points.

And although there's no stated maximum, the highest I've seen is 120,000 points per night (excluding Six Senses properties, which frequently cost more).

But even with IHG's dynamic award pricing, it's still possible to maximize IHG One Rewards redemptions. And, with a little bit of searching, you can often redeem IHG One Rewards points for a greater value than TPG's valuation of 0.6 cents per point.

You can also mix points and cash for your award stays. In some cases, this may provide good value. When you book this way, IHG sells you the extra points and then debits your account for the full number of points.

TPG newsletter and partnerships editor Emily Thompson takes advantage of this perk as often as possible to maximize her IHG One Rewards points.

Finally, some travelers believe that IHG's blackout dates policy makes it one of the weaker hotel programs for award night availability. The terms and conditions of the IHG One Rewards program note the following:

"There are no blackout dates for Reward Nights, however, room inventory is limited and subject to prior sale."

So, while there are no blackout dates per se, hotels can limit the number of rooms they make available for award bookings.

Related: How to maximize award redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program

Transferring points on the IHG One Rewards Premier

IHG One Rewards has 40 airline transfer partners, but I don't recommend using your points this way. Points transfer at a nearly 5:1 ratio, which is on the lower side. Plus, transfers from IHG have been known to take a long time.

You can also transfer your points to other IHG One Rewards members, starting at $5 per 1,000-point block. However, these transfers are free for Diamond Elite and IHG Business Rewards program members for up to 500,000 points per calendar year.

Just keep in mind that your account must be at least 30 days old to transfer or receive points.

Which cards compete with the IHG One Rewards Premier?

If you're loyal to IHG, a card from another hotel brand might not merit your consideration. However, another card might better suit your needs.

• If you want IHG perks for no annual fee: The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers benefits like automatic Silver Elite status, a discount on IHG points purchases and the fourth night free on award stays. To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
• If you prefer more flexible rewards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) has a $95 annual fee and allows for 1:1 points transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG One Rewards. You can also transfer your points to 13 other travel partners. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• If you want an IHG business card: The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has similar benefits to the IHG One Rewards Premier card, including the fourth night free and a free anniversary night, but it will not count toward your 5/24 limit with Chase. To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Business.

For additional options, check out our full lists of the best hotel credit cards and the best cards for IHG stays.

Is the IHG One Rewards Premier worth it?

If you're an IHG loyalist, you'll easily get enough from this card's benefits to justify the $99 annual fee. The anniversary night alone should cover the annual fee. However, those who only occasionally stay at IHG properties will likely prefer a card with more versatile benefits.

Bottom line

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a clear winner for travelers who stay at IHG properties with any frequency.

The annual free night certificate alone can easily outweigh the $99 annual fee; pairing that with automatic Platinum Elite status and the fourth-night-free benefit makes this card hard to beat for loyalists. Add in a solid welcome bonus and elevated earnings at IHG hotels, and frequent IHG guests will see strong long-term value.

That said, if you rarely book IHG stays or want more flexible rewards, you'll likely be better off with a general travel rewards card.

Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

New benefits have been added to the JetBlue Premier Card, the New York-based carrier's premium credit card option.

These perks include an elite status boost toward JetBlue Mosaic status, the ability to unlock statement credits toward a companion pass, an elevated redemption rebate when you redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points and ClassPass credits.

The JetBlue Premier Card debuted in 2025 as an option for JetBlue loyalists and charges a $499 annual fee. Here's what you need to know about these new and enhanced perks that are rolling out now.

The information for the JetBlue Premier 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.

New JetBlue Premier Card benefits

If you hold the JetBlue Premier Card (or apply for it soon), here are the enhanced benefits to note:

• Elevated welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days of account opening. Per TPG's May 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,350.
• Elite status boost: Cardholders receive 25 Tiles toward Mosaic elite status at the beginning of each calendar year. This will put you halfway to entry-level Mosaic 1 status, which includes a free checked bag, preferred seating and a Mosaic point bonus, among other perks.
• JetBlue Premier Companion Pass statement credit: Unlock a companion pass worth up to $500 after spending $15,000 on your card in a calendar year. Plus, unlock an additional companion pass worth up to $1,500 after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.
• Elevated redemption rebate: Cardholders receive 15% of their TrueBlue points back on award flight redemptions when flying JetBlue or a partner airline. This is an enhanced perk; previously, cardholders received a 10% rebate.
• Improved TrueBlue Travel statement credit: Cardholders receive up to $300 annually for hotels, car rentals, cruises and more booked through TrueBlue Travel, JetBlue's travel portal. Previously, the benefit was a $50 statement credit earned each time you spent at least $250 in the portal (up to six times per year). Now, there's no minimum spending requirement to earn the statement credit.
• ClassPass benefits: Cardholders receive up to 14 monthly credits to use with ClassPass upon enrollment.

These perks are especially useful for JetBlue loyalists who are pursuing status or frequently spend on their card.

New BlueHouse lounge in Boston

JetBlue has also confirmed that it's expanding its airport lounge offerings by opening a new location at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

The new BlueHouse lounge will feature New England coastal influences and locally inspired food for travelers who fly Mint to Europe, hold top-tier Mosaic 4 elite status or carry the JetBlue Premier Card.

It's important to note that JetBlue Premier Card holders will not have access to the lounge if they fly Blue Basic.

JetBlue has one BlueHouse lounge open at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. TPG has also reported that the carrier is eyeing a potential third location at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Related: Why the JetBlue Plus Card remains firmly in my wallet

Are the new perks worth it?

If you enjoy redeeming TrueBlue points for JetBlue flights or traveling with its partners, the elevated redemption rate on the JetBlue Premier Card is a highlight. It also matches Delta Air Lines' TakeOff 15 benefit for most of its cardholders.

The 25-Tile bonus will also be helpful for those interested in the perks of Mosaic status, and it's nice that you aren't required to make purchases with your card to receive it.

If you plan to spend at least $15,000 on your JetBlue Premier Card in a calendar year, the ability to earn a companion pass is exciting. However, it may be hard for many spenders to reach that $75,000 spending threshold for the higher-value companion pass.

Related: JetBlue hikes bag fees by at least $4. Will rivals follow?

Bottom line

These perks could be exciting for loyal JetBlue enthusiasts and current cardholders, especially if they're interested in earning elite status, redeeming TrueBlue points or spending enough on the card to earn a companion pass.

Plus, the current welcome offer has significant value since TPG's valuations put 100,000 TrueBlue points at $1,350.

If you enjoy flying JetBlue, it's worth evaluating your card portfolio to see if it makes sense to add the card to your wallet.

Related: JetBlue Plus Card vs. JetBlue Premier Card: Should you go mid-tier or premium?

Transfer bonuses can offer lucrative opportunities to help you maximize your points and miles and work your way toward fantastic award redemptions. You can sometimes get significantly more value from your rewards by transferring them to an airline or hotel partner during one of these bonus periods.

Remember, though, that these are limited-time offers: You'll need to act fast if you find one that suits your travel plans.

We've compiled transfer bonus updates for most major programs with transferable rewards to make tracking these offers easier. Just note that transfer bonuses are sometimes targeted, so some may not be available to you.

Active credit card transfer bonuses

We're currently seeing these transfer bonuses:

American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses

American Express Membership Rewards is offering a 20% bonus to Hilton Honors through May 30 and a 10% bonus to JetBlue TrueBlue through May 11.

How to earn American Express Membership Rewards points

If you're looking to earn more of these valuable points, the following American Express cards could prove useful additions to your wallet:

• American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points for maximum value

Capital One transfer bonuses

Capital One is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Qantas Frequent Flyer. From now through May 31, when you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to Qantas, you'll earn 1,200 points.

Whether you're looking to fly to Australia or book a flight with a Oneworld partner, such as American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, this could be a great opportunity.

How to earn Capital One miles

If you're looking to earn more transferable miles, the following Capital One cards are solid options to consider:

• Capital One Venture Business: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents each. Most transfers from Capital One will process instantly. For more details, read our guides to Capital One transfer partners and how to transfer Capital One miles.

Related: Should you transfer Capital One miles to partners or redeem directly for travel?

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses

Chase is currently offering two transfer bonuses.

Through May 15, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy with a huge 65% bonus.

The next bonus is a 20% transfer bonus to Air France-KLM Flying Blue that ends May 27.

As always, it's best to transfer points only when you're ready to book an award since transfers are irreversible and award availability can change quickly.

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

If you want to earn more Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the following Chase cards could make good additions to your wallet:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Related: Chase Ultimate Rewards points: How to redeem for maximum value

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer bonuses

Citi ThankYou Rewards is offering a 25% transfer bonus to Leaders Club, the loyalty program of The Leading Hotels of the World, until May 16.

You'll only unlock the bonus in its entirety if you hold the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees), the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants). Other Citi cards do not unlock the full 1:1 transfer ratio, so the transfers aren't as valuable.

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

Regarding these bonuses, if you unlock the full transfer ratio with an eligible card, 1,000 ThankYou Rewards points equal 1,250 Leaders Club points. If your card does not unlock a full transfer bonus, 1,000 ThankYou Rewards points equal 875 Leaders Club points.

How to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points

To earn more Citi ThankYou Rewards points, consider these Citi credit cards:

• Citi Strata Elite Card: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi Strata Premier Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

TPG values Citi ThankYou Rewards points at 1.9 cents each, per our May 2026 valuations, and most transfers happen instantly.

Related: Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners: Redeem your points with airlines and hotels

Marriott Bonvoy transfer bonuses

Although you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to various airlines, the program does not currently offer any transfer bonuses to airline partners.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

If you're looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, the following Marriott cards may be of interest:

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional free night award (valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending a total of $4,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. Additionally, earn up to $100 in statement credits (up to $50 biannually) after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn three free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, earn an additional two free night awards (valued at up to 50,000 points each) after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases ($9,000 in total) in the first six months of card membership. Certain hotels have resort fees.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.80 cents each. Some airlines take a few days (or even weeks) to receive the points.

Related: How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for maximum value

Rove Miles transfer bonuses

Rove Miles is not currently offering any transfer bonuses.

How to earn Rove miles

We're excited about the new "no credit card required" rewards program, Rove Miles. You can book hotels and flights and shop online through the Rove Miles portal; it allows you to earn incredible amounts of transferable miles, such as up to 54 miles per dollar spent on select hotels.

Rove Miles is rapidly adding transfer partners, including Lufthansa Miles & More, a program that has traditionally been difficult to earn miles in. This opens up the ability to book Lufthansa's incredible first-class product in advance with miles.

If you don't have any Rove miles, you can earn 1,000 miles at no cost right now just by signing up through TPG's offer.

Should you transfer points and miles?

We only recommend transferring points or miles if you have a short-term plan to use them. Transfers are irreversible, and you don't want to be stuck with thousands of points or miles in a program you have little use for.

If you don't have a specific redemption in mind but still want to earn points or miles, you're likely better off earning rewards through card welcome bonuses and everyday spending.

We always recommend verifying award availability before transferring your rewards.

Bottom line

When a program with a transferable currency offers a transfer bonus, it's important to run the numbers to determine whether it is worthwhile.

Generally, you won't want to transfer your points or miles unless you have a specific redemption in mind. After all, a large part of the value of transferable points and miles comes from their flexibility, which you'll give up when you convert them to a partner's currency. However, a transfer bonus can help you get more value from your points and miles if you frequently use a partner program or plan to redeem them soon.

Last year, Spirit Airlines operated 99% of all flights from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Now, the budget airline is gone.

But not all is lost at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY).

Breeze Airways on Tuesday announced it's picking up four routes Spirit previously served from the airport — all to popular southeastern vacation destinations.

Between July and December, the Utah-based carrier will launch nonstop service from ACY to:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Daily service begins July 3.
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays launches Oct. 22.
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida: Thrice-weekly service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays launches Oct. 22.
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Thrice-weekly service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays will launch Dec. 17.

Each of those four routes were ones Spirit previously operated.

Filling Spirit's void

Breeze was already set to launch Atlantic City service on Wednesday. And, its arrival on the New Jersey coast came months after budget competitor Allegiant Air arrived in town, as Spirit pulled back and rumors swirled about its possible demise.

This is the latest example of airlines swooping in to fill a void left by Spirit. Notably, just hours after Spirit shut down over the weekend, JetBlue announced 11 new routes out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Spirit's former home base.

In addition to Atlantic City service, Breeze's new routes announced Tuesday go beyond Spirit's former footprint.

Read more: Spirit refunds 'most' passengers, but points and vouchers in major jeopardy

A larger 11-route expansion by Breeze

The airline on Tuesday unveiled seven additional routes to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The expansion includes the carrier's first-ever service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with three new routes to Cancun and two more to Punta Cana.

Here's the full rundown.

This expansion by Breeze will give Richmond its first nonstop service to Cancun, and give Tampa a nonstop link to St. Thomas.

Besides Atlantic City, Pittsburgh was the biggest winner with three new routes. Breeze will go head-to-head with American Airlines on the Pittsburgh service to Cancun and the Dominican Republic.

What to know about Breeze

Breeze started flying in 2021, and while it's a low-cost airline with bare-bones base tickets at the cheapest level, you can also upgrade to the carrier's bona fide first-class recliners up front. They are sold as part of its "Nicest" fares or as an add-on item at checkout.

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 latest 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
• Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

With many of the best credit cards on the market, earning a generous welcome bonus is a quick way to receive a lot of value. These cards from Chase are no exception.

It's important to know, however, that welcome offers often change.

Let's say you're considering adding a new Chase card to your wallet. When is the best time to apply so you can earn the best offer? We've got you covered.

Read on to learn more about the welcome offer history across both Chase's cash-back cards and those earning Ultimate Rewards points.

Best Chase credit card welcome bonuses

Below are some of the most popular Chase credit cards, along with their highest-ever offers and our recommendations for when to apply.

Note that these are all publicly available offers; some individual, targeted bonuses may be higher than the offers listed here. In addition, some of these offers may no longer be available.

Also, keep in mind that Chase factors in its 5/24 rule when you apply. Other factors can dictate whether or not you're eligible for a Chase welcome bonus.

Consider your current wallet setup and cross-check with the terms of whichever card you decide to apply for.

Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex is a solid, no-annual-fee cash-back option for cardholders who want to maximize rotating quarterly bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter; activation is required each quarter).

If you have a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, the cash back you earn on the Freedom Flex (and any Chase cash-back card, with the exception of the Ink Business Premier, which doesn't combine rewards with any other Chase card) can be turned into Ultimate Rewards points.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Freedom Flex:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

With the highest welcome offer we've seen, new cardholders could earn $200 back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus earn 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart), on up to $12,000 spent during the first year.

When to apply

We suggest applying for this card when the bonus offers $200 back, plus a 5% cash-back bonus category during the first year from account opening.

Learn more: Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat 1.5% cash back on most purchases, with simple bonus-earning categories for certain everyday purchases. The card doesn't charge an annual fee.

The Freedom Unlimited's bonus offer has matched the offer on the Freedom Flex in the past, but they aren't always identical. So, it's worth comparing the two if you decide to apply.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Freedom Unlimited:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

This card has offered two welcome bonuses that could be considered the highest, and it depends on what you prioritize.

One bonus offered unlimited double cash back for the first 12 months from account opening. The other offered a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus 5% back on grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) during the first year (on up to $12,000 of these purchases).

When to apply

This card could be worth applying for when the bonus is at least $200 with a bonus category for extra earnings during the first year, or when it offers double cash back for the first year.

Learn more: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a solid entry-level travel rewards card for anyone ready to dive into the world of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The card provides good value for many at a modest $95 annual fee.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Preferred:

Welcome offer history

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

Highest welcome offer

The best offer in the Sapphire Preferred's history gave new cardholders the chance to earn 100,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

The best time to apply for the Sapphire Preferred is any time the bonus comes with more than 75,000 points, which is its standard offer.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The premium Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a host of benefits and is a great option for Chase Sapphire Lounge access and elevated earning rates in multiple travel categories. It comes with a $795 annual fee.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Reserve:

Welcome offer history

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

Highest welcome offer

The current publicly available offer on the Sapphire Reserve allows new cardholders to earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

When to apply

It's good to apply for this card anytime it's offering at least 125,000 points.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is a premium business card option for business owners looking for top-tier perks. The card charges a $795 annual fee.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Sapphire Reserve for Business:

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

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer was 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

When to apply

If the Sapphire Reserve for Business runs a limited-time offer higher than its current bonus, it's worth applying. That said, the current offer is incredibly solid — so now is still a good time to apply.

Learn more: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Ink Business Cash

The Ink Business Cash earns bonus cash-back rewards for business owners in popular spending categories, such as office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services, for no annual fee.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Cash:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

The best bonus on the Ink Business Cash offered a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

It's a good time to apply when the bonus is offering more than $750.

Learn more: Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred

Small-business owners who are Chase Ultimate Rewards points enthusiasts could find their perfect match in the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. For a $95 annual fee, you can collect Chase points across multiple bonus categories.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Preferred:

Welcome offer history

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

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we've seen in the Ink Business Preferred's history gave new cardholders the opportunity to earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

When to apply

The best time to apply for the Ink Business Preferred is any time the welcome bonus is above 100,000 points.

Learn more: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Ink Business Premier

The Ink Business Premier is Chase's top-tier business cash-back card, offering an unlimited 2% cash back on business purchases on top of other bonus categories for a $195 annual fee.

The only offer we've seen on this card allows new cardholders the chance to earn a $1,000 cash bonus after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Highest welcome offer

This card's welcome offer has remained steady since its launch, so the highest offer is the current offer of $1,000 cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

When to apply

If the Ink Business Premier ever runs a limited-time offer above its typical $1,000 (the only offer we've seen in its history), you should definitely apply. That said, it may not be worth waiting for a higher offer.

Learn more: Ink Business Premier Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited

For business owners seeking a flat-rate cash-back card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited is a good option to consider.

Here are the recent offers we have seen on the Ink Business Unlimited:

Welcome offer history

Highest welcome offer

The Ink Business Unlimited has previously offered new cardholders the chance to earn a $900 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

When to apply

It's a good time to apply when the bonus is offering more than $750.

Learn more: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Hyatt Chase cards

Chase is the issuer of the only two Hyatt cobranded cards on the market — one personal card and one business card. These two cards will occasionally offer elevated welcome bonuses.

If you're interested in one of Chase's Hyatt cards, check out our guide to the offer history on the World of Hyatt cards to help you decide when to apply.

IHG Chase cards

IHG loyalists have three card options, all cobranded with Chase. Two of the cards are personal cards, and there's one option for business owners.

If you're interested in one of Chase's IHG cards, see our offer history guide for IHG cards to help you make your decision.

Southwest Chase cards

All Southwest Airlines credit cards are cobranded with Chase, which issues three personal options and two business cards for Southwest loyalists. These cards will receive new welcome offers somewhat frequently.

If you're interested in one of Chase's Southwest cards, our guide to the offer history of Southwest cards can help you choose a time to apply.

United Chase cards

Chase issues all United Airlines credit cards, which often feature solid bonuses for frequent flyers. The Chase-United suite includes four personal card options and two business cards.

If you're interested in one of Chase's United cards, see our guide to the United cards' offer history to decide when to apply.

Bottom line

Welcome bonuses often fluctuate, so if you're interested in applying for a new card, it's worth checking out its offer history and comparing it to the present offer.

Since so much of a card's value is found in the welcome offer, you may find that the best strategy is to hold off until a lucrative limited-time bonus appears so you can earn a large number of bonus points or cash back.

For more information on credit card bonus offers over time, see the following:

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

Weeks after suspending three routes to the U.S., Air Canada is making further cuts.

Air Canada plans to end four of its seasonal summer routes to the U.S. earlier than expected due to rising fuel costs, the airline said Tuesday.

The airline will suspend its flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on Aug. 1; between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) on July 29; between YYZ and Charleston International Airport (CHS) on Sept. 6; and between Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), with a suspension in place from Sept. 5 to Oct. 19. (The airline is currently scheduled to resume thrice weekly service on the YUL-AUS once the suspension ends.)

The cuts were first spotted by X user @IshironA, and confirmed by Air Canada to TPG.

In the statement, the carrier confirmed that all four routes are slated to return for the 2027 summer travel season, making these route suspensions temporary in nature

"Affected customers will be contacted with alternate travel options, including the option of full refund where applicable," a spokesperson said, confirming in a follow-up that, like the airline's other recent route suspensions, these cuts are the result of higher fuel costs.

In late April, Air Canada said it would suspend flights between YYZ and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from June 1 to Oct. 24; YUL and JFK from June 1 to Oct. 24; and YYZ to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) from July 16 until sometime in 2027.

At the time, the airline noted that the flights were "no longer economically feasible" due to the increased cost of jet fuel, which the airline said had doubled in Canada since the start of the U.S. war with Iran. Jet fuel prices in the U.S. have remained up 70 to 80% since the start of the conflict, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index.

Airlines across the globe are making cuts as they cope with higher fuel costs, while airlines in Europe are bracing for an expected shortage of jet fuel that could lead to significant cancellations across the continent starting as early as mid-May. Lufthansa Group airlines have already announced more than 20,000 cancellations between May and October across their hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Rome.

At this point, it seems likely that without a resolution to the high prices and fuel shortage, more flight cuts across the globe are coming. As always, be sure to keep an eye on your flight reservations so you can make changes quickly if needed. You can read more of our tips about navigating European travel during this crisis here, including our thoughts on passenger rights and travel insurance.

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 latest 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
• Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

Most business owners eventually reach the same point: you realize cash back isn't cutting it, and you want to start earning points or miles instead.

But once you make that switch, a new question comes up pretty quickly: what's the right approach to earning?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But most strategies fall into two camps: simple and consistent earning, or more complex bonus-category optimization.

Simple and consistent

If you're too busy to sink a lot of time or planning into earning travel rewards, a card with a simple earning structure can be a good choice. The brand-new Capital One Venture Business and its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture X Business, are good examples of this. Every time you make purchases with these cards you'll earn 2 miles per dollar spent.

The only exception is booking travel through Capital One Business Travel, where you'll earn at higher rates (even better).

The upside to this structure is the "set it and forget it" mentality that allows you to focus on running your business. You'll never have to worry about which categories your spending falls into, or whether an employee used the less-optimal card with a merchant. And, if you don't mind booking through Capital One Business Travel, it's a simple and lucrative way to earn some extra Venture miles.

The downside is the lack of other bonus categories where you can really pile up the points. And, specifically with Capital One's transfer partner network, the lack of a major U.S. airline partner can be limiting.

Yes, you can use points with foreign airlines to book domestic flights on U.S. carriers (and there are actually some good options for this, like Finnair Plus and Air Canada Aeroplan). But that may ultimately make the simple strategy feel more complicated than it should.

A bit more complicated

On the flip side, there are a number of credit cards that feature a variety of bonus categories tailored to small business owners. The obvious benefit here is to increase the pace you earn points or miles. But a strategy of this nature requires a bit more attention.

You'll need to make sure you're spending more in those business categories than a category which only earns 1 point or mile per dollar, such that your effective earning rate exceeds the 2 miles per dollar you can earn in the previous example. Chase has a number of cards that fit the bill for small business owners, including the Ink Business cards and the relatively new Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

Let's use the Sapphire Reserve for Business as our example here. While the $795 annual fee on this card is higher than the Venture X Business's, it also has a variety of bonus categories that let you stack up points, like:

• 8 points per dollar spent when booking travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal.
• 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027).
• 4 points per dollar when booking flights or hotels directly with an airline or hotel chain.
• 3 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising.
• 1 points per dollar on all other purchases

Comparing both strategies

Let's take a theoretical $10,000 in business spending and compare these two earning strategies.

Spend $10,000 with virtually any merchant other than Capital One Business Travel, and you'll earn 20,000 Capital One miles.

Spend that same $10,000 on your Sapphire Reserve for Business card, it could look something like this:

• $2,500 in spending on social media: 7,500 points
• $2,500 in direct airline or hotel bookings: 10,000 points
• $5,000 in spending on everything else: 5,000 points

This scenario gives us more points (22,500), but if your spending habits don't align well with the bonus categories, you could earn less than you would with the straightforward double points on everything.

Bottom Line

There's nothing wrong with simple and straightforward, especially when it comes to earning miles and points. But there are so many bonus categories across various small business credit cards (think utilities, cell phone bills, digital and software subscriptions and a number of other categories businesses invest heavily in) that it may be worth seeing if a more complicated card can help optimize your spending.

Or, consider a combination of both, where you use one card to target your largest recurring business expenses and let a simple double-miles-on-everything card cover everything else.

We know what you're thinking: Why pay hefty annual fees on two cards that earn the same type of points? Well, for us (and many others), it's entirely worthwhile.

Indeed, the combined $1,200-plus price tag on the American Express Platinum Card® (see rates and fees) and American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees) can be confronting. However, the earning rates and perks on these cards differ significantly.

If you want to accelerate your earnings, maximize card benefits and protect your purchases, it can make sense to hold both the Platinum and Gold cards. Here are four reasons why.

Earn two lucrative welcome bonuses

During the first year that you have a card, the welcome bonus is one of the most valuable benefits, if not the most valuable. Between these two cards, you can earn up to 275,000 bonus Membership Rewards points:

• Amex Platinum: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
• Amex Gold: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

TPG's May 2026 valuations place the value of American Express Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, meaning these combined welcome bonuses are worth up to $5,500.

There are a couple of application restrictions to be aware of:

• You can only earn a welcome offer on each card once per lifetime.
• It's best to apply for the Gold first, then the Platinum; if you do it the other way around, you'll likely be ineligible for the Gold's welcome offer.

Related: A complete guide to Amex's one-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions

Accelerate your earnings

You could earn thousands of extra points each year by using the right card for each purchase. A general guide is to use the:

• Platinum for flights and hotels
• Gold for dining worldwide and groceries at U.S. supermarkets

Let's dive into the numbers.

Using the Platinum to book flights, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent directly with airlines or on American Express Travel®*, compared to 3 points per dollar spent when you book directly with airlines, through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ on the Amex Gold.

For prepaid hotel stays booked on American Express Travel (for Platinum) or through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App (for Gold), you're good to go with either card. Both cards earn 5 points per dollar spent on these purchases.

You'll want to use the Amex Gold for your U.S. supermarket and dining purchases. You'll earn 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide** and at U.S. supermarkets***. With the Platinum card, you'd earn only 1 point per dollar spent in these categories.

*On up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar
**On up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar
***On up to $25,000 on purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar

Related: How to earn over 300,000 points in a year

Maximize statement credits

Both cards provide annual statement credits that can put hundreds or thousands of dollars back in your pocket.

The Amex Gold's $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) is more than offset by up to $424 in statement credits, which are mainly focused on dining, including an:

• Up to $50 biannual U.S. Resy statement credit: Up to $100 per calendar year to use at Resy-affiliated U.S. restaurants; no reservation required
• Up to $10 monthly dining statement credit: Up to $120 per calendar year at select merchants — Buffalo Wild Wings, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Grubhub and Wonder (Goldbelly and Wine.com ending June 30)
• Up to $10 monthly Uber Cash^: Up to $120 per calendar year for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S.
• Up to $7 monthly Dunkin' statement credit: Up to $84 per calendar year at U.S. Dunkin' locations

Enrollment may be required.

^Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the eligible Amex card as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.

The Amex Gold is also providing a set of limited-time offers to celebrate the card's 60th anniversary:

• Hilton Honors transfer bonus: Receive a 20% bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points to Hilton, from now through May 30.
• Amex Travel Offers at select Hotel Collection properties: This varies by property. Examples include a complimentary third or fourth night, 25% or more off select rooms, 30% or more off suites or a $150 property credit to use on eligible charges during your stay. Available now through July 15. Minimum two-night stay required.
• Uber One membership credit: Enroll and get a one-time statement credit of up to $96 when you use your card to pay for an annual Uber One membership. Available now through Oct. 30.
• Additional Amex Offers: Eligible cardmembers will receive access to curated Amex Offers across many merchants. These are targeted, so they may not be available to all cardmembers. Enrollment is required.

Meanwhile, the Amex Platinum's high $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) can be more than offset by its statement credits, as long as you maximize all of them. The majority are travel- and lifestyle-focused. Some of our favorites include:

• Up to $300 biannual hotel statement credit: Up to $600 per calendar year to offset prepaid bookings with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay with The Hotel Collection).
• Up to $209 Clear+ statement credit per calendar year: To cover your annual Clear+ membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Up to $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year: With one eligible U.S. airline of your choice.
• Up to $200 Oura statement credit per calendar year: This credit can only be applied to hardware purchases and not subscriptions.
• Up to $12.95 monthly Walmart+ statement credit: Up to $12.95 per month, including applicable taxes and fees for one membership (up to $155 per calendar year). Walmart+ includes Paramount+ or Peacock, so don't use your digital entertainment statement credit on a subscription (separate enrollment required for the Paramount+ or Peacock subscription; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups not eligible).
• Up to $120 Uber One membership credit per calendar year: Up to a $120 statement credit that fully covers an auto-renewing $96 annual or $9.99 monthly membership to Uber One.
• Up to $100 quarterly Resy statement credit: Up to $400 per calendar year to use at U.S. Resy restaurants.
• Up to $75 quarterly Lululemon statement credit: Valid at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online; up to $300 per calendar year.
• Up to $25 monthly digital entertainment statement credit: Up to $300 per calendar year for subscriptions to select streaming platforms, including Disney+, Disney+ Bundle, Paramount+, Peacock, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV.
• Up to $15 monthly Uber Cash^: For Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S.; bonus up to $20 in December (for a total of up to $35 that month); up to $200 per calendar year.

Enrollment required for select credits.

^Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the eligible Amex card as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.

Plus, if you travel frequently, eligible Amex Platinum cardmembers receive unrivaled airport lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection. Between lounge access with the Amex Platinum and the statement credits offered on both cards, these two cards make an excellent pairing for jetsetters.

Related: American Express Gold vs. American Express Platinum: Which one is right for you?

Protect your purchases and travel

Both the American Express Platinum and Gold cards offer extended warranty and purchase protection benefits.

However, the Amex Platinum card offers more comprehensive protection benefits for frequent travelers.

The shopping and travel protections that the Amex Platinum offers (but the Amex Gold doesn't) include:

• Cellphone protection*
• Emergency medical transportation (if coordinated by the benefit administrator)**
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance*
• Trip delay insurance*
• Higher coverage for car rental loss and damage insurance***

*Eligibility and benefit level varies 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 level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
***Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

When it doesn't make sense

Holding both the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold may not be cost-effective for everyone. Consider the following:

• Lounge access: If you rarely use airport lounges or won't spend enough on the Platinum to unlock guest access, you may not get enough value from the card.
• Certain grocery purchases: If you primarily shop at big-box retailers like Walmart or Target, or through grocery delivery services that don't code as "supermarkets", you might not earn bonus points in these categories on the Gold.
• Statement credits: Assess whether you already spend on the services that you'll receive statement credits for, like Grubhub and Uber. If not, you may end up spending unnecessarily to "save" money.

Bottom line

The Amex Gold card's lower annual fee and bonus points on dining and groceries may suit many users, while the Platinum card's higher fee is worth it for those who can maximize its travel perks.

Combining both cards can boost your Amex points balance, elevate your travels and offset your spending on lifestyle purchases.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold cards.

Apply here: Amex Gold
Apply here: Amex Platinum

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

As Spirit Airlines has officially shut down operations, travelers have been left navigating a range of questions, from refunds and consumer protections to reimbursements for canceled flights.

If you were a frequent flyer with the budget airline, you may also have held one of its cobranded cards.

Bank of America issued two Spirit credit cards: the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® and the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®. These cards are no longer open to new applications.

The information for the Free Spirit Travel Mastercard and Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For existing cardholders, accounts remain open and active, and cards can still be used for everyday purchases. However, Free Spirit points earned with these cards are no longer redeemable and cannot be transferred to another loyalty program at this time.

Here's what current cardholders need to know.

Is your Spirit credit card account still open?

Even though Spirit Airlines has ceased operations, cobranded credit card accounts issued by Bank of America remain open and active.

According to a Bank of America spokesperson, Free Spirit Travel Mastercard and Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard cardholders can continue using their cards to make purchases.

However, the cards earn Free Spirit points, and those rewards are currently not redeemable and cannot be transferred to another loyalty program. With the future of the loyalty program still uncertain, the value of continuing to earn points is unclear.

We'd recommend discontinuing use of your Spirit card and instead using alternative cards that offer rewards you can actively use, at least until more details are announced about the program's future and any potential changes for cardholders.

Related: An ode to Spirit Airlines: Yeah, they were all yellow

Should you use your Spirit credit card?

Even though your Spirit credit card account remains open, you're likely better off not using the card right now.

Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable and cannot be transferred to another program. That makes their short-term value effectively zero.

So, you could be missing out on rewards you can actually use right now by using your Spirit credit card.

We suggest using a cash-back card, another cobranded airline card or a travel card with flexible points to earn rewards that can be tangibly used right now. Leave the Spirit card in your wallet or sock drawer.

Can you apply for a Spirit credit card right now?

Bank of America stopped accepting new applications for the two Free Spirit cards on May 2. So, you can't get a new Spirit card right now.

Should you close your Spirit credit card?

While we don't recommend using your Spirit credit card for purchases, there is no immediate reason to cancel it.

This is especially true if you've held your Spirit card for a long time, since closing it could lower your credit score.

Related: Discontinued credit cards: Why (and why not) to stick with them

Will you be able to convert your Free Spirit points to another currency?

Currently, Spirit Airlines cardholders who have earned Free Spirit points cannot transfer them to another loyalty program.

Plans for the Free Spirit loyalty program are expected to be determined through the bankruptcy process, and additional details have not yet been announced. Cardholders with questions about their points can contact Spirit Airlines directly at SpiritAirlinesInfo@epiqglobal.com

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

Will Spirit cardholders be converted to another card?

There aren't currently plans for Bank of America to transition Spirit cardholders to another card.

However, a Bank of America spokesperson told TPG that the issuer will continue to inform current cardholders about account updates — including "details about a product transition, if applicable."

Related: Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

Bottom line

If you have a Spirit credit card, now is not the time to use it.

We don't know what will happen to Free Spirit points, but we do know that they are no longer redeemable, and there is no current plan to transfer or convert them (though that may change).

If you're a cardholder with additional questions for Spirit, email SpiritAirlinesInfo@epiqglobal.com.

Related: Spirit's bright yellow planes are grounded for good — a sad ending for the storied budget carrier

We've likely all grumbled about waiting in a long Transportation Security Administration line at the airport or when the person in front of us didn't know they had to remove their belt and laptop before walking through the scanner.

However, the TSA's mission is to "protect the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce," according to the TSA website.

These inconveniences may be frustrating in the moment, but the TSA was put in place to protect travelers. While you are standing in line, officers at the security checkpoint often find items that are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Related: 5 things you should never pack in a checked bag — even though the airlines allow them

The list of items you are not allowed to bring in your carry-on is long, but it is designed to keep travelers and airline personnel safe. By planning and packing properly, you can help expedite the TSA screening process (and keep those long lines moving).

Here are the items you cannot pack in your carry-on.

Flammables

Flammable liquids and other combustible items are not allowed in carry-on baggage for the obvious reason that they could start a fire. This includes items like:

• Aerosol sprays
• Bleach
• Cooking spray
• Lighter fluid
• Pepper spray
• Butane
• Spray paint
• Chlorine
• Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

Hand grenades, torch lighters, strike-anywhere matches, fireworks, sparklers and pretty much anything else you could purchase from a fireworks stand also fall into this category. Most of these can't be packed in your checked luggage, either.

The TSA does allow passengers to bring a standard lighter or safety matches (the kind that you can only strike on a certain surface) on board an aircraft.

Liquids over 3.4 ounces

With a few exceptions (which we will get to in a moment), liquids that exceed 3.4 ounces are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

Related: TSA liquids rule: Is it next to go after the shoes policy ended?

In most instances, the TSA uses the 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids in carry-on luggage. Liquids must be stored in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container; those liquids must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag; and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag.

This rule can be tricky because some items you may not immediately consider liquids are treated as liquids by the TSA. These include things like hair products, gel-type candles or heating pads, creams and foods like peanut butter.

The TSA does make exceptions to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule for medically necessary liquids, including baby food, breast milk, baby formula and liquid medications. These items are allowed in your carry-on bag in "reasonable quantities" based on the length of your trip. You will need to declare them to the TSA officer at the checkpoint and remove them for inspection.

Household items and tools

While you may not use them as weapons at home, there are many household items and tools that could be used as weapons and are, therefore, not allowed in your carry-on bag. These include:

• Cast-iron cookware
• Cooking spray (flammable)
• Screwdrivers longer than 7 inches.
• Hammers
• Nail guns
• Drills and drill bits
• Mallets

Sporting equipment

Like seemingly innocent household items, certain pieces of sporting equipment have been deemed potentially dangerous to bring into the airplane cabin by the TSA. These include:

• Baseball bats
• Cricket bats
• Canoe paddles
• Hiking poles
• Lacrosse sticks
• Hockey sticks
• Bowling pins
• Animal traps or animal repellent spray
• Tent poles and tent stakes

Weapons

With the exception of tweezers, disposable razors, electric razors, scissors and knitting needles, items that could be used as weapons are not allowed in your carry-on bag. These include:

• Knives
• Swords
• Saws
• Brass knuckles
• Nunchucks
• Axes
• Cattle prods
• Self-defense sprays
• Stun guns and tasers

Firearms

Whether they are loaded or unloaded, firearms — including BB guns and cap guns — are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Ammunition is also banned from carry-on bags.

If you do travel with firearms or ammunition, they must be packed in your checked baggage in compliance with TSA specifications, your airline's rules and the firearm possession laws in your destination.

Unexpected items

It should be pretty clear at this point that if an item could be used as a weapon or considered a hazardous material, you should not bring it in your carry-on bag. However, there are a few items that don't exactly fall into either of these categories that are still not allowed in your carry-on.

Most snow globes and Magic 8 Ball toys, for example, are not allowed in carry-on luggage because they contain more than 3.4 ounces of liquid. The TSA website clearly states that Magic 8 Ball toys must be stored in checked luggage, but snow globes are allowed if they contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid and the entire snow globe can fit in your one-quart plastic bag.

Toy guns, swords and knives are also not allowed in carry-on bags. Some toy guns and weapons may be allowed. However, it's up to the TSA officer's discretion whether to allow these items in your carry-on luggage, so it's best to pack them in your checked bag. Realistic replicas of hand grenades or other explosives are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.

Bottom line

While most travelers have good intentions, these items are banned from carry-on luggage as a precautionary measure. Some could be used to do harm to others, and some, like flammable liquids or combustible items, could accidentally ignite during a flight, causing a serious danger to those on board.

Bringing prohibited items on board not only causes delays for you and those around you, but it can also constitute a criminal offense, punishable by a hefty fine or jail time.

Related: 4 things the TSA really doesn't want you to bring on an airplane

If you ever have a question about a specific item, the TSA keeps a nearly exhaustive database of prohibited items on its website and the MyTSA app, or you can text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).

One of the standout additions to the lineup of benefits offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) from the 2025 revamp is Points Boost.

Points Boost lets you book select flights and hotels directly through the Chase Travel℠ portal and gets more value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points — up to 2 cents per point (and occasionally even more).

Historically, unlocking that level of value for your points meant transferring points to airline or hotel partners and booking through those programs. But Points Boost makes it much simpler to stretch your points without the extra steps.

To put it in perspective, if you earn the current highest-ever Chase Sapphire Reserve welcome bonus of 150,000 points (after meeting the minimum spend requirement of $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening), those points could be worth up to $3,000 in travel when redeemed through Points Boost.

That said, Points Boost has evolved since its debut last year. Redemption values now vary more widely and there are fewer hotels available right now at 2 cents per point than when the program first launched, meaning you might see anything from just over 1 cent per point in value to as much as 2 cents per point, with many redemptions landing somewhere in between.

But while there are more hotels between 1 and 2 cents now than there are right at 2 cents, there are still plenty of ways to get great value from this program. And we have recently seen Points Boost values spike as high as 2.5 cents per point on at least one occasion, making it one of the more flexible and valuable features of the Sapphire Reserve.

To show what that looks like in practice, here are eight of our favorite — and most valuable — Chase Points Boost redemptions.

Related reading: How I saved 100,000 points and $200 on a hotel stay via Points Boost

Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

On paper, this is one of the most compelling Points Boost redemptions out there right now. And yes, you just might find us testing it out IRL sooner rather than later.

Part of what makes this one stand out is that it's a newer property with both pool and beach access, set in Grand Cayman — about as good as Caribbean backdrops get.

But beyond the idyllic island setting, the real story here is the math.

We've recently seen this hotel price out at a full 2 cents per point through Points Boost, though it's currently sitting closer to 1.65 cents per point as of this writing.

Using the full 2 cents per point rate, with a paid rate starting around $400 per night, which is what it was when we booked, that works out to just 20,000 points per night.

But whether it prices at 1.65 cents or 2 cents per point, the deal gets even better. Because Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman is an IHG property, you can apply another statement credit that Sapphire Reserve added for 2026: When you use your card to book a prepaid stay of two nights or more via Chase Travel at select properties, including IHG Hotels & Resorts (which Hotel Indigo is), you can receive up to $250 in statement credits.

And since it's part of Chase's The Edit collection, you can also use one of your two annual $250 statement credits on the booking. On top of that, you'll get The Edit perks like daily breakfast for two and a $100 credit to use on property during your stay for things like meals.

Stack those two statement credits together, and a four-night stay that might retail for around $1,600 could drop to roughly $1,100 out of pocket. At a 2-cent-per-point Points Boost rate to cover the remainder, that's about 55,000 points total for four nights — or under 14,000 points per night. Of course, if it stays at 1.65 cents-per-point, it would require a few more points.

But in either case, a single welcome bonus could cover this stay and still leave you with plenty of points for flights or another trip.

Skylofts at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has some fantastic resorts — and one of my favorites is somewhat hidden in plain sight.

The Skylofts at MGM are tucked away atop the iconic MGM Grand and function as a boutique hotel within a massive resort. The 51 Skylofts start at 1,400 square feet, come with a 24-hour butler and offer a fun, relaxing and luxurious place to stay in Las Vegas.

Unsurprisingly, given the generous space and included butler service, cash rates start around $800 to $900+ per night. But the good news is that this property is currently offering up to 2 cents per point through Points Boost — which means even at $900 per night, the redemption rate comes out to just 45,000 points.

And since this property is part of Chase's The Edit, you can use one of the card's two annual $250 statement credits to bring the cost down further when paying with a combination of cash and points. You'll also get perks like daily breakfast for two and a $100 property credit.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

If you asked us to name our favorite place on earth, there's a good chance we'd point you to the north shore of Kauai, where golden sunsets, gentle waves, lush green mountains — and even the occasional rainbow — are part of the daily backdrop.

Set right in the middle of it all is 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, easily one of the nicest and newest resorts in the area — and one of the most stunning places you can book with Points Boost.

This property is part of Chase's The Edit collection, so you can apply one of your two annual $250 statement credits and get perks like daily breakfast for two (which, by the way, is excellent), plus a $100 property credit.

But what really sets this redemption apart is that 1 Hotel isn't part of a major hotel loyalty program. In other words, you don't have the usual transfer partner option at your disposal, making Points Boost one of the best — if not the best — ways to use points to stay here.

Right now, we're seeing redemption rates around 1.65 cents per point. That's not the full 2 cents you'll find with some hotels, but for a property like this, where points options are otherwise limited, it's still a standout use of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Business-class flights

Let's briefly step away from hotels to look at a slightly different use case: using Points Boost to book select first- and business-class flights at up to 2 cents per point.

Just like with hotels, you'll see some flights in Chase Travel priced at more than 1 cent per point thanks to Points Boost.

In our experience, the best Points Boost rates often show up on select business- and first-class fares. Yes, these can be pricey tickets, but the points cost is sometimes lower than what you'd pay when transferring points to an airline program.

In the example below, a business class flight from New York City to Rome is priced at $3,402 round-trip in cash. Through Points Boost, it comes out to just over 85,000 points each way, which can represent better value than transferring points to an airline partner, especially if there are high taxes and fuel surcharges involved that you'd have to pay on top of the miles cost if you transferred the points to a frequent flyer program to book.

This isn't limited to long-haul flights. You can also find Points Boost rates up to 2 cents per point on some shorter first-class flights, such as this example from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), bookable in business class for 18,505 points one-way.

TPG tip: One added benefit of booking this way is that these flights should still earn redeemable miles and elite status credit, since they're treated as paid fares by the airline.

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek in Orlando

At Disney World, you're often forced into a trade-off: save money and sacrifice comfort, or splurge big-time on a deluxe Disney resort.

But there's a third option — staying at one of the nearby, non-Disney properties that still puts you in the "Disney bubble." One of the best that we've booked with Points Boost is the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek.

What makes this one of the best Points Boost values is the combination of a genuinely upscale hotel and Disney-area pricing dynamics. Cash rates are often around $500 per night, which may sound steep until you remember that's fairly standard for this location.

The real value comes from stacking benefits. This property is part of Chase's The Edit collection, so you can apply one of your two annual $250 statement credits on stays of two nights or more. You'll also get daily breakfast for two and a $100 property credit as part of The Edit — perks you won't find at Disney-owned hotels.

Then there's Points Boost. Redemption rates here have been hovering around 1.65 cents per point. On a two-night stay priced around $1,000 total, applying the $250 credit lowers your effective cost and brings the redemption down to roughly 22,800 points per night.

Factor in the included breakfast, $100 property credit and shuttle service to the parks, and this becomes a high-end Disney-area stay at a much more reasonable points cost.

Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel

My husband and I regularly visit Charlotte, North Carolina, to see his family, and one of our favorite places to stay is the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel.

It's very central, right in the heart of Uptown and within easy walking distance of many of our favorite restaurants, cafes and bars. What's more, it's usually a great deal on points. Sometimes I redeem IHG One Rewards points for a stay there, but lately, I've been stacking my Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits to save even more.

Most recently, we stayed at the hotel for three nights just after the winter holidays— a stay that would have cost $689.

However, I was able to stack two of my Chase Sapphire Reserve's benefits to save $500. First, I applied one of my two yearly $250 credits for prepaid stays of two nights or more booked through The Edit via Chase Travel. On top of that, I earned an additional $250 in statement credits on prepaid Chase Travel hotel bookings of two nights or more at IHG Hotels and Resorts, which was a new card benefit for 2026.

To cover the remaining $189, I redeemed just 11,455 Chase Ultimate Rewards points thanks to Points Boost at a rate of 1.65 cents per point.

Then, thanks to my booking via The Edit, my husband and I could enjoy free daily breakfast for two, up to $30 per person, per day — another $180 in value — and a $100 on-property credit to use during our stay, which we put toward various things like valet parking and cocktails at the hotel's restaurant, Angeline. It was another great stay that felt even better thanks to how much we saved.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

The Pulitzer Amsterdam is one of my all-time favorite luxury hotels. It comprises 25 17th- and 18th-century canal houses along the Prinsengracht in the vibrant 9 Streets historic district.

Each has been meticulously restored and furnished with quirky, colorful decor, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This boutique hotel is not part of a major hotel loyalty program, so I love being able to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for stays here.

Thanks to Points Boost, I can regularly count on getting 1.65 cents per point in value by doing so, meaning a $1,000-per-night stay requires just 60,600 points.

And because the Pulitzer is part of The Edit, I also get extra benefits like daily breakfast for two and a $100 statement credit to put toward on-property charges (which I unfailingly spend on the fancy cocktails at its clubby Pulitzer's Bar).

InterContinental Sydney

My husband and I are headed to Australia for our honeymoon in August and we're spending three weeks Down Under, so you can bet that I'm looking for ways that points can help us stretch our budget. We plan to spend a couple of nights in Sydney, and my Chase Sapphire Reserve's benefits are going to come in extra handy there.

I plan to book two nights at the InterContinental Sydney, which has some of the best views of the city and the harbor, especially from its top-floor club lounge.

Instead of paying $952 for a two-night stay, we're going to use my husband's Chase Sapphire Reserve to stack one of the card's twice-yearly $250 credits toward prepaid bookings of two nights or more at The Edit hotels (which the InterContinental is) plus the 2026 cardholder benefit of $250 in credits on prepaid Chase Travel hotel bookings of two nights or more at IHG Hotels and Resorts.

That shaves off $500 total, and for the remaining $452, we'll redeem 22,600 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, assuming it holds at the 2 cents per point rate with Points Boost. The savings free up budget for experiences like climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or catching a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Bottom line

Even if none of these hotels or flights are your next trip, the patterns behind these high-value Points Boost redemptions will likely hold true for you, too.

The best Points Boost redemptions tend to check one or more of the following boxes:

• Redemption rates of 1.65 cents per point or higher
• Opportunities to stack credits available on the Sapphire Reserve, such as The Edit or IHG credits (or both)
• Reasonable cash prices, which help keep the points cost low
• Properties outside major loyalty programs, where transfer partners aren't an option
• Hotels in The Edit collection, which add value through perks like breakfast for two and a property credit

The more of these factors that apply, the better the odds you've found one of the strongest Points Boost bookings out there.

Limited time, highest-ever offer: Chase Sapphire Reserve — Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.