Airport lounge access used to feel reserved for business-class travelers and elite status members. Today, some of the best travel credit cards unlock access to airport lounges around the world — including Priority Pass lounges, issuer-branded spaces and airline-specific clubs — without needing to purchase a premium cabin ticket.

During long travel days, lounge access can make airports far more comfortable, with quieter seating, complimentary food and drinks, charging stations and cleaner restrooms.

Still, not all lounge access credit cards are created equal. To help narrow down the options, we've compared some of the best credit cards for airport lounge access based on lounge networks, guest privileges, annual fees and overall value.

Here are four top options to consider.

Quick picks

• Best overall lounge access: American Express Platinum Card®
• Best for families and guest access: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Best for American Airlines loyalists: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Best value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Comparing the best lounge access credit cards

Here is how the lounge access compares across these four cards:

How to choose a lounge access credit card

Before applying for a lounge access credit card, consider how often and where you travel. The best option for a frequent international flyer may differ from the best option for someone who only takes a few domestic trips each year.

Here are a few factors to consider:

• Your home airport: Some cards are significantly more valuable if your home airport has issuer-specific lounges nearby.
• Domestic vs. international travel: Travelers who frequently fly abroad may benefit from broader lounge networks and international partners.
• Guest policies: If you regularly travel with a partner, children or friends, complimentary guest access can become one of the most important factors.
• Lounge quality versus quantity: Some cards offer access to hundreds of lounges, while others focus on a smaller network of higher-end spaces.
• How often you travel: If you only fly a few times per year, occasional lounge passes may provide enough value without paying for a premium card.
• Annual fee: Lounge access cards can carry hefty annual fees, so it's important to make sure the benefits align with your travel habits.

Amex Platinum

Standout benefit: The Amex Platinum offers access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. (These same lounge benefits are also available with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express).

When it comes to premium lounge access, few cards can compete with the breadth of American Express' network. Cardmembers receive access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Escape Lounges and several additional lounge partners worldwide.

Centurion Lounges remain one of the biggest draws thanks to elevated dining, premium cocktails and amenities that can include family rooms, showers and wellness spaces.

Notable locations include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Additional lounges are set to open at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

The card also includes up to 10 annual Delta Sky Club visits when flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. (Cardholders who spend at least $75,000 annually unlock unlimited visits.)

However, guest access is more restrictive than with some competing premium cards. Complimentary guest access to Centurion Lounges is available only to cardholders who spend at least $75,000 in a calendar year; otherwise, guests cost $50 per adult (or $30 per child ages 2 through 17).

Still, for travelers who prioritize lounge variety, premium amenities and international coverage, the Amex Platinum remains one of the strongest options on the market.

For more information, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.

Apply here: Amex Platinum

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Standout benefit: The Chase Sapphire Reserve combines access to Chase's growing network of Sapphire Lounges with one of the more generous guest policies among premium travel cards. (Similar lounge access benefits are also available to primary cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees).

Although Chase's lounge network is smaller than American Express', Sapphire Lounges have earned a reputation for high-quality food and premium amenities. There are currently eight locations, including BOS, JFK and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Lounges are also in the works at DFW and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The Sapphire Reserve stands out particularly for travelers flying with companions. Cardholders can bring up to two guests into Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges at no additional charge (while additional guests cost $27 each).

Authorized users can be added for $195 annually and receive their own lounge access and guest privileges, which can still provide strong value for frequent travelers.

Beyond Sapphire Lounges, the card includes a Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to lounges worldwide and select non-lounge experiences. Depending on the airport, this can include Minute Suites, spa treatments and relaxation spaces.

The card also includes access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges when flying Air Canada or another Star Alliance airline. This can be particularly useful for travelers flying carriers like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Citi / AA Executive

Standout benefit: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard includes complimentary Admirals Club membership for the primary cardholder and lounge access privileges for authorized users.

For travelers loyal to American Airlines, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can easily justify its $595 annual fee.

Since American Airlines elite status alone does not provide Admirals Club access on domestic itineraries, this card can be one of the most practical ways for frequent American flyers to secure lounge access.

Cardholders receive access to nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges and more than 60 partner lounges worldwide when flying American Airlines or an eligible Oneworld partner airline. This includes select Alaska Airlines lounges and international partner lounges, such as Qantas Club locations.

Notable Admirals Club locations include Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The guest policy is another major strength. Cardholders can bring immediate family members (including a spouse or domestic partner and children under 18) or up to two guests into Admirals Clubs with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight.

Authorized users also receive Admirals Club access when flying eligible itineraries, which can provide strong value for families and travelers near major American hubs. The card charges $175 annually for up to three authorized users (then $175 for each additional authorized user thereafter).

The biggest tradeoff is flexibility. Unlike broader premium travel cards, this card is most valuable for travelers who consistently fly American Airlines.

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

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Capital One Venture X

Standout benefit: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers one of the strongest lounge access value propositions among premium travel cards. (The same lounge benefits are also available to Capital One Venture X Business cardholders.)

While Capital One's lounge network is still relatively small compared to competitors, the issuer has focused heavily on quality over quantity. The card includes access to Capital One Lounges, Capital One Landings and Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required).

Currently, Capital One Lounges are concentrated in a handful of major airports, including Denver International Airport (DEN), JFK and Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), with more locations planned.

For travelers who frequently pass through those airports, the Venture X can offer outsize value relative to its $395 annual fee.

The Venture X stands out for pairing premium perks with a lower annual fee than several competing cards. Capital One Lounges are known for grab-and-go dining, premium food and wellness-focused spaces.

One downside of the Venture X is its limited guest access. Cardholders and authorized users generally have to pay for guests: $45 per adult (and $25 per child aged 2 to 17) at Capital One Lounges and Landings, or $35 per guest at Priority Pass lounges.

There are some exceptions. Cardholders who spend at least $75,000 in a calendar year can bring up to two complimentary guests into Capital One Lounges and one guest into Capital One Landings. Venture X Business cardholders can also bring up to two complimentary guests into Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required).

Still, for travelers looking for a premium-feeling airport experience without paying one of the highest annual fees in the market, the Venture X remains a strong option for unlocking airport lounge access.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Cards that offer lounge access without high annual fees

Not every traveler needs unlimited lounge access or a premium travel card. Some lower-fee cards still offer occasional lounge visits that can make travel days more comfortable.

The United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) is one example. For a reasonable annual fee ($0 for the first year, then $150), cardholders receive two one-time United Club passes each year after account opening and on each account anniversary. For travelers who only take a few trips annually, that may provide enough lounge access without committing to a significantly higher annual fee.

Another option is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees), which has a $350 annual fee and includes four Admirals Club lounge passes each year. One pass is required per adult, and up to three children under 18 can accompany an adult on the same pass. Passes can also be used at multiple Admirals Club locations within a 24-hour period when flying American Airlines or a Oneworld partner airline, making them useful for longer travel days or connections.

Lower-fee lounge cards may not include unlimited visits or generous guest privileges, but they can still provide strong value for occasional travelers.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Bottom line

The best lounge access credit card ultimately depends on how you travel.

Frequent international travelers may prioritize a larger lounge network and premium amenities, while families and groups may place more value on generous guest policies. Airline loyalists may benefit most from cobranded airline lounge access cards, while occasional travelers may find limited lounge visits more than sufficient.

Whatever card you choose, airport lounge access can make travel days far more comfortable — whether that means enjoying a meal before a flight, finding a quieter place to work or escaping a crowded gate area.

Apply here: American Express Platinum
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Citi / AA Executive World Elite Mastercard
Learn more: Capital One Venture X

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

World of Hyatt frequently offers bonus points promotions. These bonus points promotions are often linked to specific brands or locations, such as recent offers for stays in Las Vegas and at Under Canvas, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios and Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts.

But over the weekend, Hyatt launched a new round of targeted promotions. Unlike many recent Hyatt offers, some are valid on both paid and award stays across the World of Hyatt portfolio.

I received an email Saturday titled "Surprise Kathryn! You're Eligible to Earn Up to 30,000 Bonus Points." I can also see my offer by logging into my account, clicking "My Offers" in the left-hand menu and selecting "Available" at the top of the page. Click "See details" for more information on your offer.

My targeted offer provides 10,000 bonus points for every 10 qualifying nights, up to 30 nights total, for a maximum of 30,000 bonus points. I'll have 90 days to complete eligible stays once I register, and I must register by August 19.

Based on the terms and conditions, eligible paid rates and free night awards count, and Hyatt defines free night awards as those for which you redeem a free night certificate or Hyatt points.

Since the 90-day earning window begins once you register, it may make sense to wait if you have more Hyatt stays planned later this summer. For example, I'm waiting until mid-July to register, as the 90-day period starting then is when I'll have the most eligible Hyatt nights.

These new offers appear to be highly targeted. Several other TPG staffers checked their accounts and didn't see similar offers. If you received one, please share the details in the comments so we can get a better sense of how broadly Hyatt is targeting members.

Related reading:

• Hyatt's new award charts have arrived — here are our first impressions
• These are the points hotels TPG staff is booking in 2026
• 22 best Hyatt hotels in the world to book with points
• Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel
• Best travel credit cards of 2026

One of my favorite perks of my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the free night certificate it offers every year. It's probably the main reason I keep the card year after year despite its high annual fee.

You see, free night certificates are good at nearly any Hilton hotel or resort in the world, which means you can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a night, depending on where you redeem them. Personally, I try to save mine for use at high-priced Waldorf Astorias or Conrad hotels around the world.

That said, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind.

First, you need to find standard award availability, meaning that a room in each individual hotel's "standard" category is available. Second, each certificate is only valid for 12 months from the date of issue, so use it or lose it.

Third, you either have to call Hilton in order to book a room with your certificate or through the app's online chat feature – you cannot just book it via Hilton's website like a normal paid or award night.

But it's easy to track these certificates in your Hilton Honors™ account, either online or in the app, and they're super flexible since they are good for any night of the week.

Use this booking trick to find more award availability

When I tried to use my Hilton Aspire's annual free night certificate last year for a one-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, I ran into an issue I hadn't encountered before.

During my initial search online, I did not see any standard rooms available at the hotel for the night I needed.

I decided to check back a few days later on the Hilton app on my phone, and lo and behold, there was a night available! I couldn't just book it directly using my certificate, I had to call Hilton to do so.

But when I called them, the agent told me she did not see any award nights available. I told her exactly what I was looking at in the app: A Queen Deluxe room available for 150,000 points (yes, that's actually the standard rate!).

She said all she could see was a King Deluxe Room for … wait for it … 486,000 points, even though the nightly rate for that room was just around $20 more.

Sitting at the singles table

Puzzled, I looked at the app again, and that's when the lightbulb went off. She had run a default search for a double-occupancy room, whereas my default setting was for single occupancy.

I told her I'd be traveling solo and asked if she could please search again for a room for just one person. And that did it: She saw the same Queen Deluxe room that I wanted to book for the correct points rate and was able to apply my free night certificate.

Hidden in plain sight

I had almost lost out on a very valuable hotel benefit because of a simple quirk in hotel booking engines and how hotels categorize rooms.

This is a particular issue at smaller hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, which has just 93 accommodations across over a dozen room and suite categories, but only a handful are categorized as "standard."

So if I hadn't had my solo travel default setting, I would never have found the award night I needed, and I would have missed out on nearly $2,000 in value.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The room I originally reserved would have cost about $1,415 for the night. But thanks to the Hilton Honors Diamond elite status I also hold, thanks to my Hilton Aspire, I actually received an upgrade of several categories to a King Grand Premier with Canal View room, which would have cost $2,440 – over $1,000 more!

Not only that, but thanks to my elite status, I also enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast the following morning at the hotel's restaurant, Goldfinch Brasserie, which included pastries, fruit, charcuterie and a variety of a la carte hot dishes, which would have cost me $65 extra.

Cautions and caveats

Let me stress that one of the reasons this worked was because I was, in fact, traveling solo, so I could book that room for a single traveler, and I just happened to get upgraded.

If I'd had my husband with me, it wouldn't have been an issue, since I ended up with a room certified for double occupancy. But it would have been a gamble, especially if I had been in the city at a busy time of year (my stay was on a mid-October Sunday evening).

That said, the chance of an upgrade on a single-night stay is better than that of a longer duration, and he'd get free breakfast as well, thanks to my Diamond status, so i'd be willing to take the risk.

After all that confusion, my stay at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam was a dream and it remains one of my favorite hotels in the city. I had a lavish room overlooking the picturesque Herengracht canal, the staff was genuinely cordial and welcoming (including a delicious plate of macarons and Dutch clog-shaped chocolates I received as a welcome amenity), and I loved having another chance to explore the historic houses that comprise the hotel.

Now that I know the trick to finding standard room award availability there, I'm already thinking about how to use next year's free night certificate for another stay.

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

Apply now: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Coastal Alaska is an ideal summer destination — and not just because, with highs hovering in the 60s, it's ideal for a coolcation. Travelers of all stripes can find something to do here, from hiking and wildlife spotting to cultural sites and museums. And you can enjoy them all with nearly 20 hours of daylight each day.

Even better, you can fly nonstop to Anchorage this summer for as few as 12,500 points one-way. Here's how.

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

TPG's deal of the day basics

• Airline: Alaska Airlines
• Routes: From Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• Best way to book: Through the Alaska Airlines website
• Price: 12,500 Atmos Rewards points plus $6 in taxes and fees, one-way in economy
• Cash price: From $201
• Travel dates: Various dates in July and August 2026

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.

Atmos Rewards has plentiful availability throughout July and August for flights from various U.S. hubs to Anchorage for just 12,500 points plus $5.60.

That's a great deal for this flight from Chicago to Anchorage, which is almost seven hours long — roughly the same length as a transatlantic flight from the East Coast to Europe.

Most of these deals are nonstop, but if you fly from Dallas, you'll have one layover. (Or, you can pay an extra 5,000 points and $13 for the nonstop option on American Airlines — still not bad.)

Not enough Atmos Rewards points in your account for this redemption? You can transfer Bilt Points to Atmos at a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that transfers are irreversible, so always confirm award availability with the airline before transferring your rewards.

Related: How to earn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points

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

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

• Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card: Earn 50,000 bonus points and a $0 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
• 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.
• Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees): Earn 50,000 Bilt points plus Gold elite status after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening; plus, receive $300 in Bilt Cash after application approval. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.

With offers starting at 50,000 points, you could earn enough for round-trip flights for two with a single welcome bonus.

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

Bottom line

With a flight deal this good, you'll have plenty of cash left over to explore Anchorage and the rest of Alaska — whether that means a cruisetour or an epic road trip. But these award seats won't last forever, so start planning your summer trip to Alaska now.

Continue planning your Alaska vacation:

• The 10 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler
• Experience Alaska's wonders in a single trip to Anchorage
• Snowy peaks and hot springs: A Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage road trip
• A cruisetour vs. a cruise-only sailing in Alaska — which is best for you?
• Alaska's Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge: The must-stay option on an Alaska cruisetour

For rates and fees of the Bilt Palladium, click (see here). For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Palladium, click here.

TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) is one of our top picks in the premium travel rewards card market.

The card carries a $795 annual fee and a robust set of statement credits that can provide more than $2,000 in annual value when fully utilized.

Many of these credits are easier to use than you might realize. And even if you can't use all of them, the Sapphire Reserve's non-quantifiable benefits, like lounge access and travel protections, make it worth keeping in a frequent traveler's wallet.

Let's dive into the credits the Sapphire Reserve offers.

Overview of Sapphire Reserve credits

Here are the credits the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers:

The Edit

The Edit by Chase Travel is Chase's luxury hotel booking platform. Simply book a prepaid stay of at least two nights through The Edit, and your account will be credited up to $250.

You'll receive two $250 credits, which can be used anytime during the year, but cannot be combined. A two-night minimum stay is always required.

With The Edit properties, you'll be able to earn hotel rewards and receive elite benefits that you normally don't see when booking through an online travel agency.*

For example, if you book a hotel through The Edit that is a World of Hyatt property, you'll earn Hyatt points and receive any elite status benefits as long as you put your Hyatt membership number on the booking.

*Exception: Small Luxury Hotels properties booked through The Edit do not earn Hilton Honors points nor receive elite status benefits.

However, we must note you will not earn any Chase points on the portion of your The Edit stay covered by the credit.

Additionally, when staying at a property booked through The Edit, you'll receive several perks, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades (if available) and a $100 property credit.

If you stay in a high-end hotel at least once or twice per year, you should have no problem using this credit. Just remember that it must be triggered by booking through The Edit by Chase Travel.

Additionally, in 2026, cardholders receive a separate, one-time $250 credit to use at select Chase Travel hotels, such as IHG, Omni and Virgin Hotels (a two-night minimum is required). This credit must be used by Dec. 31.

Pro tip: If you have free night certificates from hotel loyalty programs, try to stack them on top of any nights booked with The Edit credit. For example, you could use The Edit credit for two nights and use a free night certificate on the third night, and you've got yourself a long-weekend getaway.

Related: Booking through The Edit by Chase Travel lets you earn hotel points and elite benefits

General travel

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $300 annual travel credit. The credit is extremely flexible, covering any travel purchase (unlike the travel credit on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which must be redeemed through the Capital One Travel portal).

Chase broadly defines travel and includes many everyday expenses, such as buses, parking and tolls.

This credit is automatically applied and should be easy for most cardholders to maximize — just remember that, since it's automatic, you'll have to be strategic about which purchases you make with your card if you're trying to save the full amount for a specific travel-related purchase.

It's important to note you won't earn any bonus points on purchases covered by this credit.

Related: Chase Points Boost: A valuable redemption option or a disappointing devaluation?

Dining

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll receive an up to $300 dining credit (up to $150 biannually) at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.

Top restaurants in major U.S. cities, like Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City, participate in the program, and the list of restaurants is expanding. This credit functions similarly to the Resy credit with American Express.

For the credit to be triggered, you simply need to pay with your Sapphire Reserve at an eligible restaurant participating in Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables. No reservation or activation is required.

This credit might be more challenging to use, as it is not available in every city, and the number of restaurants is limited. However, if you are in a city with participating restaurants, this could be your chance to try something new or use it for a special occasion.

Pro tip: Add your Sapphire Reserve card to Rakuten to earn cash back when dining at certain restaurants. Some Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants may be on Rakuten, allowing you to double-dip on earnings. Additionally, you can also try inKind, which offers cash back when you dine at select restaurants.

Related: Chase launches Sapphire dining program to elevate your dining game

StubHub and Viagogo

If you are a fan of live entertainment or sports, this credit should be easy to use. The next time an artist's popular tour or your favorite sports team rolls through your city, you can effectively receive up to $300 off the cost of tickets. Even if you only go to a live event once a year, you should be able to extract some value.

StubHub and Viagogo are two of the biggest ticket marketplaces in the world. You will receive up to $150 biannually when making ticket purchases through Dec. 31, 2027, with StubHub or Viagogo (activation required).

Simply use your Sapphire Reserve to purchase tickets with StubHub or Viagogo, and this credit will be automatically applied. However, note that StubHub and Viagogo are ticket resale platforms, so prices may be higher than face value.

Pro tip: Click through Rakuten before going to StubHub or Viagogo, as you may be able to earn additional cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points. Additionally, check StubHub and Viagogo on the day of the event you want to attend — often, ticket prices drop significantly on that day. And toggle on "Include estimated fees" under "Price Display Options" in the search filters to see the total cost of your tickets, including fees.

Related: How to make the most of Chase Sapphire Reserve's 5 lifestyle credits

DoorDash

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers three monthly DoorDash promos. You'll receive two $10 non-restaurant promos and one $5 restaurant promo each month.

The non-restaurant promos can be used to grab a sweet treat or a late-night snack from your favorite convenience or grocery store. Anybody who orders delivery should be able to use this credit. Additionally, you'll receive a complimentary DashPass membership, giving you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.

It's important to note that you must use your Sapphire Reserve as your payment method to receive these benefits. If you don't use the full credit on a single order, the remaining value is forfeited. (You must activate by Dec. 31, 2027, to receive both benefits.)

I usually save at least $15 on delivery costs each month. For anyone who orders food delivery, this credit shouldn't be hard to use.

Pro tip: If possible, order pickup to save on service fees.

Apple

The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides you with complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions, valued at $288 per year.

With Apple TV+, you can watch popular movies and hit shows like "Ted Lasso" and "Silo," and with Apple Music, you can stream over 100 million songs.

If you already subscribe to these services, you can cancel your current subscriptions and activate complimentary ones to save a few bucks every month.

If you're not a current subscriber, you may just find your next binge-watch with Apple TV+, and hey, Spotify users, you can give Apple Music a try and help settle the never-ending debate on which streaming service is better.

(A one-time activation is required per service, and you need to activate Apple TV+ and Apple Music separately through Chase's website or the Chase app. These subscriptions run through June 22, 2027.)

Related: Get Apple TV+ and Apple Music with your Chase Sapphire Reserve

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus

You'll receive up to $120 in application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus. These programs offer expedited entry into the U.S. and Canada and expedited airport security screening across the country.

Pro tip: To extract maximum value, I'd recommend Global Entry, as it includes TSA PreCheck. Also, if you already have Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, you can use this credit for a friend or family member and pay the application fee with your card.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Peloton

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll receive up to $120 annually (up to $10 per month) on Peloton membership purchases (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required; pay with your Sapphire Reserve in your Peloton account or app to receive your credit). While you may think you need a Peloton machine to use this credit, you don't.

If you're a Peloton equipment owner, this is a useful credit as it effectively saves you $10 per month on any membership, and you need a membership to access the majority of the content. Memberships run from $9.99 to $124.99 per month (plus tax).

Additionally, if you don't have Peloton equipment currently and have been eyeing a bike or treadmill, you can earn 10 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027; maximum of 50,000 points).

Pro tip: Even if you don't own Peloton equipment, you can still use the credit for a Peloton App One membership, which gives you exercises to do at home or on the road.

Related: World of Hyatt members can earn points using Peloton at hotels around the world

Lyft

You'll receive up to $10 in monthly Lyft in-app credits ($120 annually; through Sept. 30, 2027; does not apply to Wait & Save, bike or scooter rides).

This credit is fairly straightforward to use: Simply book a ride on the Lyft app. The credit is added to your Lyft account on the first of each month, and if you don't use it all, it will be forfeited.

If you take at least one ride a month, you should have no issues using this credit.

Additionally, you'll earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027).

Pro tip: Pair your Lyft account with one of its loyalty rewards partners — like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Bilt Rewards or Hilton Honors — to double dip and earn Ultimate Rewards points and another loyalty program's rewards when using Lyft.

Related: Chase extends Lyft partnership, with decreased earning rates for some cards

Earned credits

While not all Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders may be able to spend at least $75,000 on their card each calendar year, if they do, they'll unlock a $250 Shops at Chase credit and a $500 Southwest Airlines credit.

The Shops at Chase is an online shopping portal where you can purchase products from popular brands like Apple and Sony using points or your own funds.

In addition to these credits, after spending $75,000 in a calendar year, you'll also earn IHG One Rewards Diamond, Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List and World of Hyatt Explorist status until the end of the following program year.

These credits and perks are not significant enough for most cardholders to justify targeting the $75,000 spending threshold, but they can offer extra value if you reach it organically.

Related: Sapphire Reserve cardholders to soon unlock Hyatt Explorist status, new Hyatt cards to launch

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers statement credits worth over $2,000 annually.

Even if you only take advantage of a portion of these credits, you could still come out ahead — and that's before factoring in premium perks like lounge access and travel protections. With practical, diverse and easy-to-use benefits, the Sapphire Reserve remains a compelling card to keep in your wallet.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Delta Air Lines is adding a new route that pairs well with a side of cheese.

The Atlanta-based carrier just joined the wave of airlines adding service to California's wine country via Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa.

Delta over the weekend filed plans to launch nonstop service to STS from its hub at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

The new flights, first spotted in Cirium and confirmed by an airline spokesperson, will launch Oct. 6.

It'll be an all-new airport for the carrier, giving SkyMiles loyalists a new and convenient link to the wineries of Sonoma and Napa — not to mention an additional airport in California's Bay Area.

Air service growth continues in Santa Rosa

This is the latest in a wave of new flights to the small Sonoma County Airport.

Just in the last few months, Southwest Airlines has launched service from STS, and Alaska Airlines has bolstered its flight offerings there.

Now, Delta is flying into town.

All told, the airport's total departures this year are set to increase nearly 40% from last year, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. And that's despite budget carrier Avelo Airlines pulling out of Sonoma last summer.

STS is in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, and it's situated about an hour's drive from downtown Napa (though many of the most popular Napa vineyards in the northern valley are far closer).

And compared with the Bay Area's larger hubs like San Francisco International Airport (SFO), travelers can enjoy a much smaller, quieter airport experience in STS. Plus, they'll have a much lower chance of encountering traffic once they leave the terminal.

Flight details

Delta will operate its Salt Lake City-to-Santa Rosa route with a Delta Connection Embraer 175 regional jet, which sports 12 first-class recliners and 20 extra-legroom Comfort seats in front of the main cabin.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program
• How to redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value
• Best Delta credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status in 2026
• Delta leaves Medallion status requirements unchanged in 2026
• Delta signals 'basic' business, first-class could be coming soon

American Airlines is upping its inflight Wi-Fi game in a big way.

Just months after making its on-board internet free for most passengers, the Fort Worth-based airline on Tuesday announced plans to upgrade its connectivity with satellite service from Starlink.

Installations will begin early next year.

Around 500 of the airline's single-aisle planes will get the ultra-fast service. That's far from American's entire fleet, but it will certainly allow the airline to offer an improved browsing experience for passengers on a sizable portion of its jets.

"The addition of Starlink solidifies American as a leading airline in keeping passengers connected in flight," American's chief customer officer Heather Garboden said in a statement announcing the news.

From free Wi-Fi to upgraded tech

American is far from alone in making this pivot.

So far in 2026, we've seen airlines across the U.S. race to upgrade their Wi-Fi tech after most made the service free to customers.

Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines said it would soon offer Starlink on hundreds of its aircraft after making its inflight internet free to loyalty members last fall.

More recently, Delta Air Lines signed on to Amazon's satellite service to upgrade the Wi-Fi tech on many of its planes.

Now, American is getting set to upgrade its Wi-Fi. The move comes just months after the airlinen ditched its internet fees on most jets and started offering complimentary browsing to all AAdvantage loyalty members.

American's Starlink plans

American said it plans to outfit its Airbus planes with the Starlink satellites, including all of its new Airbus A321XLR and A321neo deliveries.

It wasn't immediately clear how long the rollout would take.

Based on that announcement, it appears the airline's existing Boeing 737 (and 737 MAX) fleet would continue using the carrier's existing service from California-based provider Viasat.

Starlink, part of SpaceX, is easily the fastest on-board Wi-Fi offered by any U.S. carrier today. It relies on constellations of satellites orbiting Earth at lower altitudes to deliver an on-board browsing experience that feels a lot like surfing the internet on the ground.

United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are currently rolling the technology out across their respective fleets. Hawaiian Airlines already offers Starlink on its Airbus jets.

Bottom line

American did not detail any plans on Tuesday to close the biggest remaining gap in its Wi-Fi offerings: its large twin-aisle jets.

Many of those planes, including American's Boeing 777s and older 787 Dreamliners, still offer legacy Panasonic service that's expensive; I've regularly paid $35 for a transatlantic flight. I've also found the service to be far from reliable on a handful of recent flights.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• American's AAdvantage program changes for 2026
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• American raises bag fees, tightens basic economy rules
• The best credit card for American Airlines lounge access

The AAdvantage program is revered among points and miles enthusiasts for its cheap award tickets, generous partner availability and extensive domestic route map.

Whether you're an American Airlines enthusiast or a traveler who flies often with its partners, it may be worth considering Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees).

Citi offers the $350-per-year card as an alternative for those who want more perks than the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® provides for a fairly reasonable annual fee.

Let's dive into the six reasons why you might want to add it to your wallet.

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

Receive a valuable welcome bonus

For a limited time, new AAdvantage Globe cardholders can earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $1,440. You can likely get even more value from it by redeeming your miles for lie-flat business-class seats on American's partners, such as Alaska Airlines or Finnair.

For example, it's possible to book a lie-flat seat in Finnair business class to Helsinki for 57,500 miles (plus taxes and fees).

Earn valuable AAdvantage miles

Welcome bonuses are, of course, the best way to earn a large number of rewards at once. After you've earned the AAdvantage Globe's welcome bonus, you can still earn additional AAdvantage miles at the following rates:

• 6 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings
• 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and on eligible "Rides and Rails" purchases (including ride-hailing)
• 1 mile per dollar spent on everything else

Unless you have a card that earns more rewards per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline, such as the American Express Platinum Card®, the AAdvantage Globe is a great bet for your American Airlines purchases.

This is also a solid pick for your wallet if you want to rack up AAdvantage miles specifically, since its earning rates are reasonable across American Airlines purchases, dining and transit.

AAdvantage miles can go a long way with the right redemptions. For example, I recently redeemed 7,500 AAdvantage miles plus $11 in taxes and fees for a one-way flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Portland International Airport (PDX).

This ticket would've cost $364 had I paid in cash, meaning I received 4.7 cents per mile in value after accounting for the award ticket's taxes and fees. That's almost triple our valuation of AA miles.

Access Admirals Clubs

You'll receive four Admirals Club passes annually with the AAdvantage Globe.

If you don't fly exclusively with American Airlines (or Alaska Airlines), but do so often enough for lounge access to be a bonus, that makes the Globe a great fit for you.

However, if you're looking for a full Admirals Club membership, check out the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) instead.

A day pass for an Admirals Club is $79, so you can almost cover the cost of this card's annual fee by using all four.

And there are additional ways to get outsize value out of the Globe's $350 annual fee, like day-of-travel benefits and statement credits.

Enjoy day-of-travel benefits

With the AAdvantage Globe, you'll receive perks to make your experience flying American smoother. These benefits include receiving your first checked bag free and Group 5 priority boarding (out of nine total boarding groups).

When flying domestically, you and up to eight companions on the same itinerary can receive your first checked bag free, meaning you could net back the entire value of this card's annual fee with just one trip. Checked bags start at $45, meaning you could recoup this card's annual fee if you and three family members (on the same itinerary) all check bags on a domestic round-trip flight.

I receive priority boarding from my AAdvantage Platinum Select; I enjoy being able to board early enough to significantly lower the odds of needing to gate-check my carry-on.

Unlock statement credits

Beyond Admirals Club access and day-of-travel benefits, the AAdvantage Globe offers a few statement credits to help elevate the value you get out of your card.

For starters, you can receive an up to $100 Splurge credit every year for purchases at up to two eligible brands of your choice (1stDibs, eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings, Future Personal Training and Live Nation; exclusions apply).

You can also earn up to $30 back in statement credits for every eligible Turo ride you complete (up to $240 each year). Finally, cardholders are eligible for up to $100 back each year in statement credits for inflight purchases on American Airlines flights.

Of course, these statement credits are only valuable if you already use these merchants. If you'd need to go out of your way to use these credits and rarely make inflight purchases, you'll want to make sure you can get enough out of this card's other perks to justify its annual fee.

Get an elite status boost

With the AAdvantage Globe, you'll receive 1 Loyalty Point for every eligible AAdvantage mile earned. That can go a long way toward boosting your progress toward AAdvantage elite status, especially if you plan on putting a lot of spending on your card.

Plus, you'll receive a 5,000 Loyalty Point bonus after every four qualifying American Airlines flights (up to 15,000 Loyalty Points each status qualification year). AAdvantage Gold requires 40,000 Loyalty Points in a qualification year, so if you maximize this perk, you'll be almost halfway there.

Bottom line

The AAdvantage Globe is a solid airline card for anyone who flies American Airlines at least a few times each year. As long as you typically check bags with American, can use at least some of the Admirals Club passes and see value in the Globe's statement credits, I view this card as pretty much a guaranteed boost to your wallet.

Now is a great time to apply, since the AAdvantage Globe has a limited-time welcome offer running. With the AAdvantage miles you earn from that bonus, you could easily take multiple domestic round-trips or book that business-class flight you've been dreaming of, like a seat on Alaska Airlines' new long-haul business class.

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

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to take over calendars, travel plans and living rooms alike. With 48 nations competing across 16 host cities from June through mid-July, this is one of the biggest sporting events to come to the United States in decades.

Whether you're flying to a host city, locking in match tickets or simply watching at home, every soccer fandom moment is an opportunity to earn more with Bank of America's new BofA Rewards™ program.

With no minimum balance required to join, the program is designed to reward everyday banking and spending, from booking a last-minute flight to purchasing your favorite fan gear.

Here's how to build a simple game plan to maximize your financial rewards during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The ultimate game plan: 3 ways to score more with BofA Rewards

Maximizing BofA Rewards doesn't have to be complicated. If there's one strategy to follow for taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime global event like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, it's this: Don't settle for earning rewards just once.

It comes down to three things: stacking loyalty programs where you can, using a card that aligns with your spending and taking advantage of BofA Rewards' array of meaningful benefits.

Step 1: Stack your savings with loyalty programs

The first step is the simplest — and the one most people overlook. Whether you're traveling to a host city or staying local, look for opportunities to double-dip (or even triple-dip) on rewards.

Before you make any FIFA World Cup 2026™ purchases, take a few minutes to enroll in loyalty and reward programs at the retailers and brands you're already planning to use.

• Traveling to a host city? Sign up for your airline's frequent flyer program and a hotel loyalty program before you book — you'll earn points or miles on the same purchases you were going to make anyway.
• Shopping for fan gear? Join retailer programs when buying team gear to get discounts or exclusive deals.
• Stocking up for the big game at home? Hosting at home might feel low-key, but game day hosting is a hidden rewards opportunity. Use grocery and food delivery apps with built-in rewards.
• Headed to the bar? Before choosing a spot, check to see if it has a loyalty program for regulars and keep an eye out for event-themed food and drink deals.

These programs can earn you points, miles or discounts directly with each brand — forming the foundation for a game-winning spending strategy.

Related: How to earn more points and maximize elite status benefits by double-dipping

Step 2: Match your spending to the right card

The second step is finding a credit card that fits your habits. Today, many cards let you align rewards with how you spend by choosing categories based on where you shop most.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ spending tends to fall into a few key areas: travel, dining and online shopping.

That's where choosing a card — and using it for game day-related purchases — can really matter.

Select eligible Bank of America credit cards offer flexible ways to earn more in the categories that matter most to you, with opportunities for even greater rewards for new cardholders during their first year. The key is simple: Paying attention to where you shop can help you get more from everyday spending.

Related: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review: Customize your rewards structure

Step 3: Let BofA Rewards do the rest

Here's where the BofA Rewards program earns its place at the center of your FIFA World Cup 2026™ strategy.

BofA Rewards can turn each purchase into multiple earning opportunities through its credit card rewards bonus benefit, which layers an additional bonus on top of your eligible Bank of America credit card's existing bonus.

Depending on your tier, you can earn a 10% to 75% credit card rewards bonus with an eligible Bank of America credit card.

• Member (10% bonus)
• Preferred Plus (25% bonus)
• Preferred Honors (50% bonus)
• Premier (75% bonus)

That means a purchase you were already making can become even more valuable without extra effort.

Beyond the credit card bonus, BofA Rewards members can unlock access to exclusive cash-back offers at more than 15,000 popular brands through Bank of America's Deals platform. These deals are offered by a wide range of merchants — from grocery stores and food-delivery platforms to travel brands, fan-gear retailers and even local restaurants. Can't decide where to watch a match? Check Deals for local restaurants where you can earn extra cash back while dining out. A simple night out can rack up more rewards than you might expect.

For members at higher tiers, the program expands even further with benefits like fee-free ATM access and subscription credits for live play-by-play audio coverage with SiriusXM. These members also receive lifestyle benefits across travel, food and wine, arts and entertainment and more — offering a variety of ways to enhance your FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience.

Related: 6 travel tips for attending FIFA World Cup games this summer

Bottom line

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a once-in-a-generation moment.

While big trips are where rewards tend to add up fastest, not every FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience requires a flight or match tickets.

Unlock benefits as a member with no minimum balance, access elevated perks as your tier grows and turn everyday purchases into more meaningful wins.

Whether you're cheering from the stands, streaming from your sofa or watching from your favorite restaurant, a simple, strategic approach ensures the FIFA World Cup 2026™ can pay off for more than just your team.

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.

Credit Card BofA Rewards™ Bonus. Certain credit cards are eligible to receive a BofA Rewards™ bonus. Enrolled BofA Rewards members with eligible Bank of America® credit cards can receive a BofA Rewards bonus of 10% for the Member tier, 25% for the Preferred Plus tier, 50% for the Preferred Honors tier, or 75% for the Premier tier. If your card receives the 10% customer bonus, the BofA Rewards bonus will replace the 10% customer bonus. The BofA Rewards bonus for eligible cash rewards credit cards will be applied after all base and bonus cash rewards have been calculated on a purchase. For example, a $100 purchase that earns 3% ($3.00) will actually earn $3.30, $3.75, $4.50 or $5.25 based on your tier when the purchase posts to your account. For all other eligible card types, a purchase that earns 100 base points will actually earn 110, 125, 150, or 175 points, based on your tier when the purchase posts to your account. The BofA Rewards bonus also does not apply to the bonus earn for certain programs and is not applied to any account opening bonus or non-standard rewards that are part of a special offer, unless we indicate otherwise. This information can be found in the Program Rules associated with those credit cards. Other terms and conditions apply. Please refer to your card's Program Rules for details about how you will receive the BofA Rewards bonus. Program Rules are mailed upon account opening and are accessible through the rewards redemption site via Online Banking or by calling the number on the back of your card. View a complete list of eligible cards.

BofA Rewards™ Subscription Credits. In order to be eligible for the subscription credit benefit, you must: (1) Be enrolled in the BofA Rewards program's Preferred Honors or Premier tiers (2) Agree to the full terms of the Subscription Credit Benefit via the Subscription Credit Benefit page within BofA Rewards and (3) Make payments directly to eligible merchants using your Bank of America debit card linked to a checking account that you designate via the subscription credit benefit page. Customers may receive statement credits up to $8 per month for Preferred Honors members and $15 per month for Premier members. Eligible merchants are subject to change without notice. Currently eligible merchants can be found on the subscription credit benefit page.

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.

The lack of crowds is really quite stunning.

Our guide, Nikolaos, is leading us up the famed Street of the Knights in the Old Town of Rhodes — the notably preserved medieval fortress city on the Greek island of the same name — and it's unusually empty other than our small group of visitors.

It's also about as pleasant as can be, weather-wise. The temperatures are in the high 60s, with a fresh breeze and low humidity. The sun is peeking through scattered clouds.

In short, it's an ideal day to be touring one of the Mediterranean's most iconic places.

It's not by accident that I am experiencing it this way.

I have come to Rhodes in April — far earlier than most visitors to what is generally considered a summer destination — as part of one of Viking's "quiet season" cruises in the Mediterranean.

Taking place during the early spring, late fall and even winter, these trips have become a niche offering for the upscale line, which in recent years has deployed more than half its fleet to the Mediterranean during what traditionally has been considered offseason months. And as I am seeing firsthand, the sailings offer such advantages as reduced crowds and often a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere in ports, more pleasant temperatures and better value.

Or, to put it another way, the period between late fall and early spring may be the off season for travel to Mediterranean destinations such as Rhodes, but that doesn't make it an "off" time to visit.

Indeed, a Viking quiet season cruise may be the best way to see the region.

The allure of fewer crowds

As is typical for cruises in the Mediterranean, Viking's quiet season sailings make it easy for travelers to tour six or more of the region's iconic destinations in a single weeklong trip — something that isn't easy to do when touring by land.

But unlike most Mediterranean voyages, they take place at a time of the year when many of the pain points of travel to the region have faded away.

Perhaps the biggest of these is the crowding that affects the Mediterranean's most famous sites during peak times, from the Piazza San Marco in Venice to the Acropolis in Athens.

As I see on my sailing — a seven-night "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" voyage from Athens to Istanbul — Rhodes is just one of many places in the Mediterranean where the crowds are far thinner than during peak season.

At many of the places that we visit — including the Greek island of Crete and the Turkish towns of Kusadasi and Cannakale — the planeloads of visitors that pack the destinations during the peak summer months of June, July and August have yet to arrive.

In many respects, it makes all the difference in the experience.

In Crete, known for its rugged mountain landscapes, ancient Minoan ruins and some of the best beaches in Europe, for instance, it means the freedom to wander around the main town of Heraklion and the nearby historical site of Knossos without navigating through a sea of selfie sticks.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise

After joining an included-in-the-fare Viking tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and its world-famous Minoan artifacts (where there are almost no other visitors other than those from my ship, the 998-passenger Viking Vesta), I stroll on my own to the town's iconic Lion's Square to find it far less busy than I remember from past visits during peak summer months.

Notably, the normally bustling cafes of Lion's Square still have plenty of open seating, and I can snap shots of its 400-year-old Morosini Fountain without being jostled by fellow tourists.

Not that I should be surprised. In a typical year, Crete draws just 300,000 visitors in April — a small fraction of the roughly 1.1 million visitors per month it gets during the peak months of July and August.

In March, when Viking also offers early-season sailings to Crete, the differential in the numbers is even more striking. Crete draws fewer than 20,000 visitors in March — meaning Viking passengers have the destination pretty much to themselves.

The only ship in town

Even when Mediterranean destinations such as the islands of Greece or the coastline of Turkey are relatively empty of fly-in visitors, their main port towns can get crowded if too many cruise ships arrive at once.

But as I experienced on my voyage out of Athens, this is rarely the case during the off-season period from late fall to early spring, as it's a time when most cruise lines have shifted their fleets to the warmer waters of the Caribbean or Asia.

In many of the places we visit, we are the only ship in town — something that changes everything as we head ashore.

In Rhodes in particular, it is a major game-changer.

As many as five cruise ships a day can dock just outside the Old Town of Rhodes' medieval walls at the height of summer, unloading up to 10,000 visitors at once. And few of these visitors head anywhere but straight into its historical center, resulting in an almost impenetrable sea of people.

Such is the allure of what is often called one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

But on the day we dock, there are no other vessels in port, which means that I and roughly 900 fellow Viking Vesta passengers have an unusual amount of breathing room as we wander.

Meeting us at the dock for a walking tour, Nikolaos, our Viking-organized guide — tours in every port are included in the fare on Viking sailings — leads us through one of the medieval main gates along the walls to the blissfully uncrowded 14th-century Street of the Knights.

Stopping often in the middle of the cobblestone-lined roadway, which is empty enough that he can pause for long periods to talk, Nikolaos regales us with stories of the knights who ruled and defended the town during the medieval period.

As Nikolaos points out, the Street of the Knights is lined with Gothic "inns" that housed knights based on the regions from which they came — one for the knights of France, for instance; another for the knights of Italy. It's a sight to behold.

From there, we make our way to the Palace of the Grand Master, once the home of the leader of the knights, who were collectively known as the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem — more commonly called the Knights Hospitaller.

The palace is slightly more full of visitors, only because several groups of Viking passengers on walking tours all arrive at the same time. But only slightly.

The interior of the structure, which was rebuilt in the 1930s when Rhodes was ruled by Italy, is now home to Roman and Byzantine antiquities including elaborate mosaics and marble statues.

As Nikolaos leads us from room to room, showing off its treasures, our group of about 30 people has plenty of space to spread out.

A more relaxed atmosphere

In addition to being less congested with visitors than during the high season, many of the destinations we visit have a decidedly more relaxed atmosphere.

"This is best time of year to be here," Nikolaos, the Rhodes guide, tells us as he leads us through the town. "The Greeks are much more friendly at the beginning of the season than the end of the season."

As we walk through Hippocrates Square, the central crossroads for tourists and locals alike, he shouts out greetings to locals he knows who are ambling about.

The tourist season in Rhodes lasts roughly from April to November, he notes, so it's just getting going, and the historical center has yet to be completely taken over by out-of-towners.

Two days earlier, when the cruise began with an overnight stay in Athens, that city's main tourist areas had a different atmosphere than at the height of summer, too.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

During the summer, the narrow, scenic streets of the Plaka district are packed with tourists. But it felt more like a local neighborhood as I explored it alongside fellow Viking passengers on a walking tour after visiting the nearby historical ruins of the Acropolis.

In addition to tourists, we passed lots of locals out and about, some on their way to work, others sitting in cafes and restaurants where it was no problem finding a table.

Even the Acropolis, home to the famed ancient temple to Athena known as the Parthenon, felt less touristy than normal, though it still was congested in places (it almost always is).

Notably, after arriving in Athens two days ahead of the cruise, I was able to buy a timed ticket to explore the Acropolis on my own on short notice (yes, I visited the Acropolis twice — once on my own and once on the Viking tour). During the summers, timed tickets for the site, which can draw 20,000 people a day, sometimes sell out days or even weeks in advance.

Better touring weather

What's the best weather to have during a trip to the Mediterranean? If your agenda is baking on the golden sand beaches along the coast of Rhodes, maybe during a stay at one of the seaside resorts, then the hot and sunny weather of the peak summer months of June, July and August makes sense. Ditto if you want to lounge on a towel along the coast of Turkey near Kusadasi or farther north in the area around Cannakale.

But if you're heading to these places to see their world-famous historic sites — the latter two destinations are the gateways to the Roman ruins of Ephesus and the Greek ruins of Troy, respectively — it's hard to argue that the cooler offseason temperatures don't offer a more pleasant touring experience.

During my April sailing, the temperatures in all of the above locations hovered in the 60s during the days. It was sweater weather in the morning and warm enough in the sun by midday to be in a T-shirt.

In other words, perfect for touring.

If, like me, you've survived the ancient sites of Greece, Turkey, Italy and other Mediterranean countries during the height of summer, when heat and humidity rule the day, you know the downside.

Even in the middle of winter, the temperatures in some of the Greek islands including Crete and Rhodes, and along the coast of Turkey can be in the 50s.

That's puffer jacket weather, which in my mind is a much better environment for touring ruins than in sweat-inducing, energy-draining 90-degree heat.

Indeed, it still was puffer jacket weather in Istanbul when we pulled into the destination at the end of the sailing. Having toured Istanbul several times before during the height of summer, I can tell you that the cooler temperatures made for a far more enjoyable visit.

Istanbul has always been one of my favorite destinations on any Eastern Mediterranean cruise. It offers a wonderful combination of world-class historic sites and warm, welcoming people — as was evident again on this trip.

But I was thankful as our Viking-organized guide led us on a walking tour to such iconic sites as the 1,500-year-old Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque Hagia Sofia and the nearby underground Basilica Cisterns that we weren't in the often unbearable heat of summer.

Ships built for the 'quiet season'

Viking's ocean vessels were custom-built for cool-weather itineraries with a retractable glass roof, known as a magrodome, over their main pool area — a feature that is relatively rare among cruise ships.

On warmer days, the roof slides open for a traditional poolside experience. On colder days, it can be closed for perfect climate-controlled lounging.

Built as all-weather ships designed for destination-focused itineraries, the adult-only vessels also are known for their Scandinavian-influenced interiors with relatively spacious, comfortable cabins and elegant dining areas. Entertainment leans toward lectures and enrichment programming tied to the ports of call.

Related: Sophisticated design, elegant service: Why I love Viking ships for touring the world

And better value

The value of Viking's "quiet season" cruises is another reason to book them — particularly for sailings during the winter months.

For 2027, January sailings of the same seven-night "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" itinerary from Athens to Istanbul that I experienced start at just $2,599 per person — or $371 per person per day. March sailings start at $3,299 per person.

Compare that with starting rates as high as $5,299 per person between May and October.

And that's for the smallest, least expensive balcony cabins. The savings are even greater for premium cabin categories.

As of publication, more spacious Explorer Suites on the Jan. 20, 2027 departure of the "Ancient Mediterranean Treasures" itinerary started at just $4,799 per person — a 60% discount off the starting fares of $11,999 per person for the same cabin category on a May 2027 departure.

As is always the case with Viking trips, all of the above fares include not just a room on the ship but all meals, wine and beer with lunches and dinners and tours in every port. Unlike some lines, Viking doesn't charge for any of its onboard eateries.

Winter sailings also come with lower flat-fee rates for add-on international flights between the U.S. and Europe.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

For sailings in January and December of 2027, those rates start at just $799 per person for round-trip flights. For sailings in March of the same year, the starting rates rise to $1,299 per person.

By comparison, the airfare add-on costs start at $1,499 per person from April through October.

Bottom line

Summer is the high season for travel of all sorts to the Mediterranean, including cruises — but it's not necessarily the best time to visit the region. The off-season periods in early spring, late fall and even winter can offer such advantages as reduced crowds and often a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere in ports, more pleasant temperatures and better value.

Enter Viking, which has made sailings to the Mediterranean during what it calls the quiet season a core part of its business, with itineraries covering six or more of the region's most iconic destinations in a single easy-to-arrange and easy-to-experience trip.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 17 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Whether you're at the airport, a sporting event or a concert, going through security can be a pain. And if you've ever stood in a barely-moving line and longed to be one of the people zipping along beside you in the Clear+ lane, you're in luck.

If you have the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or American Express Green Card® in your wallet, you can get up to the entire cost of your Clear+ membership covered each calendar year — and possibly part of a family member's as well. Enrollment is required. Subject to auto-renewal.

Here's what you need to know about this valuable benefit.

The information for the Amex Green 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.

What is the Amex Clear+ statement credit?

Clear+ is a third-party, expedited security program that uses iris and fingerprint scanners rather than a photo ID to identify you. If you have a Clear+ membership, you can effectively skip to the front of the security line at certain airports and entertainment venues nationwide.

In practice, you enter a dedicated security checkpoint lane and input your biometric data into a kiosk. You'll then move to the gray carry-on bins at the airport. Even better: if you have TSA PreCheck, you can still use that option.

A one-year Clear+ membership typically costs $209. Conveniently, the Amex Business Platinum, Hilton Honors Aspire, Amex Platinum and Amex Green each come with up to $209 in Clear+ statement credits each calendar year. (Enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal.)

You can use the Clear+ statement credit for yourself, or if you already have a membership, you can extend this benefit to a friend or family member.

TPG Tip: If you're a Clear+ member and have the American Express® Gold Card, check your Amex Offers and see if you have an offer to earn $99 back as a statement credit after spending $99 or more on Clear Concierge (through July 30, enrollment required, not everyone will receive the same offers).

Related: Clear+ expedited airport security program — is it worth it?

How to use the Amex Clear+ statement credit

You must enroll your card to activate this statement credit, but the process is simple.

First, log in to your American Express account, and then select your Amex with the Clear+ benefit (if it's not the default card). At the top, click on the "Rewards and Benefits" icon.

On the next screen, click on "Benefits" at the top right. This will bring you to a page of tiles, each explaining a different perk of your card. Find the one labeled "Clear+ statement credit" and note your status. If you're enrolled, you're ready to use the perk. Otherwise, click on the icon to activate the benefit.

Once your Amex card is enrolled, you can apply for a Clear+ membership online. Consider enrolling through the Delta, United or Alaska Airlines link. This is a critical step if you're a member of one (or more) of these airlines' loyalty programs and want to save on your membership.

That's because Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus and Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members can enroll for a discounted Clear+ membership — from $10 off to a fully complimentary membership, depending on your status level and which credit cards you have:

• General members of Delta and United, plus all Alaska Atmos Rewards members: $199 per year.
• Eligible Delta Air Lines and United Airlines credit card holders: $169 per year.
• Delta Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion® members: $169 per year.
• United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members: $169 per year.
• United Premier 1K members: $129 per year.
• Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: Complimentary membership.
• United Global Services members: Complimentary membership.

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members can earn additional points by signing up for Clear+. Atmos Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium members receive 1,500 points when they sign up and 1,250 points each year they renew.

Children under 18 can accompany registered adults for free, meaning your family could use the program for free or close to it when combining Amex perks and Clear+ discounts. Adding family members who are 18 and older will cost $125 per person, up to three family members.

Regardless of how you apply for Clear+, you must use your enrolled Amex card to pay for your membership (and that of your family members, if applicable). Amex states that the statement credit should appear within two to four weeks, but TPG staff members have found that it typically triggers within one or two days.

Your results may vary, of course.

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.

Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

Bottom line

Clear+ doesn't get as much attention as other traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, but it can be a lifesaver for reducing wait times at airport security. It's easy to unlock a complimentary membership with a popular travel credit card.

The Amex Business Platinum, Hilton Honors Aspire, Amex Platinum and Amex Green each offer up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits that can be used for a Clear+ membership. Enrollment required. Subject to auto-renewal.

By stacking this benefit with other discount options, you could access these biometric security lanes on your next trip and might be able to add family members at no out-of-pocket cost.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn't one of them.

Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way.

Most Viking customers are in their retirement years — or quickly approaching retirement — and they're eager to finally see all the places they didn't have time to visit while raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years.

For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren't cruises where it's all about the ship.

Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking also offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy.)

On board, Viking's programming revolves around what the line calls "cultural enrichment" — lectures by experts on topics related to the places its ships visit, as well as cultural and culinary offerings that often have a local tie-in.

The onboard experience also is known for classy entertainment.

What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. It's one of the only major cruise brands in the world with such a rule.

Viking ships also don't cater to the party crowd. If it's a floating celebration you're looking for in a vacation, this isn't the line for you.

As Viking founder Torstein Hagen likes to say, a Viking cruise is the "thinking person's cruise, not the drinking person's cruise."

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Viking

• Its focus is on destinations and enrichment
• The elegant, Scandinavian-influenced design of its ships
• Its "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy

What we could do without

• The lack of fitness centers on Viking river ships

The Viking fleet

Viking has more ships than any other major cruise brand in the world, more than 100 in all. It also has both ocean ships and river ships — something that is unusual among major lines. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

That's because most of Viking's ocean vessels are built to the same basic design. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Ditto for the majority of the line's river vessels.

Viking currently operates 14 ocean ships — 12 of which are essentially the same. The exceptions are two Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

The 12 ocean ships that are essentially the same — Viking Vesta, Viking Vela, Viking Saturn, Viking Neptune, Viking Mars, Viking Venus, Viking Jupiter, Viking Orion, Viking Sky, Viking Diyun, Viking Sea and Viking Star — began rolling out in 2015. With the exception of Viking Vesta and Viking Vela, each has the capacity for 930 passengers. Viking Vesta and Viking Vela (the newest ocean ships in the line's fleet) are slightly bigger, with a capacity for 998 passengers. But they have the same basic design.

Ten more ocean ships of the bigger size are scheduled to debut between 2026 and 2031, and Viking has options with a shipyard to order six more of the ships for delivery in 2032, 2033 and 2034.

At 47,800 to 54,300 tons, these ocean ships are less than a fourth the size of the giant megaships being built by the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, in keeping with Viking's focus on intimate, upscale voyages. Big floating resorts, they aren't.

Note that one of the 12 ocean ships in this series, Viking Yidun, caters to the Chinese market and is not marketed to North Americans. When it debuted in 2017, it originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking's two expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, are significantly smaller than the above vessels, as is typical for expedition ships, and carry 378 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Then there are the river ships. As of this spring, Viking has 90 river ships in its fleet — an astounding number that is the result of blistering growth over the past decade. (As recently as 2012, the line operated just 29 river ships.)

In addition, 24 more Viking river ships are scheduled to debut between now and 2028, with another 16 on order for 2029 and beyond.

Related: Why I love Viking ocean ships for exploring the world

As noted above, almost all of Viking's river ships are of the same basic design and are known as the Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. Viking has also built slightly shorter versions of the Longships measuring 262 feet, 361 feet or 410 feet in length specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require a smaller vessel. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to be able to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it soon will debut its first river ships in India. Viking also operates a single, relatively large river vessel on the Mississippi River.

In addition, Viking has several older river vessels that until recently operated in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the Ukraine war.)

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note.

You'll find Viking river ships operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany.

Until 2022, Viking also operated cruises on the Volga in Russia and the Dnieper in Ukraine. (As noted above, sailings on the latter two rivers are on hold due to the war in Ukraine and may not resume for many years.)

Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong River in Southeast Asia and the Mississippi River, and it has recently begun selling its first river trips in India (these trips will debut in late 2027).

The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia.

Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia, and Australia.

In addition, since 2022, the line has operated seasonally in Antarctica and in the Arctic as well as the Great Lakes — a destination that only a handful of cruise operators visit — with voyages on its two relatively new expedition ships.

You'll find everything from seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean to 169-night around-the-world trips among the line's voyages.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Who sails Viking

Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are either retired or approaching retirement. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.

In general, it's an educated crowd, with many passengers coming from professional backgrounds or a life of running their own businesses. They're often people who have spent years focused on work and building up savings for retirement, and they're finally ready to start enjoying the fruits of their labor by spending some of the savings on travel to places they've long put off visiting.

They're also people who can afford a relatively high-end vacation experience. While Viking doesn't market itself as a luxury line, some would call it that. Viking vessels are full of luxury touches, with the pricing to match (see more on what Viking trips cost at the bottom of this story).

In general, you'll find a lot of couples on Viking ships and some solo travelers. You'll also find the occasional multigenerational group — a retired couple traveling with their working-age adult children, for instance.

However, what you won't find are families with young kids. As noted above, Viking doesn't allow passengers under the age of 18 on its ships — a key differentiator for the brand as compared to other cruise lines.

Related: The best adults-only cruise lines

Cabins and suites

Is a balcony something you can't live without when staying in a cabin on a cruise ship? Viking could be your line.

Viking is one of the only cruise brands in the world that offers a balcony with every cabin on every ocean ship it operates — even the least expensive, smallest cabins. That's something that even the most upscale of Viking's ocean cruise rivals — including Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — can't say.

Viking's ocean ships also offer a large number of suites, many of which are quite spacious. Even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet.

If you're looking for a big, open room on an ocean cruise (and are willing to pay for it), Viking offers you plenty of options.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cabins and suites

Viking also offers lots of balcony cabins and suites on its river ships, something that isn't always the case in the river cruise business, where space on vessels is at a premium. But unlike its ocean ships, Viking's river ships aren't all-balcony-cabin vessels.

Designwise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and decor that tie to the Norwegian heritage of the company's founder.

You'll find beds topped with crisp, white duvets and Scandinavian throws, comfortable contemporary sofas and chairs in neutral tones, and light-wood desks and side tables that combine to offer a residential feel in bedroom areas. Soothing, minimalist colors — think creams, grays and lighter blues — are the order of the day.

Bathrooms in Viking cabins are serene, modernist escapes with luxurious travertine-lined walls, Scandinavian-influenced wood-veneered vanities, shiny white sinks and chrome fixtures.

In keeping with the high-end nature of the brand, Viking cabins and suites have a lot of upscale touches, from sumptuous bedding that envelops you to heated floors in bathrooms. But the rooms aren't overly flashy.

What they are is eminently functional, with storage in all the right places, lots of outlets for charging your devices and lighting right where you need it. We love the reading lights built into the fabric headboards, which are in addition to the lamps on bedside tables. You won't have trouble seeing the pages of the Viking Daily activity newsletter while lying in a Viking cabin bed.

Other little touches in Viking cabins that show a line thinking about functionality as much as decor include the large and clear lettering on the Freyja toiletries that you'll find in every Viking cabin bathroom. The toiletries were specifically designed with bigger and clearer lettering than is common for toiletries on cruise ships and at hotels so that the line's older customers would have no trouble differentiating the body wash from the body lotion and shampoo.

Restaurants and dining

The number of restaurants and other dining options that you'll find on Viking ships will vary greatly depending on whether you are sailing on an ocean or a river ship.

All of Viking's oceangoing ships, which are much bigger than its river ships, have at least four and usually more outlets serving food of some sort.

Every one of the line's 930-passenger and 998-passenger ocean ships has a main restaurant (called, simply, The Restaurant) with rotating menus that include dishes that tie to the destination where the vessel is sailing. There also is a casual buffet called World Cafe on every vessel. You'll probably eat most of your meals in one of these eateries.

The main restaurants on these ships are notable for their walls of glass that can slide open to create alfresco dining, something that is unusual in the cruise world.

Each of the 930-passenger and 998-passenger ocean ships also has two smaller restaurants with specialized cuisine: Manfredi's, a high-end Italian eatery, and The Chef's Table, which offers a five-course tasting menu themed around a specific cuisine that changes every few days.

There's no extra charge for dining in the smaller restaurants, but reservations are required. Each passenger is only allowed to make one to three reservations per cruise at the eateries, depending on which category of cabin they have booked.

Viking's bigger ocean ships also have poolside grills that serve made-to-order gourmet hamburgers and other grill items. Passengers can grab a snack — with a Norwegian twist — at the forward-facing lounges atop the ships, which are home to a small food counter called Mamsen's. Named after Viking founder Torstein Hagen's mother (Ragnhild "Mamsen" Hagen), it offers authentic tastes of Norway such as traditional heart-shaped waffles, specialty cakes and the brown goat cheese that is found around the country.

Passengers will also find finger sandwiches, scones and teas in the afternoon at the glass-topped Wintergarden lounge at the top of every vessel.

The line's smaller expedition ocean ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, offer four of the above venues: The Restaurant, World Cafe, Manfredi's and Mamsen's.

Related: I extended my Viking cruise with a pre-cruise tour — here's why you should, too

Viking's river ships, by contrast, typically offer just two eateries: a main restaurant where passengers eat most of their meals and a smaller, casual buffet with indoor and outdoor seating.

Fun fact: The Manfredi's restaurants on Viking ocean ships are named after former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen. Some Silversea ships, in turn, have lounge areas named after Hagen. Lefebvre now owns luxury line Crystal after buying the brand out of bankruptcy.

Entertainment and activities

Many of the activities on board Viking's ocean ships revolve around "cultural enrichment," to use a phrase often used by Viking executives. On any given day, you might find an expert on one of the destinations you're visiting lecturing in the theater, or a classical musician performing in the central atrium, known as The Living Room. The ships also offer some traditional entertainment, including production shows with singers and dancers — all with a classy vibe.

On the line's river ships, you'll also find onboard lectures, usually related to the destinations the ships are visiting, as well as destination-related demonstrations and tastings. (On a Seine River voyage, you might have a tasting of local French cheeses or French wines, for instance).

You'll also find live piano music in the evenings in river ship lounges.

Theaters, lounges and shows

Each of the line's ocean ships has a theater at its front that is home to production shows, movie showings (with fresh popcorn available) and lectures.

In keeping with Viking's focus on cultural immersion, lecturers often have expertise related to the places you'll be visiting on your sailing. The line also draws a wide range of interesting and accomplished people from all walks of life to serve as guest lecturers, including well-known academics, diplomats and even astronauts.

In addition to the theater, a secondary lounge space on the ships called Torshavn is home to nightly musical entertainment (one night it might be a small band playing slow-dance music; the next night a guitarist). It's also known for an extensive collection of Armagnacs, with one from almost every year of the past eight decades. (A fun game is to try the Armagnac from your birth year. Just be careful — some years are far more expensive than others.)

You'll also find musicians, including pianists and guitar players, performing at times in the Viking Living Room — a three-deck-high, atriumlike space at the center of the ship. Filled with comfortable seating areas and home to a bar, the Viking Living Room serves as a central meeting point for passengers throughout the day and night. It's also home to the ship's Explorers' Desk — the equivalent of a guest relations area on other ships.

There's also live music at night in the Explorers' Lounge, a two-deck-high observation lounge and bar area at the very top of the ship. The Explorers' Lounge also is home to Mamsen's, the food counter serving tastes of Norway mentioned above.

The pool deck and other venues

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of Viking's ocean ships is the main pool area, which is home to a pool, hot tub and rows of lounge chairs, as well as comfortable seating areas.

The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather.

Just behind the main pool area on each of the ocean ships is a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden that is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it's one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

Other interior spaces that are part of the ocean ships include a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels) and a fitness center.

Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Viking has long argued that few of its customers use fitness centers and the space that would be devoted to one is better used for other things. However, if you're fitness-obsessed, a Viking river ship may not be the best choice for your river trip.

Related: The cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's program

Viking does not allow children under the age of 18 on its vessels and thus has no children's programs on any of its vessels.

What to know before you go

Required documents

Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Gratuities

Viking adds an automatic service gratuity (which it calls a "hotel and dining charge") of $20 per person, per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount before disembarking at the Explorers' Desk. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bills at bars and for drinks at restaurants.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Wi-Fi

As part of Viking's "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy, the line offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers on all its ships throughout sailings, something that is relatively unusual in the cruise world. Note that in order to ensure fair usage for all, the line limits some heavy-bandwidth applications such as movie streaming, downloads and software upgrades. For instance, you won't be able to stream Netflix shows while using the free Wi-Fi, something you now can do on most lines that charge for Wi-Fi service.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Unlike many lines, Viking allows you to bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and liquor onto ships at embarkation with no limits. The line also doesn't charge a corkage fee.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Laundry

Some Viking ships, including all of the line's ocean vessels (including its two expedition vessels), have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. The launderettes are stocked with detergent for the washing machines that, unlike on many cruise ships with launderettes, do not come with an extra cost.

In addition, most Viking vessels offer laundry and pressing services. Such services are complimentary for passengers staying in certain categories of cabins. Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships.

Viking's Mississippi River ship offers self-service launderettes but no send-out laundry and pressing service.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All of the line's vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

Currency

The currency used on Viking ships is U.S. dollars.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Viking ships.

Dress code

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, a short-sleeve shirt and shorts are just fine.

Evenings have an official dress code, but it's not too formal. The line asks passengers to keep things "elegant casual" when heading to any of the ship's dining venues, performances or special events. To Viking, that means a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women, and trousers and a collared shirt for men. A tie and jacket for men are optional. Jeans are not permitted.

This evening dress code is not enforced at the casual World Cafe eateries on Viking ocean ships, where passengers can go even more casual in the evenings.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Viking cruise loyalty program

Viking doesn't have a loyalty program in the traditional sense — one where passengers earn points every time they travel with the brand and progress through multiple tiers that bring an ever-expanding array of perks. However, it does offer a few basic perks for past guests.

Once you travel with the brand for the first time, you will automatically be eligible for:

• A credit of $200 per passenger anytime you book a Viking voyage within one year of your last Viking voyage. If you reserve within two years, you receive a $100 credit.
• An invitation to a past-passengers cocktail party when sailing on Viking ships.
• Early word by email or regular mail on new Viking Cruises itineraries and new ships, as well as special limited-time offers.

Note that the credits mentioned above cannot always be combined with promotions the line offers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's cruise loyalty program

How much does a Viking cruise cost?

Viking sailings aren't inexpensive. Ten-night "Greek Odyssey" voyages to the Greek islands start at $3,999 per person. That works out to roughly $800 per day for a couple sharing a room. Some of the line's more exotic sailings, such as its expedition trips to Antarctica, cost even more. Twelve-night Antarctica trips start at $14,995 per person — about $2,500 per day for a couple.

Related: 6 ways to travel to Antarctica in luxury and style

Still, as is typical for cruise lines at the high end, Viking includes a lot in its base price. In addition to a room on board and all meals, the fares include beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock; shipboard Wi-Fi; and (perhaps most notably) a shore excursion in every port. The latter is something relatively few lines roll into their base fares, and is a significant value. Shore excursions in the cruise world can be expensive.

Viking also includes access to the thermal areas of its spa in its base fares. Such access almost always comes with an extra charge on cruise vessels.

Note that Viking does charge extra for two key things that many luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn and Regent do not: alcoholic drinks at bars and gratuities. This is one reason some cruisers do not consider Viking at quite the same level of luxury as those other brands.

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to viking.com and book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we always recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. An agent can also help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Viking is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card spending when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases.

Bottom line

Viking can be defined as much by what it isn't as what it is. It's not a line for families with young children. It's not a line that offers megaships topped with every sort of amusement known to humans. And it's not a line for the party crowd.

What it is is a line that has focused very specifically on "thinking person's cruises" that offer a deeper dive into the destinations that its ships visit than is typical at many lines. It's all about exploring the world and doing so in comfort.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• Best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Business owners have many options when deciding on a card for their expenses. American Express offers many choices, including cash-back cards for those who prefer earning that type of reward, either by racking up statement credits or Reward Dollars.

The The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a classic, simple option best oriented for side hustlers or those with smaller businesses. Meanwhile, the Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card is ideal for high-spending businesses seeking elevated cash-back rewards.

Let's compare and contrast the Blue Business Cash and Graphite cards to help you determine which Amex business cash-back card suits you best.

Blue Business Cash vs. Graphite comparison

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

**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

^Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Related: How to apply for an Amex business card

Blue Business Cash vs. Graphite welcome bonus

New applicants for the Blue Business Cash can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Meanwhile, new Graphite card applicants earn $1,500 cash back in the form of Reward Dollars after spending $50,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Reward Dollars can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon checkout.

The bonus on the Blue Business Cash is much easier to earn, as it requires a significantly lower spending threshold than the Graphite card. However, the Graphite card's offer is much more lucrative.

Before you apply, remember that Amex allows you to earn only one bonus per card in your lifetime. So, time your application carefully.

Winner: Graphite. Though its spending requirement is substantially higher than the Blue Business Cash, if you run a high-spending business, the higher bonus is better for you. However, if you can't comfortably meet the Graphite card's spending requirement, the Blue Business Cash card is still a decent option.

Related: What is a credit card welcome offer? How they work and how to maximize value

Blue Business Cash vs. Graphite benefits

While neither card has a long list of benefits, there are a few perks worth noting on each.

The Blue Business Cash's Expanded Buying Power feature is a highlight. It allows cardmembers to exceed their spending limit without incurring over-limit fees or penalties, and to earn cash-back rewards on these purchases as well. Just remember that your spending power with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.

Note that you must make your minimum payment each month, including any over-limit purchases. Either way, we always recommend paying your balance in full to avoid interest.

The Blue Business Cash also provides secondary car rental coverage, extended warranty and purchase protection. These benefits are solid and make sense for a no-annual-fee card.

Meanwhile, the lackluster benefits on the Graphite card make it hard for most business owners to justify its $295 annual fee.

The only perk that has the ability to offset the annual fee directly is the card's up to $2,400 in annual statement credits to use in the next calendar year on Amex One AP monthly fees (subject to auto-renewal), but you won't unlock this unless you spend a whopping $250,000 eligible on purchases in a calendar year.

This likely won't come into play for most cardmembers, making the Graphite a less-than-ideal choice for most business owners given its annual fee.

Still, you won't have a preset spending limit with the Graphite card, as your spending limit will adjust based on your purchase, payment and credit history. You're also eligible for Pay Over Time# and multiple travel and purchase protections with this card.

#On eligible purchases; subject to the Pay Over Time limit; variable APR 17.74% — 28.49%.

Winner: Blue Business Cash. While neither card provides exceptional benefits, the Blue Business Cash provides a decent suite for no annual fee. With the Graphite card, its underwhelming perks make it quite difficult to justify its $295 annual fee.

Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards

Earning cash back with the Blue Business Cash vs. Graphite

Simplicity is paramount with the Blue Business Cash, as cardmembers earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter.

There are no bonus categories. So, if you're looking for a solid catch-all card and you don't expect to spend more than $50,000 on the card in a calendar year, this is a simple way to earn a flat 2% back on everything.

The Amex Graphite card provides one bonus category, offering 5% cash back on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel Online. On all other purchases, you'll earn 2% cash back on all other eligible purchases with no purchase limit. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

The Graphite is better for businesses that plan to exceed the $50,000 spending limit in a calendar year, since there's no cap on the 2% rate.

Finally, it's important to note that the Blue Business Cash places a 2.7% fee on foreign transactions, while the Graphite card charges no foreign transaction fees. If you need a card for purchases abroad, the Graphite is a much better choice.

Winner: Graphite. The Blue Business Cash doesn't offer any bonus categories, and its 2% category is capped at $50,000 in spending in a calendar year. This isn't the case on the Graphite.

Related: The best 2% cash-back credit cards

Redeeming cash back with the Blue Business Cash vs. Graphite

The cash back earned on the Blue Business Cash is automatically applied as a monthly statement credit, which means you'll be effectively reducing your business expenses every time cash-back rewards post to your account.

Meanwhile, the Graphite card earns cash back in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Both options are quite limited, though the Blue Business Cash's earnings are significantly less flexible. With the Graphite, you'll at least get the option to use your cash-back rewards at Amazon. Either way, most cardmembers are likely to redeem for a statement credit anyway.

Winner: Graphite. While its two redemption options are still quite rigid, they are less restrictive than the Blue Business Cash.

Related: Are cash-back credit cards worth it?

Should I get the Blue Business Cash or the Graphite?

Whether you should apply for the Blue Business Cash or Graphite card comes down to how much your business spends and whether you want to pay an annual fee.

If you'll put at least $50,000 on the card (ideally in the first six months to earn the welcome bonus), the Graphite card is likely the better fit.

You'll earn at least 2% cash back in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout on all of these purchases, and you'll collect the bonus.

Keep in mind that the Graphite card charges an annual fee of $295, which may be hard for your business to justify year after year, given its limited benefits.

On the other hand, if you'll be spending below $50,000 on your Amex business card in a calendar year, the Blue Business Cash is likely the best choice. For no annual fee, you'll earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, then 1% cash back after you reach that threshold.

So, as long as you stay below this limit, you'll earn the same base return on up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year on the Blue Business Cash as you would on the Graphite (though you won't receive as high a welcome bonus).

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

Whether you keep it simple with the Blue Business Cash or spend enough to make the Graphite card a workhorse, it's likely your business will be better off with either one of these Amex card options.

While these two cards are quite different, they do share the purpose of helping business owners keep their personal and business transactions separate, which is a solid financial strategy for many.

So, when you're weighing between the Blue Business Cash and the Graphite, it mostly comes down to how much you spend, the features you want and whether you want to tack on an annual fee.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Blue Business Cash and Graphite Business Cash.

Apply here: The American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Apply here: Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card

For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Cash, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Graphite card, click here.

If your business often books stays with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card can deliver meaningful value with included elite status and quarterly statement credits.

This mid-tier hotel business card includes Hilton Honors Gold status, strong earning rates on Hilton purchases and up to $240 in annual Hilton statement credits in exchange for a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees). Given these benefits, it can make sense for business owners who stay at Hilton properties at least a few times per year. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

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

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: The basics

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is Hilton's only cobranded small-business card. You don't need a storefront or employees to qualify — freelance work, consulting and other side hustles may be enough.

Its biggest selling point is automatic Hilton Honors Gold elite status, which unlocks valuable perks like a fifth night free on reward stays, a daily food-and-beverage credit (varies by brand and region) and space-available room upgrades.

Key highlights include:

• 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and resorts
• 5 points per dollar on the first $100,000 in other eligible purchases each calendar year (then 3 points per dollar)
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
• Up to $240 per year in Hilton statement credits (up to $60 per quarter)

However, unlike some competing hotel business cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, it does not offer an annual free night award.

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card pros and cons

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card benefits

For a $195 annual fee, the Hilton Amex Business offers a focused set of Hilton-specific perks.

Hilton Honors Gold elite status

Hilton Amex Business cardholders receive automatic Gold status, which includes:

• 80% bonus on base points earned during paid stays
• Complimentary breakfast or daily food-and-beverage credits (brand-dependent)
• Space-available room upgrades
• Fifth night free on award stays
• Elite rollover nights

Gold status alone can offset much of the annual fee if you stay with Hilton multiple times per year, particularly if you take advantage of breakfast benefits and the fifth-night-free perk.

Hilton statement credits

Earn up to $240 in statement credits each calendar year (up to $60 per quarter) for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton properties.

Eligible charges include room rates and incidental expenses such as dining or spa services. If you fully use the quarterly credits, you can more than offset the annual fee.

National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status

Hilton Amex Business cardholders receive complimentary Emerald Club Executive status with National (enrollment required). Benefits include:

• Guaranteed upgrades
• Access to the Executive Area
• Expedited service

Upgrade to Diamond status through spending

Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card in a calendar year, and you'll earn Hilton Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Diamond status includes lounge access, better upgrade potential and a 48-hour room guarantee.

However, if Diamond status is your primary goal, I would recommend applying for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which includes Diamond status automatically.

Business tools and protections

As a business cardmember, you'll have access to tools like QuickBooks integration and Vendor Pay by Bill.com (benefits require enrollment). The card also includes purchase protections and travel protections when you use it for eligible purchases.

Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards

Earning points on the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

With the Hilton Amex Business card, you'll earn 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts. That's a 4.8% return on spending, according to TPG's May 2026 valuations.

You'll also earn 5 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases (on up to $100,000 each calendar year, then 3 points per dollar spent after that).

As with Hilton's other credit cards, you'll get the best return on Hilton purchases. You'll get a 1.2%-2% return on your other business-related spending, based on our valuations.

Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards

Redeeming points on the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

As with most hotel loyalty programs, the best value comes from using your points earned with the Hilton Amex Business card on hotel bookings.

You can redeem your Hilton Honors points in several ways. Hotel redemptions offer the best value, while Hilton event discounts, Hilton Honors Experiences and Amazon purchases offer poor value.

While Hilton Honors doesn't have a published award chart, the Points Explorer tool can show you the award redemption price range over the next 30 days. This can help you know what to expect when considering locations for using your points.

TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt likes to redeem his Hilton Honors points to book three- and four-star hotels abroad. These properties tend to offer a higher redemption value than those in the U.S.

He aims to book five-night stays, as he only needs to pay for four, thanks to the elite status that comes with his Hilton cobranded cards.

Related: Ultimate guide to the Hilton Honors loyalty program

Transferring points with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Hilton offers several airline partners to which you can transfer the points you earn on the Hilton Amex Business card. These include notable options like Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus.

However, points typically transfer at a poor rate; for example, when transferring to United, you'll only receive 1,000 MileagePlus miles in exchange for 10,000 Hilton Honors points.

Given the poor value of this redemption option, we do not recommend transferring your Hilton points to airlines. Even if you need to top off your airline rewards balance, there's likely a better and more value-conscious way to do it.

Related: From the Florida Keys to the Maldives: 7 great ways to use 130,000 Hilton Honors points and a free night reward

Potential drawbacks to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Amex Business is a relatively niche business card. If you:

• Don't stay at Hilton properties regularly
• Won't fully use the quarterly Hilton credits
• Prefer flexible, transferable points

you'll likely get better long-term value from a different business rewards card.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for your business expenses

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card worth it?

The Hilton Amex Business is worth considering if:

• Your business books Hilton stays several times per year
• You value automatic Gold status
• You can reliably use the up to $240 in annual Hilton statement credits

It's less compelling if you want premium perks like annual free night awards or automatic Diamond status.

When to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

New Hilton Amex Business cardmembers can earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Additionally, enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $195. Offer ends July 29.

According to TPG's May 2026 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $520.

Compared to this card's standard offer, the current limited-time offer adds a valuable $0 introductory annual fee for the first year. However, we recommend applying when the offer reaches at least 175,000 points. If you really want to maximize value, you may want to wait until a higher bonus or a free night reward is offered as part of a welcome bonus.

Remember that Amex only allows you to earn one welcome bonus per card in a lifetime, so it's very important to apply at the right time. Amex will alert you, before you submit an application, if you're not eligible for a welcome bonus.

Other cards to consider if you don't want the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Amex Business card is Hilton's only business card. However, it faces solid competition from other cobranded hotel cards and standard business cards.

• If you prefer Marriott: The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and a free night award on each account anniversary for an annual fee of $125 (see rates and fees). To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business.
• If you prefer Hyatt: The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) offers entry-level Discoverist status (for you and up to five employees) and annual statement credits for Hyatt purchases for a $199 annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt Business.
• If you want flexible points: The American Express® Business Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points that transfer to Hilton and other partners, though it carries a $375 annual fee (see rates and fees).

For additional options, see our list of the best business credit cards, best Hilton credit cards and best American Express cards.

Related: How to apply for an Amex business card

Bottom line

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is best suited for business owners who consistently stay with Hilton and can maximize its quarterly statement credits.

It won't compete with premium hotel cards on luxury perks, but for Hilton loyalists who want automatic Gold status and solid earning rates at a midrange annual fee, it can deliver steady value year after year.

Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex Business card

For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.

Many airlines, hotels, theme parks and cruise lines pay year-round tribute to military service members with generous discounts and benefits. Sometimes these deals are available only to active-duty military personnel, and at other times the perks extend to U.S. military veterans and their families.

Related: The best credit cards for active-duty military members: Get waived annual fees

No matter the form these military travel deals take, they all reflect the gratitude the travel industry feels toward those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.

Here are the perks that military members can take advantage of on their travels in 2026.

Military hotel discounts

B Hotels & Resorts

To honor military members, B Hotels & Resorts offers an exclusive "B Saluted" discount of 15% off regular rates and two welcome drinks per stay to military members, veterans and their families. Florida-based B Hotels & Resorts has locations in Fort Lauderdale and Marathon.

Beaches and Sandals Resorts

Through the "Honoring Our Heroes" program, Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curacao, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines offer a 10% discount to eligible U.S. military members and veterans.

Best Western

Best Western properties across the U.S. offer discounted rates for veterans, military members and government personnel.

Best Western's Service Rewards program — the hotel chain's free award program tailored to military and armed forces members — unlocks even more member benefits, including an automatic upgrade to Gold status and bonus points on qualified stays.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels — including Comfort, Sleep Inn and Quality Inn hotels — offers discounted rates for official and leisure travel to active-duty and retired military personnel, their dependents and members of several military associations. When you are searching for a hotel, open the drop-down "Rate" menu and choose "Military/Veterans (Leisure)" for leisure travel or "Government/Military (Official Business Travel)" for work travel.

Active-duty military members, veterans and military spouses are eligible to join the Choice Privileges rewards program at the Gold Elite level.

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge offers up to 40% off nightly rates for active, retired and veteran military members through the Howling Heroes offer. The offer is valid for up to four guests per room.

Hilton

Federal and U.S. military employees qualify for military rates and discounts at participating Hilton properties. There are separate discounts for official and leisure military travel. For official military travel, check the box labeled "Government and military rates" to apply the rates. For leisure travel, visit Hilton's Military Family Rate page and search for your travel destination and dates.

Hyatt

Veterans, active-duty members and their immediate family members are eligible for a discount of 10%-15% off Hyatt's standard rate at participating hotels. To get the discount, use the offer code "MILVET" while booking.

IHG

The hotel chain behind brands such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Kimpton offers a military rate at participating locations worldwide. The rate applies to active-duty military personnel, veterans, retired military personnel and their families.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy and its many brands have discounted federal, state and local government rates available to government and military personnel. To access the discounted rates, choose the "Government & Military" option from the "Special Rates" drop-down menu when searching for a stay. You'll get a list of all the Marriott Bonvoy properties in your chosen city that offer special rates and their eligibility requirements.

Motel 6

Motel 6, along with its sister extended-stay brand Studio 6, offers a 10% discount on standard rates to active and retired military personnel.

Red Roof

Active-duty military personnel, veterans and government employees are eligible for a 10% discount on official travel at any U.S. Red Roof location. The hotel chain also has a 10% discount on leisure travel for all government employees and military members, veterans and retirees.

Wyndham

Participating Wyndham properties offer discounts of up to 15% off their best available rate to active and retired military personnel, veterans and their families. Plus, qualifying military personnel and their spouses get automatic Gold-level status when they enroll in the Wyndham Rewards program and bonus Wyndham Rewards points for qualified stays.

Military airline discounts and benefits

Alaska Airlines

In some markets, Alaska Airlines offers discounted military fares to active-duty military personnel and their dependents when you call 800-252-7522 to purchase your tickets. The airline also offers discounts through the WeSalute+ program.

Active-duty U.S. military personnel can board early, check up to five bags for free, receive 15% off inflight food purchases and receive complimentary day passes to visit an Alaska Lounge when traveling in uniform. All other active-duty military personnel can purchase a discounted lounge day pass for $30.

Allegiant Air

U.S. active-duty and reserve military members, military veterans, members of the National Guard and their dependents get up to two pieces of checked baggage for free through the Allegiant Honors program. Also, the airline waives its typical fees for oversized checked baggage, a carry-on bag, getting a boarding pass printed at the airport, bringing a pet on board, seat assignments and change or cancellation fees due to a change in orders or directives. Qualifying service members can also board their flights early.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers government or military fares in some markets, but you must call the airline at 800-433-7300 to book. Veterans and their families can access reduced fares by enrolling in the WeSalute+ program.

Active-duty military personnel are also allowed Group 1 boarding privileges, and they can bring up to five free checked bags when traveling on orders and up to three free checked bags when traveling for leisure (weight restrictions apply).

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day American flight can enter Admirals Club lounges with their immediate family — defined as a spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 — or up to two guests at most Admirals Club locations except for Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Japan Airlines' Sakura Lounge at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Delta Air Lines

Active-duty U.S. service members can call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 for discounted fares unavailable to the general public. Delta also offers priority boarding and free checked baggage to active-duty military members. The number of bags you are allowed depends on the type of travel and fare type, and you must adhere to the specified baggage size and weight restrictions.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier typically charges for carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, active-duty armed forces, National Guard and Reserve members, their accompanying spouse and children can receive a free carry-on bag, two free checked bags and one free personal item.

JetBlue

Active-duty military personnel traveling for business or leisure are eligible for a 5% discount on base fares. If traveling on government-sponsored business, call 800-538-2583 to receive your discount and up to five free checked bags (military members traveling for leisure get up to two free checked bags). This discount applies to you and your immediate family.

U.S. active-duty military members, retired military members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families enrolled in WeSalute+ can also get a 5% discount on base fares and up to two free checked bags.

Southwest Airlines

Special fares are available for military and government travelers, but you must call the airline at 800-435-9792 or visit the airport ticket counter to book them. Additionally, military members traveling on active duty receive priority boarding before Group 1 and are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit.

United Airlines

United offers an additional checked baggage allowance, priority boarding and United Club lounge access to active-duty military members traveling in uniform. U.S. military veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families are also eligible for a 5% discount on United-operated flights.

Military train travel discounts

Amtrak

Active-duty U.S. military personnel, spouses and dependents are eligible for a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in select fare classes. Select "Military" for each eligible passenger during your ticket search on Fare Finder. Amtrak also welcomes uniformed military personnel to the front of the ticket line.

Military theme park ticket and attraction discounts

Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks

All U.S. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Sesame Place parks offer discounted tickets to active-duty military members and veterans through the Waves of Honor program.

Disneyland

Disneyland honors active and retired U.S. military personnel with discounted one-, three- and four-day Disney Military Promotional tickets. The three- and four-day tickets include access to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure each day of your ticket, while the one-day ticket is good for entry to one park only (excluding blackout dates). Pricing starts at $98, and you must purchase tickets at a participating U.S. military base ticket office or through govx.com. Theme park reservations are required.

Hotel discounts are also available by calling 866-309-9737.

Dollywood

Dollywood offers discounted tickets and annual passes to U.S. active or retired military members, veterans, military reservists, spouses and dependents.

Holiday World

Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, offers discounted daily tickets and season passes to active, retired and veteran military members. To access this discount, purchase online or present your government ID at the park's ticket booth.

Silver Dollar City

To honor America's 250th anniversary, active duty military personnel can enjoy unlimited visits to Silver Dollar City and the adjacent White Water water park for all of 2026 with the free Active Military Passport. Silver Dollar City also offers a ticket discount to U.S. active or retired military personnel, veterans and military reservists, along with their spouses and dependent children (ages 4-17) living in their households.

In addition to discounted tickets, Silver Dollar City invites all military members and veterans to help raise the American flag during the park's daily opening ceremony. Service members are also given a red, white and blue ribbon to wear in the park, allowing employees and guests to thank them for their service.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando offers a Military Freedom Pass promotional ticket to all active-duty and retired service members. Ticket prices start at $220 for unlimited admission between now and Dec.18, 2026, though blackout dates apply. Each eligible service member can purchase up to six promotional tickets and must buy them through a participating authorized military ticket and travel office. Military members can also purchase discounted tickets to the new Universal Epic Universe park.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets to active-duty, retired and eligible veteran military members, along with their spouses and dependents. Additional on-base discounts are available, including a 12-month Military Pass.

Walt Disney World

Active and retired U.S. military personnel are eligible for discounted hotel rates and specially priced theme park tickets at Walt Disney World. Military members can purchase a Military Salute ticket with either Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus starting at $409 for a four-day ticket, $429 for a five-day ticket and $449 for a six-day ticket. Disney World also offers a special ticket valid for multiple visits through Dec. 18, 2026, starting at $499.

Blackout dates apply, and theme park reservations are required. Hotel stays can be booked by calling 407-939-7830. Tickets must be purchased at a participating U.S. military base ticket office.

Vail Resorts

To celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, Vail Resorts is offering a discount on its Epic Military Pass. Prices start at just $215 for unlimited skiing at more than 40 Vail Resorts and discounts on family passes, food, lodging, gear rentals and more. Book by May 25, 2026, for the deepest discount

Military cruise benefits

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers active and retired service members a special military discount of $250 off a river cruise or enjoy two-for-one cruise fares on select 2026 sailingswhen you use the code "MIL250" or "MIL2FOR1" when booking.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line shows its appreciation for active and retired members of the armed forces with discounted cruise rates, onboard credits and reduced deposits. Additionally, some ships have a Heroes Tribute Lounge, and every ship holds a military appreciation gathering for service members and their families.

Celebrity Cruises

On select Celebrity Cruises sailings, active and retired military members can save $25 on inside and ocean-view cabins and $100 on veranda cabins and above, which can be combined with other current promotions. This discount applies to the first and second guests in the cabin.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers special rates to all military members, active and retired, and their spouses. Discounted rates are only available on select sailings. To honor America's 250th anniversary, the cruise line is offering a $250 onboard credit for eligible U.S. military personnel on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream sailings in 2026.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers discounted fares to all active and retired U.S. military personnel, as well as family members traveling with them. You can receive a discount of 5% on interior and ocean-view cabins, 10% on balcony and suite cabins, and a "kids sail free" promotion on select sailings.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea honors active and veteran military members with a free cruise through the Heroes Sail Free program. On select sailings, military members and an additional guest in the same cabin can get a free fare (taxes and fees are not included). A third and fourth guest can be added at the regular fare. On all other sailings, military members can save 20% off the retail fare for the first four guests in the cabin.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line's Military Appreciation program extends exclusive benefits to military members, veterans and their spouses. Members of the program receive up to a 20% discount on select sailings.

Princess Cruises

Veterans and active, retired and disabled military personnel can receive up to $250 free onboard spending money on select Princess Cruises sailings. You can use this onboard credit for specialty dining, onboard boutiques, shore excursions, spa treatments and more.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers military rates to active and retired personnel, veterans and their spouses. The discounted rates also apply to friends and family members staying in the same cabin as the eligible service member. The best way to access the discounted rate is to book through a travel agent or to book directly with Royal Caribbean over the phone.

Bottom line

A host of benefits awaits travelers who have served or are serving in the U.S. military.

Because these military travel deals, their requirements, and the eligibility of family members, spouses and dependents vary, carefully research each military discount offer to avoid surprises. Many airlines, hotels and other businesses might ask for proof of eligibility, so don't leave home without the military ID, veteran ID, dependent ID, orders and/or other documentation you'll need to take advantage of the many travel offers.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport sits on the shore of Lake Washington and offers views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.

It also sits right next to Boeing's Renton Production Facility, which currently operates around the clock to push out more than 40 737-MAX narrow-body airplanes every month.

Other hotels might try to downplay the fact that some of their rooms have a factory view, but staff at this Hyatt Regency property know that AvGeeks make a point of checking into this hotel and requesting the corner king rooms specifically for the views.

From their rooms, these guests can see freshly made planes sitting outside the hangar waiting for finishing touches before heading next door to the Renton Municipal Airport (RNT) for their test flights.

The proximity to the factory has long been considered a niche, under-the-radar amenity at this property. But now, the hotel is leaning into the experience with a special "Hangar Hideaway" package.

The package includes a guaranteed lake-view room overlooking the factory and a selection of aviation-themed welcome amenities (such as a tote bag, a rubber 3D airplane puzzle and Balsa wood stunt planes).

Four passes to Seattle's Museum of Flight are also included in the package. The museum is about 20 minutes from the hotel, and it houses the first Boeing 737 ever built. That plane was constructed in 1966, took its first flight April 9, 1967, and was sold to NASA in 1974.

Why create an aviation-themed package now?

This resort-style hotel opened in 2017 in the Seattle suburb of Renton. Guests can expect to see seaplanes dock by the outdoor deck, and they can enjoy summertime activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and floating pickleball.

The Hangar Hideaway package comes in response to "a growing guest interest in experiential travel that connects people more deeply with place," Tayna Zasada, the hotel's director of sales, events and marketing, said. "And our prime lakeside location offers a unique vantage point to take in aviation thrills right from your room or our dock."

In addition to the aviation-themed welcome gifts and museum passes, guests booking this new package receive a welcome letter detailing some of the history of the Renton plant. (Fun fact: It began producing aircraft in the early 1940s and, for a few years in the late 1940s, served as a temporary home for a circus, complete with elephants and other animals.)

The letter also offers some insight into what is happening with the aircraft visible outside the windows, including those taking their very first flights.

"These brand-new aircraft are easy to spot," the letter tells guests, because they have "a distinctive green color before their final paint."

Guests who stay up late at night are encouraged to "glance toward the factory after 10 p.m." That is because "during the overnight shift, aircraft are sometimes quietly moved out of the hangar — a unique behind-the-scenes moment few get to see."

Unlike Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington — which houses the 777 and 777X assembly lines — there are no public tours at the Renton factory.

Hangar Hideaway hotel guests at the Hyatt Regency in Renton might get a glimpse inside the hangar late at night when the giant doors are rolled open to move out an airplane. But this report from TPG contributing editor David Slotnick, who toured the plant in 2022, offers great inside-the-factory views.

For a unique perspective, check out Matthew Herbert's Blue Dingo Bricks Instagram account.

Herbert is a Boeing aircraft structures mechanic currently working on the 777X program in Everett; he previously worked for about three years as a mechanic on the 737 MAX program in Renton.

"I loved working there and knew from the second I walked in, I wanted to combine my love for Boeing aircraft with my second interest: Lego," Herbert told TPG.

Since 2021, Herbert has been working on recreating the Boeing Renton factory using Lego digital brick building software.

"You are not restricted to the large amount of space you might need otherwise to build the design," he said about why he chose to go digital. "You also have an unlimited number of bricks and pieces to play with and can easily swap parts out."

Booking your visit

You can use the code "TAKEOFF" to book the Hangar Hideaway package at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport.

Because the package is an exclusive hotel offer, you cannot book it with World of Hyatt redemption points or certificates.

If you do want to use points or a certificate and are willing to skip the bonus amenities, you can book a King Lake View corner room and request a view of the Boeing factory.

Related: Hyatt's new award charts have arrived — here are our first impressions

Note that on May 20, the hotel changed from Category 3 to Category 4 in the World of Hyatt program. The redemption range for Category 4 hotels starts at 12,000 points and peaks at 25,000 points.

World of Hyatt is my favorite hotel loyalty program because of the value I get from its points and the benefits I receive as a top-tier elite member. However, on May 20, the program changed its award charts from three pricing tiers per category to five and implemented its annual category shifts. So, here's what you need to know about the current World of Hyatt program.

World of Hyatt brands

The World of Hyatt program has 38 brands. Here's how Hyatt classifies its brands:

• 5 luxury brands: Alila, Impression by Secrets, Miraval, Park Hyatt and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
• 9 lifestyle brands: Andaz, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Bunkhouse Hotels, Dream Hotels, JdV by Hyatt, Me and All Hotels, The Standard, The StandardX and Thompson Hotels
• 9 inclusive brands: Alua Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Sunscape Resorts & Spas and Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts
• 6 classics brands: Destination by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Vacation Club
• 7 essentials brands: Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios, Unscripted by Hyatt and UrCove
• 2 more to explore brands: Mr & Mrs Smith and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Every time you stay at a Hyatt brand for the first time, you'll earn toward the Hyatt brand explorer promotion. This promotion gives you a Category 1-4 free night award for every five unique brands you experience. Since Hyatt currently has 38 brands, you can earn up to seven free night awards through this promotion.

Related: Your ultimate guide to Hyatt hotel brands

World of Hyatt elite status

One of the strongest parts of the World of Hyatt loyalty program is its elite status tiers. World of Hyatt elite status is extremely valuable, as are the milestone rewards you can earn along the way toward securing status.

Everyone starts with Member status, and this is the tier you'll get if you don't secure Hyatt elite status. But, once you earn a specific tier of Hyatt elite status, you'll keep it through the end of February two years later. So, if you earn Hyatt Globalist status in Nov. 2026, you'll keep it through the end of Feb. 2028.

Member

Member is the tier all Hyatt members get if they don't have elite status. Here's a look at the perks available to Hyatt members without elite status:

• Waived resort fees when you redeem points or a free night award
• Access to book member rates
• Earn 5 base points per eligible dollar spent at most Hyatt hotels and resorts (2.5 base points per eligible dollar spent at Hyatt Studios)

Discoverist

Hyatt Discoverist status is the first elite status tier, which you can earn after accruing 10 elite qualifying nights or 25,000 base points in a calendar year.

Cardholders of the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees) also get automatic Hyatt Discoverist status. Plus, primary cardholders of the World of Hyatt Business Card can give Discoverist status to up to five employees.

Here's a look at the perks Hyatt Discoverist members enjoy above and beyond what is offered to members without status:

• 10% bonus point earning on eligible purchases
• 2 p.m. late checkout upon request (subject to availability at hotels with a casino, Destination Residences and Hyatt resorts; not available at Hyatt Residence Club resorts)
• Complimentary premium internet during stays when available
• A daily complimentary bottle of water
• Access to a dedicated elite check-in area at some properties
• Room upgrades, as available at check-in, to a preferred room within the type booked

Explorist

You must accrue 30 elite qualifying nights or 50,000 base points in a calendar year to earn Hyatt Explorist status. However, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can also unlock Hyatt Explorist status by meeting specific annual spending requirements.

Here's a look at the perks Hyatt Explorist members enjoy above and beyond what is offered to Discoverist members:

• 20% bonus point earning on eligible purchases
• Room upgrades, as available at check-in, to an upgraded room (excluding suites and rooms with club lounge access)

Globalist

You'll secure Hyatt Globalist status once you accrue 60 elite qualifying nights or 100,000 base points in a calendar year. And you can earn lifetime Hyatt Globalist status if you accrue 1,000,000 base points over the life of your account.

It can be difficult to earn Hyatt Globalist status each year, but the perks can make it a worthwhile endeavor for some travelers. Here's a look at the perks Hyatt Globalist members enjoy above and beyond what is offered to Explorist members:

• 30% bonus point earning on eligible purchases
• Club lounge access (including continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres daily) at properties with a club lounge
• Complimentary full breakfast daily for each registered guest (up to two adults and two children) at participating properties without a club lounge
• 4 p.m. late checkout upon request (subject to availability at hotels with a casino, Destination Residences and Hyatt resorts; not available at Hyatt Residence Club resorts)
• Room upgrades, as available at check-in, to an upgraded room (including standard suites)
• Priority access to available rooms when checking in early at participating hotels
• Waived resort fees on eligible rates
• Complimentary parking on free night awards (available at participating locations where parking can be charged to your room)
• Choose a $15 market credit or 500 bonus points per stay as a welcome amenity on Hyatt Studios stays

While it can be difficult to accrue enough elite-qualifying nights, keep in mind that the World of Hyatt Credit Card gives you five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every year and lets you earn two additional tier-qualifying night credits toward your next tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card. Meanwhile, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card lets you earn five tier-qualifying night credits toward status for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year.

Related: Was going all-in on Hyatt Globalist worth it? My honest take after 8 months

Milestone rewards program

The Hyatt milestone rewards program lets you choose extra perks once you accrue 20 qualifying nights or 35,000 base points each calendar year. You'll get more benefits to choose from for each additional 10 qualifying nights, up to 150 nights, per calendar year, as follows:

• 20 qualifying nights or 35,000 base points: One choice of a 2k next stay award, two club access awards, a $25 Find experience credit or two Preferred seat coupons on American Airlines
• 30 qualifying nights or 50,000 base points: One Category 1-4 free night award and one choice of a 2k next stay award, two club access awards, a $25 Find experience credit or two Preferred seat coupons on American Airlines
• 40 qualifying nights or 65,000 base points: One Guest of Honor award and one choice of 5,000 bonus points, a suite upgrade award, a $150 Find experience credit or two Main Cabin Extra seat coupons on American Airlines
• 50 qualifying nights or 80,000 base points: One choice of 5,000 bonus points, two suite upgrade awards, a $150 Find experience credit or two Main Cabin Extra seat coupons on American Airlines
• 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points: Two Guest of Honor awards, one Category 1-7 free night award, two suite upgrade awards and access to My Hyatt Concierge
• 70, 80 and 90 qualifying nights: One Guest of Honor award and one choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, a $300 Find experience credit or AAdvantage Gold status
• 100 qualifying nights: One Category 1-7 free night award and one choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, a Miraval extra night award or AAdvantage Platinum status
• 110, 120, 130 and 140 qualifying nights: One Guest of Honor award and one choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, a Miraval extra night award or AAdvantage Platinum status
• 150 qualifying nights: One ultimate free night award and one choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, a Miraval extra night award or AAdvantage Platinum status

Related: I didn't expect to love World of Hyatt, but here's why I do

How to earn Hyatt points

There are plenty of ways to earn Hyatt points; here are some of the most popular and lucrative.

Hotel stays

During stays at Hyatt Studios hotels, you'll earn 2.5 base points per dollar spent on eligible rates and eligible incidental charges. During stays at other Hyatt points properties, you'll earn 5 base points per dollar spent on eligible rates and eligible incidental charges. Note that taxes, service charges and gratuities often aren't eligible to earn points.

You can earn base points for up to three rooms per night within the same hotel or resort as long as you occupy one of the rooms.

In addition to the base points that you earn on eligible rates and incidental charges, Hyatt elite members also earn 10 to 30% bonus points based on their status tier. After this bonus, Discoverist members earn 5.5 points per dollar on most Hyatt stays, Explorist members earn 6 points per dollar, and Globalist members earn 6.5 points per dollar.

World of Hyatt promotions

Frequent World of Hyatt promotions can help you earn more points on stays. When I wrote this post, I'd enrolled in five promotions that would let me earn bonus points on select stays.

You can also earn 500 extra points per night at select new Hyatt hotels shortly after they open.

Hyatt credit cards

Cobranded credit cards are also a great way to earn Hyatt points. Here's a look at the current welcome offers and earning rates on the cobranded Hyatt credit cards:

Related: World of Hyatt card vs. World of Hyatt Business card: 2 valuable hotel earners

Buy Hyatt points

You can also earn Hyatt points by buying them. World of Hyatt occasionally offers sales or bonuses on points purchases that can make buying points a valuable option, especially if you're buying points for a high-value redemption.

Without a sale, you can usually buy Hyatt points at 2.6 cents each. However, with a sale, you may be able to buy Hyatt points for less than 2 cents each. You can usually buy up to 55,000 Hyatt points per calendar year.

Related: Buying points and miles saved me over $1,000 on flights and a hotel stay

Transfer points

You can also earn Hyatt points by getting another member to transfer points to you or by transferring Bilt or Chase points to Hyatt. You can transfer both Bilt Points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Related: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt

How to redeem Hyatt points

TPG's May 2026 valuations peg Hyatt points at 1.65 cents each, so you'll want to aim to get at least that value per point when you redeem them.

World of Hyatt award chart

World of Hyatt maintains separate award charts for Hyatt hotels and resorts, all-inclusive resorts and Miraval resorts. For each of these three, you'll find award charts for standard rooms, club rooms, standard suites and premium suites. Each award chart has five pricing tiers per category.

For example, here's the eight-category standard room award chart for Hyatt hotels and resorts (excluding all-inclusive resorts and Miraval resorts):

And here's the six-category standard room award chart for double-occupancy at all-inclusive resorts (excluding Miraval resorts):

You can also often book Points + Cash awards, where you pay 50% of the points required for a free night and 30-50% of the standard room rate. To learn more about the award charts and Points + Cash award rates, check out our post on the Hyatt award charts.

Redeeming points for upgrades

You can often redeem Hyatt points to upgrade your stay. Specifically, you may be able to redeem 3,000 points per night to upgrade to a club room, 6,000 points per night to upgrade to a standard suite and 9,000 points per night to upgrade to a premium suite.

These room upgrade awards aren't available at all properties, and you may need to book a minimum room type or specific rate to be eligible to upgrade. You can book room upgrade awards online when making a new reservation, but you'll need to call World of Hyatt to redeem points to upgrade an existing reservation.

Related: How to redeem Hyatt points for upgraded rooms and suites

Redeeming points for dynamically-priced properties

World of Hyatt uses dynamic award pricing for several types of properties: Mr & Mrs Smith properties, Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt and two Las Vegas properties (The Venetian and The Palazzo at The Venetian Resort).

For these properties, the award rate will vary depending on when you book and the dates of your stay. You'll usually get less than TPG's valuation of Hyatt points (1.65 cents per point based on our valuations) when booking these dynamically priced options, so we generally recommend saving your points for higher-value redemptions.

Related: Our favorite Mr & Mrs Smith hotels to book using Hyatt points

Other redemption options

You can also redeem Hyatt points for various experiences.

For example, at select properties, you can redeem points at checkout for a credit toward in-room movies, parking, transportation and more. You'll get better value as you redeem for higher dollar amounts, as you can see in the table below:

You can also redeem Hyatt points to book Find Experiences. Award rates vary, but I could, for example, redeem 2,500 points or pay $35 for an hourlong sound-healing class at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows. That would give you a redemption rate of 1.4 cents per point.

You can also redeem points toward future meetings and events or an Avis car rental reward. Explorist and Globalist members can redeem Hyatt points to get AAdvantage Status for a Day. And all Hyatt members can share or gift points to other members and convert Hyatt points into airline miles with select airlines. However, since the conversion rate starts at 5,000 points for 2,000 miles, this will rarely be the most valuable way to redeem Hyatt points.

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

World of Hyatt sweet spots

You can find Hyatt sweet spots across the program's award charts. Just calculate your redemption rate before booking, and consider booking a paid rate if you'd get too low a redemption rate. TPG's valuations peg Hyatt points at 1.65 cents each, but you may have a different threshold below which you won't redeem Hyatt points (for me, it's 2.0 cents per Hyatt point).

Category 1 Hyatt hotels

Category 1 Hyatt hotels cost 3,000 to 9,000 points per night in a standard room. If you can find nights bookable for just 3,000 points, you'll almost certainly get a high redemption rate. However, even the Upper and Top award prices may be worth paying for Category 1 hotels on nights with expensive paid rates.

Category 4 hotels with reward night certificates

Category 4 Hyatt hotels are where you'll want to look when redeeming Category 1-4 free night certificates. Category 4 award rates range from 12,000 to 25,000 points for a standard room, so you'll want to use your certificates on Upper or Top nights, which cost 22,500 and 25,000 points.

Related: 7 of the best hotel credit cards that come with an annual free night

Lowest and Low nights

Hyatt considers more than just nightly rates when determining which nights are classified as Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper and Top for award pricing purposes. So, you can often get a high redemption rate when redeeming points for Lowest and Low nights at hotels that don't offer comparably inexpensive paid rates. After all, Hyatt might classify a night as Lowest or Low simply because it expects the hotel to have low occupancy.

Peak nights

Finally, you may also find that you can get good redemption rates even on peak (Upper and Top) nights. This is especially true during big concerts, games or other events when paid rates are extremely high.

Bottom line

The World of Hyatt program has one of the best top-tier hotel elite statuses and valuable hotel points. Despite recent changes in the Hyatt award charts, Hyatt points remain one of the most valuable hotel rewards currencies (and one of the best transfer partners for Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt).

Although I earn some points through stays and my World of Hyatt Credit Card, I also transfer Chase points to Hyatt as needed and usually buy the maximum number of Hyatt points each year. I also carefully consider when to redeem Hyatt points and when to book at a paid rate, based on the redemption rate I could get, which helps me save my Hyatt points for the best-value redemptions.

If you've spent even a few minutes researching Chase credit cards, you've probably come across the infamous "5/24 rule."

For many points and miles enthusiasts, it's one of the most important — and frustrating — restrictions in the credit card world.

While Chase has never officially published the policy, countless applicant data points show that opening too many credit cards in a short period can make you ineligible for many of the bank's most popular cards.

Here's what you need to know about Chase's 5/24 rule, including which cards are affected, what counts toward your total and whether there are any ways around it.

What is the Chase 5/24 rule?

In order to be approved for most Chase cards subject to 5/24, you cannot have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the last 24 months (more on business cards in a moment).

The 5/24 rule applies only to approvals for cards issued by Chase, but your 5/24 count includes credit cards from all banks.

Related: The best ways to use your 5/24 slots

Are all Chase cards subject to 5/24?

Most Chase-issued rewards cards are subject to 5/24 for approval, including cobranded cards. The following are cards generally considered subject to the 5/24 rule:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card*
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
• Disney® Inspire Visa® Card (see rates and fees)
• Disney® Premier Visa® Card (see rates and fees)
• Disney® Visa® Card (see rates and fees)
• Iberia Visa Signature® Card*
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card*
• Prime Visa* (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card*
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees)
• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
• United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees)

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

Reader reports also indicate that applying for too many Chase cards too quickly can lead to account scrutiny and shutdowns, regardless of your 5/24 status. Some online reports indicate that Chase will not approve more than two new accounts within 30 days.

Many experts recommend spacing out applications by at least three to four months.

Remember that 5/24 is not the only factor determining whether your Chase credit card application is approved. Your credit score, income, debt levels and many other variables are also considered.

For business cards, Chase may also request documentation, such as financial statements or articles of organization, to verify that you have a legitimate business or sole proprietorship.

Related: How to complete a Chase business credit card application

How do I check my 5/24 status?

We've found the easiest way to check your 5/24 status is to sign up for Experian's free credit report service. (Make sure you don't accidentally sign up for a paid service.)

Using the Experian app, you can view all of your accounts and sort them by the date they were opened. From here, count all accounts opened within the last 24 months.

Chase only checks whether an account was opened, even if it has since been closed. Applications that were denied also won't count against your 5/24 status.

According to the most recent data points, you will not technically be below 5/24 until the first day of the 25th month after your fifth account was opened. For example, if your fifth most recent account was opened in October 2024, do not apply for a new card until Nov. 1, 2026, at the earliest.

Related: How to calculate your 5/24 standing

What accounts add to your 5/24 status?

The following accounts count toward your 5/24 standing:

• All personal credit cards opened with any bank in the immediate past 24 months (even if they're now closed).
• Business cards opened with Discover and TD Bank in the past 24 months, plus most Capital One small-business cards (except the Capital One Venture X Business and Capital One Spark Cash Plus).
• Authorized user cards from another person's personal card opened in the past 24 months, as they're reported on your credit report. (However, you can call the Chase reconsideration line and ask that these accounts not be considered.)
• Specific store cards opened in the last 24 months that are part of a national payment system and can be used elsewhere. Some data points suggest that even store cards that can only be used at a single establishment also now count.

To be safe: Assume that if it's a credit card and it shows up on your credit report, Chase will count it.

The following accounts will not count toward your 5/24 standing:

• Cards for which you applied but were ultimately denied. (Credit inquiries aren't counted.)
• Small-business cards from the majority of card issuers, with the known exceptions listed above.
• Auto and student loans and mortgages.

Related: These 6 business cards can help you stay under Chase's 5/24 rule

What about card conversions and upgrades?

Depending on how a bank processes a card conversion or upgrade (also known as a product change), it might not be reported as a new account. Before completing an upgrade or product change, ask the bank if a hard credit pull will be completed.

In addition, ask if you'll receive a new account number after the switch.

If the answer to one (or both) of these questions is yes, that could be a sign that the account will be considered new and add to your 5/24 standing.

Related: Don't cancel: How to downgrade a Chase credit card

Are there ways around the 5/24 rule?

There have been some recent instances where cardholders bypassed the 5/24 rule through targeted "Just for you" offers.

To see if you're targeted, navigate to "Just for you" under "Explore products" in the left-hand menu bar when you're logged in to your online Chase account.

If you want a card but are over the 5/24 limit, you can attempt a product change within the Chase Ultimate Rewards card family (assuming you've held the card you want to convert for at least a year).

However, unless you've been specifically targeted for a bonus to upgrade a card, you will not receive a welcome bonus for any product change.

Bottom line

Chase's 5/24 rule is well established and shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. This means you need to be extremely strategic with your application and rewards strategy to maximize your five allowed Chase slots.

If you're starting in the realm of credit card rewards and aren't close to 5/24, you'll want to prioritize getting Chase cards first.

But remember not to try to fill your five slots with Chase cards too quickly. Take it slow and be smart about which cards you apply for and when you do it.

Related: Best time to apply for Chase cards based on offer history

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) charges a hefty $795 annual fee — so is it worth adding to your wallet?

For travelers who value luxury perks, it's likely worth it.

The Sapphire Reserve delivers exceptional value to those ready to maximize its benefits. However, budget-minded travelers may not appreciate what the card offers.

Here's who might — and might not — want to add the Sapphire Reserve to their wallet.

Key Sapphire Reserve benefits

The Sapphire Reserve is currently offering a stellar welcome bonus to new cardholders.

Right now, new applicants can earn a welcome bonus of 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

This bonus is worth $3,075 per TPG's May 2026 valuations of Chase points, and is an excellent way to earn a substantial amount of points upfront.

When you consider the Sapphire Reserve's numerous statement credits and perks, it may be easier to justify the high annual fee, especially if you can easily maximize many of them. These include:

• Annual $300 travel credit
• Chase Sapphire Lounge access
• Complimentary subscriptions for Apple TV and Apple Music (through June 22, 2027)
• Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• DoorDash DashPass subscription (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).
• The Edit hotel credit
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credit every four years
• Lyft in-app credits (earned monthly; through Sept. 30, 2027)
• OpenTable credit (no prepayment, payment or reservation through OpenTable required)
• Peloton membership credits (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• Priority Pass Select membership
• Spending-incentivized credits, including IHG, Hyatt and Southwest Airlines status and credits with Southwest Airlines and The Shops at Chase
• StubHub and Viagogo credit (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required)
• Travel and purchase protections

And, the card comes with high earning rates to create ongoing value, including:

• 10 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027)
• 8 points per dollar spent on all Chase Travel℠ purchases
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
• 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining purchases worldwide
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Purchases that qualify for the annual $300 travel credit will not earn points.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve 150,000-point bonus: Your frequent questions answered

Who should get the Sapphire Reserve?

Let's explore why you may want to add the Sapphire Reserve to your wallet.

People who spend a lot on travel

The Sapphire Reserve's $300 annual travel credit is very flexible and automatically applies to the first $300 in travel purchases made with the card.

Travel is a broadly defined category on the Sapphire Reserve, so it's easy for frequent travelers to use. However, it's worth noting that you won't earn points on purchases that qualify for the statement credit.

People who value airport lounge access

The Sapphire Reserve grants access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges for cardholders and up to two guests at no charge. When traveling with a Star Alliance airline, cardholders also receive access to Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges.

If you fly frequently in or out of an airport with a Chase lounge or value a Priority Pass membership, this card is the ticket.

People who want luxury hotel perks

Sapphire Reserve cardholders also receive access to The Edit by Chase Travel, Chase's luxury hotel collection. This program is only open to those who hold a Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) or J.P. Morgan Reserve® Card.

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve 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.

If you don't have elite status with popular programs such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors — or you want to stay at boutique properties outside of these programs and still receive perks — The Edit properties provide comparable benefits like complimentary breakfast, early check-in, late checkout and complimentary upgrades (when available).

Plus, the Sapphire Reserve offers up to $500 per calendar year in The Edit credits for stays of two nights or more (split into two up-to-$250 credits that can be used at any time, but not combined).

Cardholders also receive a separate one-time credit of up to $250 for select hotels booked through Chase Travel in 2026.

If you enjoy staying at IHG properties, this card also provides automatic IHG One Platinum elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027). And, if you put $75,000 in spending on the card in a calendar year, you'll receive IHG One Diamond elite status and World of Hyatt Explorist status.

People who want to maximize point redemptions

Sapphire Reserve cardholders are eligible to redeem Chase points through the Chase Travel portal with the Points Boost accelerator.

With Points Boost, you can redeem your Chase points for select hotel bookings and flights through Chase Travel at a value of up to 2 cents per point; a select number of luxury hotels unlock up to 2.5 cents per point in value. (This depends on the redemption you choose. See your rewards program agreement for full details.)

With Points Boost, we've seen hotels near Disneyland for just 17,000 Chase points a night — instead of 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

People willing to book through Chase Travel to earn more points

If you're open to booking with the Sapphire Reserve through the Chase Travel portal, you'll earn 8 points per dollar spent on those purchases. This is double the return you'd receive with the card on flight or hotel bookings made directly with the airline or property (4 points per dollar spent).

If you don't have elite status or loyalty to a particular airline or hotel, booking with the portal could help you earn more on your booking.

People who have a Chase card that earns cash back

Pairing the Sapphire Reserve with a Chase cash-back card is a smart way to boost your rewards.

That's because you'll be able to transfer your points to one of Chase's loyalty program partners when you also hold the Sapphire Reserve. Transferring to partners allows you to unlock the value of Chase points at 2.05 cents per point, per TPG's valuations.

If you have a Chase cash-back card — but not one that allows you to transfer Chase points to transfer partners — adding the Sapphire Reserve could be a good option.

These are the other cards that allow you to transfer Chase points to transfer partners:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)

If you don't have one of these, it may be a good idea to add the Sapphire Reserve.

Some cards that pair well with the Sapphire Reserve are:

• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)

People who value strong travel protections

The Sapphire Reserve is an excellent card for travel and shopping protections. The card provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

Related: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

Who shouldn't get the Sapphire Reserve?

The Sapphire Reserve is a great choice for many travelers, but it isn't for everyone. Here are some reasons this card may not be ideal for you.

People who rarely travel

The Sapphire Reserve is designed for frequent travelers. Its flexible annual travel credit and multiple statement credits toward travel-related purchases are geared toward them. Plus, if you don't need airport lounge access because you aren't flying much, the Sapphire Reserve likely isn't the card for you.

People who prefer cash back

The Sapphire Reserve earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points for spending. If you'd prefer cash-back rewards, apply for a card that earns cash back instead.

People who won't maximize most of the statement credits

The Sapphire Reserve offers a long list of statement credits for various types of spending. This includes up to $300 in annual StubHub and Viagogo credits through Dec. 31, 2027 (up to $150 biannually), up to $300 in annual dining credits with Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables (up to $150 biannually) and up to $300 in annual promos with DoorDash through Dec. 31, 2027 (up to $25 in monthly promos).

Maximizing these credits is a sure-fire way to get the full value out of the card in exchange for its high $795 annual fee. However, if you aren't interested in tracking statement credits or prefer a simpler card, the Sapphire Reserve may not be for you.

People who have applied for 5 or more cards in the last 24 months

Chase's 5/24 rule prevents those who have opened five or more cards in the last 24 months from being approved for a Chase card.

If you're over 5/24, you may want to consider another premium card until you're back under the threshold. The American Express Platinum Card® or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card could be good options instead — or you could wait to submit your Sapphire Reserve application.

As with most premium cards, you may also have trouble qualifying if you're new to credit entirely.

Bottom line

Despite its high $795 annual fee, the Sapphire Reserve could make an excellent addition to the luxury traveler's wallet. This is especially true if you're a frequent traveler who values lounge access, wants to maximize your points redemptions and plans to book through the Chase Travel portal regularly.

Occasional travelers, budget-conscious consumers and those who prefer cash-back rewards would be better with another option.

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

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the country's fifth-busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, according to the Official Airline Guide (OAG).

In 2025, more than 45 million passengers traveled to, from or through LAX. The airport is a massive hub, connecting passengers from North America to South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and, once Royal Air Maroc launches its service to Casablanca soon, Africa.

Although there's plenty to keep travelers busy in and around LAX, if you find yourself with a long layover, you might need to stay at one of the nearby hotels. What's more; the airport is also just a 10-minute drive from SoFi Stadium, where FIFA 2026 World Cup matches will be played this summer — so if you are just taking a quick in-out trip to catch a game, a hotel around the airport makes for an affordable, convenient choice.

Luckily, there are plenty of options. With amenities ranging from buzzy pool party scenes to hundreds of on-tap beers, here are the 11 best hotels near LAX and what you'll find at each.

Related: The best hotels near SoFi Stadium

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

With more than 800 rooms, this hotel is a behemoth. However, it's far from whatever drab convention hotel or transit hall you might imagine. Its public spaces have a certain grandeur (marble tiling, enormous chandeliers, living room-style socializing spaces) that matches its scale.

Arriving and departing guests can take advantage of its 24-hour shuttle to LAX's various terminals. The guest rooms and suites, which start at 298 square feet, feature Sheraton hallmarks like Sheraton Signature beds; those, along with the soundproof windows, will help alleviate jet lag.

Guests can also soak up some sunshine at the outdoor pool and even reserve a cabana if they plan to linger for the day. The gym has a full complement of cardio and weight equipment for folks who want to stay fit on the go.

There's an on-property cafe serving Starbucks coffee for those in need of a convenient caffeine boost. The Costero Bar and Costero Bistro offer cocktails and California cuisine, such as fish tacos and vegan dishes. Brasserie is the place for a healthy breakfast and standard Americana options, along with buffet offerings at lunch and dinner.

Rates at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel start at $132 or 34,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related: The best Marriott credit cards

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

With 580 rooms and suites, it's never hard to find award availability at this Hyatt outpost. The hotel is physically the closest option to LAX; it's a quick (free) shuttle ride from the airport's terminals and even a manageable walk from some of them. (Not to mention the hotel has excellent views of takeoffs and landings.)

The accommodations, which start at 250 square feet (though most are 340 square feet and above), have a bright, mod feel. Hanging globe light fixtures plus a sophisticated color scheme of white, gray, yellow and purple with midcentury modern chairs and tables make your stay stylish.

Rooms also feature comfortable beds and blackout shades to help with jet lag. Guests can catch up on international news on 55-inch LED TVs and freshen up with citrus- and verbena-scented Pharmacopia products.

The hotel boasts the largest outdoor hotel pool near LAX, and it's surrounded by loungers and cabanas where guests can relax. The gym is outfitted with LifeFitness cardio and weight machines. There's even a business center for folks who need to stay on top of work during their trip.

As for dining, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast at Beckett's, or linger over lunch and dinner specialties like healthy poke bowls, pepperoni flatbread, shrimp linguine and tempting libations like spicy margaritas and blackberry smashes. If you're in a rush, items like sandwiches and snacks are available 24 hours a day at the Grab & Go Market.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport start at $166 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: Current World of Hyatt credit card offers

The Westin Los Angeles Airport

The Westin brand's wellness focus extends even to airport hotels, as evidenced by this particular property. Situated just four blocks from the entrance to LAX, The Westin Los Angeles Airport has a well-equipped signature WestinWorkout Fitness Studio with cardio machines, free weights, a TRX setup and Peloton bikes, not to mention a Topgolf Swing Suite.

On the third floor, the outdoor heated pool is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for those who want to get some exercise with a dose of sunshine. The hotel recently underwent a $45 million renovation and now has a new Westin Club as well.

Guest rooms start at around 300 square feet. Depending on the category you book, rooms offer amenities like pullout sofa beds for extra guests (ideal for families traveling together), flat-screen TVs, large windows for natural light and work desks with ergonomic chairs — not to mention the much-loved and ultracomfortable Westin Heavenly beds.

When it's time to dine, guests can grab Starbucks coffee and Tazo teas along with fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods at Zen & Tonic. They can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at an outpost of LA's famous Daily Grill, where specialties include chilaquiles, spinach artichoke dip and cheeseburger sliders. For dinner, the Zen & Tonic Lounge is a quiet but convivial space serving craft beers, wines by the glass, cocktails and a variety of bar bites.

Rates at The Westin Los Angeles Airport start at $157 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

With more than 1,200 rooms, Hilton Los Angeles Airport is one of the larger LAX hotels, but that doesn't mean stays can't feel personalized.

Guests can grab a complimentary shuttle to or from the airport's various terminals to reach the hotel. Rooms provide views of the surrounding area, and if you're staying on the upper floors, you can see the airport's runways about a mile away.

With ergonomic chairs, workspaces and 55-inch high-definition TVs, rooms are ideal for staying on top of work during a quick layover. Sound-resistant windows and blackout shades mean long-haul flyers can enjoy some much-needed rest.

The hotel has a large fitness center and an outdoor pool for alfresco relaxation. It's also home to five dining outlets. Some highlights at The Cafe, which serves breakfast daily, include eggs Benedict and corned beef hash. Landings Bar next to the hotel lobby slings cocktails and bar bites and displays sports games on its 96-inch monitors.

For an upscale dinner, Andiamo offers a menu of Italian specialties. Runway on 16th (on the hotel's 16th floor) has some of the best flight path views. There, patrons can enjoy creative cocktails and a vinyl record soundtrack. Finally, for 24-hour takeaway, The Bistro fields grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and pizzas, among other options.

Rates at Hilton Los Angeles Airport start at $120 or 42,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you

Los Angeles Airport Marriott

This 18-story, 1,004-room hotel underwent a $44 million renovation a few years ago. Accommodations now have a fresh, airy look with bright white, sky blue and contrail silver accents. Also, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of California sunshine. Rooms start at 265 square feet, and include pillow-top beds and 55-inch televisions to make your stay comfortable.

The hotel's enormous, light-filled Elevate fitness center offers a wide array of cardio and weight equipment. The tropical-style pool — with plenty of trees and planters, loungers and pod-like wicker chairs and chaise lounges — is a fantastic spot to reset your circadian rhythm between flights. Not to mention, you can enjoy a poolside drink or meal from the Pool Bar.

Travelers tight on time can grab coffee at the on-site Starbucks or order a meal for pickup or delivery through the hotel's A La Carte mobile dining option. The hotel's sports bar, Hangar 18 Bar + Kitchen, is open most of the day and evening, and serves standard bar fare like chicken wings and chips with salsa.

Social Market & Eatery is a casual all-day dining venue highlighting farm-fresh dishes. It offers omelets and a morning breakfast buffet, as well as hearty main courses — like carne asada tacos and roasted half-chicken mole with pot-simmered frijoles de olla — in the afternoon and evening. If you have colleagues you want to impress, make a reservation at JW Steakhouse for its Wine Spectator-awarded wine list and juicy cuts of locally sourced beef.

Rates at Los Angeles Airport Marriott start at $165 or 26,400 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection

Looking for an airport hotel with a bit more character than your average runway-adjacent overnight? Look no further than Hilton Curio Collection's H Hotel Los Angeles. Even the hotel's distinctive blue-and-gray patterned edifice stands out from nondescript competitors. It's linked to its sister Homewood Suites property, and both are accessible via a 24-hour airport shuttle.

The 168 spacious guest rooms, which range from 375 to 450 square feet, have a pared-down, elegant look with palettes of platinum gray, brushed brass and spotless white. The bathrooms are tiled in glossy limestone and stocked with high-end Temple Spa products. Among the other notable amenities are sizable desks with ergonomic chairs and Nespresso machines for a quick jolt before early morning flights.

AvGeeks will enjoy planespotting from the rooftop deck, while those with less aeronautical tendencies can simply take a dip in the heated outdoor pool with views of the airport entrance. Been on the road for a while? The paid laundry facilities should be a welcome amenity. Also, travelers who want to move after a long flight can head to the fitness center for a quick cardio session with unobstructed flight path views.

A Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outpost adjacent to the lobby is excellent for pre- or post-flight snacks and beverages. Additionally, the hotel's main restaurant Waypoint Kitchen + Bar serves breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Morning options include everything from a California omelet with avocado, bacon, cheese and potatoes to steel-cut oats with strawberries. For dinner, indulge in fresh-baked pretzels with Sriracha aioli and honey mustard, meatballs with mozzarella and pesto olive oil, and grilled salmon.

Rates at H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection start at $145 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel

With just more than 500 rooms, this is actually one of the smaller hotels near LAX. However, it still offers many of the same amenities as its larger cohort, and it's pet-friendly.

Bring your dog along for $50 per night (as long as it weighs less than 60 pounds). Pets even get to ride the complimentary airport shuttle with you and snuggle up in one of the recently refreshed rooms.

Accommodations start at a sizable 324 square feet and feature eye-catching geometric wallpaper patterns, space-efficient love seats and desks with rolling chairs positioned near the large windows. The tiled bathrooms are simple but serviceable.

The compact fitness center holds a range of cardio and weight equipment, as well as a Peloton bike. The small outdoor pool is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Studio 12 restaurant and bar is a relaxed hangout with 12 local brews on tap; signature dishes like juicy burgers and sizzling chicken tinga taquitos round out the food menu.

Rates at Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel start at $132 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related: The best hotel credit cards

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

Whether you have a quick connection or a leisurely layover, the Sonesta location at LAX has to be one of the most convenient options for transiting passengers. It sits just about a mile from the airport and has complimentary shuttles running every 20 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day.

The hotel recently underwent a huge renovation to its 614 guest rooms and public spaces. The accommodations have a new, pared-down look with parquet flooring, large work desks and ergonomic chairs for those business travelers, plus double-paned windows for soundproofing. King rooms now all feature pullout sofa beds, while doubles have been enhanced to include two queen beds. Five upper-floor suites even have enhanced amenities like 65-inch high-definition TVs and Nespresso coffeemakers.

The hotel has a 24-hour business center if you need to catch up on work. There is also a decent gym and a small rooftop pool for soaking in some rays between flights.

The Sonesta at LAX has four bars and restaurants. The Landing Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet from 6 to 11 a.m. daily, while Boulevard Market Cafe sells grab-and-go items such as sandwiches, wraps and salads from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Yokoso Sushi Bar serves ultrafresh sushi, sashimi and salads (not to mention a full sake menu) from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Century Taproom is open from 4 p.m. to midnight daily and offers dozens beers on tap and by the bottle; the menu includes cocktails, wine and upscale fare like brick-oven pizzas, miso-glazed salmon and Asian-inspired lobster noodles.

Rates at Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX start from $152 per night.

The Hotel June

The Hotel June feels like a casual but upscale urban resort within easy reach of LAX rather than a cookie cutter airport hotel. The property — which comes from the folks behind design-centric Proper Hotels — is housed in a landmark 1960s building by architect Welton Becket. It's about a 10-minute ride from the airport, and it's not far from beaches and shops.

Guest rooms can be compact, but they have efficient layouts with finishes that provide a beach-chic vibe. Brazilian hand-glazed tiles in the bathroom, sisal natural-fiber carpeting, sumptuous Fili D'Oro Italian linens, and multipurpose lounging and working furniture pieces complete the look. Aesop bath amenities, minibars stocked with locally sourced specialties and noise-canceling windows are just added benefits.

The main draw has to be the clublike, palm-shaded pool deck, which is lined by loungers and daybeds. It's both an ideal spot to spend a SoCal day and a prime place to watch the planes heading to or from LAX.

The poolside Caravan Swim Club serves up casual bites like burgers, guacamole and shrimp tacos; also, the bartenders create beautiful cocktails such as a spicy passion fruit margarita.

Breakfast is served in the laid-back but chic Scenic Route restaurant adjacent to the lobby from 7 to 11 a.m. daily. Dishes range from egg white squash blossom quesadillas to chia-coconut pudding with pineapple and blueberry.

Rates at The Hotel June start from $166 per night.

Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport

Just five minutes from the airport via a complimentary shuttle, this Homewood Suites property is an excellent option for families.

Accommodations offer plenty of space and flexible sleeping setups. For example, a one-bedroom king suite has a king bed; a separate pullout sofa bed; a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave; a large bathroom; and a 55-inch HD TV with an adjacent work area and office chairs. The hotel also makes it easy to book connecting rooms for large groups traveling together.

Guests can use the fitness facility and outdoor pool that the Homewood Suites shares with the H Hotel, along with its bars and restaurants. Also, a free hot breakfast comes with the nightly rate. Since it has just 122 suites, this hotel feels small and intimate, but award nights aren't hard to come by here.

Rates at Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport start at $152 or 49,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Anthem Los Angeles Stadium District, Tapestry by Hilton

If SoFi Stadium (or the Intuit Dome) is your destination, check out this new Hilton outpost that just opened its doors in Inglewood's Stadium District in February. The hotel has just 179 brightly colored rooms and suites with beds dressed with 300-threadcount sheets, work desks, high-definition televisions and compact but cute bathrooms.

You can catch all the latest games playing on big-screen TVs at Tom's Watch Bar as you scarf specialties like ahi tuna poke nachos, babyback ribs, Nashville hot chicken tenders and buffalo chicken three-cheese cavatappi. Additional festive venues on site include the Soundwave Pool Bar and the rooftop lounge, The State. Work off those hearty meals in the fitness center or with a few laps in the central pool.

Rates at The Anthem Los Angeles Stadium District, Tapestry by Hilton start at $112 or 38,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

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• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
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