TPG's Benét J. Wilson: My 10 favorite TPG stories of 2021
Well, 2021 is almost behind us, and what a year it’s been.
Here at The Points Guy, we're taking a trip down memory lane and looking back on our favorite stories of the last year. Although I was TPG’s senior credit cards editor until July 2021, I also contributed to the travel, aviation, and family travel coverage because I enjoy sharing my experiences with readers.
Below are my 10 favorite stories I wrote.
I worked for an airline on 9/11
TPG thoroughly covered the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks here, here, here and here. But my story brought the unique point of view of someone who actually worked at an airline when the terrorists hit. For as long as I live, I will never forget seeing from my office window the dozens of planes grounded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), working to get grounded flight crews back to their home bases and the feeling that the global airline industry had changed forever.
Related: I worked for an airline on 9/11: Here’s what it was like on that terrible day
How US airports continue to recover from the pandemic
As someone who has covered the global airport industry for nearly 10 years, I know the ins and outs of how it is funded and how airports and airlines handle passenger traffic. When the pandemic hit, however, many airports became ghost towns as passenger traffic plummeted and airlines slashed capacity. Unlike other businesses, airports couldn't just shut down. Instead, they learned to operate lean and mean even as they implemented new sanitizing practices to give comfort to the few travelers taking to the skies.
When more people got COVID vaccines and began returning to the skies, airports had to ramp up to meet the renewed passenger demand. I spoke to airline executives to find out how they coped in their darkest days and how they pivoted to handle travelers coming back to their terminals.
Related: How US airports continue to recover from the pandemic
Real ways to boost your credit score in 30 days
For the longest time, TPG tended to target readers who had the highest credit scores that allowed them to unlock thousands of dollars in value from points and cash-back credit cards. However, Experian notes that 34.8% of American consumers have subprime credit scores (ranging between 580 and 669) and FICO notes that 11.1% of American consumers have FICO scores below 550.
I felt it was important for TPG to target these people and give them the tools and knowledge they need to improve their scores and allow them to get more lucrative credit cards. To that end, we launched a series of posts in January 2021 — this was the first — to help readers get back on track, with that coverage continuing for the rest of the year.
Related: 3 real ways to boost your credit score in 30 days
TPG staffers confess their credit card mistakes
TPG readers consume many accounts of how TPG staffers get the maximum benefit from their myriad credit cards. But it wasn't always this way. I got my colleagues to confess their biggest credit card mistakes, including missing a major sign-up bonus, closing an old credit card and signing up for a card to get a bonus but missing the spending requirement, to name a few.
Related: Even TPG staffers make mistakes: Here are the credit card blunders they wish they could fix
Why I’m scrambling to make Southwest A-List status for 2022
Regular TPG readers know that I am a huge Southwest Airlines fan. I love the airline because it gets me from point A to point B safely and at a good price -- plus, its employees make me feel like my business is appreciated. So, of course I want to keep my A-List elite status on my favorite carrier.
This story covers how I made a plan to hit A-List in September 2021 but how several hiccups had me questioning whether I'd even make it for the fifth year in a row (spoiler alert — I did). I explained why A-LIst was so valuable for me and what I did to attain it for 2022.
Related: Why I’m scrambling to make Southwest A-List status for 2022
Why I dropped Marriott after 35 years of loyalty
This turned out to be my first viral TPG story and one of the site's top stories for the year. My love affair with Marriott began in 1986 and did not waver for more than 30 years. Then, a series of incidents soured me on the brand. At the same time, I did my first TPG hotel review (see below), fell in love with Hyatt and managed to snag Globalist status through February 2023 along the way. I received dozens of emails, tweets, and Facebook posts from readers sharing their own discontent with the Marriott brand.
Related: Why I dropped Marriott after 35 years of loyalty
What we loved about the Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
This was an exciting story for me to write for two reasons. First, it was my first TPG hotel review. And secondly, it was the first time my baby sister had left our home in the San Antonio Hill Country for an extended period since the pandemic hit in March 2020. We were at this property for a weekend, and, from beginning to end, the staff (from the front desk to the restaurants and bars to housekeeping) made us feel welcome and treated us really well. As a bonus, this review led me to earn Hyatt Globalist status.
Why I’d happily spend $5,000+ at Disney’s new Star Wars hotel
When I learned that Walt Disney World was opening the interactive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, my teen self went crazy. I was 14 years old when the first movie — now known as “Episode IV: A New Hope” — came out in 1977 and that's when my love affair with the franchise began. When "Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back" came out in 1980, I almost got into a car accident driving to stand in line for tickets. There was no internet back then, so you either stood in line or missed out.
After reading TPG's story on booking being available for the March 2022 opening of the hotel, I was inspired to write why I'd spend the $5,000+ for this great experience — if I won the Powerball.
Related: If I could, here’s why I’d happily spend $5,000+ at Disney’s new Star Wars hotel
See the meals U.S. airlines were serving passengers in the 1960s
I am of an age when I remember when U.S. airlines used to serve elaborate, multicourse meals on flights. Five years ago, I discovered the Northwestern University Transportation Library's collection of more than 400 menus from 54 national and international airlines, cruise ships and railroad companies. The lion's share of the airline menu collection came from Northwestern alumni George M. Foster, who took his first commercial flight in 1935. I go down the rabbit hole every time on this site — and I thought TPG readers would enjoy the site as much as I do.
Related: See the meals U.S. airlines were serving passengers in the 1960s
incredible deals I found at the Unclaimed Baggage Store
Any aviation geek worth their salt knows about this store, which sells goods retrieved from the baggage lost by the airlines. I was doing a road trip from Baltimore to San Antonio, Texas, via Birmingham, Alabama, and saw the sign for Scottsboro, Alabama, so I just had to stop. At 50,000 square feet, you can pick up anything from wedding dresses to iPad tablets and everything in between. I'm still kicking myself for not buying that black The Large Away suitcase for $95 (it normally runs for $325).
Related: The 10 incredible deals I found at the Unclaimed Baggage Store
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.