Benji Stawski, Strategic Travel Reporter: My 10 favorite TPG stories of 2021
2021 was a big year for country reopenings, credit card launches, loyalty program updates, new hotel openings and more. As we get ready to usher in the new year, the TPG team is taking a look back on our favorite stories of the last 12 months.
Today, Benji Stawski shares his 10 favorite posts of the year. Benji is a reporter for the site, covering everything from loyalty programs and credit cards to hotels, private aviation and more. Regardless of the topic he's covering, he always has one goal in mind: helping readers make more strategic decisions about their travels and spending.
The golden age of travel isn't over — it's evolving
In this story, I explain why I'm a firm believer that we're still living in the golden age of travel. Private and private-like travel experiences have become more accessible than ever, it's gotten easier to redeem points and miles, pesky change fees are gone and travel credit cards are offering best-ever sign-up bonuses.
Read story: The golden age of travel isn't over — it's evolving
As close to private as it gets: Flying JSX's new route to LAX
Speaking of private-like experiences, earlier this year, I finally had the chance to fly on JSX. It operates as a hybrid between a commercial airline and a private jet charter service, offering flights on 30-seat regional jets out of private jet terminals. The entire experience was remarkably hassle-free.
Read story: As close to private as it gets: Flying JSX's new route to LAX
The Aero experience: What it's like flying on a semiprivate jet for under $1,000
I also tried out Aero's semiprivate jet service on its inaugural flight from Las Vegas to L.A. Between the more exclusive cabin configuration and more personalized service, the experience felt as close to flying private as it could get. This was definitely my most memorable flight this year.
Read story: The Aero experience: What it's like flying on a semiprivate jet for under $1,000
I booked New York's newest $1,000 suite for the cost of a standard room, and you can too
Here's one of my most valuable hotel redemptions of 2021: I took advantage of World of Hyatt's upgrades on paid nights feature to book an over-$1,000-per-night suite at the new Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New York for just $89 and 6,000 points.
Read story: I booked New York's newest $1,000 suite for the cost of a standard room, and you can too
'This is one of the best all-inclusives': Jamaica's Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
In the spring, I traveled to Jamaica to compare three all-inclusive resorts. Among them was the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. This was my first time staying at one of Hyatt's all-inclusive properties and it was one of my best all-inclusive experiences yet. Amenities were plentiful and the food and beverage offerings were top-notch.
Read story: 'This is one of the best all-inclusives': Jamaica's Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
This TPG reader has 30 million points and miles — we're showing him how to use them
This year, the points and miles team launched a new "1 million miles" series where we share how we'd each spend a million miles with various loyalty programs. However, for this story, we had to think even bigger, as we helped a TPG reader burn 32,194,000 points and miles on an epic adventure around the world.
Read story: This TPG reader has 30 million points and miles — we're showing him how to use them
Sweet Spot Sunday: Fly lie-flat domestic business class for the price of coach
This year, one of my most-flown routes was New York-JFK to Miami (MIA), and I usually flew up front on American's 777-300 with Flagship First seats. However, I didn't break the bank in doing so. This guide shows how I did it and how you can, too. This is definitely one of my favorite domestic award chart sweet spots.
Read story: Sweet Spot Sunday: Fly lie-flat domestic business class for the price of coach
How I'm using Amex's transfer bonuses to book 3 premium trips
In September, American Express Membership Rewards offered a record number of transfer bonuses. Specifically, you were able to get up to a 40% bonus when transferring points to a whopping 12 partners, which was unheard of. While we usually discourage speculative transfers, I made some anyway and was able to book some terrific awards.
Read story: How I'm using Amex's transfer bonuses to book 3 premium trips
How I Swipe: Strategic Travel Reporter Benji Stawski
How did I earn all those credit card points and miles? Glad you asked. Earlier this year, a coworker interviewed me on my credit card strategy, covering everything from the first card I opened to my go-to card for everyday spend and what cards are in my wallet when I hit the road.
Read story: How I Swipe: Strategic Travel Reporter Benji Stawski
Not your average 737: This $80 million VIP jet has just 13 seats
In October, I attended my first National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas. I got to tour a ton of incredible private jets, but the most special had to be the Boeing Business Jets 737 demonstrator. I've been on plenty of 737s before, but this one was like no other, complete with multiple bedrooms, onboard showers, a bar and more.
Read story: Not your average 737: This $80 million VIP jet has just 13 seats
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees