Skip to content

Coronavirus cases skyrocket on stranded cruise ships; DOT says airlines cannot deny cash refunds, and more

April 04, 2020
4 min read
PANAMA-NETHERLANDS-HEALTH-VIRUS-CRUISE
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Every Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here's what you need to know:

Sign up for the TPG newsletter for more tips, insights and travel news

Coronavirus cases skyrocket on board stranded cruise ships

A front view of Holland America's Zaandam cruise ship
(Photo by IVAN PISARENKO/AFP/Getty Images)

As of Thursday, 189 people from the Holland America Zaandam had exhibited flu-like symptoms. The Zaandam, along with numerous other cruise ships, has been stranded at sea for weeks as multiple ports have refused her entry, citing concerns over the sick passengers on board.

The ship, along with Holland America's Rotterdam, was allowed to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday. Chartered flights will ferry healthy passengers home.

Related: See all of TPG's coronavirus coverage here

Department of Transportation: Airlines cannot refuse cash refunds for canceled flights

(Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images)

There's been a lot of debate on this topic, but the DOT has always been clear: Passengers whose flights are canceled can demand their money back.

Related: Why you should wait until the last minute to ask for a refund

No, Southwest didn't devalue its rewards program overnight

multiple Southwest Airlines planes with the Chicago skyline in the background
(Photo by John Gress Media Inc/Shutterstock)

It has to do with the tax waiver that was issued to help bail out struggling airlines.

Chase Sapphire Reserve issues $100 annual credit fee for existing customers

(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)

This will help offset that increase in the annual fee this year.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Related: Here's why I'm keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve

What happens to credit cards when a cardholder dies?

Credit card debt doesn't disappear when a cardholder dies, so here are some precautions everyone should take to leave their loved ones in good hands.

Should I downgrade my premium credit cards?

Instead of downgrading a credit card, you may be able to get your annual fee waived with just one call. (Photo by filadendron / GettyImages)

We have your pros-and-cons list.

5 ways coronavirus will change travel

Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Photo by FG Trade/Getty Images)

Not all is doom and gloom: As a silver lining, a number of destinations are healing from overtourism.

The easiest 7,500 points I will earn all year

(Photo by Rawpixel via Unsplash)

Groceries are the secret weapon. And here's your definitive guide to online grocery services.

Alaska and American Airlines announce full reciprocal mileage earning

(Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Royal Air Maroc also joined the Oneworld family.

Airline change and cancellation policies — a complete list

(Photo by Neonbrand/Unsplash)

Here's what you are and aren't entitled to claim.

Featured image by IVAN PISARENKO/GETTY IMAGES/AFP
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

4.5 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
2X miles2 miles per dollar on every purchase
5X miles5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
10X miles10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 150,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
740-850Excellent

Pros

  • The Capital One Venture X business card has a lucrative welcome offer.
  • In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.

Cons

  • The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
  • Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
  • Top rated mobile app