TPG launches Passenger Shaming partnership, and more
Each 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.
Here's how to avoid being 'that person' on a plane
Airplane floors are gross. Plane bathrooms are even grosser. And when people go to the bathroom barefoot, then put those dirty digits up on your armrest? Well, it's the grossest. Watch TPG's video in partnership with Passenger Shaming to learn about nine poor behaviors to avoid when traveling.
TPG visits Guatemala for the 2019 PeaceJam conference
The Points Guy has supported PeaceJam — a nonprofit organization that develops young leaders through exposure to Nobel Peace Laureates such as Desmond Tutu and Leymah Gbowee — since 2014. This year, the TPG team traveled to Guatemala to recognize 150 incredibly inspiring youth from across the country, as well as Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum, who runs the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation to promote the human rights of indigenous peoples.
This woman was charged $66,000 for 2 nights at a 3-star hotel
The headline tells you pretty much everything you need to know. But just in case you want a little more: Here's a good example of when a credit card can offer you protection that a debit card would not.
Which major U.S. airline is best?
Southwest, United, American, Delta: There's an absolute answer, and each of TPG's experts swears by a different one. Listen to this week's Miles Away podcast to hear their reasons why.
When and where to catch this year's fall foliage
Pumpkin spice, cool air, road trips and chunky sweaters. Here are the best places across the US to enjoy all of those things while taking in the beautiful colors of fall foliage.
British Airways schedules still struggling after its recent employee strike
British Airways flights may be back in the skies, but their timetables haven't quite caught up yet.
Flying while black: What the TSA still doesn't get about natural hair
If you get it, you get it. If you don't, this firsthand op-ed by TPG reporter Vikkie Walker will open your eyes to a humiliating experience all too familiar to black women who travel.
Why TPG's travel editor chose a 13-hour train ride over a 2-hour flight
This month, TPG is highlighting all things train travel, so travel editor Melanie Lieberman decided to take the scenic route to Montreal.
These are the best airline, travel and business credit cards of 2019
We've done the heavy lifting so you don't have to: These are the best airline, travel + business credit cards of 2019. And if you'd like some bonus research, here are seven cards that each offer more than $1,000 in value.
How to sleep on a plane
Falling asleep at 39,000 feet can be a feat sometimes, even for travelers in first class. Whether you're in a low-cost carrier seat, in basic economy or sitting pretty in the famous Singapore Suites, this guide gives you the best tips for sleeping on any plane. (P.S. Basic economy doesn't necessarily mean you're doomed to an awful experience.)
Here's the easiest way to lock in the Southwest Companion Pass for 2020
It's that time of year again: With just over three months left in the year, it's time to start planning ahead for free companion travel on Southwest in 2020. Read up on how the current elevated sign-up bonuses on these Southwest cards can help you reach the required 110,000 points necessary to earn the coveted Southwest Companion Pass for next year. If you just need to make sure you keep your points available, read about 21 ways to keep your points from expiring.
The Bahamas still open for business following Hurricane Dorian
The Bahamian islands are still open for tourism following one of the worst storms of the year. The Caribbean island nation's prime minister appealed to tourists not to cancel their trips, saying, "One of the best ways that people around the world can show their support and solidarity is to visit our other islands by air or by cruise ship." Just remember to check the weather before you go this week: Another storm is threatening the coastline.
If you're looking to visit the Bahamas to help boost the local economy, check out our complete guide for visiting on points and miles so you can save your cash for local spending once you arrive. And if you'd prefer to give directly, here's how you can help.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
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