✈ The Biggest Travel Mistakes TPG Experts Have Made, Another Air Traffic Control Outage at EWR & More From TPG ✈ - The Points Guy

THE POINTS GUY

May 10, 2025

Learn from our mistakes

by Becky Blaine, Managing Editor, Newsletters

We’ve all been there: We see a great deal and book the trip in such a hurry that we make a mistake somewhere along the way.

It’s OK. Even the points and miles experts at TPG have done it.

Want to learn from our mistakes so that you can avoid making them in the future? Here are a few:

No. 1: Miscalculating points for an award booking

Transferring too many points from your credit card to an airline loyalty account is definitely a mistake you’ll want to avoid. Once transfers are made, they are not reversible (I repeat — not reversible). Because you run the risk of loyalty programs devaluing their rewards at any time, your transferable points are safest in your credit card account until you are ready to redeem. Just make sure the math is mathing before you transfer.

No. 2: Not checking your passport expiration date

Nothing will ruin a trip faster than being denied entry to a country you’re trying to visit. Many countries observe a three- or six-month passport validity period, meaning if you have less time than that left before your passport expires, you could be denied a travel visa or entry. So, check your expiration date now and apply for a renewal as soon as you are eligible to avoid any processing delays.

No. 3: Time zone mishaps

Not all countries, or even all U.S. states, observe daylight saving time. So be sure you know what time zone you are traveling in, or you could risk missing a flight or a tour booking on that trip you’ve been looking forward to.

Fun fact: Some countries have a half-hour time zone.

No. 4: Not entering the correct number of travelers in your search

As one TPG staffer discovered, certain airlines might restrict the number of award seats that are bookable. When searching for award space, be sure to enter the correct number of people traveling into your search criteria so you can avoid any availability letdowns when booking.

Interested in more cautionary tales? Check out the stories below, and if you want to share your biggest travel mistake, send us a quick email at tips@thepointsguy.com. No judgement, we promise.

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Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES/UPPERCUT RF.

Today’s top stories

Newark hit by another ATC outage as flight delays keep piling up. Should you avoid the airport?

United Airlines has called for stricter flight restrictions at the busy Northeast hub.

Hyatt limits number of award gifts members can receive

Hyatt has made changes to its award gifting policy.

Alaska Airlines tweaks award charts with HawaiianMiles

Some popular redemptions may cost more, but there will also be some cheaper redemptions for those holding HawaiianMiles.

How I earn and redeem points at hotels — even when they don’t belong to a loyalty program

Here's how I maximize my points — both earning and burning — in circumstances like this.

Last chance: Capital One Venture Rewards offer worth over $1,000

This standout limited-time welcome offer ends May 12.

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