Frequent flyer programs were historically designed so that the person who is sitting in an airplane seat on an eligible paid ticket would be the one who earns the miles toward elite status and that next sweet award ticket redemption.But the origins of frequent flyer programs are now 40 years behind us, and the way people travel has changed. Families are able to fly much more frequently together … [Read more...]
Starlux debuts Seattle flights, its third US destination
Taiwan's self-proclaimed "luxury" airline will touch down in its third U.S. gateway later this year.Starlux Airlines will commence flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from its hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) on a thrice-weekly basis beginning Aug. 16.The Taipei-based carrier will deploy an Airbus A350-900, which features four first-class suites, 26 … [Read more...]
Cheap round-trip flights to New York starting at $399 for business class and $137 for economy
Looking to make a trip to the Big Apple? Of course you are. New York is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S. — and for good reason. From its awe-inspiring landmarks to its world-class hotels and trendsetting dining scene, the city that never sleeps has plenty to offer.Here's a roundup of some of the best flight deals to New York (originally shared by Going, a paid membership program with both … [Read more...]
United adds wheelchair accommodation filter to its flight search results
United Airlines began rolling out a new tool Thursday aimed at making travel easier for passengers who rely on wheelchairs for mobility.The airline introduced a new filter on its search results page that allows passengers to enter their wheelchair's specifications, and prioritize flights on aircraft that can accommodate that particular mobility device.Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for … [Read more...]
There’s a new option for a river cruise through Portugal’s wine country
Avalon Waterways is the latest river cruise line to launch sailings on the Douro.The Denver-based brand on Thursday unveiled its first vessel on the vineyard-lined river in Portugal, which has been one of river cruising's fastest-growing destinations in recent years.Dubbed Avalon Alegria, the 102-passenger ship will sail seven-night voyages on the Douro out of Porto, Portugal, starting next … [Read more...]
Crystal, cocktails and a chic crowd: My stay at the Baccarat Hotel New York
"The limit does not exist," Cady Heron of the North Shore Mathletes famously said in the 2004 smash hit movie "Mean Girls."In that scene, Lindsay Lohan's character might have been solving a complex math problem — but the answer also seems to apply to New York City's luxury hotel scene, where the buildings keep getting taller, the rates more expensive, the amenities more opulent, the guests more … [Read more...]
How to avoid overpaying for a travel visa on an airline website
Jay Raman says booking his family's recent flight to Auckland, New Zealand, on Delta Air Lines was a snap. He was particularly impressed by how easy it was to apply for the required New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority visas directly through a portal on the airline's website.That portal took Raman from the Delta website to Sherpa, a third-party travel visa processor. After entering the details … [Read more...]
Book now: Fly to Puerto Rico from the Pacific Northwest from $311 round-trip
Puerto Rico is an island full of rich culture, vibrant nightlife and delicious food. Throw in the wonderful beaches, the fact that Americans can travel there without a passport and the fact that it's not far from the mainland, and it's easy to understand why it's such a popular destination. Now American Airlines and United Airlines are making it even more enticing with a sale on flights from the … [Read more...]
The best ways to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
The yearslong, $8 billion makeover at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is paying off. Once much maligned, LaGuardia is now winning awards for its upgraded facilities and services.Just about every area of the airport has been improved, including the pathways to the parking garages. If you use ride-hailing services, you have to walk a bit to get to the Terminal B garage, but the walk is all indoors and quite … [Read more...]
Italy deal alert: Enjoy Rome with nonstop flights from NYC for as low as $189
There is never a bad time to visit Rome. From the iconic sites to the incredible food, the city is always a fantastic place to visit any time of year.However, spring is truly a special time in the Italian capital. The shoulder season tends to have moderate temperatures, and there are fewer eager crowds than there are in summer.This new fare sale offers great flight prices to Rome during this ideal … [Read more...]
Budget carrier Avelo gives Florida’s tiny Lakeland airport its first commercial airline service in 12 years
A Central Florida airport within a short drive of Orlando and Tampa is getting commercial air service for the first time in more than a decade.Ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines on Wednesday announced plans to add Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida, as its 51st destination.In June, the Houston-based airline will launch a twice-weekly, nonstop route to Lakeland from … [Read more...]
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa: Dated digs and underwhelming service in a great location
When planning a family vacation, it can be challenging to find a place that is both within your budget and provides those sought-after vacation vibes. Luckily for me, I seemingly stumbled upon one such property while planning a family getaway to Clearwater Beach, Florida.While the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa initially appeared on my radar due to its superb location by the beach … [Read more...]
9 great vacations that combine a cruise and a train trip
Some people can think of nothing better than spending every moment of their vacation time on a cruise. Others dream only of train trips.There are also people who love both modes of travel so much that they have a tough time deciding which to choose for a getaway.If you want the best of both worlds — a "train cruise," if you will — we have some good news: You don't have to choose between the two … [Read more...]
Video: Inside Mexico’s hidden wine country, Valle de Guadalupe
March 28, 2024•1 min readVideo: Inside Mexico's hidden wine country, Valle de GuadalupeThe 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 … [Read more...]
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is restricting partner benefits on award tickets
There's an interesting development, and potentially a negative one, to report from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Alaska appears to be banning the use of other programs' loyalty numbers on award tickets when booked with Alaska Mileage Plan.Normally, you can book an award ticket using Alaska Mileage Plan miles and then ask Alaska to change the loyalty program affiliated with the account to another … [Read more...]
Raffles and Fairmont CEO on growing hotels with soul in the Americas and beyond
Some of the shiniest luxury tools in Accor's brand toolbox are overseen by Omer Acar, the CEO of two of Paris-based Accor's glitziest brands: Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.Fairmont has longtime brand recognition in the U.S. and Canada, as the luxe hotel chain dates to properties that sprang up along the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 1800s. In the U.S., the … [Read more...]
13 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Bahamas in 2024
Nothing is quite as romantic as Bahamas all-inclusive vacations. It’s no wonder that the Bahamas is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations; you have everything from white sand beaches to free-flowing cocktails and suites overlooking the sea. Whether you go with a partner, alone, or with friends and family, all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas are some of the most beautiful places to … [Read more...]
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card refresh: Overwhelmingly negative changes
American Express is at it again with credit card changes for its cobranded Hilton cards, but this time, the changes target the business version.In October 2023, Amex introduced changes to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which were a bag of mixed results.The refreshes to the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card include … [Read more...]
Book now: Open business-class award availability to New Zealand this spring
If you've ever dreamed of traveling to New Zealand, with its spectacular landscapes, stunning national parks and natural wonders like Milford Sound, there is excellent award availability using Star Alliance miles in April. Best of all, you can travel nonstop in business class from the West Coast.Air New Zealand is currently showing generous nonstop availability from both Los Angeles International … [Read more...]
Uh oh: Chase Sapphire Reserve to lose Priority Pass restaurant access
Oh no, Chase has decided to join the likes of other issuers to remove Priority Pass restaurant access.As first reported by Danny the Deals Guru, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will lose Priority Pass restaurant access from July.One of the main selling points of the Chase Sapphire Reserve was Priority Pass restaurant access, as very few other cards have this benefit. This perk will also be removed … [Read more...]