Points and miles people hate fees almost as much as they love a good redemption. Unfortunately, TSA has rolled out a new $45 option for travelers who show up without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. As of February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration is enforcing a new policy at airport […]

Our latest reader success story is from Katie, who with her husband, Kenny, headed to Japan for a marathon. Say what??? Using points and miles to compete in a marathon is the first from this squad! Here is her story:   Journey in Points and Miles My journey into points and miles was fast and […]

There is no place on Earth quite like New York City. The famous concrete jungle is the epicenter of all things show business, food, art, history, shopping, and experiences. With so much to do and see, every visit can feel like your first. I love NYC because there are endless options for booking your stay […]

The long-running Barclays chapter of American Airlines credit card story is officially coming to a close. Beginning April 24, 2026, Citi will take over as issuer for Barclays-issued AAdvantage cards—a move that will affect both personal and business cardholders. If you currently hold a Barclays AAdvantage Aviator card, your account will automatically transfer from Barclays […]

American Express is tightening access to its Centurion Lounge network once again. Starting July 8, 2026, Amex will introduce new limits on guests and lounge entry timing. The changes arrive shortly after Capital One announced upcoming restrictions to its own lounge access. Together, the moves point to a clear trend: premium credit card lounges are […]

For travelers prioritizing space over turndown service—and a kitchen over a club lounge—vacation rentals can be an easy win. Marriott has leaned into this demand with Marriott Homes & Villas, a curated collection of professionally managed homes that live inside the Marriott ecosystem. On paper, it sounds like an ideal option for points-and-miles travelers: earn […]

Each year, we pay our estimated taxes and final tax bill by credit card. Is it worth paying your taxes with a credit card? I hate writing a check for taxes and getting nothing back. Taxes are hard enough to pay anyway, right? Paying your taxes with a credit card can make sense for points […]

Southwest® occasionally offers limited-time offers for the Southwest® Companion Pass. And I mean limited-time, as in you have to apply for this by Thursday!  Here’s how it works:   Register for the Promo. Book a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by Thursday, Feb 5th. TOMORROW! This can even be an award flight. Fly Southwest® […]

Many readers want to know more about airline transfer bonuses because these can really help your miles go further. A transfer bonus is when you transfer points from a flexible currency like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, or Citi ThankYou® Points to a travel partner, and you receive a […]

I love Air France and KLM for getting to Europe on points and miles! One reason is the Flying Blue Promo Rewards that come out on the first day of every month. Check out my post detailing the four reasons I love Air France. These are such good deals, so I will update this post […]

How are you navigating the new rules for airport lounge access? With major changes impacting families in 2026, this episode breaks down what you need to know about the evolving lounge access landscape. The removal of free guest access and the introduction of fees for authorized users could significantly affect your travel experience. While the […]

My home airport (Denver) is a United hub, so the cobranded United credit cards have always been a part of my points-and-miles strategy. I’ve had all of them at one time or another! Right now, there are increased welcome offers on United credit cards. Is it time for you to grab one? We’ve covered these […]

Do you love Delta Airlines? Do you live near Atlanta, Salt Lake City, or another Delta hub? If so, you will be interested in our latest airline credit card news. The Delta credit card welcome offers have increased! Some of these cards’ benefits can be of great value to frequent Delta flyers, so if that’s […]

If you’ve been considering a new credit card, February is looking great! We have plenty of great offers to let you know about this month. Whether you want to earn free hotel stays, rack up airline miles, or earn transferable points you could use for both, these elevated offers are worth a closer look. Some […]

Today (February 1, 2026) is the day that Capital One’s lounge-access changes officially start. So if you’re flying this weekend, don’t get caught off guard at the door. This is the day some families have been dreading. 😩 Here’s what’s different now:   Authorized users aren’t automatically covered anymore Before, adding an authorized user was […]

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway but worried your points balance won’t stretch as far as the ocean views? Don’t stress, because traveling to paradise on any points budget is possible. Whether you have a trove of points that you are dying to use for your once-in-a-lifetime luxury splurge, you’re looking for a comfy mid-range resort […]

Elizabeth sends in today’s reader success story to Maui. Here’s her story:   We recently took our first trip to Maui, all on points and miles!  Since 2017, my husband and I have been doing the “slow burn” credit card points strategy—putting all our household costs on our Southwest card. We’d earn enough points for […]

Some of the world’s most popular destinations are no longer just crowded—they’re expensive, and it feels like it hits points-and-miles travelers first. Award prices have crept up, hotel availability has tightened, and “good value” redemptions can be harder to find than they used to be. The upside? Many of the experiences travelers want—beaches, food scenes, […]

Ever dream of visiting Prague? A city of spired rooftops, cobblestone streets, and fairytale charm? It’s not just a destination for history lovers, but also a surprisingly good city to redeem hotel loyalty points. While chain hotels are less dense here than in some other major European cities, the options that do exist offer excellent […]

    TODAY’S THE DAY (1/27)!  Southwest® Airlines’s new seating changes are officially LIVE. If you’ve been hearing all the chatter about Southwest® moving away from the “grab any seat” vibe, it starts today. Here are some facts about this rollout. Here’s what to know before you head to the airport:   Southwest® Airlines seating […]

Booking travel with points is great, but booking comfortable travel with points is even better. And if you’re traveling with kids, friends, or extended family, standard rooms can start to feel cramped really fast. This is where suite upgrade awards come in. If you hold Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards, Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards, or have […]