American Airlines Checked Baggage Fees: What They Cost and How to Avoid Paying Them Entirely by Harrison Pierce and JT Genter January 25, 2026 0 When you fly with American Airlines, you'll pay $40 for your first checked bag when flying within the U.S. or on short-haul international flights to most of Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, travelers have plenty of ways to avoid paying baggage fees, ranging from an AAdvantage credit card to elite status. Here's what you need to know about American Airlines checked bag fees — and how to avoid them.
Chase to Simplify Rules Around Earning a Sapphire Welcome Bonus — What to Know by Harrison Pierce January 20, 2026 2 According to a memo sent to Chase bankers, the issuer will release new language regarding earning a welcome bonus on a couple of its Sapphire-branded cards on January 25, 2026. Here's what you need to know.
American Airlines Finally Launches Free Wi-Fi on Most Aircraft — Here’s the Rollout Timeline for the Rest by Tyler Glatt January 6, 2026 2 In-flight Wi-Fi can make a big difference when you’re trying to stay connected, catch up on work, or stream entertainment while flying. American Airlines currently offers Wi-Fi on nearly all mainline aircraft and select regional jets — and effective January 6, 2026, AAdvantage members can get it for free. Here's what to know.
Marriott Elite Status Made Easy: Earn up to a 40 Elite Night Credits Boost With Credit Cards by Miguel Rueda and Tyler Glatt January 3, 2026 41 One of the more valuable benefits of carrying a Marriott co-branded credit card is that it comes with Elite Night Credits that can boost you to that next status tier faster. Even better, the right credit card pairing can award up to 40 Elite Night Credits! Here's all you need to know about earning Elite Night Credits from Marriott cards.
Etihad Made Its Convoluted Award Cancellation Policy Even More Punitive — Here’s How It Works Now by Tyler Glatt December 16, 2025 2 Ever since making changes to its Guest loyalty program in early 2024, Etihad has held the title of having the most punitive award cancellation policy in award travel. The airline arguably still holds that title today, even after a few minor adjustments rolled out recently. Here’s what you need to know about Etihad’s award cancellation policy and how it works.
Citi Product Change Rules Explained: How (and Why) to Downgrade, Upgrade, or Switch Cards by Ian Snyder and Harrison Pierce December 14, 2025 17 Citi offers unmatched flexibility in credit card product changes, including the ability to switch between different card families. Whether you’re looking to downgrade, upgrade, or sidestep an annual fee, we’ll walk you through what’s still possible with Citi and how to make the most of your options.
Alaska Airlines Lounges: Locations, How to Access, and What Memberships Cost (Plus Ways to Save) by Tyler Glatt December 13, 2025 0 Even though its network is smaller than those of other major airlines, Alaska Airlines Lounges are consistently great places to dine, relax, and recharge before your flight. If you’re curious about how to access these lounges, you’re in the right place. Here’s where they’re located, how to get in, and what an annual membership costs.
Who’s Eligible for a Citi Welcome Bonus? ThankYou Rewards Cards Application Rules Explained by Harrison Pierce and Kennedy Miller December 13, 2025 31 Are you eligible for a new cardmember bonus on a Citi credit card? Like many card issuers, Citi implements a few policies that limit who can earn a lucrative welcome bonus. Here's what you need to know before applying for a ThankYou Rewards card.
What is the Bank of America 2/3/4 Rule? by Sam Helmy and Harrison Pierce November 23, 2025 16 Bank of America has a 2/3/4 rule for credit card applications. While not the same as Chase’s 5/24 rule, it does place restrictions on new card approvals based on recent card approval history with Bank of America. Here's what you need to know.
Fly All Year for $349: What to Know About Frontier’s Just-Launched Annual GoWild! Pass by Tyler Glatt November 20, 2025 3 The Frontier Airlines GoWild! Pass can be very valuable, but it's not for every traveler. For travelers who don't need checked bags, seats, or other perks — and can be flexible enough to take a trip on a moment's notice — this pass might be for you. But there might be a better way to save on Frontier flights for most travelers.
Chase Adds New Restrictive Terms to the Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited — Here’s What to Know by Cameron Laufer November 14, 2025 1 Chase updated its language when applying for two no-annual-fee Ink Business cards — the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. And apparently, you have to be quite the detective to find it. This new language may restrict who can apply for these cards and how often. Here's what to know.
Qatar Airways Charging for Seat Selection on Business Class Awards — Here’s How to Avoid Paying by Cameron Laufer November 11, 2025 1 Qatar Airways has made a recent change to how seat selection works for business class bookings. And by change, I mean flyers are now being asked to open up their wallets. Effective immediately, reports suggest that there’s a new fee to select seats on Qatar Airways award flights — even its famed Qsuites. Here's what to know.
Marriott Adds New Restrictions to 48-Hour Guarantee, Quickens Points Posting Window, and More by Tyler Glatt October 29, 2025 0 In the past month, Marriott introduced new restrictions on benefits like the 48-hour guarantee, changed how quickly points post after a stay with certain brands, and made several other smaller tweaks. Here’s a quick look at the most important Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions changes from the October update.
Capital One Tightens Bonus Eligibility on Venture-Branded Cards by Adding New ‘Family’ Rule by Harrison Pierce October 27, 2025 6 Capital One just introduced new language restricting who is eligible to earn sign-up bonuses on Venture-branded credit cards. Here's what you need to know about these new restrictions.
Amex Expands Trip Cancel Guard to Flights Booked on Other Platforms — But Is It Worth Buying? by Harrison Pierce October 22, 2025 0 If you want to be able to cancel nonrefundable airfare, you're in luck. American Express offers Trip Cancel Guard, which reimburses you up to 75% for nonrefundable flights, provided you purchase it within 30 days of booking your flight and at least five days before departure. Here's everything to know, including how to determine if it's worth it.
How to Earn Rewards on Bill Payments With Plastiq — and if This Service Is Worth the Fees by Ryan Smith and Patrick Stouffer October 20, 2025 7 The landscape of paying bills with credit cards has changed, so it's worth overhauling our review of Plastiq — a service that allows you to pay nearly any bill with a credit card. While providing opportunities for increased spending is a positive, Plastiq charges fees for doing so. Are those fees worth it? And how does Plastiq work? Here's a look at Plastiq, plus its strengths and weaknesses in terms of credit card rewards.
SkyTeam Expands Domestic Lounge Access: Use Status to Access More Than 70 Domestic Lounges Worldwide by Skye Class and Harrison Pierce October 15, 2025 3 In April 2025, SkyTeam made some significant updates to its lounge access rules. The most notable change is that Elite Plus members can now access select lounges on select domestic itineraries. Here's what to know about SkyTeam lounge access rules.
Points of Interest: New Path to Marriott Elite Status, Southwest Standby Restrictions, Wyndham Vacasa Limits, and More by Tyler Glatt October 4, 2025 0 The past three months have been quite eventful for points and miles news. But amidst big headlines, a number of smaller ones slipped under the radar. So, here’s a roundup of the niche points and miles updates to Marriott, Southwest, Delta, Accor, and more that you may have missed over the past few months.
Air Canada Is Making Positive and Negative Changes to Elite Checked Bag Allowances in 2026 — What to Know by Cameron Laufer October 3, 2025 1 Air Canada is making slight changes to free baggage allowances next year for select Aeroplan elite tiers. Some changes are good...the others not so much. These adjustments will affect members with 25K and 35K status, while those with higher status won’t see any changes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming so you’re not caught off guard on February 1, 2026
How To Get Free Breakfast at Hilton Hotels by Skye Class and Ben Nickel-D'Andrea September 27, 2025 2 Free breakfasts are among the best perks at hotels, but not all hotels have that option. And elite status can be a good path toward securing complimentary breakfast, but it doesn't apply equally at all hotel brands. Here's how to get a free breakfast on your next stay at Hilton Hotels.
How Chase Pay Over Time Works — And When It’s Worth Using by Tyler Glatt and Ryan Smith September 16, 2025 0 Chase Pay Over Time is a fixed payments option with Chase that can allow you to pay off larger credit card purchases over time. Today, we'll take a look at what this is, how it works, and the pros and cons. That way, you can make the right decision on whether or not to use it on your credit cards.
American Airlines Basic Economy Explained: Restrictions, Fees & What to Expect by Tyler Glatt and Sam Helmy September 7, 2025 42 American Airlines Basic Economy tickets have some restrictions. From no seat selection to limited change flexibility. This guide goes over everything you need to know about these fares. That way, you can decide whether the cost savings are worth it, plus tell you how to circumvent some of the restrictions.
The Complete Guide to United Basic Economy: Rules, Fees, and How to Make It Bearable by Tyler Glatt September 4, 2025 1 For the instances when you just need to book a seat from A to B, United's basic economy option is usually available at a compelling price point. But one thing is for sure: United basic economy is "basic" for a reason. Here's everything you need to know about United Airlines basic economy and how to navigate all the restrictions on this fare.
How Emirates Skywards My Family Works — Including the Major Limitations You Need to Know by Carissa Rawson and Ashley Onadele August 14, 2025 47 Emirates offers family pooling of Skywards miles. With a My Family account, up to eight members can be in a family group and pool their award miles. Contributors can decide whether to pool all or none of their miles at any time.
Delta Selling Unbundled Travel Experiences for Travel Starting in October — Here’s What This Means for You by Harrison Pierce August 13, 2025 0 Delta's new unbundled fare structure (which it's calling "Travel Experiences") is now live for flights departing on or after October 1, 2025. With 11 different options to choose from, it can easily become overwhelming. Here's everything to know about the new fare structure, and how to know which one is best for your next trip.
How To Turn Off Amex Pay Over Time (And Why It’s a Good Idea) by Kennedy Miller and Cameron Laufer July 31, 2025 4 Pay Over Time from American Express gives cardmembers more options and flexibility when it comes to paying off their balance, but it comes with a price. Here's how and why you should turn off this feature to avoid accidental interest charges and to make sure you are eligible for future offers.
Delta Basic Economy: A Complete Guide to Delta’s Lowest Fares by Harrison Pierce July 26, 2025 0 Delta Main Basic is the basic economy product offered by Delta Air Lines. Although it comes with low fares, it also comes with numerous restrictions. When you book a Delta Main Basic ticket, you are the last to board, you won't earn miles, and you can't change or cancel your flight for free.
How to Pool Points and Miles Across Major Loyalty Programs — and Which Ones Let You Do It Free by Ajay Jain and Kennedy Miller July 23, 2025 113 There is a ton of information covering techniques to earn and burn points and miles. There's also advice about which cards to add to your wallet, but it's hard to come by reliable information on programs that let you share (or pool) your points and miles with others — and how to do so for free. We've got you covered.
How to Maximize Bank of America Credit Card Approvals (and Avoid Common Pitfalls) by Ryan Flanigan July 6, 2025 4 Bank of America has a solid portfolio of cash-back and miles-earning credit cards. For those looking to earn significant rewards, there is great value to be had. But, can you just dive right in and quickly open every card the bank offers to get all the welcome bonuses? Unfortunately, the answer is no. So what are the rules for getting Bank of America credit cards? Let us show you.
American Airlines Reverses Same-Day Standby Policy — What It Means for You by Sam Helmy July 3, 2025 0 American Airlines has reversed its restrictive same-day standby policy. Now, same-day standby is available to all flyers regardless of status, cabin class, or even AAdvantage membership. Here's how to add yourself to the standby list.
