Blog Posts

Air Canada Adds “Basic” Business Class and Premium Economy Fares—Here’s What You Give Up
Air Canada now offers restrictive Basic fares in Premium Economy and Business Class. Here’s what remains included, what costs extra and when Standard may be the better value.

Amex Adds Leading Hotels of the World as a Transfer Partner — What to Know
American Express Membership Rewards now transfers to Leading Hotels of the World’s Leaders Club at a reported 4:1 ratio. Here’s how the new option works, what remains unclear and when it may be worth using.

JetBlue Unveils BlueFirst and a New Fare Structure — Including “Basic First Class”
JetBlue’s new BlueFirst domestic first-class cabin is coming later in 2026. Here’s how its new Base, Standard, and Flex fares will work.

Philippine Airlines Awards Are Now Bookable With Alaska Atmos Points
Philippine Airlines award flights are now appearing through Alaska Atmos Rewards, including nonstop business class to Manila from 75,000 points one-way.

Delta Brings Back 1 SkyMile per $1 at Starbucks — With a New Flight Requirement
Starting August 5, linked Delta SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards members will once again earn 1 mile per $1 spent, but ongoing eligibility will require a qualifying Delta flight within the previous 12 months.

[Updated July 26] Qatar Privilege Club Changed How You Book Awards for Family and Friends
Qatar Privilege Club now separates family Avios pooling from booking awards for other members. Here’s how Family & Friends and My List work.

American Airlines Makes Refunds Easier — But Don’t Accidentally Choose a Travel Credit
American Airlines is adding a simpler cancellation flow for refundable tickets, letting eligible customers choose between money returned to the original payment method or an immediately available travel credit. Here’s how the options differ and what to check before clicking.

Southwest Says Airport Lounge Work Is Underway — Here’s What We Know
Southwest Airlines says work is underway on its first airport lounges, but it hasn’t announced locations, opening dates or access rules. Here’s what’s confirmed, what customer surveys have hinted at and why travelers shouldn’t change their credit card strategy yet.

TSA Agents Are Being Replaced at Three Airports — What TSA Gold+ Means for Travelers
Tampa, Charleston and Des Moines airports are preparing to replace federal TSA screeners with private contractors under the new TSA Gold+ program. Here’s what will change, what won’t, and whether travelers should expect faster security lines.

Singapore Airlines Now Makes You Hold Miles Just to Search for Award Flights
Singapore Airlines has added a new safeguard that blocks some KrisFlyer members with low mileage balances from searching award availability online. The airline won’t disclose the exact threshold, creating a frustrating new hurdle for travelers who transfer points only after finding a bookable award.

United and Lufthansa Are Adding New Reciprocal Perks for Their Most Exclusive Elites
United and Lufthansa have started adding reciprocal perks for United Global Services and Lufthansa HON Circle members. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still unclear, and why most travelers shouldn’t expect any immediate change to their Star Alliance experience.

Hawaiian Airlines Is Retiring the 717: Boeing 737s Are Coming to Interisland Flights
Hawaiian Airlines will begin replacing its Boeing 717 fleet with Hawaiian-branded 737-800s in 2028. The new aircraft bring more premium seats, free Starlink Wi-Fi and additional capacity—but they will also change a uniquely Hawaiian flying experience.