Month: June 2024

Summer travel is kicking off in full force, and that can mean only one thing (aside from school ending, barbecues and packed flights to Europe): It’s time to name TPG’s Best Airline for 2024.

This year’s rankings come as summer travel is expected to reach its highest level since 2019, if not its highest level ever.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans will be looking for airline tickets while considering details like price, service, reliability and, yes, frequent flyer points and miles.

Each traveler has their own set of preferences, but we still receive one type of question above nearly all others: Is any one airline in the U.S. the best? Does any one carrier succeed at all the things travelers really care about?

Every year, we compile thousands of objective data points to determine which of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines strikes the best balance of reliability, cost, experience and value. Our goal is to use a fair and unbiased approach to see how the airlines stack up for the average consumer.

This year’s analysis is complete, and we’re here with the results. Read on to see where your airline landed in this year’s ratings

Best US airlines of 2024

1. Delta Air Lines
2. Alaska Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Southwest Airlines
6. JetBlue
7. Hawaiian Airlines
8. Allegiant Air
9. Spirit Airlines
10. Frontier Airlines

Keep reading for our full analysis and methodology — and to see what helped Delta top our rankings for the sixth year in a row.

 

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Overall rankings and key takeaways

Here’s a quick breakdown of the overall scores this year, including the highest- and lowest-performing categories for each airline. We’ll include last year’s rank for each airline (in parentheses).

Rank and airline (2022 rank)	Total score (out of 100)*	Top-performing areas	Lowest-performing areas
1. Delta (1)	65.74	Timeliness, involuntary bumps	Affordability
2. Alaska (3)	64.38	Timeliness, cancellations, lounges, family travel, customer satisfaction	Baggage, wheelchairs/scooters
3. United (2)	60.90	Frequent flyer program, route network, involuntary bumps	Cancellations, affordability
4. American (4)	60.84	Route network, award availability	Baggage, affordability
5. Southwest (5)	58.54	Bag/change fees	Lounges
6. JetBlue (7)	49.38	Cabin features	Timeliness, cancellations
7. Hawaiian (6)	48.91	Involuntary bumps	Route network
8. Allegiant (9)	43.36	Involuntary bumps, wheelchairs/scooters	Timeliness, cabin features, family travel
9. Spirit (8)	34.55	Affordability	Wheelchairs/scooters, family travel, route network
10. Frontier (10)	22.35	Affordability	Timeliness, cancellations, involuntary bumps, customer satisfaction, bag/change fees

* All data was based on the 12-month period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, aside from customer satisfaction. Due to a reporting delay as the U.S. Department of Transportation changes its methodology for tracking complaints, this information is only available for the five-month period between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2023.

Key takeaways from this year’s analysis include:

• Delta wins for the sixth year in a row. Once again, the Atlanta-based carrier took home the top ranking. Interestingly, Delta was the top-performing airline in only one single category: timeliness. (It also tied with Allegiant for the top-performing airline in the involuntary bumps category.) However, Delta’s consistent performance across all categories — aside from affordability — made it the top pick overall.
• There were no big surprises compared to last year. Alaska and United swapped positions, as did JetBlue and Hawaiian, and Allegiant and Spirit. However, no airlines jumped or fell multiple spots, meaning there were no big gains or losses compared to last year. Overall, 2023 was a year of relative stability and continued recovery from the last of the post-coronavirus-lockdown hiccups.
• Some airlines performed better than in 2022, while others fell. Several airlines fell a point or two (or more) compared to last year: Delta (-0.57), United (-1.57), Hawaiian (-5.80), Spirit (-4.44) and Frontier (-5.39). The carriers with improved overall scores are Alaska (+3.84), American (+1.01), Southwest (+2.25), JetBlue (+1.70) and Allegiant (+6.32). Still, none of the changes were big enough to swing an airline more than one spot in the rankings.
• Consumer complaint data doesn’t tell the whole story. The U.S. Department of Transportation typically reports data covering a variety of metrics on a three-month delay. However, the agency delayed reporting of customer complaints in the middle of the year because the volume of complaints has increased compared to pre-pandemic times. As such, the agency wants to rework how it processes that information. Data were only available through May 2023, so the customer satisfaction score does not reflect passengers’ experiences during the latter part of the year, including the busy summer and holiday travel seasons.

So, just how did these airlines fall where they did in the rankings? Read on for a closer look at each category we used to build these rankings, along with the weight we assigned to each. The full methodology is provided at the end of the report.

Best US airlines for reliability

A lot goes into the overall air travel experience, from the moment you start searching for flights until you pick up your luggage from baggage claim and head out the airport door. But at the end of the day, an airline has one main job: to get you where you pay to go roughly on the schedule it promised.

Because of that, operational reliability is the largest single category in our rankings, weighted at 30% of our total analysis. We use five factors under the umbrella of reliability:

• Timeliness: How frequently a flight on the airline was delayed
• Cancellations: How frequently a flight on the airline was canceled
• Bumps/involuntary denied boardings: How frequently an airline bumped a traveler against their will on an oversold flight
• Baggage: How frequently an airline mishandled a piece of checked luggage
• Wheelchairs/scooters: How frequently an airline mishandled a mobility device

The results here produced a winner that may come as a surprise to some: Allegiant. It scored the highest across the category’s five metrics. The full reliability rankings are as follows:

1. Allegiant
2. Delta
3. Alaska
4. Southwest
5. Hawaiian
6. United
7. American
8. JetBlue
9. Spirit
10. Frontier

The ultra-low-cost carriers — Allegiant, Spirit and Frontier — may have a generally poor reputation for reliability, along with onboard experience. However, Allegiant offers a reason to reconsider that notion after its cumulative 2023 score for reliability was the best in the industry. While Allegiant’s on-time performance was weak (ranking seventh out of 10 on our timeliness scale), it scored at the top of the other four categories under the overall reliability umbrella.

Of the 10 airlines we tracked, Allegiant had the lowest rate of flight cancellations; it cut just 782 of its 115,539 flights in 2023 (or 0.68% of its operations). Alaska wasn’t far behind, canceling 2,849 out of its 385,945 flights (or 0.74% of its scheduled flights). At the other end of the spectrum, Frontier canceled 3,774 of its 177,542 scheduled flights (or 2.13% of its operations).

Allegiant also snagged the top score for the number of passengers it bumped involuntarily — zero. It tied with Delta.

Conversely, Frontier was far and away the worst performer, denying boarding at a whopping rate of 35.06 per 100,000 passengers, a total of 10,123 out of 28,872,300 travelers. For context, the next-worst performer was American, with 5.57 involuntary denied boardings per 100,000 passengers.

Allegiant is clearly doing something right in its baggage-handling operation as well. You won’t find free checked bags here — and if you book the base fare class, you’ll be charged for a carry-on, too. However, Allegiant led the other rankings by having the fewest lost or damaged bags at a rate of just 1.89 per 1,000 checked bags. American was the worst performer here, with 7.61 mishandled bags per 1,000.

Allegiant’s strong performance carried over to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, too. The Las Vegas-based carrier mishandled checked wheelchairs at a rate of 0.37 per 100; Spirit brought up the rear with a rate of 5.35 wheelchairs mishandled out of every 100 wheelchairs checked by passengers.

Best US airlines for the travel experience

Reliability is important, but the onboard experience is the first thing that many people think of when it comes to the “best airline.” For many, onboard snacks, meals or entertainment can make or break a journey.

Travel experience is important to us at TPG, too, so we weighted it as 25% of our overall score, just behind reliability. The travel experience score looks at four factors:

• Cabin features: What you’ll experience on board, including Wi-Fi, seat pitch/width and inflight entertainment
• Lounges: How widespread (and numerous) an airline’s lounges are and how affordable they are to access
• Family: How well an airline caters to families traveling with children
• Customer satisfaction: The rate at which passengers complain to the DOT about the carrier

Alaska took the top prize overall, with the full category rankings coming in as follows:

1. Alaska
2. Delta
3. American
4. United
5. JetBlue
6. Hawaiian
7. Southwest
8. Spirit
9. Allegiant
10. Frontier

Breaking them down by subcategory, JetBlue was the top airline for cabin features — just like it was last year and the year before. The New York-based carrier’s strong performance here is boosted since it provides free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet; it also offers seatback entertainment screens and the largest average economy seat size among all U.S. airlines.

Alaska, meanwhile, scored best for its domestic lounges — something crucial for many frequent flyers. Although the airline only has nine lounges of its own, its Alaska Lounge+ members can access dozens more across the U.S., including more than 40 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, several United Club locations and a few third-party lounges.

Alaska also ranked first for customer satisfaction, with the caveat we mentioned before: Customer complaint data was only available for the first five months of last year. The airline snagged the top spot for its family travel experience as well; that’s based on a variety of factors, such as early boarding, bag fees, onboard snacks and inflight entertainment.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ultra-low-cost airlines finished last for overall experience. They were dragged down by seating configurations with limited legroom, extra fees — which also dent these carriers’ family experience scores — and the lack of lounges.

Best US airlines for cost and reach

Of course, before you can even think about reliability or the travel experience, you need to see which airlines actually go where you’re trying to go — and how much a ticket on those carriers will set you back.

We try to see which airlines have the right mix here with our cost and reach category; it looks at the prices you can expect to pay for airfare and common add-on fees. Our formula is also meant to evaluate how widespread each airline’s domestic route network is. This category is weighted at 20% of the total score and includes these three factors:

• Route network: How many domestic airports an airline serves
• Affordability: How far (in distance) you can fly for the money you’re paying, based on financial data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• Ancillary fees: How much a typical passenger pays in bag and change/cancellation fees

The cost and reach category is where things can get interesting. The ultra-low-cost airlines are clearly the most affordable, but they also have high ancillary fees — and many of them. Plus, they tend to have smaller route networks than the legacy carriers.

Who strikes the balance best? Here are our results:

1. Southwest
2. United
3. American
4. Delta
5. Alaska
6. Allegiant
7. Spirit
8. Hawaiian
9. JetBlue
10. Frontier

It’s not surprising that Southwest is the overall winner here. Southwest serves about half as many domestic cities as the three biggest legacy airlines — American, Delta and United — but it nevertheless has a sizable route map. This is especially true when compared to other low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier, as well as East Coast-oriented JetBlue and West Coast-focused Alaska.

But where Southwest has a clear advantage is fees. Southwest doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees. Even though the other big airlines have drastically cut those fees from their pre-pandemic prices, the airlines still charged more on average for “extra” costs than Southwest did in 2023.

Southwest also famously allows two free checked bags per passenger. Passengers checking more than two bags have to pay extra, so Southwest did earn some revenue from baggage fees in 2023. However, that total was a fraction of what the other airlines collected.

In 2023, Southwest earned an average of just 43 cents in fees per passenger carried. That’s significantly less than what American, Delta and United earned for bag fees; the carriers received $6 to $9 in fees per passenger last year. Southwest held up even better compared to the ultra-low-cost airlines that make up for lower ticket prices by tacking on add-on fees. Spirit and Allegiant made an average of just under $27 in fees per passenger, while Frontier brought in a whopping $40 for every passenger it flew.

Of course, if you can travel light and avoid the fees, those budget airlines are far and away the most affordable. Frontier took in $118 in fare revenue for every domestic 1,000 miles flown per passenger, while Spirit fell just behind at $118.13. Allegiant was a distant third at $159.38.

Unsurprisingly, the legacy airlines were the most expensive. Delta landed at the bottom of our affordability rankings, with an average of $302.50 in fare revenue per 1,000 passenger miles flown. American was next at $279.03. United was the most affordable of the “Big Three” carriers at $261.76. Southwest, which is somewhere between a legacy airline and a low-cost carrier, came in at $191.74.

Best US airlines for loyalty

The final category for our rankings is loyalty — a key topic for TPG staff members and readers alike. We weighted this at 25% and included two specific factors:

• Frequent flyer program: How rewarding an airline’s loyalty program is based on TPG’s valuations, elite status, cobranded credit cards, partner airlines and expiration policies
• Award availability: How easy and valuable it is to redeem your rewards across popular travel times

Like last year, United came out on top. Here are the full results:

1. United
2. American
3. Alaska
4. Delta
5. JetBlue
6. Southwest
7. Hawaiian
8. Spirit
9. Frontier
10. Allegiant

The competition at the top was close, but United won out with the best rating for rewarding frequent flyers. The carrier has the greatest number of redemption and earning partners and offers four consumer credit cards. American was close behind, followed by Alaska.

Delta, which was last year’s runner-up, fell to fourth place. This is partly due to charging high mileage prices for award flights and recently making changes to its elite status program that have been viewed negatively by many of the company’s frequent flyers.

The low-cost carriers generally fell short in this area; they were hindered by their relatively few partners, limited or fixed value for miles, poor award availability and/or expiration policies for miles.

Methodology

TPG’s Best Airline rankings are based on scores from four broad sections, each of which consists of multiple criteria. All data points for the 2024 report were based on flights operated during the 12-month period that ran from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.

A full breakdown of the methodology and the data used for each is as follows:

Reliability (30%)

• Timeliness (using data on delayed flights from the DOT)
• Cancellations (using data on canceled flights from the DOT)
• Involuntary bumps (using data on involuntary denied boardings from the DOT)
• Baggage (using data on mishandled baggage from the DOT)
• Wheelchairs/scooters (using data on mishandled baggage from the DOT)

Experience (25%)

• Cabin features (using data from SeatGuru and inflight amenity offerings from each carrier’s website)
• Lounges (using data on the number of lounges, the number of cities and the price of membership for each applicable lounge network)
• Family travel (using a 0-to-5 score based on boarding, perks and food/entertainment available on board)
• Customer satisfaction (using data on customer complaints from the DOT)

Cost and reach (20%)

• Route network (using the monthly average of domestic cities served by each airline from the DOT)
• Affordability (using financial data from the BTS)
• Bag/change fees (using financial data from the BTS)

Loyalty (25%)

• Frequent flyer program (using data from our monthly valuations, elite status reports and each carrier’s website)
• Award availability (using real-time award inventory for popular domestic routes across three distinct time periods)

For all criteria, the raw scores from the data were converted into scaled scores from zero to 10. In most cases, a score of zero was assigned to the lowest-performing carrier, and where possible, a score of 10 was assigned to a “perfect” airline. For example, Allegiant and Delta both scored a 10 on involuntary bumps since they had zero (or effectively zero) last year.

However, when there was no clear way to determine perfection, the highest-performing airline received a 10.

By using scaled scores (rather than a simple ranking system), we essentially “graded” each airline relative to the others. The score for each airline on each individual element was thus a numerical reflection of how much better said airline did compared to the lowest-scoring carrier.

For instance, Alaska had the fewest number of DOT complaints in the first five months of the year, with Delta not far behind (2.94 per 100,000 passengers versus 3.70).

We normalized these numbers by comparing them to the lowest-performing airline (Frontier, with 38.76 per 100,000 passengers) and the highest possible score (0 per 100,000 passengers). The resulting scaled score conversion gave Alaska a “grade” of 9.24 out of 10 and Delta an 8.09 out of 10.

Then, each individual score was weighted using the above percentages to arrive at the final, cumulative score included in the table.

Final thoughts

A lot goes into choosing a flight and an airline for your next trip. Price matters, but so do reliability, rewards you can earn and the actual passenger experience on the flight. Of course, no one airline will meet the needs of every passenger, so each of those considerations has a different level of importance for each individual traveler.

However, our report uses objective data and a fair weighting that we think best sums up a fair, broad picture for a wide range of travelers.

For the sixth year in a row, Delta has earned the title of TPG’s Best Airline for 2024.

Delta’s reign shows that sometimes, it pays not to be the best at every single thing. Instead, it’s important to focus on performing well across every area and standing out by offering a consistent and reliable product across the board.

Delta alienated some of its frequent flyers with the changes it made to its rewards program, and its fares are the highest in the U.S. by our measure. However, its reliability, performance, features and overall experience work together to keep it at the top of the pack.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel rewards credit cards for beginners. It hits on all cylinders: lucrative earning rates, valuable perks and versatile rewards — all for an affordable annual fee of $95.

Right now, the card is offering its highest sign-up bonus in almost a year, making it a great time to apply. However, this offer is ending soon, on June 13, so this is your last chance to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

You can earn 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. We value those points at $1,538.

The regular bonus on this card is 60,000 points. The last time we saw an elevated bonus was almost a year ago. It’s worth noting that the same bonus is available on the premium version of this card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Along with Bilt Rewards points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the most valuable points of any credit card issuer.

Let’s dive into why you should consider adding the card to your wallet.

Why you should apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Sapphire Preferred is well worth opening, partly because it is easy to rack up points after you’ve spent the sign-up bonus.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has many generous bonus-earning categories:

• 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining
• 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar spent on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Cardmembers also receive a 10% annual point bonus based on their total spend during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $1 spent. So, if you spend $20,000 on the card in a year, you’ll get 2,000 extra points at the end of it.

Additionally, Chase Ultimate Rewards can transfer to 14 airline or hotel partners, including valuable programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and World of Hyatt. You can maximize your rewards by booking aspirational business-class tickets or picturesque stays at island resorts for far less than their cash equivalent.

Bottom line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the top travel rewards credit cards on the market. It comes with travel protections and up to $50 in annual hotel statement credits for hotel purchases made through Chase Travel after each member’s anniversary (one of my favorite perks). That covers more than half the card’s already reasonable $95 annual fee.

No wonder many TPG staffers continue to carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred year after year. Given its easy-to-maximize perks, strong earning rates and the usefulness of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it probably deserves a place in any traveler’s wallet.

Learn more in our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. And compare it to the Sapphire Reserve if you’re tossing up between the two.

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Learn more: Chase Sapphire Preferred

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Big news, American Airlines fans: You can get some serious bonus miles this month by booking a cruise.

American Airlines Cruises on Monday launched a new promotion offering customers 2 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on a cruise fare (the base rate before taxes and fees). That’s twice the normal offer of 1 mile for every dollar spent.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

For example, if you spend $8,000 on a cruise fare during the promotion, you can earn up to 16,000 AAdvantage miles.

That’s a solid number of AAdvantage miles. TPG currently values AAdvantage miles at 1.7 cents each, meaning that 16,000 miles would be worth $272 at our valuation.

In other words, that 16,000 miles could get you two free flights in the contiguous U.S. and Canada when booking a miles ticket at the AAdvantage program’s lowest award rate of 7,500 miles per ticket.

An opportunity to double-dip

The double miles offer is part of a bigger promotion this month at American Airlines Cruises called America’s Largest Cruise Sale that brings additional savings and perks in some cases, depending on the cruise you book (on top of any savings the cruise lines are offering).

The additional savings and perks by line are:

• Royal Caribbean: Up to $100 in onboard credit plus a specialty dining credit
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Prepaid gratuities for two passengers
• Carnival Cruise Line: Prepaid gratuities for all guests 
• Celebrity Cruises: Up to $200 in onboard credit on select sailings plus exclusive rates
• Cunard: Up to $300 in onboard credit
• Holland America: Gratuities included for two passengers and exclusive rates
• Princess Cruises: Up to $100 in onboard credit and exclusive rates
• Princess Cruises (for bookings made June 23-30): Onboard savings booklets that brings up to $1,800 in savings.
• Oceania Cruises: Up to $150 in onboard credit and exclusive rates
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Up to $2,000 in savings
• Silversea Cruises: $500 in savings
• AmaWaterways: Prepaid gratuities for all guests on select 2024 sailings
• Azamara Cruises: Up to $500 in onboard credit and exclusive rates
• Seabourn: $300 in onboard credit and exclusive rates (only available for bookings made June 24-30)
• Viking: Up to a $200 onboard credit

Additionally, you can get even more miles if you book the cruise using an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card. As is always the case when booking through American Airlines Cruises, you can get 1 additional AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on a cruise using an American Airlines AAdvantage card.

That means that you can score up to 3 miles for every dollar spent on a cruise fare with this new promotion. That’d be 24,000 AAdvantage miles for an $8,000 cruise.

Note that you have to act fast to get the bonus miles. The accelerated mileage offer is only available through June 28. It applies to new bookings for cruises scheduled to take place between Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025.

Details of the bonus mile offer

Unlike some airline frequent flyer program offers for cruises, this new bonus mile offer is available to customers who book any category of cabin or suite — not just higher-category cabins.

Among the caveats: Bonus miles are earned per cabin and are awarded to only one passenger per cruise booking. To qualify, customers must book through the American Airlines Cruises portal.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles 

Also, the number of miles customers earn from the promotion is based on the total cruise purchase price, excluding port charges, port expenses, taxes and insurance.

Other fine print:

• There is no limit to how many miles you can earn.
• Your American Airlines AAdvantage number must be provided prior to embarkation.
• Miles are posted to the member’s account six to eight weeks after the cruise ends.
• Cruises must be paid in U.S. currency.
• AAdvantage members will earn Loyalty Points for base miles earned when booking at American Airlines Cruises but not for bonus miles earned during the promotion.

Which credit card should I use to book?

You can maximize your purchase by using an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees). As noted above, it’ll earn you additional bonus miles when booking a cruise through American Airlines Cruises. This card is currently offering 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

If you don’t have an American Airlines card, it’s best to use a card that earns bonus points on cruises. A good option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel, including cruises. Right now, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card Overview

If simplicity is your thing, the American Express Cash Magnet® card is one of the easiest cards to wrap your head around, with its flat 1.5% cash back earning rate on everything purchased. There are no bonus categories to remember or points to figure out how to redeem. However, there are better options for truly maximizing your spending. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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It’s great when credit card rewards come easily. Spend money on anything under the sun and see the bonuses roll in. That’s the case for many cash-back cards, including the Amex Cash Magnet. If you want a one-card wallet where you don’t have to think too hard about the card you’re using, the Cash Magnet can make a lot of sense. However, this isn’t the most lucrative cash-back card, so it might pay to look at other options.

It has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670.

Let’s take a closer look at the Amex Cash Magnet.

The information for the Amex Cash Magnet Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.    

Amex Cash Magnet pros and cons

Pros	Cons
1.5% back on all purchases No annual fee Purchase protection, car rental insurance, Global Assist Hotline	Outclassed by other no-annual-fee cash-back cards Limited redemption options

Amex Cash Magnet welcome offer

New Amex Cash Magnet cardholders will receive a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first six months of account opening. That’s not a bad welcome bonus for a card with no annual fee.

Besides the statement credit, the Amex Magnet also has a 0% introductory APR that lasts for the first 15 months. That’s helpful if you really need to purchase larger-ticket items and need the time to pay the cost off in full. Of course, those who use credit cards to earn rewards should always aim to avoid carrying a balance and incurring interest charges.

Amex Cash Magnet benefits

This card also comes with a variety of benefits as part of the American Express card network. For no annual fee, cardholders are eligible for a solid number of benefits, including:

• Car rental loss and damage insurance: You’ll receive secondary coverage for a rental car when you decline the collision damage waiver at the counter and pay for the entire rental with your card.
• Global Assist Hotline: Available to assist you in travel planning 24/7
• Amex Offers: Earn additional rewards on some purchases with targeted Amex Offers

Additionally, as an Amex cardholder, you’re eligible for the Plan It® program, which allows you to pay off purchases of $100 or more in monthly installments. To use this feature, you must first be deemed eligible per your credit history. You’ll manage your plan via the American Express app if you qualify.

Related: Best credit cards with purchase protection

Earning cash back with the Amex Cash Magnet

The Cash Magnet’s most notable feature is its unlimited cash-back component. With this card, you’ll receive 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit.

There are no bonus categories to keep track of or spending caps to remember.

On the downside, bonus categories offered on other cards can allow you to earn much more cash back than earning the same percentage on every purchase.

This card is best for those looking for a straightforward cash-back experience, but you likely won’t maximize your value on every purchase.

Redeeming cash back with the Amex Cash Magnet

Cash Magnet cardholders are rewarded with cash back called “Reward Dollars” that can be used toward statement credit, merchandise and gift cards.

Reward Dollars can be used toward your paying your credit card balance.

Note that you cannot earn or redeem Amex Membership Rewards points with this card — a downside if you’re looking to redeem your rewards for travel like TPG editor Emily Thompson.

Which cards compete with the Amex Cash Magnet?

While there is something to be said for simplicity, there are better cash back options out there.

• If you want a better earning rate: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) takes center stage with a whopping 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make purchases, 1% when as you pay your bill). Cardholders can also convert the cash back they earn to ThankYou Points via another qualifying Citi card. For more information, read our full review of the Double Cash.
• If you want bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers the same 1.5% cash back on purchases, plus 5% back on travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal and 3% on dining and drugstores. Cardholders can also convert their cash back to Chase Ultimate Rewards points with the right card pairing. For more information, read our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
• If you’re willing to pay an annual fee: Consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. With this card, you’ll earn 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and on popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and 1% on everything else. If dining and entertainment are your most-used categories, you could easily make up for the $95 annual fee. For more information, read our full review of the Capital One Savor.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back cards.

The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best time to apply for these Chase cards based on offer history

Is the Amex Cash Magnet worth it?

The Amex Cash Magnet is a decent option if you want to earn cash back on purchases you’d be making anyway. However, there are many better options out there for a cash-back credit card, so be sure to research your options before deciding on a cash-back card.

Bottom line

While the Amex Cash Magnet’s simplicity is nice for some, its earning rate is disappointing compared to direct competitors.

You can still get some substantial value from this card, but if your goal is simply to land a no-annual-fee general cash-back card, you can do better than the Amex Cash Magnet.

Related: Best American Express credit cards

If you’re embarking on a round-trip Alaska cruise, you will likely be departing from the Port of Seattle. In 2023, seven cruise lines based ships in Seattle, Washington, with 291 departures. Although most ships were headed to Alaska, cruises from Seattle also sailed to destinations like Asia, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.

Seattle is home to two cruise terminals. Both are easy to reach from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE). Once you arrive, dozens of points hotels are available to welcome you for a pre- or post-cruise stay.

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If you’re cruising in and out of Seattle, here’s what you need to know.

Cruise port of Seattle overview

The Seattle port has two cruise terminals, located nearly 3 miles apart. Each terminal has two berths.

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91

2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119

Wheelchairs are available to assist passengers in getting on and off the ships at both terminals.

Complimentary valet service is available for your luggage through the Port of Seattle for passengers scheduled to depart from SEA on the last day of their cruise. Simply attach the provided tags and leave your luggage outside your cabin on the final evening, and your bags will be collected and delivered directly to the airport.

Participating cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Participating airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Horizon Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Enroll online or via the paperwork in your cruise ship cabin to take advantage of this service.

Same-day luggage storage is available at both terminals for $5 a bag. Late fees apply to luggage retrieved after 3 p.m.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Cruise lines sailing from the Seattle cruise port

Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean

Airports near the cruise port of Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located 14 miles from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (a 30-minute drive, traffic-depending) and 17.4 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (a 35-minute drive).

SEA is the largest airport in the Seattle metro area and is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.

Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) in Everett is 24 miles from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (40 minutes, depending on traffic) and 25 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (42 minutes).

The airport has only two gates, and Alaska Airlines is the only operator. Most of the cities served are clustered in the west. You’ll find flights to and from destinations such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu.

If you’re flying with a plus one, you might be able to save on airfare with a companion pass. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card holders receive a companion fare certificate on their card’s anniversary, entitling them to a companion ticket on Alaska Airlines for just $99, plus taxes and fees from $23 (as long as they spend a minimum of $6,000 annually on the card).

For those flying into SEA, the Southwest Companion Pass entitles a companion to accompany you on unlimited Southwest Airlines for just the price of taxes and fees. The Southwest Companion Pass is earned through flying on the airline, eligible spending on a Southwest cobranded credit card or a combination of both.

Delta also offers a companion ticket as a perk for holders of select credit cards.

If you’re carrying a credit card with lounge access, Seattle-Tacoma is the better bet with 10 lounges. Seattle Paine Field has none.

SEA’s options include three Alaska Airlines lounges (which are also open to American Airlines Admirals Club members) and a United Club, Delta Sky Club and British Airways Terrace Lounge. In addition to the airline lounges, the American Express Centurion Lounge welcomes holders of select credit cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

How to get to the Port of Seattle

There are several ways to get from the airports to the Bell Street Terminal at Pier 66 or Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, including:

Cruise line transfers

Most cruise lines offer transportation to and from SEA or local hotels for an added cost. Sometimes, the service is reserved for cruisers who purchase flights through the cruise line. For example, Carnival Cruise Line advertises shuttles starting at $37.99 per person from SEA to the cruise port for passengers arriving by noon on embarkation day.

At this time, no cruise lines offer transfers to/from PAE.

Hotel shuttle services

If you’re looking for hotels near the Seattle cruise port with a shuttle to the cruise terminals, you’ll find several downtown. Most charge $10-$20 per person for the service.

If you’re on a mission to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points, the SpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown/South Lake Union offers a package including an upgraded suite, complimentary breakfast and transportation for two to the cruise terminals. If you’re loyal to the Hilton Honors program, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport contracts shuttle service to the cruise ports for $27 per person each way or $50 round-trip.

Independent airport shuttle services

Companies like Premier Airport Shuttle offer shared or private transportation from SEA to the cruise terminals. Shared shuttle service starts at about $33 per person in each direction, while private transfers for up to 20 passengers start at about $320.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft can be summoned from either airport. This is another opportunity to maximize your credit card benefits since the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 10 points for every dollar spent on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025) and the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card includes perks like unlimited 10% cash back with Uber (through Nov. 14, 2024).

Uber and Lyft prices are highly dynamic, but you can expect to pay $70 for each direction to and from SEA, or $100 to and from PAE.

Taxis aren’t readily available at PAE, but you’ll find them on the third floor of the SEA parking garage adjacent to the ride-hail pickup area. Flat-rate taxis charge $40 to carry passengers from the airport to the hotel district. Flat rates aren’t in effect to the cruise terminals. Metered rates in Seattle are $2.60 for the meter drop plus $2.70 a mile. (The 17-mile trip from SEA to Pier 91 should run $48.50 in a metered cab, but extra passengers, alternative routing and other considerations can raise the rates.)

Private car or van service

Private cars or vans can be scheduled to or from either airport. Options include Blacklane, with prices starting at about $108 in each direction from SEA to the cruise ports (including pick up in a luxury vehicle and a meet and greet at baggage claim). The same service to or from PAE starts at about $130 in each direction.

Public transportation

Unfortunately, public transit doesn’t reach the cruise terminals, but Light Rail provides transportation from SEA to West Lake Station in downtown Seattle. From there, it’s usually an 8- to 15-minute Lyft or Uber ride to the cruise terminals. One-way tickets are $2.25-$3.25 per person and trains depart every 15 minutes.

To reach the light rail station at SEA, head to the fourth floor and cross the sky bridge into the parking garage. Next, follow the signs and painted pathway to the train. Shuttle service is available for passengers with disabilities from 5 a.m. until midnight. Call 206-787-4069 or 206-787-5906 to request service.

Cruise port of Seattle parking

On-site parking

The Bell Street Cruise Terminal parking garage is right across from the cruise terminal. Enter from Wall Street and follow the signs to the parking area. Parking costs $23 per day, with a $1 per day discount if you prepay online.

The Bell Street parking garage offers more than 1,500 covered parking spots, including 25 accessible parking stalls, and can accommodate vehicles with a maximum clearance of 6 feet, 6 inches. Vehicles exceeding this height should park at Pier 91, and taxi vouchers will be provided to get you back and forth to Pier 66.

The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Lot D parking lot at Pier 91 has 1,100 secure parking spots, including accessible stalls available on a first-come, first-served basis. General parking is $29 a day, with a $1-per-day discount if you prepay online.

In addition to serving passengers departing from Pier 91, Lot D is the parking lot for RV and oversized vehicles at both piers. Fees are $60 a day for vehicles less than 40 feet, and $65 per day for vehicles larger than 40 feet. RV parking isn’t guaranteed unless reserved and prepaid online. If your cruise departs from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal, the cashier will issue taxi vouchers for your return.

Park-and-cruise packages

Depending on the length of your cruise, select Seattle hotels allow you to leave your car while you’re at sea (although most charge a fee). Fans of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program should consider the cruise package at the Hotel Andra Seattle. The package includes 50% off valet parking, complimentary parking during the cruise and a one-way shuttle service for two from the hotel to the cruise pier.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Hotels near the Seattle cruise port

Seattle has an outstanding lineup of points hotels. The best redemption deals are usually found near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s roughly a half-hour from the cruise terminals without traffic, but the trade-off might be worth it for some travelers.

Visitors planning to explore Seattle before or after a cruise should base themselves downtown for easy access to the waterfront, restaurants, shops, museums and attractions like Seattle Center and the Space Needle. As a bonus, many of the best Seattle hotels are a 5- to 15-minute drive from the cruise terminals.

Hilton hotels near Port of Seattle

Hilton Honors members are spoiled for choices in Seattle. The Hampton Inn Seattle-Airport is a great option for travelers looking for a quick place to catch some shut-eye the night before the cruise (34,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Amenities include a free hot breakfast and complimentary shuttle service to or from the airport.

For Hilton hotels closer to the cruise terminals, Hilton Seattle (50,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is only 1.4 miles from Pier 66. If you’ve got time to explore the city, the property is a mile from the 5th Avenue Theater, Pike Place Market and light rail.

For luxury travelers, Hotel 1000 LXR Hotels and Resorts (70,000-90,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is a gorgeous hotel with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Even the bathrooms are a showstopper with glass walls (and privacy shades). Hotel 1000 is roughly a half-mile from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium and a short walk to dozens of restaurants. The hotel is 1.2 miles from Pier 66.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels near Port of Seattle

Keep your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number handy because Marriott hotel brands are located throughout Seattle. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck at the Aloft Seattle Seatac Airport (22,000-40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), especially if you don’t want to rent a car. Amenities include complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and shuttle service to the cruise terminal for $20 per person. (Make arrangements at the front desk at check-in.)

If you plan to play tourist in the Emerald City, the Courtyard Seattle/Downtown Pioneer Square (30,000-54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is in a historic building within walking distance of the Pike Place Market, stadium, art galleries and the waterfront. The hotel is 1.6 miles from Pier 66.

It’s hard to beat the location of the Seattle Marriott Waterfront (50,000-84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). The hotel is right across from Pier 66, and passengers can walk to the terminal via crosswalk or sky bridge. This is a great option for families since you’re steps away from top waterfront attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.

Hyatt hotels near Port of Seattle

Seattle is an excellent place to cash in those World of Hyatt points. The brand doesn’t have any properties at the airport, but you’ll find several excellent Hyatts downtown.

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown (12,000-18,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is located near Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Center and the Space Needle. Complimentary breakfast is available in the morning. The hotel contracts shuttle service to the cruise terminals from a third party for $10 per person. Reservations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Thompson Seattle (17,000-23,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is a stylish boutique in the heart of downtown. Famous for a rooftop bar with dazzling views of the city and Puget Sound, the Thompson is a short walk from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and dozens of shops and restaurants. The hotel is less than a mile from Pier 66.

Non-points hotels near Port of Seattle

Seattle is home to several hotels that aren’t associated with traditional loyalty programs. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle sits above the waterfront with an infinity pool with views of Puget Sound. The Four Seasons is a mile from Pier 66. Don’t forget to book your room with a rewards card to maximize your stay.

Another solid option is the more affordably priced Ace Hotel Seattle, in the trendy Belltown neighborhood. Guests can choose accommodations with private or shared baths according to their needs and budget. The Ace Hotel is less than a half-mile from Pier 66.

Restaurants near the cruise port of Seattle

Seattle is famous for seafood served at upscale restaurants, sushi counters and casual poke joints. Dungeness crab, salmon and oysters on the half-shell are staples all over the city, especially near the waterfront.

Head to Pike Place Market for a culinary tour of the city. In addition to vendors selling flowers and handmade crafts, you’ll find bakeries, breweries, sit-down restaurants and quick eats like hot dogs or chowder. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to watch fish being thrown to delighted customers at Pike Place Fish Market.

If you see a long line outside Pike Place Market, that’s probably tourists waiting to place an order at the original Starbucks. If you are a huge fan of the chain, the wait might be worthwhile, but the coffee here is the same as in any Starbucks location. If you’d rather skip the line, head to Storyville Coffee on the top floor of the corner market building for an excellent cup of locally roasted coffee with stunning views of Puget Sound.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do in Seattle before or after your cruise

You can spend a lifetime visiting Seattle without running out of new experiences. Outdoor recreation, museums and kid-friendly attractions are available in equal abundance. If you’ve built in time to explore the Emerald City before or after your cruise, here are a few of the best things to do in Seattle.

Spend the day at Seattle Center

Seattle Center is home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center. The grounds are especially rewarding for families, who will find the International Fountain splash park and the Artists at Play playground with a 30-foot tall climbing tower, labyrinth, musical instruments and an accessible carousel powered by humans.

Marvel at the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks

The locks are a wonder of engineering connecting Lake Union to Puget Sound. Every day, spectators gather along the sides to watch everything from kayaks to enormous commercial ships pass through the locks. Other points of interest here include a fish ladder, a colorful botanical garden and a visitor center.

Embrace Seattle coffee culture

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Capital Hill neighborhood is like Disneyland for coffee lovers. Book a tour, schedule a class with a barista or sip on signature drinks you won’t find anywhere else. The aromas alone make the visit worthwhile.

Explore the waterfront

Even if you do nothing more than gape at views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, Seattle’s waterfront is worth exploring. This is also the home of the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium and a host of unique souvenir shops. Afterward, make your way to Pike Place Market for a bite to eat.

Eat lunch in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District

In Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, seductive aromas waft from every doorframe. Dumplings, noodles and baked goods beckon from dozens of restaurants. Do yourself a favor and place small orders in multiple eateries, so you can sample as much as you can.

Shopping near the Port of Seattle

Whether you want to shop for souvenirs or add a few items to your cruise packing list, Seattle’s got you covered.

For cruise essentials like toiletries and snacks, head to Target on 2nd Avenue near Pike Place Market. If you hold the Target Circle™ Mastercard, you’ll get a discount on most purchases. If you forgot to pack your bathing suit or other clothing and can’t find what you need at Target, Westlake Center on Pine Street has options galore from stores like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off 5th.

You’ll find unique souvenirs — including locally made foods, handmade jewelry and art — at Pike Place Market. If you’re shopping with kids, head to the Old Curiosity Shop on the waterfront for everything from postcards and tee shirts to unique gifts like taxidermy bugs and totem poles. The store is filled with oddities like mummies, narwhal tusks and shrunken heads.

The information for the Target Circle has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Oh, boy! Disney Cruise Line’s new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is open for business, offering Mickey Mouse fans an additional port to visit in the Bahamas.

Disney Magic, the line’s original ship, was the first to bring passengers; they arrived at pristine beaches and a maze of boardwalks linking various eateries, bars, water play areas and shops.

At the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay was created from a partnership between the Bahamas and Disney. Bahamian influence can be seen throughout, from the architecture and art to the costumes worn by Disney characters, who made several appearances throughout the day.

Here’s what I enjoyed and what I didn’t like — in photos.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

What I enjoyed

The beaches

Obviously, one of the main focuses on any Bahamian island is the beach. Cruisers have choices at Lookout Cay, with designated beaches for both families and adults. All offer white sand and plenty of loungers with colorful umbrellas, which are free to use.

Since all of the beaches are part of one long stretch, it’s easy to find your way from one to the next after you crest the dunes that separate the water from the rest of the Goombay Cultural Center area of the island. Plus, the crystal blue water may even take your breath away.

Easy hydration

What’s a beach day without a drink or two? I’m not just talking about alcohol here, either. With how hot the Bahamian sun is, it’s important to hydrate. Thankfully, you’re never far from a bar or a drink station at Lookout Cay.

There are two soda and water stations each at True-True and True-True Too, the destination’s barbecue buffet areas. There’s also Sensational Smoothies, which sells just that. I tried one made with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple and Pop Rocks, and I wasn’t disappointed. And for those who still aren’t fully awake when they reach the island, there’s Mangroves & Go, a stand that sells specialty coffees.

If you’re the type who likes something with a bit more of a kick, there are four bars — Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar — dotting the boardwalk throughout the Goombay section.

Easy-to-navigate trams

Disney Cruise Line fans who have visited the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, will know that the trams there can be a little cumbersome for first-timers, with several routes that take passengers to different areas. At Lookout Cay, there are just two tram stops — Mabrika Cove, near the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, which is where nearly all Lookout Cay activity takes place.

It’s nice to have to think less about where you’re going when all you want is to spend your day relaxing, so I appreciate the simplified system.

Cabanas with great views

At Lookout Cay, there are two sets of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas in the family area and Serenity Bay Cabanas in the adults-only area.

They’re all set up like cute Bahamian huts. Each has both indoor seating in the shade and outdoor loungers on patios that overlook the water. There are also mini-fridges stocked with water and soda.

Family areas

Unsurprisingly, Disney didn’t scrimp when it came to amenities for families. In addition to the family beach and family cabanas, other dedicated areas include Sebastian’s Cove, a water play area where parents can drop their kids off with the youth staff, and Rush Out Gush Out, a water park where families can have splashy fun together.

Twice during my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale took over the Play-Play Pavilion during the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. They led children in games of pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale’s Water Brigade. During the water brigade, kids passed soaking wet sponges, assembly line-style, to see which team could fill up a bucket the fastest. It was great fun, even for people who didn’t participate.

Art and culture

Elements of Bahamian culture are everywhere at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the form of art and architecture. However, the heart of it all is the Goombay Culture Center, where passengers can enjoy local arts and crafts or take in a Junkanoo parade.

The latter, dubbed “RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration,” brings local dancers in traditional, colorful dress to an outdoor stage, where they put on a high-energy performance you won’t want to miss. Be sure to keep an eye out for special guests Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, too.

What I didn’t care for

Long walks

The pier where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is long. I’m a fast walker, but it still took me nearly 10 minutes and registered 1,207 steps (more than half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade, and with the blazing temperatures in the Bahamas in the summertime, it’s not fun — especially with young children or mobility aids.

The area is largely accessible, and golf carts can assist passengers with mobility issues. However, I imagine the line will have to address this somehow for future sailings.

Slow trams

Although the tram system is much easier to use at Lookout Cay than it is at Castaway Cay, the ones at Lookout Cay seem to operate much more slowly. They run at regular, consistent intervals, and by waiting a half hour after the official disembarkation time, I was able to avoid waiting in line. However, once you’re on a tram and it departs, it will move so slowly that it will have you wondering whether walking there would be faster. (Unfortunately, you’re not allowed.)

When I combined the tram ride with the time it took me to walk from the ship to the tram stop in the first place, it took me about half an hour to actually make it to the heart of the destination. Plan ahead if you’re hoping to catch one of the scheduled shows.

Lack of shade

There’s a marked lack of shade on much of the island, especially as you make your way from place to place along the boardwalk. There are shops you can duck into, as well as shaded seating areas for when you’re having your lunch, but it’s just not enough.

As one of its green initiatives, Disney planted a bunch of local flora when it developed part of the space. Some of the plants will eventually be tall enough to offer some respite from the sun, but that won’t be the case for several years.

A confusing boardwalk and map

When I first arrived at Lookout Cay’s Goombay tram stop, I felt overwhelmed. All of the buildings looked similar, and there was virtually no signage save for some tiny indicators that pointed toward the nature trail. I resorted to looking at the tiny island map on my phone,

There also don’t seem to be any straight lines from one place to another. Everything curves out of the way to get you where you want to go.

No food options after 2 p.m.

The barbecue lunch — which included rice bowls, fish and seafood, and plenty of non-barbecue options, too — was great. However, after True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ (the buffet in the adults-only Serenity Bay area) closed at 2 p.m., there didn’t seem to be anywhere else to grab a bite.

Of course, passengers were free to head back to the ship at any time if they were hungry, but it’s a long way to go if you want to eat something and then go back ashore.

Bottom line

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a fantastic new addition to the port options in the Bahamas. Although it lacks shade and requires a lengthy walk, the destination is exceptionally fun and offers something for both families and adults.

Voyages calling on Lookout Cay through the end of 2024 include three- to six-night sailings, mostly on Disney Magic. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also make a handful of stops there.

Have more Disney cruise questions? We can help:

• Ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
• The best Disney cruise ships for everyone – even Disney adults
• Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club loyalty program
• Three types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained
• How much does a Disney cruise really cost?
• How to save money on a Disney cruise
• All about Disney Cruise Line kids clubs
• Tips and tricks for your next Disney cruise
• The best destinations to visit on a Disney cruise
• A guide to Disney Cruise Line drink packages
• Disney Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest
• Disney Cruise Line ships from biggest to smallest

Target is one of the most popular retailers in the U.S. If you’re a frequent Target shopper, you might want to consider a credit card that earns bonus rewards at Target. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from.

Let’s look at some of our favorite cards for shopping and earning rewards at Target.

The best credit cards for Target shopping

These five rewards cards are currently the best options for Target purchases thanks to their attractive bonuses or statement credits:

• Target Circle Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card 
• U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees)

The information for the Target Circle Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card and U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

The Target Circle credit card

Rewards at Target: This is perhaps the best option for loyal Target shoppers. The Target Circle credit card offers a 5% discount on all purchases at Target and Target.com. You also get free two-day shipping on select items on Target.com.

Annual fee: $0

Current welcome bonus: Save $50 on a future qualifying purchase over $50 when approved for a Target Circle™ Credit or Debit Card.

Standout perks: In addition to exclusive Target offers, cardholders earn 2% cash back on dining and gas purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases outside of Target. However, cash back can only be redeemed toward a Target gift card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Target Circle™️ Card.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Rewards at Target: The Capital One Venture Rewards offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, including at Target — a great option if you prefer a low-annual-fee card without many bells and whistles.

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Current welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Standout perks: Earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and unlimited 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; you’ll also enjoy no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and an up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, among other benefits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.

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Apply: Capital One Venture Rewards

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Citi Double Cash Card

Rewards at Target: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% as you buy and 1% when you pay.

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)

Current welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

Standout perks: There are not many additional perks here, but this card offers a simple no-annual-fee way to earn 2% cash back on all purchases.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

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Apply: Citi Double Cash

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U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

Rewards at Target: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on all purchases made through mobile wallets. Target accepts mobile wallet pay, so you will earn this reward.

Annual fee: $400

Current welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points (worth $750 on travel) when you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Standout perks: The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is a premium card with premium benefits like Priority Pass lounge access, an up to $325 travel credit and various travel insurances and protections.

To learn more, read our full review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card.

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

Rewards at Target: Earn 6% cash back at two retailers of your choice on up to $1,500. Target is an included retailer.

Annual fee: $0 first year, then $95

Current welcome bonus: Get a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

Standout perks: You can choose two retailers to earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500. Besides Target, the list of eligible stores includes Amazon, Walmart, Lululemon and Apple. Additionally, you can earn 3% cash back on up to $1,500 in an everyday category of your choosing and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Rewards at Target: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Current welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.

Standout perks: Besides the 2% cash-back earning rate, the card’s standout perks are limited; however, it does include cellular telephone protection and Visa Signature benefits.

To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.

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Apply here: Wells Fargo Active Cash card

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How does a Target credit card work?

A Target credit card allows you to earn bonus rewards at Target, either online or in-store, in the form of cash back or rewards points. These cards also earn cash back or rewards everywhere you shop.

How to choose a credit card for shopping at Target

Before you select a credit card for your Target purchases, it’s important to note that Target locations can be coded as grocery or discount stores. The difference can impact your rewards earning rate depending on the location.

For example, I have seen a Target store in Oregon coded as a grocery store and one in Washington coded as a discount store.

If you’d rather not have to do the research, consider a flat cash-back card like the Citi Double Cash. This way, you can avoid having your purchase coded as a discount store or supercenter and be guaranteed bonus rewards, regardless of which Target you shop at.

How to apply for a Target credit card

You apply for a Target credit card the same way you would for any other credit card. Before applying, you should check your credit score to ensure it is within the necessary range and gather any income information required for the application.

Maximizing credit cards for Target

Shopping portals are an effective tool for saving money on planned purchases. When you begin shopping through an online portal, you will see the offers available for specific merchants.

You will be redirected to the merchant’s website when you click on one. The portal will track your spending and reward you when it identifies that you’ve made a purchase.

Shopping portals are beneficial because they allow you to stack your rewards. You’ll earn bonus points or cash back from the portal and the rewards your credit card offers.

Rakuten, a TPG favorite, usually offers around 1% cash back per dollar spent in certain categories with Target, though offers can increase or decrease at any time. You can combine these rewards with your credit card bonuses for massive savings.

You can also use a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor to find high returns on your spending.

Related: Quick Points: Supercharge your Rakuten earnings with Amex points

Pros and cons of the Target Circle Card

The Target Circle card has some pros and cons you should consider before applying.

Pros

• 5% off discount every day at Target and Target.com
• Free two-day shopping on select items at Target.com
• No annual fee

Cons

• Low earnings rate on non-Target and dining spending
• Cash back earned on non-Target purchases can only be redeemed for Target gift cards

Frequently asked questions

Does Target have a credit card?

Target has an official credit card, the Target Circle Credit card. It also has a debit card version of the credit card with similar perks.

When is the best time to sign up for a Target credit card?

The best time to sign up for a Target credit card depends on your situation. A good time could be when you know you have a large purchase to make and want to earn bonus rewards.

What credit score do you need for a Target card?

We recommend a credit score of at least 690 to qualify for a Target-branded credit card. However, your credit score is one of several approval factors, so there is no guarantee, regardless of your score.

Also, you may be approved with a lower score depending on your overall financial picture.

Can you use Target credit cards anywhere?

Yes, you can use a Target credit card anywhere credit cards are accepted. This includes Target’s cobranded card and any others mentioned above.

Can you buy gift cards with a Target credit card?

Yes, you can buy gift cards with a Target credit card. Generally, gift card purchases don’t earn bonus rewards. However, you might earn bonus points by buying a gift card with other items. I bought a gift card along with my groceries and earned rewards on the full purchase. Keep in mind that the Target Circle card does not offer a 5% discount on gift card purchases.

Is a Target credit card worth it?

A Target credit card can be worth it if you frequent Target stores. The official Target credit card is a great option. A flat-rate cash-back card is another option worth considering, as it can help you maximize your rewards, no matter where you shop.

Bottom line

Frequent Target shoppers should consider adding one of the aforementioned cards to their wallets. The Target Circle card will be the best option for many, but depending on your spending habits, you might find other cards on our list more suitable. If you shop online, consider using a shopping portal such as Rakuten to maximize your rewards.

Related: Target Circle: Everything you need to know about Target’s revamped cards and loyalty program

We have a new batch of discounted fares to Europe to share with you.

Flights to dozens of overseas destinations are marked down, from Alicante, Spain, to Zurich, Switzerland. Departure cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City and Washington, D.C. Some of the prices we found were incredibly low, with several routes going for just under $400 for round-trip fares. You could even build an open-jaw itinerary that lets you visit several countries during your vacation, including some off-the-beaten-path places that are well worth your time.

The travel window is from August through April of next year, so you have a lot of flexibility to make your travel plans. Nearly all flights in this sale involve layovers. A slew of airlines have slashed fares in this deal.

These sale fares are for economy-class tickets but include a free carry-on. Depending on the carrier, checked bags will cost between $55 and $100 each way. If you book a ticket with Icelandair or Aer Lingus and plan to check luggage, you may be able to upgrade to a baggage-inclusive tier (such as something like “standard economy”) and save on checked-bag fees.

Related: The ultimate vacation guide to Tenerife in the Canary Islands

Deal basics

Airlines: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Europa, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, KLM, Scandinavian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines and others

Routes: From Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, New York City and other U.S. cities to various destinations across Europe

How to book: Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline

Travel dates: Availability mostly from August through April 2025; some routes include Thanksgiving

This deal was originally sent out by the deal alert company Going. Sign up for Going to get up to 90% off select flights via its Premium membership, which users can try for free for 14 days and then $69 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year for access to all the Premium deals, plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.

You can also sign up for a free trial through this link.

Sample flights

European destinations in this sale include:

• Bergen Airport (BGO) in Norway
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
• Brussels Airport (BRU)
• Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Romania
• Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• A Coruna Airport (LCG) in Spain
• Geneva Airport (GVA)
• Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT) in Sweden
• Helsinki Airport (HEL)
• Ibiza Airport (IBZ) in Spain
• Luxembourg Airport (LUX)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
• Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) in Poland
• Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE) in France
• Tenerife North Airport (TFN) in Spain
• Prague Airport (PRG)
• Vigo Airport (VGO) in Spain

U.S. departure airports are:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW)
• Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.

Let’s start with a great deal we found out of Atlanta. You can fly from the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, to Sweden’s Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport in November on British Airways for only $446 round-trip.

Take a look at how much money you can save by jumping on these fare sales. According to Google Flights, the price for this Atlanta-to-Sweden ticket is almost $600 less than typical prices.

We found a good number of sub-$500 ticket prices to Berlin from the Northeast. United Airlines is offering round-trip economy seats from Boston Logan Airport to Berlin Brandenburg Airport in February for the solid price of $487 round-trip.

There is good availability for flights to Berlin from Chicago in early 2025, too. You can book United out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Berlin for $487 round-trip.

There are also nice deals out of Chicago to the Canary Islands in Spain. You can fly Iberia from O’Hare International Airport to Tenerife North Airport in January for less than $500 round-trip.

We found a great deal from Miami to the Spanish port city of A Coruna, home of the famed Tower of Hercules lighthouse. You can fly Air Europa out of Miami International Airport to A Coruna Airport in February for just $359 round-trip.

We saw good deals to Italy from Miami, as well. This Delta itinerary from the Sunshine State to Milan in January is available for $418 round-trip.

Want to spend the holidays exploring Dracula’s castle in Romania? You can book an American Airlines ticket in early December from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport in Romania’s capital city for only $413 round-trip — an excellent price. Note that checking a bag is expensive if you book the basic economy seat. If you need to check luggage, it will be less expensive to upgrade to Main Cabin.

British Airways has some nice discounts from the West Coast in this sale. You can fly from Seattle to Luxembourg in December for $414 round-trip.

Maximize your purchase

Be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

There are a ton of European countries to consider in this sale, so be patient as you search. There are several great bargains, and the more flexible you can be with your travel plans, the better your chances of getting the best price.

Related reading:

• Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
• Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• Everyone is going to Sicily — try these 7 underrated places in Italy instead

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

If you’re like me and think nothing screams “vacation” more than a stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, then I have some great news.

The new Island Tower being built at Disney’s Polynesian on the side of the resort nearest Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is now projected to open to guests in December 2024, and you can make your reservations now.

Disney Vacation Club members can book by calling member services at 1-800-800-9800. Annual passholders and all other guests can call 1-407-934-7639 for reservations.

Along with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the new cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort coming this summer, the new Island Tower is one of the biggest additions to Walt Disney World this year.

As with all DVC resorts, you don’t have to book a stay with DVC points that you own (or rent); you can also book stays with cash just like you would for Disney’s other resort hotels. In fact, in a somewhat unusual order of events, at least at first, only cash stays will be bookable to DVC members and nonmembers alike.

This new 10-story tower will not only open up more rooms for guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but it’ll also introduce, for the first time, some additional room sizes and types. Similar to many of the other recent DVC developments, including The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the new tower will offer small duo studios for just two guests, deluxe studios (most similar in size to the existing rooms), one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas and two-bedroom penthouse villas that sleep up to nine guests.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will continue to offer two-bedroom overwater bungalows that are also bookable with (a lot) of cash or DVC points.

Related: How to rent Disney Vacation Club points and save hundreds of dollars on your vacation

When it comes to styling, the new development appears to have a somewhat distinct look and feel from the existing Polynesian structures. For starters, it is one large hotel building rather than the multiple smaller longhouses that the Polynesian has traditionally used.

Beyond that, Disney shared that the architecture draws inspiration from the property’s early concept art; in regard to the design and feel of the resort, it references the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the natural world.

More specifically, the tower’s lobby features a ceiling art installation inspired by South Pacific islands that highlights a variety of native wildlife. Each animal symbolizes a connection to the islands as well as the values important to the people of the region.

Additionally, Disney shared that it leaned into Polynesian wayfinding and the natural elements of water, earth, wind and fire when styling the new tower. It will feature artwork from contemporary Polynesian artists, along with some art that gives subtle nods to both “Moana” (which is also true of the existing Polynesian rooms) and Disney’s iconic artist, Mary Blair, whose work is also prominent in the lobby mural of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort purists may have some feelings about the departure from the traditional architecture and styling at the resort. However, others are likely excited about the diverse accommodation size options and the ability to book modern, all-new rooms at one of the most popular monorail resorts at Walt Disney World.

Related reading:

• How to use points to buy Disney tickets
• Tips for visiting Disney World: 19 ways to save money and have more fun
• 12 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property
• Save big bucks on Disney World tickets, hotel stays and dining with these discounts

There could be a “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on the horizon for the roughly 50 million guests who visit Walt Disney World annually.

Today, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which oversees land use and public services within the area Disney World owns and operates, unanimously approved an initial reading of a 15-year development plan that could bring major changes to Disney World in the coming decades, including a possible fifth theme park.

Disney published a legal notice detailing the development plan in the May 29 edition of the Orlando Sentinel. It outlined Disney’s planned investment of up to $17 billion over the next 10 to 20 years, with a commitment of $8 billion in the next 10 years.

As outlined in the plan, those funds could be used to develop new office space, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces and theme parks. The proposed agreement encompasses approximately 17,370 acres of land under the CFTOD’s jurisdiction, the majority of the land they oversee.

Under the plan’s terms, Disney World would be approved to raise its total number of hotel rooms from the more than 36,000 it currently has to 53,467 and increase retail and restaurant space. Most exciting for Disney fans, the agreement also calls for a maximum of five “major theme parks” and five “minor theme parks.”

Disney already has four theme parks and two water parks, but if the plan is approved, Disney could potentially build a fifth theme park and additional water parks or similar smaller, more minor parks.

The agreement also calls for Disney to “donate land for public infrastructure improvements necessary to support the new development,” commit at least $10 million to attainable housing projects and award at least 50% of the goods and services related to design, development and construction under the plan to Florida businesses.

Today’s news reconfirms The Walt Disney Company’s $60 billion commitment to “accelerate and expand investment” in its global theme parks, cruise line and other vacation experiences announced last September by CEO Bob Iger.

“You can pretty much conclude that they’ll be all over — meaning every single one of our locations will be the beneficiary of increased investment and thus increased capacity, including on the high seas, where we’re currently building three more ships,” Iger said during the company’s first-quarter earnings call in February.

Since the announcement, the company opened the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort. It will also open Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney Resort on June 6. Additionally, Disney recently received approval to build new lands and attractions at Disneyland and shared early concept “blue sky” ideas for Disney World expansion plans.

This development agreement, which has so far been supported by both Disney and the CFTOD, solidifies both organizations’ continued commitment to investing in Central Florida. Disney’s investment would bring growth and development to the area through new jobs, more tourists and additional state and local revenue.

Negotiations between Disney and the CFTOD have not historically been amicable. The contentious relationship began in 2022 when Disney spoke out against Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill that prohibited discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, a bill that Gov. Ron DeSantis championed.

Disney’s criticism drew DeSantis’ ire, leading him to remove Disney’s self-governing status and special taxation benefits by taking control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District), renaming it and appointing five hand-picked representatives to the board that was previously wholly controlled by Disney.

Before they were ousted, Disney’s board members attempted to push through a development deal, which has kept the two in legal battles ever since. On March 27, Disney and the CFTOD reached a settlement that nullified any previous development agreements, with both parties agreeing to negotiate a new development plan.

A second and final public hearing for consideration of Disney’s development agreement is scheduled for June 12, though it seems likely the plan will move forward based on Wednesday’s unanimous vote. If it does, Disney World could get an even better makeover in the coming years than Cinderella did before the royal ball.

Related reading:

• Tips for visiting Disney World: 19 ways to save money and have more fun
• Save big bucks on Disney World tickets, hotel stays and dining with these discounts
• The 17 best Disney World hotels for your stay
• The 21 most underrated things to do at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss