Month: August 2024

What do you do with a drunken sailor? If you’re Disney, you call him Jack Sparrow and send him rappelling down a ship funnel, of course.

Pirate Night, Disney Cruise Line’s ode to all things pirate, is a wonderful way to enjoy some outdoor fun during your next DCL sailing. In true Disney fashion, this event features costumes, themed games and parties, character appearances that can vary by ship, and a few other surprises along the way.

If this sounds like fun, that’s because it is. Whether you’re planning for all-in participation or you’re just curious about what Disney Pirate Night entails, here’s the rundown.

What is Disney Cruise Line Pirate Night?

Pirate Night on Disney cruises is just that — a night dedicated to marauder mischief, capitalizing on the fact that you’re on a ship at sea. What better place to celebrate all things pirate-related?

Events kick off in the afternoon when kid-friendly game shows start up in the onboard lounges. Shenanigans carry through to the evening when passengers might choose to don pirate garb at dinner in one of their ship’s three main dining rooms. After that, they can head out to the pool deck for fun under the stars.

Festivities are offered on most voyages, once per sailing; check your ship’s Personal Navigator daily schedule for details.

Disney cruise Pirate Night activities and events

So, what can Pirate Night participants expect?

After a round of family-friendly fun and games, the bash continues with themed menu items at the onboard restaurants during dinner. Cruisers can choose from dishes like Jolly Rogers Barbecue Rib Salad, Pirates Gold-en Pot Stickers or even Chilled-to-the-Bone Honeydew Melon and Watermelon Soup from menus fashioned to resemble treasure maps.

When passengers make their way out onto the pool deck, they’ll find a host of family-friendly games led by Disney cast members dressed in themed gear. They aim to hype up the audience, which is usually shoulder-to-shoulder, before characters appear as part of a giant pool deck party.

The general premise is that some sort of villain emerges to wreak havoc and ruin the good time everyone is having on board, only to be thwarted by the hero of the show. The latter is either Pirate Mickey, who zip lines between the top deck and the funnel in his buccaneer best to stop Captain Hook, or Jack Sparrow, who rappels down the funnel to take on a gang of sinister plundering picaroons.

A fireworks show often immediately follows most performances, weather permitting. (Disney Cruise Line is the only one that offers fireworks on nearly every voyage. Note that some sailings — including Alaska and Northern Europe itineraries — do not have fireworks.)

Oh, and remember: Costumes are encouraged. Whether you choose simply to wear the free bandana the line doles out to each passenger or you bring your very own custom-made ensemble that makes you look like a dead ringer for Blackbeard himself, you certainly won’t feel out of place.

If you feel like splurging on the smallest pirates in your group, make an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found on all Disney Cruise Line ships. For a handsome fee — one you thankfully won’t have to pay in gold doubloons — stylists will dote on your kiddo, offering up costumes, swords, scars, eye patches, earrings and other accessories for a look that’s fit for a plunderer.

Which Disney Cruise Line ships have Pirate Night?

Pirate Night occurs once on nearly every cruise on Disney ships. Here are more specifics about what to expect from each vessel’s event.

Disney Wish Pirate Night

On Pirate Night, Disney Wish offers family-friendly games, a pirate-themed dinner and a nighttime pool deck show called the Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party. There, passengers can gather in their pirate costumes to watch as Captain Redd — billed by the line as “a descendant of the famous red-headed rogue from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction” — and several of her pirate friends put on one heck of a performance set to well-known rock ‘n’ roll hits.

Keep an eye out for Jack Sparrow, who might just make an appearance. Additionally, the show is followed by fireworks.

Disney Fantasy Pirate Night

During Pirate Night, Disney Fantasy offers a packed schedule of activities, ranging from a pirate-themed dinner and family-friendly games to costumed pool-deck fun. Expect visits from some of your favorite Disney characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow, who rappels down the ship’s funnel before the ship lights up the sky with fireworks.

Disney Dream Pirate Night

Disney Dream‘s Pirate Night is similar to the show on Disney Fantasy. Captain Jack Sparrow appears to save the ship from a band of rogue pirates, leading up to a brilliant fireworks display.

Preceding these outdoor festivities are afternoon game show activities, a pirate-themed dinner and games for the whole family.

Disney Magic Pirate Night

Brace yourself for some nostalgia because, on Disney Magic, Pirate Night consists of appearances by cast members dressed as pirates who dance alongside the infamous Captain Hook. As he tries to make the night all about him, Mickey Mouse swoops in on a zip line to save the party and kick off the fireworks show.

Earlier in the day, cruisers can enjoy family-friendly games and a pirate-themed dinner.

Disney Wonder Pirate Night

Pirate Night, Disney Wonder’s pirate-themed bash, consists of afternoon family games and activities that carry through the night after the ship’s pirate-themed dinner.

Out on the pool deck after dark, pirate lovers can expect the same show they’d see on Disney Magic — one where Captain Hook is bested by Pirate Mickey. Just before Mickey introduces the fireworks, he glides across the top decks on a zip line.

Disney cruise Pirate Night FAQ

Does Disney Cruise Line still have Pirate Night?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line ships offer Pirate Night once on nearly every voyage, weather and itinerary permitting.

How do I know if my Disney cruise has Pirate Night?

Since almost all Disney Cruise Line voyages have Pirate Night, your ship will likely host one on your sailing.

Do adults dress up for Pirate Night on Disney cruises?

Yes, adults are just as into dressing up as their children are. And if you’re a Disney adult who doesn’t have kids, you’re encouraged to dress up, too.

Does Disney Cruise Line give you bandanas for Pirate Night?

Yes, all passengers on Disney Cruise Line ships will receive a free bandana as a souvenir. So, even if you forget to pack your pirate costume, you can still join in the fun.

Planning a Disney cruise? We’ve got you covered with these “ARRR”-ticles:

• The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line
• The best Disney Cruise Line sailings for every traveler
• Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club loyalty program
• Types of Disney Cruise Line ships explained
• Disney Cruise Line’s Oceaneer kids club
• Ways to save money on a Disney cruise
• The best destinations to visit on a Disney cruise
• Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
• Disney Cruise Line ships, newest to oldest
• Disney Cruise Line ships, biggest to smallest
• Disney Cruise Line drink packages

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

In 2022, Choice Hotels began its Sweet Spot Rewards promotion. This promotion lets Choice Privileges members enjoy discounted award nights at featured hotels during certain stay periods.

The previous version of this promotion ended almost two months ago, but Choice Privileges recently released a new set of properties in some appealing locations for stays through Nov. 30. Here’s what you need to know to maximize Choice Hotels’ Sweet Spot Rewards.

Choice Sweet Spot Rewards properties

Choice Privileges doesn’t have a typical award chart, nor does it use standard dynamic pricing. Instead, Choice sets award rates for each property based on the date range and the day of the week you stay. But because of the Sweet Spot Rewards promotion, Choice Privileges members can book discounted award nights at select hotels for stays through Nov. 30.

The current promotion separates properties by vacation type, so I’ll do the same. The following sections explain the featured hotels and their discounted redemption rates through Choice Hotels’ Sweet Spot Rewards.

6 beach properties

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Myrtle Beach, SC for 16,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 25,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Fernandina Beach, Florida: Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island, Ascend Hotel Collection for 20,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 25,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Half Moon Bay, California: Quality Inn Half Moon Bay/Miramar Beach for 25,000 points per night
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: Comfort Inn Rehoboth Beach for 25,000 points per night
• Piney Point, Maryland: Island Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection for 25,000 points per night
• Miami Beach, Florida: Radisson Resort Miami Beach for 35,000 points per night

You can book several room types with Choice points at most properties. For example, you can book an oceanfront room at the Radisson Resort Miami Beach for the same number of points as a standard room.

7 hotels near parks

• Caldwell, Ohio: Comfort Inn & Suites for 10,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 12,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Russellville, Arkansas: Comfort Inn & Suites Russellville I-40 for 12,000 points per night
• Cotulla, Texas: Comfort Suites Cotulla Near I-35 for 12,000 points per night
• Loves Park, Illinois: Quality Inn & Suites Loves Park Near Rockford for 12,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 16,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Stoughton, Wisconsin: Quality Inn & Suites Stoughton — Madison South for 12,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 20,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Elkins, West Virginia: Tygart Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection for 16,000 points per night
• Orono, Maine: Black Bear Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection for 20,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 25,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights

5 hotels for family fun

• Orlando: Clarion Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando Resort for 10,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 12,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Kalamazoo, Michigan: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Kalamazoo, MI for 12,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 16,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Los Angeles: Tilt Hotel Universal/Hollywood, Ascend Hotel Collection for 25,000 points per night
• Cape Canaveral, Florida: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL for 25,000 points per night
• Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection for 25,000 points per night

At the Atlantis Family Waterpark Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, you can even book a room with two queen beds and two single bunk beds that can sleep up to six adults when redeeming Choice points.

And at the Clarion Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando Resort, you can book a suite with two queen beds that sleeps up to six adults for just 10,000 points per night on weeknights.

3 casino hotels

• East Chicago, Indiana: Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago for 12,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 30,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana: L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge for 20,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 35,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown for 20,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 35,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights

You can book multiple room types when redeeming Choice points at these three casino hotels. For example, you can reserve some executive and river-view room types with points at L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge.

3 city-center hotels

• Philadelphia: Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City for 25,000 points per night
• Somerville, Massachusetts: Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville for 30,000 points per night
• Chicago: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago for 30,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 35,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights

4 hotels in international locations

• Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom: Clarion Hotel Charlecote Pheasant for 10,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 12,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Levis, Quebec: Quality Inn & Suites for 20,000 points per night on Sunday through Thursday nights and 25,000 points per night on Friday and Saturday nights
• Kelowna, British Columbia: Comfort Suites for 25,000 points per night
• Roissy en France, France: Clarion Paris CDG Airport for 35,000 points per night

Most guests don’t rate the Clarion Paris CDG Airport highly, as just 14% of previous guests recommend the hotel. But it offers various room types you can book with points, including a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony.

Related: How and why to register for Choice Hotels Personalized Weeknight Benefits

How to earn Choice points

If you want to earn Choice points quickly, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points and Capital One miles to Choice at a 1:1 ratio. Cardholders of select Citi credit cards can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Choice at a more appealing 1:2 ratio, and you can also transfer Wells Fargo Rewards points to Citi at a 1:2 ratio.

If you don’t need Choice points immediately, you may want to open the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees) or the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (no annual fee; see rates and fees) — or a card that earns the transferable rewards mentioned above — and meet the minimum spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus.

You can also earn Choice points through other methods, including the Choice Privileges Eat & Earn dining program. If you have an upcoming paid stay with Choice, check whether any current hotel promotions can boost your earnings.

Related: Quick Points: Unique ways to redeem Choice Privileges points

Bottom line

It’s worth looking at the Sweet Spot Rewards list each time Choice announces a new set of featured hotels.

This round, you’ll find some appealing options on the list of properties you can book at discounted award rates for stays through Nov. 30, including some award-winning properties highly rated by previous guests. For example, the Cambria Hotel Boston Somerville, Comfort Inn & Suites Russellville I-40 and Quality Inn & Suites Stoughton — Madison South all won the Gold Award, which is an honor given to top hotels based primarily on “Likelihood to Recommend” scores given by previous guests. Meanwhile, the Quality Inn & Suites in Canada won the Platinum Award reserved for hotels with even higher “Likelihood to Recommend” scores.

TPG’s August 2024 valuations peg the value of Choice points at 0.6 cents per point, so 10,000 points are worth around $60 and 25,000 points are worth around $150. Even the hotels that cost 35,000 points per night would only require you to redeem about $210 worth of points per night — which can be a great steal for some destinations and room types.

In July, a global IT outage caused massive flight delays and cancellations, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. Unfortunately, Delta Air Lines passengers were among the hardest hit, with more than 5,000 flights canceled during the outage.

Related: Delta’s meltdown worsens with 800 cancellations Monday; now 4,000 since Friday

At the time, many passengers reported that Delta wasn’t doing enough to accommodate their need for meals, hotel stays, ground transportation and alternative flights per expectations outlined on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service dashboard and in its flight refund guidances.

.@USDOT has opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during continued widespread disruptions.

All airline passengers have the right to be treated fairly, and I will make sure that right is upheld.

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) July 23, 2024

These reports led to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protections investigation to ensure affected passengers received the proper accommodations they were entitled to.

Though passengers waited frustratingly long to get rebooked or refunded, Delta did abide by DOT policies and provided affected passengers with the option to use flight credits on future trips or receive a cash refund for the unused portion of their ticket. The airline also issued meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and ground transportation to stranded passengers.

.@Delta people working 24/7 to restore operation, support customers, get crews to right place at right time. See our latest update on Delta News Hub:https://t.co/apUTVGgFos

— Delta News Hub (@DeltaNewsHub) July 22, 2024

As a result of the disruptions, Delta passengers who redeemed a companion certificate during the outage period may soon receive a welcome email in their inbox.

On Friday, Delta began sending email alerts to passengers who redeemed a companion certificate during the outage period. The email stated that Delta would issue a new companion certificate within seven to 14 business days. The new certificate will be valid for one year from the date of issuance, thereby extending the expiration date of the original certificate.

When I spoke with a Delta customer service agent to verify the validity of the email and companion certificate, a representative stated that the email was legitimate and that the airline is currently in the process of reissuing companion certificates used during the outage.

Some readers have reported in the TPG Lounge they, too, have received new companion certificates, even if their flights were not severely affected — their expiration dates have also been extended.

Several Delta American Express cards offer an annual companion certificate perk, including the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.

Related reading: As Delta meltdown drags on, here are airline passenger rights you need to know

If you are among those affected, be on the lookout in the coming days for an email from Delta’s customer service team with more information on your reissued companion certificate. Once it is received, you can find the companion certificate in your SkyMiles wallet on the Delta website or the Fly Delta App.

Delta did not immediately respond to TPG’s request for comment

Related reading:

• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare in 2024
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice opted not to block the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The news comes just eight months after the two U.S. carriers announced the $1.9 billion deal.

“I am confident that by the joining of these two airlines, a stronger company will emerge and offer more travel options for Hawai’i residents and local businesses — and will enhance competition across the U.S. airline industry,” Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statement. “I appreciate the DOJ’s strong consideration of Hawai’i’s unique needs during its review of the proposed merger. I look forward to this merger proceeding and the overwhelming consumer, employee and community benefits that will result from it.”

For Hawaiian Airlines loyalty program enthusiasts, what will the benefits of this potential merger look like? Though Alaska Airlines plans to keep Hawaiian Airlines as a separate brand, the programs will operate under one loyalty program.

So, is it safe to assume Hawaiian Airlines will adopt the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program, or will the two carriers operate under a new name entirely?

While the merger still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the potential consolidation of these two programs has left us with several questions on how this merger will affect those wanting to earn and redeem miles, use elite status benefits and more.

Keep reading to find out more about what we know about the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger, as well as what we want to know if this consolidation officially goes through.

What we know about the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger

At this time, details are scant regarding how the conjoined loyalty program will operate once the consolidation is complete. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission document filed by Hawaiian in December 2023, the two airlines’ loyalty programs will be combined into one shared loyalty program, and your miles will carry over.

Additionally, if you currently hold elite status with Hawaiian Airlines, your status will also be carried over. However, neither Hawaiian nor Alaska has specified how Pualani Gold or Pualani Platinum members’ status will match Alaska’s Mileage Plan elite status tiers.

“It is expected that [the elite tiers] will offer comparable or better benefits to what you receive today,” per the SEC document.

Another benefit of the merger is Hawaiian Airlines joining the Oneworld alliance. Currently, Hawaiian is not part of any major airline alliance, unlike Alaska, which is part of Oneworld. This merger will not only provide elite status members with additional Oneworld perks, such as priority check-in and bonus miles, but Oneworld travelers will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying with the carrier.

“Once the combination is complete, Hawaiian Airlines’ existing customers will enjoy the benefits of the industry’s highest-value customer loyalty program, earning and redeeming miles and receiving elite benefits on the full complement of Oneworld Alliance airlines, expanded global lounge access and benefits of the combined program’s credit card,” according to the SEC document.

Related: Alaska Airlines unveils 4 major changes to MVP elite status

What we want to know about the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger

However, much more isn’t clear about the future of an Alaska-Hawaiian loyalty program.

Will your Hawaiian miles transfer to Alaska miles at a 1:1 ratio?

According to the SEC document, the miles you earn with Hawaiian Airlines will not expire, and you can continue to earn and redeem those miles prior to the merger. If you have remaining miles post-merger, “your existing miles will be honored.”

However, the SEC does not state how they’d be honored. Specifically, will those miles be converted into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio?

Past experience is mixed along these lines.

For example, when Finnair adopted Avios as its loyalty currency, any remaining Finnair Plus award points were automatically converted at a 3:2 ratio. However, the conversion ratio was 1:1 during the integration of American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles back in 2015.

It’s unclear exactly what approach Hawaiian and Alaska will take, though it is worth noting that our August 2024 valuations have Alaska miles worth roughly 72% more than Hawaiian miles.

Will American Express Membership Rewards lose Hawaiian Airlines as a transfer partner?

Earlier this year, Bilt Rewards silently lost Hawaiian Airlines as a transfer partner but kept Alaska Airlines. With the proposed acquisition, can Amex cardholders expect to lose Hawaiian as a transfer partner in the near future?

You can currently transfer Amex points to Hawaiian at a 1:1 ratio. Plus, Amex is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Hawaiian Airlines until Aug. 31; therefore, your points currently transfer at a 1:1.2 ratio.

Since we don’t yet know if Hawaiian miles will transfer to Alaska at a 1:1 ratio, you may be rolling the dice by making a speculative transfer from Amex to Hawaiian. After all, these miles may eventually convert into Alaska miles at a 1:1 ratio. However, you could fall victim to your Hawaiian miles converting at a far lower rate. It’s up to you to decide whether this is worth the gamble.

Related: American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners: Maximize your points

What will happen to Hawaiian Airlines’ cobranded credit cards?

Barclays currently issues two Hawaiian Airlines cobranded credit cards: the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® and the Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®. Both offer two free checked bags on Hawaiian flights when you use your card to purchase eligible tickets from Hawaiian Airlines’ website; 3 miles per dollar spent on Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar spent on gas, dining and eligible grocery store purchases; and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Per the SEC document, Hawaiian will “continue to accept new applications.” So, can cardholders expect the cobranded cards to remain? Will the card eventually dissolve? Or, will additional card benefits be added that will apply across the combined route network?

The information for the Hawaiian Mastercard and Hawaiian Business Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

How many miles will you need for Hawaiian award flights?

While many major airlines use dynamic award pricing, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines still operate using award charts. However, Hawaiian’s award chart is based on several factors, including the region of your flight and the time of year (busier travel dates will cost you more miles). Some travelers also qualify for discounted award rates — namely Pualani Platinum, Pualani Gold and Premier Club members, as well as select Hawaiian Airlines cardholders.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines has distance-based award charts for its own flights and separate award charts for partner airlines, all of which feature “starting at” award prices (actual rates can be two or three times higher, depending on the flight).

So, where will Hawaiian-operated flights fit into this? Since Alaska plans to keep Hawaiian as a separate brand, will it be subject to partner pricing, or will Alaska add new regions (and pricing) to its own award chart? Or, will Hawaiian keep its own award chart intact?

At this time, neither Hawaiian nor Alaska has specified what award flights will look like in a combined loyalty program.

Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan award chart changes are now live

What will happen to other Hawaiian partners?

Hawaiian Airlines isn’t part of a major alliance, but it does have partnerships with a number of other carriers, including Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue and Japan Airlines. Additionally, you can earn (and redeem) miles with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on interisland flights with Hawaiian Airlines.

While none of these partnerships are particularly valuable, it remains to be seen what will happen if the merger is approved and the loyalty programs are combined.

Bottom line

We’ve seen airlines adopt new loyalty programs just in the last year. For example, Finnair now uses British Airways Avios as its respective award program. However, Finnair retained its autonomy regarding the program’s elite status tiers and award chart.

At this time, there are not many details on how the consolidation of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will affect the loyalty programs and its members — but we’re eagerly awaiting news and will be sure to update our readers when we get more details.

Related reading:

• • The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
  • Best airline credit cards
  • What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
  • The best credit cards to reach elite status

 

Cruise giant Carnival is about to add a new routing to its lineup of Panama Canal cruises — one that no line has ever offered before.

Scheduled to kick off in 2026, the one-way sailings through the iconic waterway will begin in Mobile, Alabama, and end in Seattle, or vice versa.

It’ll be the first time that Carnival or any other line has offered sailings connecting the two cities, which are both cruise hubs.

For now, Carnival plans just two voyages on the new routing, both on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit.

Both of the sailings will be just over two weeks long — far longer than most Carnival sailings. The first of the two voyages will start April 12, 2026, in Mobile and end 16 days later in Seattle. The second of the voyages will begin Oct. 8, 2026, in Seattle and end 16 days later in Mobile.

In addition to a transit through the Panama Canal, both of the sailings will include stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; and Cartagena, Colombia.

The voyages will take place as Carnival Spirit temporarily repositions from Mobile to Seattle for a summer season of cruises to Alaska.

Carnival Spirit is one of two ships that Carnival plans to deploy to Seattle in 2026 for sailings to Alaska.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships, explained

Carnival this week said the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle will also sail to Alaska out of Seattle in 2026.

Carnival Miracle will reposition to Seattle for the 2026 Alaska season from Tampa with a 16-day repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal. As is the case with Carnival Spirit’s Panama Canal itineraries, it’ll feature stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas and Cartagena.

After a summer of sailings to Alaska out of Seattle, Carnival Miracle will reposition to Galveston, Texas, with another 16-day cruise through the Panama Canal that stops at Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas and Cartagena.

The latter trip will begin in Seattle on Sept. 26, 2026.

When based in Seattle, Carnival Miracle will mostly sail seven-day Alaska sailings that depart every Thursday. They’ll bring visits to Tracy Arm Fjord for glacier viewing and the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. There also will be a stop at Victoria in British Columbia.

Related: The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

Additionally, Carnival Miracle will offer two longer Alaska sailings: a nine-day trip that adds a visit to Sitka, Alaska, and a 10-day trip that adds a stop at Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Carnival Spirit will offer a similar seven-night itinerary to Alaska as Carnival Miracle when based in Seattle.

Carnival Spirit also will operate a single 15-day voyage out of Seattle to Hawaii. Beginning Sept. 23, 2026, the voyage will bring calls at Honolulu on Oahu, Nawiliwili on Kauai, Kahului on Maui and Hilo on Hawaii Island, as well as a visit to Victoria, British Columbia.

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
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Looking for business-class flights to Europe from just 50,000 points each way?

British Airways is the largest full-service airline in the United Kingdom and flies to more destinations in the U.S. than any other European carrier.

The airline’s loyalty program is called the Executive Club, and its currency is Avios. With a huge route network and an easily earned and redeemed loyalty currency, it is a program that should be on your radar, even if you aren’t traveling to the U.K.

Rather than dynamic pricing, which can lead to 350,000-plus-point flight redemptions from the U.S. to Europe, British Airways retains an unpublished distance-based award chart that allows you to travel to some of the world’s most expensive markets for reasonable rates. However, you may be on the hook for significant carrier-imposed surcharges. Knowing how to use it can go a long way toward getting maximum value for your Avios.

In this guide, we’ll examine how this works so you can redeem British Airways Avios for your next trip.

How to earn Avios

There are many ways to earn Avios for your next trip, even if you aren’t planning any British Airways (or other Oneworld carrier) flights soon.

Credit cards

Applying for the British Airways Visa Signature® Card is one of the easiest ways to earn a meaningful number of Avios for everyday spending.

This card — issued by Chase and, therefore, subject to the 5/24 rule — is currently offering new applicants 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. TPG values Avios at 1.4 cents each in our August 2024 valuations, making the full bonus worth $1,050.

The British Airways Visa Signature has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Level. Plus, you can earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn 1 Avios per $1 spent.

Transferable rewards cards

Savvy TPG readers know that we usually recommend sticking with cards that earn transferable points because of their added flexibility. This strategy still applies if you’re trying to accrue Avios. British Airways is a transfer partner of Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, making Avios one of the easiest currencies to earn.

Points transfer from Capital One, Chase, Bilt, Wells Fargo and Amex at a 1:1 ratio (in addition to occasional transfer bonuses), while Marriott points transfer to Avios at a 3:1 ratio. Plus, you’ll get a 5,000-Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to Avios:

• American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100) within the first six months of card membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 175,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time).
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus a $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first cardholder year.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

If you don’t have enough Avios, you can also purchase Avios.

The basics

As noted above, British Airways uses an unpublished distance-based formula to calculate the number of Avios needed for a given flight. To maximize value with this chart type, you must take a different approach than zone-based charts or dynamic pricing.

British Airways Avios are typically most valuable on short, nonstop routes where cash fares are expensive. A resource like Great Circle Mapper can calculate the distance of each flight segment to determine its zone.

British Airways’ sweet spots are different compared to other programs. Instead of focusing on specific countries or even entire continents, distance-based sweet spots tend to be individual city pairs close enough to avoid bumping into the next pricing tier — especially if cash tickets are usually pricey on those routes.

Related: Is British Airways premium economy worth it on the Boeing 777-300ER?

British Airways Avios award charts

With this in mind, let’s dive into specific award charts. We’ll start with the one used for flights operated by British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, though carrier-imposed surcharges often complicate these redemptions. Each price is in Avios and applies to one-way flights.

Zone (distance in miles)	Economy (off-peak)	Economy (peak)	Premium economy (off-peak)	Premium economy (peak)	Business class (off-peak)	Business class (peak)	First class (off-peak)	First class (peak)
Zone 1 (1 to 650)	4,750	5,250	—	—	8,500	9,750	—	—
Zone 2 (651 to 1,151)	7,250	8,250	—	—	13,500	15,750	—	—
Zone 3 (1,152 to 2,000)	9,250	10,750	—	—	17,750	18,350	—	—
Zone 4 (2,001 to 3,000)	10,000	12,500	—	—	31,250	37,500	—	—
Zone 5 (3,001 to 4,000)	13,000	20,000	26,000	40,000	50,000	60,000	68,000	80,000
Zone 6 (4,001 to 5,500)	16,250	25,000	32,500	50,000	62,500	75,000	85,000	100,000
Zone 7 (5,501 to 6,500)	19,500	30,000	39,000	60,000	75,000	90,000	102,000	120,000
Zone 8 (6,501 to 7,000)	22,750	35,000	45,500	70,000	87,500	105,000	119,000	140,000
Zone 9 (7,001 and up)	32,500	50,000	65,000	100,000	125,000	150,000	170,000	200,000

Note that there are different prices for peak and off-peak dates. Peak dates are generally during the summer and school holidays, while off-peak pricing usually applies during the fall and winter months.

You will also be given the option to redeem more Avios toward fees, taxes and carrier-imposed surcharges thanks to the Reward Flight Saver offer.

Next, look at the award chart for flights operated by a single partner airline (other than Aer Lingus and Iberia, who use the chart above, and American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, who we will discuss below):

Zone (distance in miles)	Economy	Premium economy	Business	First
Zone 1 (1 to 650)	6,000	6,750	12,500	24,000
Zone 2 (651 to 1,151)	9,000	11,250	16,500	33,000
Zone 3 (1,152 to 2,000)	11,000	15,000	22,000	44,000
Zone 4 (2,001 to 3,000)	13,000	25,000	38,750	51,500
Zone 5 (3,001 to 4,000)	20,750	40,000	62,000	82,500
Zone 6 (4,001 to 5,500)	25,750	50,000	77,250	103,000
Zone 7 (5,501 to 6,500)	31,000	62,000	92,750	123,750
Zone 8 (6,501 to 7,000)	36,250	72,250	108,250	144,250
Zone 9 (7,001 and up)	51,500	100,000	154,500	206,000

For flights in zones 1-4 operated by American and Alaska, Executive Club prices are as follows:

Zone (distance in miles)	Main cabin economy	Domestic first class
Zone 1 (1 to 650)	12,000	24,000
Zone 2 (651 to 1,151)	16,000	32,000
Zone 3 (1,152 to 2,000)	18,000	40,000
Zone 4 (2,001 to 3,000)	20,000	50,000

Follow the regular partner chart above for flights over 3,000 miles operated by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

For both of the above award charts, pricing applies to each flight in an itinerary. The distance isn’t cumulative across the entire trip. British Airways prices every segment individually, so you’ll want to stick to nonstop routings whenever possible.

Related: 5 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia and British Airways

For example, say you wanted to fly from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This flight covers 992 miles and would require 16,000 Avios per the chart above. However, suppose you could only find award availability on a connecting flight through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). In that case, you’d fly 89 more miles but pay 50% more Avios for your trip.

Here’s how the pricing works:

• Fort Lauderdale to Charlotte: Covers 632 miles (12,000 Avios)
• Charlotte to Philadelphia: Covers 449 miles (12,000 Avios)
• Total cost: 24,000 Avios

As such, the best value tends to come from nonstop flights.

Redeeming Avios within the US

While short-haul domestic flights are not as good a value as they used to be following several devaluations, you could find good value in short-haul international flights.

For example, you could fly American Main Cabin for just 12,000 Avios from Miami International Airport (MIA) to the following destinations:

• Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Turks and Caicos
• Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in St. Croix
• Cozumel International Airport (CZM) in Mexico

Read more: Why Avios are my favorite type of rewards as a South Florida resident

Domestic lie-flat business class

American routinely flies internationally configured, wide-body jets on domestic routes.

For instance, some daily routes between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Miami are often operated by a 777-200. This plane features one of American’s best international business-class products. You can book that flight in business class for only 32,000 Avios.

West Coast to Hawaii

Just because we’re talking about flights within the U.S. doesn’t mean you can’t have a tropical vacation. Hawaii is close to several West Coast cities (less than 3,000 miles), and you can book economy awards for only 20,000 Avios each way.

American Airlines serves several Hawaiian destinations from its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) hubs. In addition to Los Angeles, Alaska Airlines also flies nonstop to multiple Hawaiian airports from San Diego International Airport (SAN), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Portland International Airport (PDX) — among others.

Redeeming Avios outside the US

British Airways’ international partners span the globe, so some of the best British Airways redemptions are bound to come from international travel.

6,000-Avios awards

These low-priced awards are especially useful in pricey markets, such as European or Asian travel. Generally, you want to look for a Oneworld hub airport like Iberia’s home in Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) or Japan Airlines’ hubs in Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND).

Air Lingus sweet spots

The British Airways award chart has peak and off-peak pricing, which also applies to flights on Iberia and Aer Lingus. As a result, nonstop flights between the East Coast and Chicago to Ireland have become incredibly attractive, with transatlantic economy awards starting at just 13,000 Avios each way on off-peak dates.

You can book a round-trip, nonstop flight from multiple U.S. cities to Ireland starting at 26,000 Avios, which is phenomenal.

Multicity trips using Avios

As highlighted above, British Airways charges separately for every segment. More stops require more Avios, even if your origin and final destination are the same. However, this pricing approach allows you to book unlimited stopovers or open jaws on your award tickets.

Multicarrier awards exception

It’s important to note that British Airways has yet another award chart that only applies to award tickets with two or more Oneworld airlines. Unlike the standard award prices above, these multicarrier reward flights use cumulative distance to determine how many Avios you need.

While this typically offers a poor value proposition for simple itineraries, there are times when you should use it — like if you’re booking a round-the-world ticket.

Bottom line

When people think of British Airways’ loyalty program, many assume you’d want to use Avios for premium-cabin transatlantic trips to Europe. But that’s not necessarily the best way to use them.

Long-haul flights cost increasingly more under the distance-based Avios chart. Plus, British Airways tacks on large surcharges to those transatlantic flights.

By employing the above tips, you can maximize your Avios and the British Airways chart without spending a lot of cash.

The luxury and lifestyle hotel sector continues to be the bread and butter for Hyatt.

On Tuesday, the Chicago-based hotel giant announced plans to acquire New York City-based Standard International and most of its affiliates for a base price of $150 million. Standard International’s acquired portfolio, which includes The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, encompasses 21 open hotels.

More than 30 properties are in various stages of development, and Hyatt’s takeover could cost an additional $185 million as more of these hotels open. Standard’s orbit also includes the new StandardX brand and The Manner, an upcoming luxury hotel in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.

On the loyalty front, all Standard International properties included in the deal will be integrated into the World of Hyatt network.

“The team behind Standard International has created a unique and award-winning portfolio of brands and properties that turn the status quo on its head and have attracted a loyal following among the most discerning lifestyle guests for the past 25 years,” Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said in a statement. “These properties truly drive the zeitgeist, creating destinations unto themselves with celebrated and talked-about programming and events, such as the Met Gala afterparty. We are thrilled to welcome Standard International’s properties and team to the Hyatt family with the newly created lifestyle group and draw on their brilliance, creativity, culture and innovation.”

Rumors of the potential acquisition emerged late last month. Some of Standard’s best-known properties include The Standard, High Line, in New York City and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. The Standard takeover gives Hyatt’s robust lifestyle hotel push a significant shot in the arm, as Hyatt’s current lifestyle brand lineup includes Dream Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Andaz and Alila. Hyatt’s lifestyle hotel room count already quintupled between 2017 and 2023, and the company acquired the Mr & Mrs Smith luxury and lifestyle hotel booking platform last year.

The Standard takeover is expected to close later this year, and the plan is to create a dedicated lifestyle group based in New York City. Amar Lalvani, executive chairman of Standard International, will be the new head of Hyatt’s lifestyle division — a similar structure to how Hilton made Kevin Osterhaus, the president of Graduate Hotels, its president of global lifestyle brands following the Graduate acquisition.

“We waited a long time to find the right company with whom to join forces,” Lalvani said in a statement. “In choosing Hyatt, we tap into a powerful global infrastructure and loyal guest base. I am very proud that our team has delivered on the potential we saw with The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels and am honored that Hyatt appreciates how special our brands, properties, and — most importantly — our people are. We have a shared vision for the enormous potential that still lies ahead.”

This structure signals big hotel conglomerates like Hyatt appear to recognize the best approach to navigating the lifestyle hotel scene is by leaving creative forces largely intact. Brands like Marriott’s W seemed to stumble once they strayed far from the original design and creative teams, and recent big brand acquisitions signal an industry push to avoid similar mishaps.

For example, Accor’s Ennismore acquisition largely keeps brand leaders in charge of operating their offerings, such as Gleneagles, Delano and SLS. Hyatt’s announcement Tuesday afternoon indicates the new lifestyle group will be made up of “the talented Standard International team as well as Hyatt colleagues.”

However, the announcement didn’t mention Amber Asher, the current CEO of Standard International — raising eyebrows that this might signal her departure from the company. Asher and Standard are among the few examples in the hotel industry of a woman holding the top job at a hotel brand.

“After 13 years with the company, including the last three years as CEO driving its growth, Amber Asher has decided to pursue new opportunities after staying on for a transitional period to support the team and ensure a smooth transition,” a Standard International spokesperson told TPG following initial publication of this story.

Related reading:

• Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• Best hotel credit cards

Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information.

Full-size liquids are among the items travelers most frequently forget to remove from their belongings before passing through U.S. airport security — the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 liquid rule prohibits travelers from carrying liquids, specifically gels, aerosols and spreadables larger than 3.4 ounces.

Of course, you can bring an empty water bottle to the airport to refill at a fountain once you pass through security, but if you want to bring a beverage from home to enjoy on the plane, there’s one more solution.

Per the TSA rules, travelers can bring frozen liquids through security, specifically those that are “frozen solid when presented for screening.”

Items that are “partially melted, slushy or have any liquid at the bottom of the container” must meet the standard 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

An exception to this rule is breast milk, which is allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. This can be helpful for nursing mothers, as the TSA permits milk, formula and pumped breast milk through security without set limits because it treats them as “medically necessary liquids.”

According to the TSA, “Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.”

Regarding how much you can bring, the TSA specifies “reasonable quantities.” Summer Hull, a director of content at TPG, notes that this leaves some discretion up to the individual officer.

In her experience, there’s an unwritten cutoff when your kids appear to be 2 or 3 years old. At that point, the TSA tends to stop allowing families to bring other liquids through security, even if it’s a drink for a kid in your group. To avoid any liquid for your child getting tossed, she suggests the frozen method as a workaround.

“While the TSA rules permit frozen liquids going through security, and I can vouch that it does usually work in practice, some TSA agents simply interpret things differently from most, so be prepared with the rules if you don’t want to toss your drink,” she said. “I also wouldn’t [bring] a dozen different frozen drinks unless you are looking to land yourself in some secondary screening.”

Related reading:

• What not to pack in your carry-on bag
• Your guide to flying with kids of every age
• 42 real-world family travel tips that actually work
• TSA to pilot self-service security screening in Las Vegas

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

If you frequently use the JetBlue TrueBlue loyalty program and value earning JetBlue points, you should know how to use JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping.

In short, using JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping lets you earn bonus JetBlue points on some everyday purchases you’re already making. You’ll find two ways to earn bonus points through JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping: an online shopping portal and card-linked offers. So, here’s what you need to know.

JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping portal

Savvy consumers know many major loyalty programs offer online shopping portals that let you earn bonus points or miles when shopping online. Using an online shopping portal like JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping doesn’t take much time or effort, so the bonus rewards usually make it worth adding the extra step to your online shopping routine.

For example, let’s assume you want to buy a new garbage can from Bed Bath & Beyond. If you click through the JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping portal before you purchase, you can earn a specific number of JetBlue points per dollar spent. Better yet, these points come in addition to the rewards you earn by paying for your purchase with a rewards credit card.

Best of all, you’ll still purchase on the Bed Bath & Beyond website for the same price as if you hadn’t clicked through the online shopping portal.

How to use JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping

To use JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping, navigate to the website, and sign in using the same username and password you use when signing in on the JetBlue website. Select the merchant you want to use, click through the TrueBlue Shopping portal to that merchant and then shop normally with that merchant. It’s that easy.

Here’s a step-by-step example of what using the JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping portal looks like in practice. Start by clicking “Sign In” in the upper right-hand corner of the TrueBlue Shopping website, and enter your standard JetBlue login information on the next page.

Once you log in, search for your store or brand in the search bar. For example, I typed “home” and then could click on “Home Depot.”

Once on the Home Depot landing page in the shopping portal, I can see the earning rate — which is a rather low 0.5 points per dollar — and other important details. For example, I can see that some purchases earn at a higher rate and that I should get my bonus points within 31 days of a qualifying purchase.

If I want to purchase with Home Depot, I could click the “Shop Now” button and then shop as usual on the Home Depot website. Any eligible purchases during that shopping session should automatically earn bonus JetBlue points. You don’t have to use a JetBlue credit card when paying, although we recommend using a rewards card to earn even more points or miles on your purchase.

Pitfalls to avoid when using JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping

It’s easy to use JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping to earn bonus points when shopping online. However, you’ll want to be careful with how you interact with the TrueBlue Shopping site to ensure you earn your bonus points as expected. Here are some tips:

• If you leave the merchant’s website after clicking through the TrueBlue Shopping portal, go back to the portal and click through to the merchant’s website again before adding items to your cart and making a purchase.
• If you’ve been browsing on the merchant’s site without clicking through the portal, clear the items from your cart and close that browser window before clicking through from TrueBlue Shopping to start a new shopping session.
• You must enable internet browser cookies for TrueBlue Shopping to track your purchase with the merchant correctly.
• Avoid using promotional codes you didn’t obtain via the TrueBlue Shopping portal, as using other codes may keep you from earning rewards.
• Read the purchase conditions for your merchant to ensure your purchase is eligible.

In short, the key aspects to remember are to enable browser cookies and ensure you click through from TrueBlue Shopping immediately before you add items to your cart and check out with a participating merchant. If you do so, you’ll likely earn points through the JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping portal without any issues.

JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping card-linked offers

JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping also has card-linked offers. These offers are similar to American AAdvantage SimplyMiles offers in that you enroll payment cards in the program, enroll in offers for specific merchants, and then earn rewards when you use an enrolled card to make an eligible purchase at a merchant for which you’d enrolled in an offer.

To get started with card-linked offers, go to the JetBlue TrueBlue Shopping website, log in and click on the “Card Linked Offers” tab near the top of the page. Then, click “My Cards.”

You’ll see the following message if you don’t have any cards registered to your account yet.

You can check the box and click “Register New Card” to add a card to your account. You can add up to 10 cards to your account, all of which must be Visa, Mastercard or American Express cards issued in the U.S.

You’ll find a variety of card-linked offers through TrueBlue Shopping. You can choose to see the offers alphabetically or sort them by the number of points you’ll earn, the most popular offers or the latest offers.

Once you find an offer you like, click on it, read through the purchase conditions and then click “Register Card.” Then, use an enrolled card when you make an eligible purchase with the merchant.

It’s best to wait 24 hours after registering for an offer to make a purchase; otherwise, your purchase might not be tracked properly. If you use a debit card for a purchase, ensure the merchant processes the transaction as credit (meaning you’ll need to sign for the purchase).

Related: Earn JetBlue points at your favorite local restaurants with TrueBlue Dining

Bottom line

Before making any purchases online, I use a shopping portal aggregator to compare earning rates across multiple online shopping portals. But if you are primarily interested in earning JetBlue points, the TrueBlue Shopping portal can provide many compelling opportunities. It’s also worth checking the card-linked offers periodically for any offers from merchants you frequently purchase from.

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

Six Senses hotels and resorts offer a unique style of friendly, wellness-focused luxury. The two Six Senses resorts I’ve stayed at — Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand — easily sit within my top five stays ever due to their rustic, approachable luxury in beautiful, remote settings. However, as Six Senses opens more urban properties, even those who are used to city living may enjoy the brand.

Stays at the best Six Senses resorts usually cost upward of $600 per night. But you can earn IHG points at select Six Senses properties. And even if a paid stay is outside your budget, you can redeem IHG points to stay at select Six Senses hotels and resorts. After all, InterContinental Hotels Group acquired Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas in 2019 and added the first Six Senses properties to its IHG One Rewards program in March 2021.

Unfortunately, IHG still hasn’t integrated every Six Senses property into IHG One Rewards. So, here’s what you need to know about the Six Senses hotels and resorts that participate in IHG One Rewards.

How to determine participating Six Senses hotels and resorts

IHG doesn’t publish a list of the Six Senses properties participating in IHG One Rewards. However, you can find a list of all the hotels and resorts on the Six Senses website.

To determine whether a specific Six Senses property participates in IHG One Rewards, you’ll need to enter dates and search for rates on that property’s Six Senses landing page. Only at this point will you see whether the property participates.

For example, when I search for a stay at Six Senses Krabey Island, I see “IHG® One Rewards is not applicable at this Six Senses hotel at this time” in a box on the right-hand side of my screen.

But when I search for a stay at Six Senses Laamu, I see the option to sign in and redeem IHG points for some room types.

Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program

20 Six Senses properties that participate in IHG One Rewards

I checked each of the 26 properties listed on the Six Senses website when I wrote this story. Here are the Six Senses hotels and resorts that participate in IHG One Rewards:

• Six Senses Bhutan (Bhutan)
• Six Senses Con Dao (Vietnam)
• Six Senses Crans-Montana (Switzerland)
• Six Senses Fiji (Fiji)
• Six Senses Fort Barwara (India)
• Six Senses Ibiza (Spain)
• Six Senses Kanuhura (Maldives)
• Six Senses Kaplankaya (Turkey)
• Six Senses Kyoto (Japan)
• Six Senses Laamu (Maldives)
• Six Senses La Sagesse (Grenada)
• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)
• Six Senses Rome (Italy)
• Six Senses Shaharut (Israel)
• Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea (Saudi Arabia)
• Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali (Indonesia)
• Six Senses Vana (India)
• Six Senses Yao Noi (Thailand)
• Six Senses Zil Pasyon (Seychelles)
• Six Senses Residences Courchevel (France)

Since these hotels and resorts participate in IHG One Rewards, you can earn and redeem IHG points for stays at these properties. You’ll also enjoy certain benefits if you have IHG elite status or select other memberships, which I’ll discuss in a subsequent section.

Related: Six Senses is opening a 3-island resort in South Carolina — and the journey starts on Hilton Head

6 Six Senses properties that don’t participate in IHG One Rewards

Unfortunately, the following Six Senses hotels and resorts don’t participate in IHG One Rewards:

• Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal)
• Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul (Turkey)
• Six Senses Krabey Island (Cambodia)
• Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain (China)
• Six Senses Samui (Thailand)
• Six Senses Zighy Bay (Oman)

You can’t book these properties with IHG points, you won’t earn IHG points or elite night credits on stays, and you won’t get any perks as an IHG member at these Six Senses hotels and resorts.

Related: IHG’s new CEO on the next chapter for Six Senses, InterContinental, all-inclusive resorts and beyond

What to know about redeeming IHG points for Six Senses stays

As discussed above, you can redeem IHG points for stays at participating Six Senses properties. As at other IHG One Rewards properties, award nights at these participating Six Senses hotels and resorts utilize dynamic pricing.

Some Six Senses properties have minimum stay requirements on select dates. However, members with select IHG One Rewards credit cards can get every fourth reward night free at Six Senses properties when redeeming IHG points for stays of four nights or longer. This perk of a free fourth reward night can help you get more value from your IHG points.

Note that many Six Senses hotels and resorts offer special packages that can provide much more value than redeeming IHG points. For example, for a four-night stay at Six Senses Laamu next month, I could redeem 570,000 points after getting the fourth reward night free as a perk of my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. But, I could alternatively book an extended-stay half-board rate for $3,528, which includes daily breakfast and dinner for two people and 25% off round-trip seaplane flights. Redeeming points would give me a redemption value of 0.62 cents per point, but the extended-stay half-board rate provides additional value via daily dinner and 25% off seaplane transfers.

So, check paid rates before assuming redeeming IHG points will provide the best value.

Related: Why you should get (and keep) the IHG One Rewards Premier card

IHG perks at Six Senses properties

Six Senses properties are often relatively small. And many offer nontraditional service delivery methods. As such, some IHG One Rewards benefits may differ or not be available even at participating Six Senses properties. For example, member rates aren’t available at Six Senses hotels and resorts.

InterContinental Ambassador, InterContinental Royal Ambassador and Kimpton Inner Circle members get extra benefits when staying at participating Six Senses properties. In particular, these members can expect:

• Daily complimentary breakfast for two in the main restaurant (not applicable at Six Senses Residences)
• A signature amenity of a complimentary 50-minute Six Senses Spa massage for two or a local experience once per stay (varies by resort; subject to availability and confirmed on arrival; not applicable with corporate or negotiated rates)
• Complimentary one-category room upgrade (subject to availability; excludes residences and two-bedroom or greater suites and villas)
• Extended checkout time of 4 p.m. (subject to availability for Ambassador members and all members at Six Senses Residences)
• 10 a.m. early check-in (subject to availability for Ambassador members and all members at Six Senses Residences)
• Complimentary internet access
• Wellness platter welcome amenity (subject to availability at Six Senses Residences)

However, these benefits are only available to eligible members when booking directly or via an authorized travel agent.

Related: How much value does IHG One Rewards status provide when you book directly?

Bottom line

I love that IHG has added most Six Senses properties to its program. However, despite the program starting to add more hotels over three years ago, six Six Senses still don’t participate in IHG One Rewards. It’s unclear whether these Six Senses properties will ever join IHG One Rewards.

Getting a fourth reward night free can be a compelling reason to redeem IHG points for your stay. But if you have the travel budget to pay for a Six Senses stay, double-check paid rates to see whether any packages provide better value than redeeming points.