About four in 10 flights were delayed or canceled last month at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as disruptions persisted in the wake of the deadliest U.S. commercial airline crash in more than two decades.
The Federal Aviation Administration continued to limit the number of planes arriving at the airport — the closest one to our nation’s capital — in the interest of safety following the Jan. 29 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives.
Still, the air traffic limitations have fueled travel difficulties at the busy airport, DCA’s governing body revealed this week.
Flight disruptions mounted at DCA
During the month of February, close to 34% of flights encountered delays arriving at DCA, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said in a new report. That’s about three times more than last February.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaking to reporters following the Jan. 29 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). NATHAN POSNER/ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES
Close to 8% of flights headed to DCA were canceled last month, the MWAA said — up significantly from around 0.5% of flights axed during that same period last year.
The FAA began limiting air traffic at DCA immediately after the late-January crash, initially halting all flights and diverting planes to nearby Dulles International Airport (IAD) amid a large-scale investigation.
Then, as runways reopened in the ensuing days and weeks, the FAA maintained caps on the number of hourly flights that could land at DCA. For most of February, the number of flights that could land each hour was down by more than 10% from the normally allowed rate.
Adding to the disruptions: routine halts in air traffic due to helicopters in the area.
Following the deadly collision, the FAA quickly implemented restrictions on helicopter traffic and said last week it would heed urgent safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board by closing off chopper routes near the airport and only allowing essential helicopter traffic.
Still, some helicopter flights — including Marine One transportation of President Donald Trump — are still allowed and frequently lead the agency to halt all flights at DCA, the MWAA noted.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). KAYLA BARTKOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES
Delays have been less widespread in recent weeks, the MWAA reported. On Feb. 28, the FAA inched up the number of hourly arrivals allowed at the airport to nearly 95% of ordinary levels.
At the time of writing this story on the afternoon of March 20, about 12% of DCA-bound flights on the day’s schedule had been delayed, according to FlightAware.
Travelers particularly concerned about encountering a flight delay could always consider flying out of IAD or nearby Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
While both airports are farther from the center of Washington, D.C., IAD is accessible via the region’s Metro transportation system. BWI travelers can connect to the airport on Amtrak via Union Station in D.C.
Situated along the Potomac River in Virginia, DCA is a popular regional airport. Several of the largest U.S. airlines have a sizable presence there — most notably American Airlines, which operates its mid-Atlantic hub at the airport.
DCA passenger traffic down
This week, airport officials also revealed a marked drop in passenger traffic in recent weeks.
The number of passengers that boarded flights at DCA last month was down about 12% to 13% versus last year, the MWAA said in its report this week.
Travelers check their flight status at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Airport officials said this reduction in travel was due in large part to reduced government travel and economic concerns amid the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to the federal and contractor workforces.
The total number of passengers who transited through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationally in February 2025 was roughly even with that of February 2024, according to data reviewed by TPG. This trend differs from the 6% to 7% year-over-year surge we’ve become used to seeing since the coronavirus pandemic.
Bottom line
It’s worth noting the recent increase in flight disruptions — and decrease in passenger traffic — at DCA comes as several airlines launched new transcontinental routes from the airport in the last month. Congress authorized these routes last year in a controversial move.
Those new routes included nonstop American Airlines service to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), Alaska Airlines service to San Diego International Airport (SAN), Southwest Airlines flights to Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Delta Air Lines service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
United Airlines was also set to launch a second daily nonstop flight to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as part of congressionally authorized exceptions to DCA’s long-standing limits on long-distance flights.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card overview
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers sufficient perks that, if utilized, can easily justify the card’s annual fee of $99. However, business owners who aren’t loyal to IHG One Rewards may be better off with another business card. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Considering that the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has an annual fee of only $99, it offers many perks for travelers and small-business owners who frequently stay with IHG. Compared to other hotel-branded business credit cards, the IHG Premier Business card has one of the lowest annual fees and may prove attractive simply for that reason.
Benefits include automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you’re a cardholder, a unique fourth-night-free reward perk when redeeming points for hotel stays and a valuable welcome bonus. One key perk — the free night certificate received each year — can easily cover the annual fee on the IHG Premier Business card. We recommend a credit score of at least 670 to be approved for this card.
Let’s look at the details of the IHG Premier Business card to see if it’s right for your company.
Redemption options outside IHG properties aren’t as valuable
$99 annual fee
IHG Premier Business welcome offer
New applicants for the IHG One Premier Business card can earn up to 200,000 points: 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and another 60,000 bonus points after spending a total of $9,000 in the first six months from account opening.
Your bonus will come in the form of IHG points, which are worth 0.5 cents each according to TPG’s March 2025 valuations. Thus, this bonus is worth up to $1,000.
THE POINTS GUY
This is one of the highest offers we’ve seen on this card. The usual offer is about 140,000 bonus points (worth $700, according to TPG’s March 2025 valuations), so the current elevated bonus is one to jump on.
It’s worth noting there is a warning on the application page that you are not eligible for this bonus if you’ve received a welcome bonus on this card within the past 24 months.
This card is ideal for Chase customers under 5/24. While most business credit cards will not affect your 5/24 status, you do need to be under 5/24 to apply.
The IHG One Premier Business card has a modest $99 annual fee, but is it worth it? The card’s value depends on whether you’ll use its benefits frequently enough to justify that annual fee.
First, on your cardmember anniversary each year (starting at the one-year mark and continuing each year after that, for as long as you keep the account open), you’ll receive a free night award valid for a single night, worth up to 40,000 points.
Cardholders also automatically enjoy IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, as long as their account remains open. Platinum members receive 60% bonus earnings on paid stays booked directly with IHG One Rewards, space-available room upgrades, a welcome amenity (in the form of points or a drink/snack) and a handful of other perks.
Those interested in earning top-tier Diamond Elite status can attain this by spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. After meeting the spending threshold, the status is valid through Dec. 31 of the following year.
You’ll also pay zero points for every fourth night when redeeming IHG points for stays of four nights or longer. This is an automatic perk that is reflected when booking. This is essentially a 25% discount on stays of exactly four nights, so it’s a great way to get even more value out of the card.
KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
That said, if you rarely redeem IHG points for stays of four nights or more, this perk may be of limited value.
Each calendar year you spend $20,000, you’ll earn 10,000 bonus points and a $100 statement credit. TPG’s March 2025 valuations peg these bonus points at $50, which translates to a total value of $150 with the statement credit.
IHG Premier Business cardholders have a handful of other perks to utilize when you swipe your card:
TSAPrecheck/Global Entry application fee credit: You can be reimbursed up to $120 every four years when you charge a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee to your card.
Save 20% on the purchase of IHG points when you pay with your card.
Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank cash each calendar year when you register your IHG One Premier card with your MileagePlus account.
Auto rental collision damage waiver: When you decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card, you’ll get coverage against theft and collision. Coverage is secondary when renting within the U.S., but primary when renting for business purposes.
Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and up to $6,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short for a covered reason.
Purchase protection: Your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft. There is a limit of $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
These benefits can be nice to have when things go wrong.
Earning points on the IHG Premier Business card
Generally, you won’t get fantastic earning rates on most hotel credit cards — especially on broad categories like dining and groceries. That said, the IHG One Premier Business card could be a solid option, especially at participating IHG properties.
INTERCONTINENTAL PHUKET RESORT
When you use your card at IHG hotels and resorts, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on your stay. This is in addition to the 10 base points that all IHG One Rewards members accrue at most participating brands. And since you have automatic Platinum Elite status with the card, that’ll give you another 60% bonus on top of the base points. This combination translates to a total of 26 points per dollar spent on most IHG stays — or a 13% return on spending, based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations.
Beyond IHG purchases, cardholders of the IHG Premier Business will earn points at the following rates:
5 points per dollar spent on travel, hotels (non-IHG properties), dining and gas purchases
5 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising and at office supply stores
3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
That translates to a 2.5% return on the bonus categories based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations, though it drops to 1.5% on everyday purchases — a rate of return lower than many other cards.
Like many competitors, IHG One Rewards doesn’t publish an award chart; instead, it uses dynamic award pricing. The program’s website indicates that free nights start at 5,000 points.
On the other end, there’s no published maximum rate, although for IHG’s core brands, the highest we’ve seen is 120,000 points per night. However, properties in partner brands such as Six Senses frequently exceed this.
SIX SENSES SOUTHERN DUNES, THE RED SEA/DANYAL AHMED
You’re not limited to only using points for your stay. You can also book rooms using a combination of points and cash, which can offer decent value in certain circumstances.
However, it’s worth noting just how these reservations are confirmed. IHG effectively sells you the extra points (for cash) and then uses the full number of points for the stay. You usually pay 0.63 to 0.66 cents for each IHG point used to make up the difference. IHG often sells points at this price (or cheaper), which can be another way to top off your account.
IHG.COM
As noted above, when you redeem points for a stay of four nights or longer, every fourth night will cost zero points. There’s no limit to how often you can use this benefit — though it only applies to full award stays, not those booked using cash and points.
Which cards compete with the IHG Premier Business card?
As the IHG One Premier Business card is a hotel credit card aimed at small-business owners, it’s worth looking at how it stacks up against other hotel-branded business credit cards.
If you’re looking for a card with Hyatt status and perks: The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card offers automatic Discoverist status with World of Hyatt (the lowest tier). It does have a higher annual fee at $199 but offers perks like up to $100 in spending credits with Hyatt each cardmember year. For more information, check out our full review of the World of Hyatt Business card.
If you’re looking for top-tier status with a low annual fee: The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card from Barclays comes with automatic top-tier Wyndham Rewards Diamond status for an annual fee of only $95. This card also carries perks like 10% points discounts on award stays and 15,000 bonus points on each cardmember anniversary. For more information, see our post on which Wyndham card is right for you.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business 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.
Yes — as long as you can make the most of the card’s perks. The IHG One Premier Business card has an annual fee of $99 and offers an annual free night award that can easily be redeemed for more value than that. Cardholders also earn points at solid rates when making purchases in bonus categories, though the earning rate on everyday purchases isn’t fantastic.
Bottom line
Small-business owners loyal to IHG or those simply looking to diversify their travel strategy can find sufficient value to justify the card’s annual fee each year. If you find yourself underutilizing the perks or booking stays at varying hotel brands, we’d recommend a more general business credit card instead to maximize your chance of earning valuable rewards.
Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Quick take: The new Aria Suites are taking Cathay Pacific’s already stellar business class to the next level.
Pros
The new seats offer up-to-the-minute tech.
Luxurious amenities include Bamford bedding and skin care products.
Inflight menus offer plenty of delicious Asian and Western options.
Cons
Only a few planes feature the new Aria Suites at the moment.
Tray tables are designed in such a way that they can feel tight.
Award availability through partner programs is virtually nil.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Back in March 2024, Cathay Pacific released details on a new business-class product called “Aria Suites.” These seats represent the first major overhaul of the airline’s business class in several years, so, naturally, frequent flyers were waiting with bated breath for them to go into service.
Along with closing doors for privacy, Aria Suites feature latest-generation technology, including 4K entertainment screens with innovative experiential features, as well as some ergonomic improvements over the airline’s older seats.
After a stint flying between Hong Kong and Beijing, Cathay Pacific deployed planes with Aria Suites on one of its premier long-haul routes, between Hong Kong and London, in January 2025.
Award availability on the route has been decent (just be careful which flight you book to ensure your plane has the new suites), so I took the opportunity to test out the new Aria Suites for myself in early March.
Here’s what it was like flying Cathay Pacific business class in the new Aria Suite and how I booked it.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
How much does it cost to book Cathay Pacific business class?
The cost of a Cathay Pacific business-class ticket will depend on both where and when you are flying. For my route from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), one-way fares are currently around $4,500, with round-trip fares costing about $6,200. (Airfare pricing is downright mind-boggling, isn’t it?)
So, if you want to fly the Aria Suite for yourself, your best bet will be to use miles from Cathay Pacific’s own Asia Miles program. The cost of my ticket was 84,000 Asia Miles plus $389 in taxes and fees.
Even if you don’t regularly credit flights to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles — or if you haven’t even heard of the program — the good news is that you can stock up your account quickly since it’s a transfer partner of the following programs:
Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for transferring 60,000 points)
The following cards all currently offer considerable welcome bonuses or everyday earning potential with points and miles that you can transfer into your Cathay Pacific Asia Miles account:
Once you book your ticket, you will be able to select a seat for free.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Just note that Cathay Pacific currently operates four (yes, four) different Boeing 777-300ER configurations. One is mainly for regional flights, but the other three are deployed on some of its premier long-haul routes.
In order to ensure that you are on a plane with the new Aria Suites, cross-check the flight you are on with Cathay’s site. It should be denoted as a 77J and will have 45 business-class seats aboard.
Checking into and boarding Cathay Pacific business class
Cathay Pacific business-class passengers can enjoy the following priority services at the airport.
Priority check-in
Yes
Luggage allowance
Two checked bags of up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each
Lounge access
Yes, Cathay Pacific lounges and Oneworld partner lounges
Does the airline participate in TSA PreCheck?
Yes
Priority boarding
Yes, after preboarding
Cathay Pacific operates from Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport. The airline has dedicated check-in counters for first- and business-class passengers, and no one was in line when I got there, so I checked in quickly and then made my way through security.
The lounges in this terminal are all clustered close to the main concourse, where you’ll also find restaurants and shopping.
Cathay Pacific operates lounge “C,” which you must access via elevators. The space comprises a first-class section, a separate section for business class and a shared set of shower facilities available on a first-come, first-served basis.
I had access to the business-class lounge, which overlooked part of the tarmac. The first section of the lounge is a dining area with plenty of booth-style seating and a counter where you can order various types of noodles, soups and dim sum.
Past this is a small self-serve buffet area with various hot and cold dishes, plus some fresh fruit and salads, pastries, a coffee machine and a selection of Jing teas.
Beyond this is the main living room-style lounge area, which has a row of chairs and ottomans facing the windows and a variety of other seating vignettes. There is also a staffed bar where you can order complimentary wine, beer, cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Despite visiting the smaller space during a busy time of day — Cathay flights to Hong Kong depart at both 4:50 and 5:50 p.m. daily — the lounge did not feel crowded.
After eating a bowl of wonton soup and sending a few last emails via the complimentary Wi-Fi, I made my way to the gate, which was a five-minute walk away. There were two lines — one for economy and premium economy passengers and another for business- and first-class passengers. After having my boarding pass scanned, I was admitted to the gate area.
Boarding commenced 50 minutes before departure time and was completed in just over 30 minutes, so we pushed back right on time.
How comfortable is Cathay Pacific business class?
The Boeing 777-300ERs that have been reconfigured with Aria Suites have 45 seats in business class and no first-class cabin. The airline’s other 777-300ER configuration has between 40 and 53 seats, so this falls squarely in the middle.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Here’s a snapshot of the business-class cabin and seat stats:
Number of seats
45
Cabin layout
1-2-1
Seat recline
78 inches, fully flat
Seat width
21 inches
Screen size
24 inches
The business-class cabin aboard the reconfigured Boeing 777-300ERs consists of two sections.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The forward, larger section has 25 seats in six rows of four seats each plus a single seat — 18K — off on its own in the back on the right-hand side. I’d avoid that one, as it’s practically in the galley.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The smaller aft section where I sat has five rows of four seats each. All rows are laid out in a 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone configuration; those on the sides face out toward the window while the two-seat sections running down the middle are angled toward one another.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
That makes the side seats — A and K — better for solo travelers and the center seats — D and G — better for couples. Don’t worry, those center seats still have substantial sliding privacy dividers in case you want some alone time.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The new Aria Suites are modified versions of Collins Aerospace Elements seats that you will also find aboard Starlux’s flagship A350s. These feel slightly roomier than previous versions of the popular reverse-herringbone seating style you’ll find on Cathay Pacific’s other long-haul jets.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Aria Suites have 43 inches of pitch, measure 21 inches wide at the armrest and around 25 inches at the shoulders, and recline to lie-flat beds that are 78 inches long.
You can lower the larger armrest along the aisle for a few extra inches of room, and you can even pull it forward and flat to create a little more surface area in lie-flat mode — an intelligent feature.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The gap between the large armrest and the preceding seatback is about 10 inches, which can be a squeeze to get through.
Also notable is a departure from the airline’s signature green upholstery. Instead, these new seats are in a much more neutral palette with throughlines of cream, taupe, sand and brown. This creates a more grounded inflight look that feels like a style evolution for the airline, though you will still find some pops of green, including along the privacy dividers between middle seats and as accents in the cubbies.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Instead of laminatelike surfaces, passengers should enjoy the wood grain finishes of the armrests and tray tables, as well as a marbleized seat-side shelf that lends the suites a more upscale feel.
One ingenious feature is a shallow cubby set within the suite’s larger armrest that has a sliding top panel rather than one that flips up, so you can keep a device or drink on it, even while accessing it.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
There’s also an elongated desk-style lamp mounted on the seatback for ample lighting. This is actually the main lighting source for the seat since there are no overhead lights. You can control it via the inflight entertainment screen and use its various small, focused beams to light up different parts of the seat and tray table.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
There are both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, plus a universal power plug to the side of the seat. There is also a wireless charging pad on the wide armrest, though this is not marked and does not seem to be functional yet.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The seat shell along the wider armrest also has an embedded touchscreen control for the entertainment system, a cabinet holding a provided pair of noise-canceling headphones and a pop-out vanity mirror for prelanding primping.
Under the armrest, there is a touchscreen console with preset seating positions as well as the ability to maneuver individual components like the seatback and legrest. This made the seat feel more versatile than many other business-class fixtures out there, and I could customize the various parts of it to my liking. This screen also had controls for the light as well as a flight attendant call button. When I was not using those, I could tap it to see how much time there was left in the flight, which was a handy feature.
The seat’s tray table slides out from under the entertainment system and unfolds to a full area of 15 inches by 18 inches, with a tablet holder integrated into its design.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
After meal service, the flight attendants came through the cabin to unlatch the suites’ doors. Interestingly, many other airlines do this shortly after takeoff so passengers can enjoy privacy even during meal service, but I found I did not mind waiting since opening and closing a seat’s door can feel like a chore when you are trying to eat.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Of all the airplane seat doors I’ve encountered, these were among the easiest to maneuver, sliding open and shut quite easily.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
They do not fully enclose the seat as they only reach the top of the seat shell, and there is a little gap when they are fully extended, which is probably to reduce rattling. They also have a 12-inch gap to the floor. That said, they provided plenty of shielding from activity on the aisle.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Each seat reclines to a lie-flat bed, which flight attendants will help you make up with the provided Bamford-branded fitted mattress pad, lightweight duvet and full-size pillow. These were cozy but breathable — a plus since Cathay’s 777s don’t have overhead air nozzles — and were quite comfortable for a long midflight snooze.
Another highlight of these new cabins is the bespoke artwork created by Hong Kong artists that spotlights the city’s natural surroundings and bustling streets. Most passengers are unlikely to see these, though, since they are between the front cabin and the cockpit.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The business-class section has just three lavatories for 45 passengers. That’s a pretty high ratio, but there were rarely any waits, partly because one of the inflight entertainment system’s new features is a screen where you can monitor which lavatories are in use.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
It did not seem functional for the one in the aft galley, but it was accurate for the two at the front of the plane.
The restrooms were kept spotless throughout the flight, and they were stocked with Bamford hand wash and body lotion plus disinfectant hand gel. I especially appreciated the touchless sinks and toilet flush.
Amenities in Cathay Pacific Aria Suites
I found the Bamford pillow and bedding, the food and drink menus, and the Bamford amenity kits (which came in four colors) waiting at my seat when I boarded.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The kits contained mouthwash, a dental kit, an eye mask, ear plugs and Bamford-branded cooling body gel, body balm and herb-scented pillow mist.
Aria Suites have 24-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. Although the airline provides basic noise-canceling headphones, you can connect your own Bluetooth headphones to the system for an even better viewing experience (and I would suggest doing so).
The system was ultra-crisp and provided hundreds of viewing and listening options, including new movies such as “Moana 2,” “Gladiator II” and “Heretic,” along with plenty of options from China, the rest of Asia and a special section devoted to K-dramas from Korea. As for TV options, there were recent episodes of “High Potential” and “The Day of the Jackal,” among other choices, plus hundreds of musical albums to choose from, including Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Among the games were “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and “Angry Birds.” There was even an option for duty-free shopping, which offered spirits, electronics and high-end beauty products.
Passengers who wanted to rest could use the “do not disturb” function. If they wished to be roused, they could customize the function with “wake-up service” options before the first and second meal services.
The airline offers free Wi-Fi for first- and business-class passengers. Otherwise, it’s $9.95 for a one-hour pass and $21.95 for the full-flight option with no data caps. I was able to switch Wi-Fi access back and forth between my phone and computer easily, and the speeds were very good, allowing me to get a lot of work done while surfing online.
How was the food in Cathay Pacific business class?
Business-class passengers are invited to preorder their main meal from 10 days up to 24 hours before departure, though in reality, the options were available when I was logged into my reservation more than two weeks in advance.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Among the nondietary-specific choices were:
Noodle soup with fish and shrimp balls, preserved cabbage and choy sum
Roasted chicken breast in jus and bread sauce with baby carrots and green beans
Shanghainese braised pork belly with pak choy, shiitake mushrooms and steamed jasmine rice
Roasted cauliflower in chickpea stew with mint raita
Spice-crusted cod with roasted cherry tomato sauce, sauteed spinach and coconut lentils
Classic beef hamburger with Gruyere cheese, coleslaw and pickles on a brioche bun with fries
These were the same choices presented on the inflight menus, so the advantage of ordering ahead is mainly to ensure you get the entree of your choice.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The appetizers included pea soup with ricotta and micro greens, as well as poached prawns with horseradish and tomato sauce, baby gem lettuce, avocado and sieved egg.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
I selected the shrimp, followed by the pork. The shrimp tasted quite fresh, though the pork was a little chewy.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
There was also a cheese course of brie, cheddar and Roquefort, or a choice of desserts, including:
Green tea tiramisu
Glazed lemon tart with raspberry
Various Haagen-Dazs ice cream flavors
Pralines
Seasonal fruit
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The drinks menu included Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne, which flight attendants also served as a predeparture beverage, along with water and juice.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The other wines included:
A 2020 Domaine de la Bressande rully from Burgundy in France
A 2023 Framingham sauvignon blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand
Echo de Lynch-Bages from Bordeaux in France
A 2020 Grant Burge Filsell shiraz from the Barossa Valley in Australia
A 2018 Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage port from the Duoro Valley in Portugal
There was also a selection of spirits, juices, Illy coffees, Jing teas, Hong Kong-style milk tea, classic cocktails and a signature cocktail and mocktail.
The main meal service commenced about 80 minutes into the flight and concluded within 2 1/2 hours. Except for dessert, the flight attendants brought drinks and dishes individually to each passenger rather than via a trolley — an upscale touch, but one that causes the service to take longer. Given the length of this flight, that’s not a major issue, though.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The second meal menu, which flight attendants asked passengers to fill out ahead of time, was more like a breakfast or brunch. It featured fruit plates and pastries, plus a choice of main dishes, including:
Cacao-chia pudding with coconut yogurt and blackberries
A twice-baked souffle omelet with sauteed kale and cherry tomatoes
Salted chicken and mushroom congee with pan-fried turnip cake and XO sauce
Poached eggs with grilled bacon, sauteed mushrooms, vine tomatoes and potato rosti
Express breakfast with a pastry and hot drink
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The first meal was large and I was anticipating a big dinner with friends upon landing in Hong Kong, so I chose the healthiest option: the pudding with berries. It was tangy and refreshing, just what I needed before hitting the ground. Along with it, I enjoyed a cappuccino to perk me up.
Would you recommend Cathay Pacific Aria Suites?
Cathay Pacific business-class Aria Suites represent a sophisticated evolution from the airline’s other business-class seats. Not only do they feel more spacious and thoughtfully designed, but the entertainment system is excellent, with all kinds of innovative features.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
The closing door works as well as, if not better than, any other I have experienced while flying and lends these seats a high degree of privacy that makes flights even more relaxing.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
While it can be downright impossible to redeem partner miles for Cathay Pacific business class, availability is fairly widespread when redeeming the airline’s own Asia Miles, making this a treat within reach for many flyers.
To get an even better idea of what the Cathay Pacific experience is like, check out our video review:
There are many great reasons to stay at independent hotels and vacation rentals. Unfortunately, the ease of earning rewards on these stays is not one of them — or so you might think. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed a variety of unforgettable stays and picked up several tricks to maximize my savings and rewards on them. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Sometimes I stay at independent boutique hotels or vacation rentals out of necessity — maybe the small mountain town I’m visiting doesn’t have any chain hotels, or my friend group needs more space and can save big bucks by splitting an Airbnb. Other times, I choose independent hotels because of the unique amenities and experiences they provide.
For instance, I once spent a night outside Mount Rainier National Park in a cabin with an authentic Ukrainian restaurant and “cannibal” hot tub heated by a wood fire. Another memorable stay was at a Kyoto ryokan complete with a seven-course Japanese meal and an in-room onsen. I also spent a week in an Airbnb in Paris, which gave me more of a glimpse into “real” Parisian life than I could get at a points hotel in the prime tourist neighborhood.
The downside is that there are usually no elite benefits or points to be earned at these properties. Thankfully, I’ve still found plenty of ways to maximize my travel when I stay at independent hotels and vacation rentals.
It is possible to redeem rewards for stays at independent hotels, such as by booking with points or miles through a credit card travel portal. But since this doesn’t provide great value for my rewards, I usually book these stays with cash and focus on trying to save money.
For instance, I recently used my Venture X credit on a two-night stay at a bed-and-breakfast in the Wicklow Mountains outside of Dublin (no points hotels there) and a rental car to get there. After my $300 credit was applied, I spent a grand total of $4 on my two-day hiking trip.
Here are some other cards with travel credits that you can put toward stays at independent hotels:
I love using shopping portals to earn cash back on my everyday purchases. But they’re not just for retail shopping — you can earn cash back at many hotel-booking platforms, like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz and Tripadvisor.
Though reward rates vary from day to day, they often aren’t too shabby. At the time of writing, Rakuten was offering up to 10% cash back at some of these sites.
RAKUTEN
However, it’s important to read the fine print on Rakuten before you decide which site to book through. In this example, Rakuten is offering 6% back on hotels and vacation rentals but only 1% back on cars and a measly $1.25 back on flights.
RAKUTEN
Travelers who hold a card that earns Amex Membership Rewards points can get extra value out of Rakuten by switching their earning preference to Amex points instead of cash back.
Other shopping portals to consider include Extrabux, Mr. Rebates and TopCashback. You can also sometimes find hotel-booking sites on airline shopping portals and credit card portals like Capital One Shopping. A shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor can help you spot which portals offer the best returns for your purchase.
Search for deals
Before I book a stay, I always check multiple sites because prices can vary widely. For instance, part of my recent trip to Dublin involved spending two nights in the city with my husband and a friend. We wanted an apartment with room for the three of us, but most Dublin Airbnbs required a four-night minimum stay. I settled on an apartment-style hotel with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen that was running a sale for 10% off on direct bookings — saving me roughly $100 on our stay.
Price isn’t the only thing I compare from one site to another. I look at cancellation policies too, and I often prioritize booking through a site with a flexible cancellation policy, even if it costs a little more. That way, if my plans change or I find a better rate later, I can cancel for free and rebook.
The more points I can earn on a hotel I booked with cash, the sooner I can redeem those points for my next free flight or Hyatt stay.
Earn transferable points with credit card travel portals
Many popular travel cards offer portals through which you can book hotels, flights, rental cars and more — and earn bonus points on these purchases. The number of points you’ll earn depends on which card you hold, but it’s typically 5 or more points per dollar spent.
Since I’m not loyal to any one hotel program, earning transferable points is extremely valuable to me. I can transfer my Chase points to Hyatt or Marriott, for example, or transfer my Capital One miles to Choice or Wyndham, depending on which hotel chain makes the most sense for my trip.
Most airline booking platforms offer subpar earning rates. However, I love Southwest Hotels because you can earn up to 25 points per dollar spent on select properties, so I always search here first.
Vacation rentals may be a little behind the times in the world of points and miles, but this doesn’t mean you can’t earn any valuable rewards on your next home away from home.
I’ve set up my Airbnb account to earn British Airways Avios by entering my frequent flyer number here.
AIRBNB
That’s because I can earn 2 Avios per dollar spent on Airbnb bookings, and I’ve found Avios useful for booking international flights out of Denver. However, you can also opt to earn 1 Delta Air Lines SkyMile per dollar or 1 Qantas point per Australian dollar ($0.64) spent on Airbnb bookings. Choose the currency that’s most valuable to you.
If you prefer Vrbo, you can earn 3 United Airlines miles per dollar spent on Vrbo rentals when you book through this page with your MileagePlus number.
Introduced in 2023, Expedia’s One Key is a relatively new loyalty program for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. Members can not only save 10% on stays booked through these sites but also earn OneKeyCash to spend toward hotels, flights, rental cars and more ($1 in OneKeyCash saves you $1 on purchases through these sites).
Since OneKeyCash is redeemed at a flat rate, you won’t get the outsize value that you could with other hotel loyalty programs’ award charts and sweet spots. However, One Key’s simplicity could be a draw for some travelers, especially since you’ll be able to choose from the huge variety of hotels on three different sites.
Although I usually end up booking through a credit card portal instead, I’m very intrigued by the One Key loyalty program, and I’m considering adding a One Key credit card to my wallet. I’m also anxiously awaiting the day when Airbnb comes out with a cobranded credit card.
Which credit card should you use to book independent hotels?
ROCKAA/GETTY IMAGES
If I can book a hotel through a credit card portal such as Chase Travel or Capital One Travel, I always use the applicable card to earn bonus points. It’s a no-brainer.
But sometimes I need to book a hotel directly in order to get a deal, or I want to stay in an Airbnb, which isn’t available on any platform discussed above. Though it is possible to redeem points for Airbnb gift cards, such as redeeming my Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 1 cent per point, this is far below TPG’s March 2025 valuation of Chase points and doesn’t get me the best value for my points.
Therefore, my best bet is to book with a card that earns bonus rewards on travel purchases — but that’s not the only thing I consider.
Don’t forget that many travel cards come with built-in trip insurance. If you end up canceling a nonrefundable hotel booking, these perks can put a lot of dollars back in your wallet. And if you’re booking a hotel in another country, be sure to pay with a card with no foreign transaction fees.
For me, this means I book most independent hotels with my Chase Sapphire Preferred. This card offers trip protection and no foreign transaction fees, and it earns 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on all travel purchases plus a 10% points boost every account anniversary. Since Chase points are worth 2.05 cents apiece based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations, that’s a 4.5% return.
There are plenty of ways to save money and maximize your rewards on independent hotels and vacation rentals. It may take a little extra effort to sift through these options, but it will pay off in the long run.
Plus, I love the variety independent hotels offer. Since there are so many choices, you’re bound to find something unique and perfect to make for a memorable trip.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Lufthansa’s swanky new jets featuring its all-new first-class cabin — complete with a suite for two passengers — are finally getting set to touch down in the U.S.
Later this month, the German flag carrier will deploy its all-new Allegris cabins on three U.S. routes for the first time, with more to come between now and late summer.
A milestone that’s been years in the making, TPG got a first look at the new upscale aircraft interior last spring when Lufthansa inaugurated its Allegris cabin with a nonstop flight from Munich to Vancouver.
However, the aircraft at the time lacked the three truly state-of-the-art, first-class suites at the front end of the plane. And, until now, no U.S. cities have enjoyed regular nonstop service on jets sporting the upgraded onboard experience.
That’s about to change, though.
Lufthansa launches US Allegris service
Starting March 30, Lufthansa will fly its Allegris-equipped Airbus A350-900 with nonstop service between Munich International Airport (MUC) and three U.S. airports: Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Then, next month, the New York City region will see the Allegris product for the first time — albeit without first class — when a three-cabin Lufthansa A350 kicks off service from MUC to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Lufthansa first announced this cabin in the late 2010s to significant fanfare, but it encountered a myriad of delays in bringing Allegris to market. This is the latest milestone in the cabin deployment process.
While the business, premium economy and economy experience on Lufthansa’s new A350s is undoubtedly an upgrade over its legacy hard product, the airline’s nicest first-class cabin to date will certainly steal the show.
Allegris first class takes flight
The Allegris first-class experience includes two individual suites and a spacious “suite plus” capable of hosting two passengers, thanks to lie-flat seats that form a double bed.
LUFTHANSA
The ultra-premium quarters sport floor-to-ceiling dividing walls with lockable doors and a 43-inch entertainment screen inside, which the airline said will “define a new standard of comfort and individuality.”
Adding ambience and practicality, Allegris first-class passengers will have access to a personal wardrobe for changing and storage. Plus, individual lamps offer an alternative to standard aircraft lighting.
LUFTHANSA
“We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter said in a statement Wednesday.
More Allegris in more cities
More cities around the world will see the Allegris product in the not-so-distant future.
As of last month, the airline was flying nine A350-900s featuring the new cabin. Eight feature the first-class product.
Later this year, Lufthansa will begin retrofitting its existing airplanes with the updated Allegris interior. Retrofits will begin later this year on the Boeing 747-8, an aircraft that flies to more than a half dozen U.S. airports.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
In the meantime, Lufthansa already has its sights on another American airport for the Allegris-equipped A350: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), beginning in August.
Can you transfer credit card points to Lufthansa?
Travelers hoping to use points to score a seat on an Allegris jet — whether in the main cabin or in one of the enticing suites upfront — have a few options. While Lufthansa’s Miles & More loyalty program doesn’t accept transfers from major U.S. credit card programs, you may be able to score a Lufthansa award seat via a Star Alliance partner program like United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan or Singapore KrisFlyer.
Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program has made a small but potentially valuable change to its redemption pricing: carrier-imposed surcharges on Delta-operated flights commencing in Europe to the United States are no longer payable.
This means that while the miles required may still be high, the cash payment required on these flights is now lower. Dan’s Deals first reported the news.
SkyMiles has in the past used an uneven pricing structure for transatlantic awards flights operated on its own “metal”:
One-way and round-trip flights from the United States to Europe were not subject to surcharges, and
One-way and round-trip flights from Europe to the United States were hit with a carrier-imposed surcharge.
For example, a one-way basic economy redemption from Brussels Airport (BRU) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) when I searched in November 2024 showed a rate of 70,000 miles and a cash payment of 214.87 Euros (about $234), including 77.37 Euros (about $84) of fees and taxes and 137.50 Euros ($150) of carrier-imposed surcharges.
DELTA (November 2024 search)
However, Delta has now removed the carrier-imposed surcharges on one-way and round-trip itineraries commencing in Europe, so the same flight from Brussels to New York now costs 66,000 miles plus 55.67 Euros (about $61) in fees and taxes one-way with no surcharges payable.
DELTA (March 2025 search)
The mileage cost is slightly lower, which is not unusual, noting Delta prices redemptions dynamically, meaning the mileage required fluctuates regularly.
While this change will not impact those booking round-trip award flights to Europe, anyone booking one-way flights, perhaps because of a lack of round-trip availability or because they wanted to mix and match carriers or programs, will benefit from the reduced cash payment on those SkyMiles redemptions commencing in Europe.
SkyMiles is still imposing surcharges on partner-operated flights from Europe to the United States, such as this economy class booking on SkyTeam partner Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to New York, which carries a surcharge of 148 British pounds ($191).
DELTA
What are surcharges, and how can you avoid them?
Surcharges were previously known as fuel surcharges and were a mechanism for airlines to increase the cash payment required when redeeming points and miles when the global fuel price increased. Airlines argued that the price of transporting passengers who booked with points and miles increased as fuel prices did, so the cash payment should be adjusted similarly.
The issue was that when fuel prices fell (such as during the start of the pandemic when global travel and the subsequent demand for fuel reduced significantly), some airlines did not reduce their fuel surcharge prices. This led to some programs changing the fee’s name from “fuel surcharge” to “carrier-imposed surcharge,” as it may not relate to the fuel price.
Surcharges (whether fuel or carrier-imposed) are an unpleasant reality of some airline loyalty programs. British carriers Virgin Atlantic and British Airways are both notorious for imposing significant surcharges on cash and award tickets.
For example, on a British Airways economy class round-trip itinerary from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) this summer, almost a third of the total fare is classified as a carrier-imposed charge.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
The easiest way to avoid surcharges is to redeem points and miles through a program that does not impose them. If you have transferable credit card points, you can choose to send them to a program that does not impose surcharges or at least limits these surcharges to select partner-operated flights.
Some programs, like Delta SkyMiles, charge higher redemption rates through dynamic pricing than others, like British Airways Executive Club, which levies surcharges but generally has lower award-chart rates. So, you’ll need to balance the surcharge savings with potentially parting with more points and miles.
This small but significant improvement to the SkyMiles program means you can redeem miles for flights operated by Delta originating in Europe without needing a carrier-imposed surcharge.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
American Express cardholders now have access to a slew of special offers during American Express Member Week — a five-day even that runs until March 21.
The last time American Express offered a Member Week event was October 2023. We saw a cornucopia of cool experiences and statement credits with travel brands, including Delta Air Lines and Hilton, with savings of almost $400 in some instances.
While the travel deals aren’t quite as compelling this time around, there are some great deals nonetheless.
There are some limited-time shopping deals and benefits for Amex small-business cardmembers as well.
What is American Express Member Week?
Member Week is a showcase for American Express to demonstrate the perks and benefits that members enjoy on its cards. The event debuted in 2021 and continues to evolve in terms of the offers and unique experiences provided to members.
Access to Member Week is reserved for those who hold personal, business and corporate American Express cards.
American Express Member Week sign-up page. AMERICAN EXPRESS
According to the American Express website, this year, in honor of 175 years of American Express, offers will be available from “iconic brands with more than a century of service.”
American Express Member Week details. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Some very compelling Amex Offers
Hilton Conrad Seoul. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
For Member Week 2025, eligible cardmembers can enroll in offers to access more than $290 in statement credits when they make qualifying purchases at select brands like Kiehl’s, Levi’s, Barnes & Noble (online), Brooks Brothers and Shiseido.
There are several good deals on travel, including on Hilton stays and Hertz car rentals.
Here are just a few examples of the plethora of offers now available for Member Week.
You can earn $75 off, for example, for Hilton stays through May 19, 2025, on purchases over $250.
A few of the offers for American Express Member Week. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Or how about an offer for $70 back when you spend $350 at Hertz? You can fill up with gas from Exxon Mobil for a $5 statement credit on $25 spent on fuel.
Amex Offers for Exxon and Hertz. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Business cardmembers can enroll to access more than $500 in statement credits on qualifying purchases at select brands like HP and Lowe’s. We’ve also spotted Brooks Brothers and Macy’s among the more than a dozen options on the Member Week site.
Business cardholders can enroll in their American Express accounts and get a $50 statement credit when they spend $200 or more at Lowe’s stores. Note that you’ll need to enroll by March 21, 2025.
Lowe’s Amex Offer. AMERICAN EXPRESS
Here’s the fine print from Amex: “Earn a one-time $50 statement credit after using your enrolled eligible Business Card to spend a minimum of $200 in one or more qualifying purchases in-store at participating Lowe’s or online at lowes.com by 3/31/2025. Excludes outlets. Offer and availability may vary by cardholder. Just login to your American Express account(s) to see if you are eligible to add this offer to your card(s).”
It is not available for e-gift cards.
Other perks from Amex
Travel offers from Amex. AMERICAN EXPRESS
There are other fun offers right now, too. For Member Week only, eligible cardholders can transfer Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy with a 25% bonus.
Additionally, Amex is toasting to its cardholders during Member Week with a martini promotion from Resy and Amex. From March 17 to 21, cardmembers can get a complimentary off-menu martini at participating restaurants when they add their Amex card to their Resy profile or present their card when checking in. There are some caveats with this one: You have to order food, there’s a limit of one drink per cardmember and only dinner meals are eligible. Plus, it’s only currently valid at the following restaurants (but perhaps this list will be extended):
New York City: Bangkok Supper Club and Portrait Club
Washington, D.C.: Cana
Miami Beach, Florida: Macchialina
Atlanta: Kimball House
Chicago: Meadowlark
The same participating restaurants will also host a one-night, martini-themed Member Week event with special menus, live music and branded swag.
Traditionally, cardholders can also snag tickets for some prime entertainment and sporting events in 2025 through Amex presales during Member Week. In the past, we’ve seen offers that included tickets to events ranging from Coachella to the U.S. Open golf championship.
This year, it’s an evening with Gracie Abrams, “a one-night, one-city, Card Members-only live performance.”
You’ll need to follow @americanexpress on Instagram this week for highlights.
Now could be a good time to consider applying for an American Express card if you don’t already have one.
There’s much to look forward to during American Express Member Week this year. Be sure to keep an eye on the Amex Member Week site to make sure you don’t miss an offer.
Aside from the new fees — which will debut in the coming months — the Dallas-based carrier is reimagining its entire menu of fare categories and perks. That includes ditching its long-standing “Wanna Get Away” tickets in favor of a new “Basic” category. Additionally, travelers on many fares will see reduced flexibility for itinerary changes and same-day standby rights, not to mention a new cap on their ability to use outstanding flight credits.
Here’s what to know about Southwest’s revamped fare types, starting May 28, including what you’ll get, what’s excluded and what’s different from the choices the airline has long offered travelers.
Southwest Airlines ticket types and benefits
The most noticeable change to Southwest’s fare ladder as of May 28 is the end to its standard Wanna Get Away option — a fare so synonymous with the airline that it doubled as the catchphrase of long-running commercials for the carrier.
In its place, Southwest will debut a Basic fare reminiscent of other airlines’ no-frills basic economy offerings.
And the changes don’t stop there.
Fare product benefits (as of May 28)
Business Select
Anytime
Wanna Get Away Plus
Basic (replaces Wanna Get Away)
Notes
Checked bag
Two free
Costs extra
Costs extra
Costs extra
All travelers previously got two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards A-List and credit card holders will get one free bag beginning May 28.
A-List Preferred members will get two free bags.
Rapid Rewards earnings
14 points per dollar
10 points per dollar
6 points per dollar
2 points per dollar
Significant changes, including slashed earnings for the two lowest-level fares and higher earnings rates for Business Select passengers, have already been rolled out in recent weeks.
Flight credit expiration
12 months
12 months
12 months
Six months
Flight credits previously did not expire.
Transferable flight credit
√
√
√
–
No change.
Fully refundable
√
√
–
–
No change.
Free changes, fare difference notwithstanding
√
√
√
–
Wanna Get Away passengers could make itinerary changes without a fee; Basic customers will be barred from changes.
Fee-free cancellations
√
√
√
√
There will be no change here, but there will be new limits on how long Wanna Get Away Plus and Basic passengers have to use flight credits (see “flight credit expiration” above).
Same-day change/standby
√
√
√
–
Wanna Get Away passengers were eligible; Basic customers will not be.
Priority Boarding
A1-15 boarding position
EarlyBird Check-In
Pay extra for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird
Pay extra for Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird
No change.
Free inflight entertainment
√
√
√
√
No change.
Priority/Express Lane access
√
√
–
–
No change.
Complimentary premium drink inflight
√
–
–
–
No change.
Complimentary inflight Wi-Fi
√
–
–
–
No change.
Sweeping changes
Together, these changes mark a clear effort by Southwest to incentivize customers to buy up to higher-priced tickets — or to carry one of its cobranded credit cards since its cardholders will earn a free checked bag, among other perks.
We should also point out that these fare benefits are likely to continue evolving over the coming months as the carrier prepares to roll out its assigned seating model.
Last week, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the carrier expects to start selling its assigned (and extra-legroom) seats by the final three months of 2025.
Southwest has already detailed a handful of policy changes that will take effect once assigned seating begins.
A-List Preferred elite status members will be able to select any seat on the aircraft — including extra-legroom seats — for free at booking. A-List members will be allowed to select extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of booking.
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
On the flip side, the carrier last year said travelers flying on its most basic fares wouldn’t be able to select a seat for free under its new model.
Boarding benefits to see changes, too
Additionally, the carrier’s boarding benefits are likely to continue evolving as part of the changes.
In January, executives told TPG that the airline’s future boarding process will resemble its existing one but with tweaks to account for assigned seating; expect the airline to grant early boarding privileges to elite status members and travelers flying on a higher-category fare, for instance.
That would presumably include some sort of replacement for Southwest’s current priority boarding products — EarlyBird and Upgraded Boarding — which are tailored to the current open-seating model.
Plus, Southwest still owes customers a full rundown of its future credit card benefits after the company said it recently reached a revamped deal with Chase for its suite of cards.
Bottom line
With all that said, expect Southwest’s changes to its fares, perks and loyalty program to continue at a rapid pace in the coming months.
And, at this point, we’d be remiss not to caution: Don’t be surprised if the breadcrumbs the carrier has left about its future plans continue to evolve.
After all, just months ago, Southwest said it wouldn’t dare devalue its Rapid Rewards program or add checked bag fees. Both will be a reality by summer.
Fresh off a major revamp to its brand and inflight experience, Korean Air is planning to bring premium economy to its fleet for the first time — and sunset its first-class cabin on about a dozen long-haul jets in the process.
South Korea’s flag carrier is also plotting a major upgrade for its two U.S. lounges.
Monday’s announcement marks the latest in a series of changes at the Seoul-based airline, which recently got the green light for its acquisition of fellow South Korean carrier Asiana Airlines and last week unveiled a new logo, livery and comprehensive update to its onboard service.
Revamped economy cabin on a Korean Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. SEONGJOON CHO/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
Adding premium economy
Later this year, Korean will begin updating nearly a dozen of is Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with its first premium economy accommodations.
As part of the cabin overhauls, Korean’s 777s will lose their first-class cabin in favor of the mid-tier seats.
Once complete, 11 of Korean’s 777s will sport a new three-cabin configuration featuring its Prestige business class, the inaugural premium economy cabin, and coach.
Following an industry trend
A move “in response to growing market demand,” Korean is largely following in the footsteps of other global airlines.
While some airlines, like Lufthansa and Japan Airlines have added new and swanky first-class accommodations, a wider range of carriers have ditched their most spacious seats in favor of slightly less luxurious — but still impressive – business class suites and pods, complemented by premium economy recliners in the middle of the plane.
More broadly, premium economy has become a critical part of many airlines’ long-haul service over the past decade as a way to cater to travelers who don’t want to pay top dollar (or a sizable chunk of miles) for upscale, lie-flat seats, but want added comfort and improved dining.
The Asian market alone recently saw EVA Air, based in Taiwan, announce a total reboot for its premium economy — a cabin it once pioneered in late last century.
Retrofits for 11 Boeing 777s
Back to Korean: Its first retrofitted 777 sporting premium economy is expected to enter service during the second half of 2025, the airline said Monday. Retrofits on 10 additional 777s — the carrier has about three-dozen total — are expected to unfold over the next year and a half, or so, with cabin refits running through 2026.
It’s worth noting, the 777 is just of several widebody aircraft Korean flies, including on routes to and from the U.S. Its long-haul fleet includes the Boeing 747 and 787 Dreamliner, along with the Airbus A330, A350 and A380.
The carrier did not announce any refit plans for its other widebody jets Monday.
A Boeing Co. 787-10 at a hangar in Seoul. SEONGJOON CHO/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
‘Complete redesign’ for Korean Air lounges
The airline did, however, reveal plans to a lounge refresh.
On top of expanding its outposts at its Incheon International Airport (ICN) home base in Seoul, Korean announced “complete redesigns” for its facilities at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (JFK).
Those clubs will incorporate “city-themed atmospheres,” the carrier said.
Travelers hoping to book flights with Korean Air can use cash, or book a redemption using its Skypass loyalty program — or book a partner award flight through one of its SkyTeam alliance partners like Delta Air Lines, Air France or KLM.
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities shortly after its renovation. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.
From direct gondola access to the slopes to fireside dining and apres-ski cocktails, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a self-contained spot in Colorado’s popular Vail Valley that offers pretty much everything one would need for an easygoing ski vacation.
Located conveniently next to Beaver Creek Resort, which is on our list of the best ski resorts in Colorado, the property just unveiled a major renovation that has left it with extra-comfy beds and refreshed, mountain-inspired decor. While the customer service can be laidback at times, most features of the hotel live up to the steep price tag.
Here’s what I experienced during my recent stay at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, which is part of Marriott Bonvoy.
The Westin Riverfront is located in Avon, Colorado, next door to Beaver Creek Resort and a 15-minute drive to the slopes at Vail.
You can fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and drive about half an hour to the Westin, with ride-hailing services starting around $50 each way. If you fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), the drive will take at least 2 hours and 15 minutes — often significantly longer if you hit traffic (in which case, you may want to spend a night at one of our favorite hotels in Denver).
If you drive to this hotel, be aware that they charge $45 per night for either self or valet parking. This isn’t well advertised on the hotel website, and you’ll need to factor it into your ski trip budget.
Booking details
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
The Westin Riverfront has 230 accommodations, which it dubs “residences,” ranging from traditional rooms to three-bedroom condos.
On peak ski weekends, prices start around $900 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for rooms and studio suites. If you book with cash, the hotel offers a 20% discount for stays of five or more nights during ski season.
Since you can top up Marriott free night award certificates from cobranded credit cards with up to 15,000 Bonvoy points, you could use an 85,000-point certificate plus 15,000 points to book a night here. But remember that you’ll still have to pay the $45-per-night resort fee on award stays.
If you visit during off-peak dates in the spring and fall (prime time for activities like hiking, biking and rafting in the Vail Valley), rates start around $290 or 61,000 points per night.
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a balcony and fireplace, which cost $1,364 or 198,000 points per night on my February weekend dates. That comes out to a value of 0.69 cents per Marriott point — right on par with the averages we’ve been seeing since Marriott’s recent devaluation.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
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Very comfortable beds and spa-quality robes in every room.
Amenities include a well-outfitted fitness center, mountain-view hot tubs, live music on-site and a hot cocoa bar in the lobby.
Wide-ranging menus and nice service at the in-house restaurant, plus fun tableside service for some menu items.
Kitchens, connecting rooms and plenty of storage make this hotel a great choice for large groups and extended families. (You can even bring your dog.)
Convenient location for skiing the nearby Beaver Creek and Vail resorts, plus ski-friendly services like an in-house gear rental service and ski valet.
Drawbacks
Prices are high during peak ski season, both in points and cash. Between costs like resort fees and parking (even the in-room safes require an extra fee) and add-ons like dining and spa treatments, costs can add up fast.
If you have dietary restrictions or picky eaters in your group, dining at the hotel isn’t worth the high price.
The location is convenient for skiing but less so for exploring the Beaver Creek and Vail villages. If you want to spend most of your time wandering the towns’ dining and shopping scenes, you’re better off staying elsewhere.
The check-in and parking processes can be chaotic, and the front-desk staff weren’t always informed about things like fees and public transportation.
There are very few accessibility features for visually impaired guests.
The vibe
The Westin Riverfront’s mountain-inspired style embraces what most travelers come here for: snow sports and the great outdoors.
The hotel leans into the beauty of its natural surroundings. Everywhere you turn, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the Rocky Mountains.
The decor reflects the outdoors through the use of neutral colors, natural materials and artwork featuring mountains and aspen trees. Fireplaces and firepits abound, providing plenty of cozy spaces to take in the views.
The hotel also highlights its sporting roots with photos of Olympic skiers who cut their teeth in the Vail area and decorative snowboards adorning the walls.
The room
Although I only stayed two nights, my one-bedroom suite had everything I would have needed for an extended sojourn: a full kitchen with breakfast bar and dining table, a washer and dryer, a workspace, plentiful storage, a pull-out sofa, a gas fireplace, a balcony with mountains views and even a humidifier in the closet.
Not all room types offer these amenities, but you can get a fireplace and kitchenette in the studio suite (which costs the same as a standard room). With the high cost of dining in ski towns, you could save a lot of money on your vacation by cooking in your accommodations. Plus, many accommodation types offer connecting rooms, excellent for friend groups or extended families.
As part of its recent renovation, the Westin Riverfront revamped each guest room with Next Generation Heavenly Beds — and mine was indeed heavenly. As someone with back problems who often struggles to get comfortable in hotel beds, I never thought I’d say this, but I loved that bed.
If you bring a furry friend (for a fee of $150 per stay), the front desk will provide them with a Heavenly Dog Bed, too.
The hotel’s renovation also included modern furniture and new Western-inspired artwork, which felt aligned with the views of the Vail Valley outside my window.
The spacious, recently remodeled bathroom included plenty of light and storage as well as Lather bath products. I availed myself of the luxurious bathrobes for nightly trips to the resort’s hot tubs.
Snow sports
As mentioned before, the Westin Riverfront is adjacent to Beaver Creek, a high-end, family-friendly ski resort near Vail.
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
Although the Westin Riverfront isn’t technically a ski-in, ski-out hotel, it provides a free gondola called the Riverfront Express, which takes you to a chairlift at the base of Beaver Creek’s Bachelor Gulch area in just a couple of minutes. From there, you can ski and take lifts to any other runs or dining venues in Beaver Creek.
If you’d rather start your ski day in Beaver Creek village or explore neighboring Vail, the hotel offers a free shuttle to both Beaver Creek and Vail villages. The Beaver Creek shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak ski hours; the Vail shuttle runs every three hours or so.
To make it as convenient as possible, there’s a ski valet (free for hotel guests) and ski rental shop inside the hotel. There’s also another gear rental shop and lift ticket office at the other end of the Riverfront Express gondola.
If your vacation plans will take you beyond the ski slopes, you can borrow snowshoes, sleds and other equipment (including gear for summer activities like fly-fishing) right from the hotel.
Beaver Creek offers a good variety of terrain for all skill levels. You could stay in the McCoy Park area if you’re a newbie looking for greens, hang out on the Arrowhead side for intermediate blue terrain or head to the central area for black diamonds. There are also plenty of nice glade runs through evergreen and aspen trees for more experienced skiers.
Both Beaver Creek and Vail are on the Epic Pass. If you’re not an Epic passholder, a lift ticket will set you back $295 per day for adults, $285 for seniors age 65-plus or $204 for children between 5 and 12. Lift tickets include access to both Beaver Creek and Vail.
When you’re done shredding for the day, the Westin Riverfront has good offerings for relaxing and refueling.
Cozy touches like cookies, a hot cocoa bar and live music every afternoon (only during ski season) made the hotel lobby a fun place to relax for apres-ski. Plus, you can warm up at the balcony firepits overlooking the mountains or in the heated saltwater pool and three infinity hot tubs.
On the hotel’s lower level, you’ll find a spacious fitness center with additional rooms for classes like aerial yoga and cardio kickboxing ($20 per class for hotel guests).
The hotel’s Spa Anjali offers a full menu of massage, nail and facial treatments, plus a boutique with spa products and souvenirs.
There’s also 24-hour room service and a grocery shopping service. And the Riverfront Market, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., peddles everything from toiletries and to-go meals to s’mores kits and board games.
Although the dining staff we interacted with were always on their game, the front desk staff were a little less helpful. The check-in process was confusing since the staff didn’t communicate how parking and luggage transport worked. When we stopped by the front desk later in our stay to inquire about shuttles and transportation, the lobby staff weren’t able to answer our questions, which may have just been due to post-renovation growing pains.
Food and drink
The Westin houses a few dining venues, including the lobby bar and lounge and a Starbucks. But the flagship is in-house restaurant Stoke & Rye, helmed by award-winning chef Richard Sandoval, who has appeared on “Top Chef Masters” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
Stoke & Rye offers elevated American fare and — as you may have guessed from the name — a large whiskey selection. My husband’s entree, the cacio e pepe pasta with chicken ($45), came with a fun tableside service involving an enormous cheese wheel.
There are limited vegan options on the menu, but the kitchen was happy to prepare an off-menu couscous and vegetable dish for me ($30). I also sampled the butternut squash soup ($16), the broccolini with citrus sweet potato puree ($15), romanesco cauliflower ($16) and a flight of homemade fruit sorbets ($15).
For breakfast, Stoke & Rye typically offers both a buffet option ($25) and an a la carte menu. However, on the Sunday morning we visited, the restaurant was hosting a special jazz brunch ($45 adult, $28 child). The buffet had more options than normal, with all the usual suspects plus a seafood spread, omelet bar and live music with Vail Valley musician Kathy Morrow.
Next door, the hotel operates the aptly named Lookout Bar, a hip spot for cocktails and light bites with stupendous views. We tried the Goshawk and Lamplighter drinks ($24 each), which were delicious — and watching the cinnamon on my drink get smoked with a blowtorch was a fun touch. We also tried the spiced almonds ($10).
Overall, we agreed the Westin’s food was mostly very good, the service was exceptional and the atmosphere was lovely, though the menus were pricy. Foodies with the budget for it will likely indulge, but if you have dietary restrictions or picky kids in your party, you may prefer to eat elsewhere.
The surrounding town of Avon has plenty of dining and shopping options, but it’s less charming — and less walkable — than the nearby Beaver Creek ski village, which also offers other activities, like shows and concerts at the Vilar Performing Arts Center and an outdoor ice rink. Fifteen minutes down the highway, Vail village has even more to do.
Free public buses and hotel shuttles make it easy to reach the Vail and Beaver Creek villages from the Westin, though these options run less frequently after ski hours. Be sure to grab a transportation brochure from the front desk and check the schedule before planning your evening activities — otherwise, you may find yourself stuck and in need of a ride-hailing service. You could also opt to drive yourself; just be prepared to pay for parking.
When I searched hotel availability and opened the Room Details section for each room type, most stated, “This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms,” or “This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms.” However, when I contacted the hotel, I was told they offer the following accessibility features at the property:
Accessible on-site parking
Elevators
Self-operating lift or sloped entry in swimming pools
Service animals are welcome
Accessible vanities
Roll-in showers and adjustable-height shower wands
Bathtub seats and grab bars
Wheelchair-height toilet seats
Lowered handles, deadbolts, viewports and night guards on doors
Lowered electrical outlets
Hearing-accessible rooms and/or kits
Closed-captioned TV
It seems the hotel can accommodate guests with wheelchairs or hearing impairments, but be sure to call before you book to confirm. Also, I didn’t notice any Braille signs around the building, so the hotel may be less prepared for visually impaired guests.
Checking out
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
With its cozy accommodations, array of amenities and easy access to the slopes, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a great option for a ski trip, especially if you’re traveling with a large group and have the budget for this property. Although there are some kinks that need to be ironed out with the front desk service, I would happily stay here again.
Of course, rates aren’t cheap during ski season, especially when you tack on parking fees and steep menu prices. However, the Westin is more affordable than you might think when compared to ski-out properties like the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek — and getting to the slopes is only slightly less convenient.
Plus, you can save big by forgoing the Westin’s high-end dining scene in favor of in-room kitchens and kitchenettes, and by using public transportation and ride-hailing services to avoid hefty parking fees.
