Tag: Travel Planner

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

There are many ways to upgrade your American Airlines flight. For example, you can redeem American miles for an upgrade or accept a paid upgrade offer. And when traveling on eligible flights in North America, American Airlines AAdvantage elite members can hope for a complimentary upgrade.

But travelers with high-tier American Airlines elite status and AAdvantage Million Miler members also have the opportunity to earn systemwide upgrades. Here’s what you need to know about American Airlines systemwide upgrades.

What are American Airlines systemwide upgrades?

You can use an American Airlines systemwide upgrade to change a paid fare to the next class of service one-way for up to three segments. As long as your trip has at least one American-marketed flight, you can use an American Airlines systemwide upgrade for the following:

• American Airlines-marketed and -operated flights
• British Airways-marketed and -operated transatlantic flights
• British Airways-operated transatlantic flights marketed by American

On American Airlines flights, you can use a systemwide upgrade to go from:

• Business to first class
• Economy or premium economy to business on a three-cabin aircraft
• Economy to first for domestic flights on a two-cabin aircraft
• Economy to business for short-haul international flights on a two-cabin aircraft

Meanwhile, on transatlantic British Airways flights, you can use a systemwide upgrade to go from:

• Business to first class
• Premium economy to business
• Economy to premium economy

You can only use a systemwide upgrade on individual published fare tickets. You can’t use systemwide upgrades to upgrade AAdvantage award tickets, free tickets, military or other government fares, opaque fares, infant tickets or extra seats you’ve purchased.

Related: Why (and how) I’m earning AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status and not going for AAdvantage Executive Platinum

How to earn systemwide upgrades

The Loyalty Point Rewards program is one way to earn American Airlines systemwide upgrades. Systemwide upgrades are a choice (in other words, you must select them instead of other rewards) at the following Loyalty Point milestones each qualification period:

• 175,000 Loyalty Points: You get one reward choice at this milestone; one option is two systemwide upgrades.
• 250,000 Loyalty Points: You get two reward choices at this milestone; one option is two systemwide upgrades.
• 400,000 Loyalty Points: You get two reward choices at this milestone; one option is one systemwide upgrade.
• 550,000 Loyalty Points: You get two reward choices at this milestone; one option is one systemwide upgrade.
• 750,000 Loyalty Points: You get two reward choices at this milestone; one option is one systemwide upgrade.
• 1 million Loyalty Points: You get one reward choice at this milestone; one option is four systemwide upgrades.
• 3 million Loyalty Points: You get one reward choice at this milestone; one option is six systemwide upgrades.
• 5 million Loyalty Points: You get one reward choice at this milestone; one option is 10 systemwide upgrades.

As a reminder, Platinum Pro status requires 125,000 Loyalty Points each qualification period, and Executive Platinum status requires 200,000 Loyalty Points. So you won’t be able to choose any systemwide upgrades if you earn Platinum Pro status with 125,000 Loyalty Points during this qualification period. You’ll only get the opportunity to select at most two systemwide upgrades if you earn Executive Platinum status with 200,000 Loyalty Points during this qualification period.

AAdvantage members with American Airlines Million Miler status can also earn systemwide upgrades when they reach specific milestones. You’ll get four systemwide upgrades when you reach 2 million miles toward AAdvantage Million Miler status. Then, for each subsequent 1 million miles you earn toward Million Miler status, you’ll get four more systemwide upgrades.

Related: How American Airlines sucked me back into AAdvantage with Loyalty Points

When do American Airlines systemwide upgrades expire?

Systemwide upgrades currently expire one year after they’re deposited in your account. However, AAdvantage recently announced that starting March 1, 2025, they will be valid through the status membership year.

So, if you earn 175,000 Loyalty Points during the qualification year that ends Feb. 28, 2025, and select two systemwide upgrades as your 175,000-point Loyalty Point Rewards choice, these systemwide upgrades will be valid through March 31, 2026. AAdvantage is also extending the expiration date of systemwide upgrades you earned between March 1, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

Although you must use the systemwide upgrade to confirm an upgrade before its expiration date, travel can occur after the expiration date.

Related: Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers

How to use American Airlines systemwide upgrades

Travelers tend to use American Airlines systemwide upgrades in one of three ways:

• To book a flight with systemwide availability and immediately apply the upgrade
• To set up award alerts for flights they’ve already booked that don’t currently have systemwide availability and apply the upgrade as soon as availability appears
• To waitlist for upgrades on long-haul flights they’ve already booked

Since 2016, my husband and I have used 64 systemwide upgrades on long-haul flights of seven or more hours using the first two strategies. So, let’s explore how to use American Airlines systemwide upgrades.

How to find systemwide availability

Finding systemwide availability is perhaps the most difficult part of using systemwide upgrades. American Airlines encourages its members with systemwide upgrades to log into their accounts on the American Airlines website and then look for flights with a “Systemwide upgrades” link on the results page.

Once you find a flight option with this link, you can click the link to see what classes currently have systemwide upgrade availability. If you’re looking at a multisegment option, you can see which segments have systemwide upgrade availability.

Using the American Airlines website can help you find systemwide upgrade availability, especially if you tend to book last-minute paid flights.

But most travelers will find it easier to sign up for a paid membership with ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures). This allows you to search for upgrade availability and even set alerts for individual flights. You’ll need to find availability in the following fare buckets to use a systemwide upgrade:

• Business to first on three-cabin American Airlines flights: A
• Other upgrades on American Airlines flights: C
• Business to first on British Airways flights: Z
• Premium economy to business on British Airways flights: U
• Economy to premium economy on British Airways flights: P

Using ExpertFlyer, you can search for A and C upgrade availability on American Airlines flights using the “Awards & Upgrades” section. You’ll get the most accurate results through ExpertFlyer when you search for systemwide upgrade availability segment by segment. So, I recommend using the “Connection Preference” drop-down to select only direct flights.

On the results screen, the “Seats” column indicates how many seats are likely bookable with systemwide upgrades. To receive an upgrade alert for a specific flight that doesn’t currently have upgrade availability, click the exclamation mark next to the result.

I highly recommend setting up upgrade alerts segment by segment for any flights to which you hope to apply systemwide upgrades. This is better than waitlisting for a systemwide upgrade on these flights since it may let you apply your upgrade before AAdvantage processes waitlisted upgrade requests.

How to request a systemwide upgrade

To see how many unused systemwide upgrades you have and the expiration dates on these upgrades, log into your American Airlines account and click “Rewards” under “Rewards Hub” on the left-hand side of the webpage. Under “Seat coupons, upgrades and passes,” you’ll see a tile labeled “Systemwide upgrade.”

Click on this tile to see more information about your systemwide upgrades, including when systemwide upgrades were deposited in your account and which systemwide upgrades you’ve redeemed.

Now you can redeem systemwide upgrade certificates online. To request a systemwide upgrade online, click the “Use systemwide upgrades” button and then enter your last name and confirmation code on the page that loads.

An informative page will load discussing how to apply systemwide upgrades online.

Then you can select a flight for which you’d like to request a systemwide upgrade. In this case, the request would be waitlisted instead of confirmed since there isn’t currently any systemwide availability on that flight.

Previously, you had to call the reservations line to apply systemwide upgrades, which was often time-consuming. Unfortunately, you’ll still need to call to apply a systemwide upgrade to some trips, including when you depart from an airport requiring payment of premium taxes, fly on a British Airways transatlantic flight or have three or more passengers on your reservation.

If there isn’t any upgrade space on your flight(s), you can waitlist your request for flights operated by American Airlines. Waitlisted requests will clear in order based on the following priority:

• Status level
• Upgrade type
• 12-month rolling Loyalty Points
• Booking code
• Date and time of the waitlist request

If you’ve waitlisted your request but haven’t cleared the waitlist by the time you check in, AAdvantage will add you to the airport upgrade standby list. If your upgrade clears from the airport upgrade standby list, AAdvantage will deduct a systemwide upgrade from your account.

Finally, if you’ve cleared a systemwide upgrade but need to cancel your trip before you depart, call AAdvantage and ask to reinstate your systemwide upgrade(s).

Related: Last-minute strategies for earning American AAdvantage elite status

How do you earn miles when you use a systemwide upgrade?

Unfortunately, you’ll still earn American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points based on the fare class and cabin you originally booked.

Can someone else use my systemwide upgrade?

You can use your systemwide upgrades for anyone you choose, even if you’re not traveling with them. However, the terms and conditions for systemwide upgrades state: “Upgrades are void if sold or advertised for sale for cash or other considerations.” So, although you can gift your systemwide upgrades to friends, family members or lucky strangers, you shouldn’t receive anything in return.

Bottom line

When you can clear American Airlines systemwide upgrades on long-haul international flights, they’re extremely valuable, and it feels like a big win. It’s certainly possible to clear systemwide upgrades just days before your flight (or even at the airport), but it’s also possible to do so months in advance.

You’ll often have the best chances at clearing systemwide upgrades on high-frequency routes offering multiple flights operated by American Airlines daily. Traveling off-peak days and seasons can also help.

If you want to use your systemwide upgrades on long-haul international itineraries, I recommend first looking at upgrade availability on your longest segment. Ideally, you’ll find and book an itinerary with upgrade availability on the longest segment, as then you can use a systemwide upgrade to clear into a higher class of service shortly after booking. Otherwise, set up upgrade alerts or add yourself to the waitlist to hopefully use your systemwide upgrade as your flight nears.

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

Within the American Airlines AAdvantage program, travelers often look for ways to earn American miles to redeem for award flights. But many travelers are also seeking ways to earn Loyalty Points toward a specific American Airlines elite status tier or Loyalty Point Rewards milestone.

Luckily, U.S. residents with a Mastercard can earn American miles and Loyalty Points on many everyday purchases through the SimplyMiles program. Here’s what you need to know.

What is SimplyMiles?

The SimplyMiles program is similar to Amex Offers, Chase Offers and Citi Merchant Offers in that you enroll in offers and get rewards. But while you enroll a specific card for credit card merchant offers, SimplyMiles offers let you pay with any linked Mastercard once you enroll in an offer.

To enroll in SimplyMiles, head to the SimplyMiles website and click the “Join” link in the upper right-hand corner. Log into your American AAdvantage account and add at least one Mastercard to your SimplyMiles account to get started. However, I recommend adding all your Mastercards to your SimplyMiles account so you don’t miss out on earning opportunities.

Related: Best uses of American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Using American Airlines SimplyMiles

Once enrolled, occasionally head to the SimplyMiles website to check your offers. Some offers provide miles based on your spending, while others award a set amount when you spend a specific amount with a merchant.

While looking through your offers, add any you want to use to your account by clicking “Activate offer.” However, some offers can only be redeemed online or in-store, while other offers require you to click through a specific link or are only valid for specific purchases. So be sure to read the terms of each offer before making a purchase.

I usually have various offers ranging from meal delivery services to wine services and technology companies. You’ll see all the offers you’ve already activated near the bottom of the screen.

You’ll usually earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points when you make an eligible purchase with a card you’ve added to your SimplyMiles account; some offers may only offer bonus miles or Loyalty Points, though. Then, each time you make an eligible purchase, you’ll receive an email with “Thank you for using your SimplyMiles offer” in the title.

You can also check your earnings by clicking “My activity” near the top of the webpage. Once the page loads, scroll down to the “Activity details” section and expand the “SimplyMiles transaction history” to see your recent earnings.

Miles will usually appear in your account within 10 to 15 business days of your purchase. However, it can sometimes take up to 30 business days for your earnings to post.

Related: AAdvantage Dining program: Earn American miles and Loyalty Points at local restaurants

Stack your earnings

Earning American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points through the SimplyMiles program is great. The terms and conditions state: “Offers cannot be combined or stacked with offers from other programs.” However, the offers are sometimes still stackable.

For example, you might be able to stack all the following earning methods on one purchase made with a Mastercard you’ve enrolled in SimplyMiles:

• SimplyMiles
• Shopping portal rewards
• Credit card rewards

Of course, for this triple stack to potentially work, the merchant needs to participate in SimplyMiles (without a requirement to use a specific link) and a shopping portal. For example, let’s assume I wanted to buy some accessories from Dell Technologies.

Currently, the SimplyMiles portal would give me 2 miles and 2 Loyalty Points per dollar on up to three purchases with Dell Technologies using a linked Mastercard. However, you can’t earn more than 3,485 miles and 3,485 Loyalty Points through this SimplyMiles offer.

I could use an enrolled Citi AAdvantage card to earn 1 mile per dollar on my Dell Technologies purchase. And the AAdvantage eShopping portal would give me 3.5 miles per dollar on Dell Technologies accessories.

You might also try to stack a Citi Merchant Offers deal. However, you can no longer stack most SimplyMiles offers with most Citi Merchant Offers. For example, you’ll usually see the merchant disappear from SimplyMiles when you enroll in a Citi Merchant Offer. And if you add a SimplyMiles offer to your account before enrolling in a Citi Merchant Offer, your SimplyMiles offer for the merchant will usually be removed. So you may want to avoid enrolling in conflicting Citi Merchant Offers if you’d rather earn via SimplyMiles.

Related: Why (and how) I’m earning AAdvantage Platinum Pro elite status and not going for AAdvantage Executive Platinum

Bottom line

There is no shortage of ways to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points. From the AAdvantage eShopping portal to American Airlines credit cards, you don’t have to fly frequently to earn American Airlines miles and status.

The SimplyMiles program is a great tool if you’re looking to earn more miles and Loyalty Points when shopping. From gas stations to clothing and luggage delivery services, you’ll find various merchants on the SimplyMiles website. However, offers are frequently added, so you’ll want to check for new offers every week to maximize your earnings.

Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you’re new to cruising.

As one of the world’s largest cruise brands, Carnival Cruise Line has more than two dozen vessels in its fleet, offering everything from megaship adventures to smaller-ship experiences. Many variables — price, embarkation dates, travel companions, ship size and amenities, and destination — can shape the way you make your choice.

So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? Here are my picks for the top options in several categories.

Mardi Gras: Best Carnival cruise ship for families

The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras. Not only is it one of Carnival’s newest vessels, but it’s also one of the largest, and it has tons of activities to keep families with children busy.

At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and video games. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers.

Beyond the dedicated kids facilities, the ship has a massive arcade and many top-deck diversions. One of these is the Ultimate Playground — a space encompassing a ropes course, waterslides and Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea. (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra.)

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families 

Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line’s Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq’s fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. Even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. Kids can order off special menus in the complimentary main dining rooms and join in their waiters’ rollicking dance performances just when they start to get antsy sitting still.

The ship also does a nice job of accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Many of Mardi Gras’ standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship offers connecting cabins.

Its Family Harbor cabins provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Breakfast is offered there each morning, and snacks and drinks — including free soda — are provided throughout the day, so you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people.

Mardi Gras’ sister ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, are also fantastic options in this category. The two offer a nearly identical experience (with just a few changes in the names and themes of specific venues), and all three sail weeklong Caribbean cruises out of Florida and Texas home ports.

Carnival Horizon: Best ship for luxury lovers

Let’s be clear: Carnival is not a luxury cruise line, nor does it offer huge suites on most ships. The suites it has are smaller than most other brands’ high-end accommodations, and they do not include amenities like butler service.

With that in mind, one ship that offers slightly more exclusive options is Carnival Horizon — the second vessel in Carnival’s three-ship Vista Class. It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sundeck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings.

If you’re into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center’s manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes.

Related: The 9 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

If exclusive cabin enclaves are what you seek, you’ll want to book one of the ship’s Havana Cabana cabins. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. With a suite booking, you’ll also receive priority embarkation and disembarkation.

If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies — disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean’s largest rooms are nearly five times that size.

The only ships on which you’ll find larger accommodations are the line’s newest: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, all of which house Presidential Suites. Those accommodations offer 1,120 square feet of space with 600-square-foot balconies and separate living and sleeping areas. However, the ships — part of the line’s Excel Class — are so large and attract so many families that I’ve ruled them out as the most luxurious.

Carnival Conquest: Best ship for budget travelers

If you’re on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. Think of it this way: The shorter the cruise, the less expensive it will be.

Plus, it sails from Miami, one of the world’s largest cruise hubs. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Carnival Conquest is one of the line’s oldest ships, but it’s also a ton of fun. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri’s Dance Club. During the day, passengers enjoy spending time around the pool and grabbing free burgers from Guy’s Burger Joint.

It’s also one of the few vessels left in the fleet that still features jaw-dropping interiors designed by renowned architect Joe Farcus, who made Carnival synonymous with quirky patterns, bright colors and neon lights.

At the time of publication, prices for a three-night Bahamas cruise started from around $147 per person, per night for an inside cabin (including taxes and fees).

Carnival Sunrise: Best Carnival cruise ship for singles

Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one.

Because all cabins are designed for double occupancy, it’s generally a rule that a person traveling alone must pay both fares. This means they would pay twice as much per person as two people sharing a room.

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

In order to make the single supplement as affordable as possible, solo Carnival cruisers will want to balance finding an inexpensive vessel with choosing one that sails short itineraries. They’ll also probably want one that’s a bit livelier (read: not the oldest in the fleet).

A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Although it originally debuted in 1999, it feels fresh and nearly new. It offers the line’s signature Serenity adults-only sundeck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities.

Combine that with short, reasonably-priced voyages from Miami, and solos can find fun and affordable getaways on this ship. I found four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean with prices starting from $160 per night if you’re solo. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. So, if your goal is to mingle and potentially meet other solo cruisers, you stand a good chance on Carnival Sunrise.

Carnival Pride: Best ship for retirees

Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice.

In particular, Carnival Pride’s voyages include 14-night itineraries to Greenland. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. (Take note if you’re thinking of bringing your grandkids.)

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. That actually works in its favor if you’re a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design — in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus.

In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sundeck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages.

Bottom line

Which Carnival cruise ship is the best? It all depends on your specific preferences. Whether you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there’s a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic — and madness — of the holiday season. Between decorating, gathering gifts and prepping for the new year, there’s so much to plan and keep track of at the end of December. And that’s just those of us who don’t travel for the holidays and have to contend with things like crowded airports and long security lines.

At TPG, the end of the year is typically a time when many of us inventory the cards we have in our wallets and double-check which perks and benefits we haven’t taken advantage of yet. This helps us strategize what cards we’ll apply for in the coming year and plan for future trips.

This got some of us thinking: What if making a wish list wasn’t just for the kiddos this year? And so our 2024 holiday wish list was born.

Related: Our 2025 credit card predictions

Card-specific wishes

Because so many of us are frequent travelers, we’re no strangers to cobranded hotel credit cards. Some of our favorites include the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire 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.

Most of these cards are part of a suite of products geared toward those who might stay at Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt properties — whether it’s often or simply one or two nights a year.

Each card offers different ways to earn bonus points on stays with their respective hotel chains, among other perks like free night award certificates and room upgrades. While these perks are great, we think there’s some room for improvement. Some things we’d love to see in 2025 include:

• A premium World of Hyatt card enter the market
• Bonus categories on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (apart from current ones for booking through Capital One Travel)
• A more flexible $300 Capital One travel credit
• A premium Bilt Mastercard® (even if that means tacking on an annual fee) that offers perks and solid earning rates
• Lounge access (preferably Delta Sky Club lounge access) — without caveats — for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card members
• The ability to consistently earn elevated reward rates (instead of on a rotating quarterly basis) on a Chase or American Express card for home improvement purchases or at home improvement retailers (like paint, lumber, appliances, garden supplies and light bulbs from places like Lowe’s or The Home Depot, for example)
• The return of the restaurant credit to credit card Priority Pass memberships
• Any credit card issuer come up with a premium rewards card for people who don’t live in a city (for example, Gopuff, Uber and Lyft credits are essentially useless for those who live in a far-flung suburb or rural area)
• Extension of Lyft benefits on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Ability to join the waitlist for Chase lounges online (rather than at the door)
• Annual/anniversary loyalty bonuses on American Express cards
• More bonus categories on The Platinum Card® from American Express

Related: Our 2024 credit card predictions and trends — what we got right and wrong

Loyalty program and points and miles wishes

When it comes to airline and hotel loyalty reward programs, TPG staffers would love to see things like:

• Hyatt getting rid of Club Access Awards for Globalists and replacing them with something more useful
• More useful benefits at Hyatt’s Explorist status level
• Wells Fargo Rewards and/or Citi ThankYou Rewards adding Air Canada Aeroplan as a transfer partner
• Free breakfast for IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite members
• Guaranteed late checkout of at least 2 p.m. for Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond and IHG Diamond Elite members
• IHG letting you apply suite upgrade certificates online instead of needing to call 14 days before your stay
• Hyatt offering a true award calendar that shows availability instead of just pricing
• Hyatt eliminating expiration of free night awards
• Delta bringing back rollovers for Medallion Qualification Dollars
• A fifth or sixth night free on Hyatt award stays (even if it’s only for cardholders or elite members)

Related: How to travel safely with Christmas presents

Additionally, some staffers mentioned that they’d like the ability to convert Citi ThankYou Rewards points to AAdvantage miles, while others disagreed because doing so could devalue AAdvantage miles. We’d also like to see Capital One add one of the big four U.S. airlines as a transfer partner in 2025.

Bottom line

The credit card, loyalty program and points and miles landscape constantly evolves. At TPG, we’re always speculating about what’s in the pipeline regarding our loyalty programs and the perks featured on the cards in our wallets — especially at the end of each year.

As we all prepare for a busy holiday season, we figured we’d take a crack at making our own holiday wish list to see what might stick in the coming year. Here’s to hoping a few of our wishes come to fruition.

Related: 11 things the TPG team is excited about for 2025

As 2025 approaches, more than a few changes will impact international and domestic travel, particularly those related to entry requirements and tourist taxes. 

To keep you up to speed and ensure that your travels in 2025 go smoothly, we’ve rounded up some of the biggest changes below.

Here’s what you can expect as we roll into the new year. 

Real ID is coming

Under new laws going into effect May 7, 2025, domestic travelers passing through airports in the U.S. will be required to carry a Real ID. The law was initially intended to come into effect in 2008 but has seen several deadline extensions over the years. 

Once it formally launches, you must ensure that you carry a compliant Real ID, though local governments will have a lot of wiggle room before they fully enforce the requirements. You can tell if your current driver’s license or ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star in the upper left or right corner. 

There may be some variances in the symbol, and you can view some examples below. 

You can use this tool to figure out if you are compliant; you can find out more information regarding your eligibility and how to acquire a new ID if required in this guide.

Expect more biometric and touchless screening as American joins the party

More and more airports will roll out biometric screening or touchless ID in 2025. The technology aims to make breezing through airports and security more efficient and faster, which is only a good thing. The technology is not new: The Transportation Security Administration has been using it in different ways since 2019, and it has already been implemented at various airports across the country. However, its use is expected to grow.

The technology uses facial recognition software to confirm your identity, check you in and print out your bag tags. This way, you can pass through security without showing a boarding pass or pulling out identification.

Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines already use biometric screening at select airports — allowing TSA PreCheck members to use facial recognition to pass through TSA PreCheck security, along with biometric bag drop technology to speed up checking luggage. American Airlines will also join the party, rolling out biometric screening in the coming months.

The technology is expected to greatly streamline screening processes ahead of the U.S. hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As such, we fully expect to see its use grow throughout 2025 in preparation.

Americans must pay to visit the UK starting in January 

From Jan. 8, 2025, the U.K. will roll out its new Electronic Travel Authorization system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia. 

Travelers must apply online, provide personal and passport details and pay a fee of 10 pounds ($13). The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first — and it will allow stays of up to six months per visit. 

You can apply via the official UK ETA app ( iOS and Android) or the government website. Processing typically takes up to three business days. 

Visa-free entry to China for Americans

China is set to expand its current visa-free policies, which will allow Americans to visit certain areas for up to 10 days without needing a visa. The new rules will apply to visitors from 54 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Under the previous rules, you could only visit visa-free for up to 72 hours.

To take advantage of the policy, you must prove that you’re leaving China within 10 days of arrival, and you can only visit 24 different provinces. You can see a full list of the provinces here.

Americans will need to pay ETIAS fee to visit Europe

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is expected to launch sometime around May 2025. Under the new system, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.K. and the U.S., must obtain an ETIAS authorization before visiting Schengen Area countries. 

Like the U.K.’s ETA system, the application requires personal information and passport details. Travelers ages 18 to 70 must also pay a 7 euro (around $7.25) fee. Once approved, the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires. 

Before the ETIAS launch, the EU will also introduce its new Entry/Exit System, which will replace passport stamps with biometric checks, including fingerprints and facial images. 

This system aims to enhance border security and streamline entry. It was initially slated to launch in late 2024 before being postponed. A new date is yet to be announced, but it is expected sometime in early 2025. 

Travelers should anticipate potential delays during the initial rollout and plan accordingly. For more information, check out our ETIAS guide. 

US hotels must now disclose all fees upfront

In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission finalized a cross-industry rule that will require hotels to disclose all fees in advertised prices.

The rule should hopefully force full transparency on “junk fees,” such as resort fees and other hidden costs for short-term lodging. In addition to hotels, the rule will also apply to vacation rentals and ticketed live events.

You can find out more about the ruling here.

Italy bans self-check-in for vacation rentals

Tourists visiting Italy who are staying in a short-term rental accommodation — such as an Airbnb or Vrbo spot — will no longer be able to check in independently using key boxes. Instead, their hosts will need to meet them to provide the keys and check them in. 

The new measures mean that travelers will need to plan their trips around the pickups; it could make arriving at some properties later in the evening or early in the morning more difficult. 

Spain’s new “big brother” data law could cause travelers a headache

As of Dec. 2, 2024, Spain has a new law that requires tourists to share an increased amount of personal information. The new rules will see visitors supply more than 40 pieces of personal information with hotels and 60 pieces of personal information for car rentals. 

The details will include information such as banking details, home addresses and the relationship between those traveling in the party. 

Hotels, vacation rentals, camping sites, car rentals and tourism operators on the Spanish mainland and Canary and Balearic Islands will all be required to collect the data, which will be stored for up to three years. 

Alongside increasing the arduous process of booking your stays and rentals when visiting Spain, critics have also slammed the data rules as a privacy risk. 

Europe’s Schengen Area is getting bigger

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will both become full members of the Schengen Area. Prior to this, the countries were only part of the Schengen Area with regard to air and sea travel. Their full membership is expected to make internal border controls operate much more efficiently for both domestic and international travelers. 

Tourist taxes galore

Several notable European destinations are introducing or increasing tourist taxes to manage the impact of tourism in 2025. 

Portugal

From Jan. 1, 2025, tourists older than 12 must pay a 3 euro (about $3.10 at the current exchange rate) fee to hike trails in Madeira, Portugal. Failure to do so will incur a 50 euro ($52) fine. Elsewhere in Portugal, the city of Evora has plans to introduce its tourist tax in early 2025, with the fee yet to be disclosed. 

Venice

Following its successful 2024 trial, Venice will again implement its visitor tax. The city will impose the tax for 54 days — payable every Friday to Sunday and public holidays between April 18 and July 27. Day-trippers who book before visiting will be charged 5 euros ($5.20) to enter the city. The fee increases to 10 euros ($10.40) for bookings less than four days in advance.

Greece

Greece’s daily tourist tax will rise to 2 euros ($2.10) during the low season and 8 euros ($8.40) in the high season (April to October). Travelers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos via cruise ship must pay a 20 euro fee (around $21) during the high season. There is also talk of limiting the amount of cruise passengers able to visit the island to 8,000 per day. 

Spain

Spain will roll out a range of increased tourist taxes across the country. The northern region of Asturias passed a ruling in September 2024 allowing each individual town hall to decide whether or not to implement tourist taxes. Thus far, popular tourist towns such as Cudillero, Cangas de Onis and Valdes seem set to announce new taxes. We’d expect the fees to be in place ahead of summer.

Elsewhere, Spain’s Galicia region will implement a tourist tax ranging between 1 and 2.50 euros ($1 to $2.60) beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The fee will change depending on the accommodation type; it will only be payable for a maximum of five days and will be waived from the sixth day on.

Tenerife will implement additional tourist taxes for visitors to natural areas, such as national parks and other points of interest. The fees will be payable from January 2025.

Alicante, on the other hand, plans to target visitors with increased entry fees to its many castles and municipal museums. Seville will similarly roll out an entrance fee for its iconic Plaza de Espana, though its cost has yet to be announced.

Bottom line

These are just some of the changes that are set to come into effect in 2025. As always, whenever you travel, it’s a good idea to check the rules and regulations of the country that you are visiting and ensure you’re up to date with travel policies. 

Many of these changes, such as tourist taxes, will only affect you once you arrive at your destination; however, some could directly hamper your trip before it even begins if you’re not aware of them. Make sure to do your homework well before you head to the airport.

Safe travels!

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• 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
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations

If you’re chatting with a group of travelers and Spirit Airlines comes up, someone will likely recount a story from a past Spirit flight. And at least in my experience, the story usually involves a delay, cancellation or other negative memory.

Of course, we’re more likely to remember and recount negative experiences. And I, too, have a negative Spirit Airlines experience to share. The last time I flew Spirit Airlines — in 2021 for a story about how I visited Disney World on a budget — I faced massive lines at the Spirit check-in counter in Orlando and a poorly communicated delay.

But Spirit now has a relatively new fleet and a strong on-time performance and believes it’s offering one of the best values in the sky. My husband and I casually chatted with an optimistic Spirit Airlines staffer at the Business Traveler Awards in Miami just days after Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This staffer’s optimism and excitement about the future of Spirit led to us visiting the Spirit headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida, a few weeks later for an interview with Rana Ghosh, senior vice president and chief transformation officer for Spirit Airlines.

This discussion, and what I learned about the airline’s current state and its Free Spirit program while preparing for the interview, led me to wonder — especially with the current Spirit status match challenge — whether it’s time to reconsider Spirit Airlines and its Free Spirit program. Here’s what I’m thinking.

New fare types and an easier booking path

Spirit introduced its Big Front Seat in 2007 as a rebrand from Spirit Plus. So, Spirit flyers have long had the opportunity to buy a wider seat with more pitch. But Spirit recently introduced new fares, including Go Comfy fares that guarantee a blocked middle seat.

A blocked middle seat sounds appealing and will make your flight more comfortable. But it’s important to remember that Go Comfy seats don’t have any additional pitch. Based on Aerolopa data, Go Comfy seats only have 28 inches of pitch. That’s 9 inches less than the 37 inches typically afforded to Big Front Seats and 7 inches less than the 35 inches offered in most Spirit exit-row seats.

Ghosh noted that the Go Comfy seating is similar to what many European carriers offer in business class on short-haul flights. He highlighted how it was a relatively easy product for Spirit to create and said Spirit is happy with its performance so far.

Now that Spirit has four distinct fare classes — including the premium options of Go Comfy and Go Big — Ghosh highlighted the airline’s products that can appeal to each type of traveler and for each specific trip. He also noted that travelers will soon start to see the premium Go Comfy and Go Big fares showing as premium fare types through online travel agencies, so travelers can better compare these products to what other airlines offer.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the booking path is much easier now than it was a few years ago. Especially if you select a Go Comfy or Go Big fare, you won’t see many opportunities to add more costs. However, if you select a Go or Go Savvy fare, Ghosh said much of the booking process, where you get the opportunity to add items, is there to inform consumers of what they won’t be getting with their fare and how much it will cost to add additional services.

Rates are sometimes surprisingly low

Whether you book with cash or Free Spirit points, rates are surprisingly low for some dates and routes I searched. This holds even if you want to book Go Comfy or Go Big. For example, I could pay $33 for a Go fare, $62 for a Go Savvy fare, $78 for a Go Comfy fare or $98 for a Go Big fare for a sample nonstop flight from Atlanta to Orlando in February.

Or, I could redeem 2,500 points for a Go fare on this flight. If I wanted to book Go Savvy, Go Comfy or Go Big, I could pay just $29, $45 or $65 more. These pay-ups are equal to the price differences in the paid fares.

The $62 — or 2,500 points plus $29 — Go Savvy fare would get me a personal item, seat selection and a checked or carry-on bag, which is all I need. But, with a buy-up cost of $16 for a Go Comfy fare that guarantees me a blocked middle seat or $36 for a Big Front Seat, I’d be tempted to book one of these elevated fares to guarantee more space.

Even on more expensive routes, the buy-up cost between Go Savvy and Go Comfy or Go Big isn’t bad. For example, on this flight between Atlanta and Orlando in March — a time with more demand — the cost difference between Go Savvy and Go Comfy is $46, while the difference between Go Savvy and Go Big is $71.

Related: Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights

More flexibility with no change or cancellation fees

Spirit quietly improved its change and cancellation policies in May 2024. These changes make me much more likely to book a flight with Spirit.

If you cancel a reservation for a Spirit flight seven or more days away within 24 hours of booking, you can receive a full refund in your original form of payment. Otherwise, you can receive a reservation credit for the value of the reservation if you cancel at least one hour before the flight’s scheduled departure.

When booking on the Spirit website, you can use reservation credits to pay for fares, bags, seats, fees and taxes. Any guest linked to the original reservation can use the credits. And you don’t have to use the entire reservation credit on a single reservation, as you can use any remainder on subsequent reservations. Reservation credits issued after May 20, 2024, are valid for one year, but reservation credits issued due to a flight cancellation or schedule change are valid for five years.

You can also change your flight online up to one hour before its scheduled departure. However, when making changes, you must pay any difference between your originally booked fare and the new fare.

These change and cancellation policies are surprisingly consumer friendly, especially when compared to the basic economy policies of most major U.S. airlines. I like to keep my options open, so I rarely book a fare that isn’t freely cancellable.

Related: How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket

Spirit’s route map might work well for you

If you’re based in, or frequently travel to, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), you may find Spirit Airlines frequently offers nonstop service to domestic and regional destinations you want to visit.

Additionally, Spirit operates many flights to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). So, if you frequently fly to or from these airports, Spirit is also worth considering.

But even if you don’t plan to fly Spirit frequently, the airline could be worth trying if it offers a compelling flight option at a reasonable rate. As I’ve grown older, I’ve started to prefer booking nonstop flights when they’re available. And especially given Spirit’s friendly cancellation policies and new fare types, I’m more inclined than ever to give Spirit another chance.

Related: Spirit Airlines cuts 24 routes, adds 7 others in latest network shake-up

You can try Spirit with the current status match challenge

One awkward topic that came up while talking with Ghosh was the negative experiences many travelers have previously had with Spirit. He and the airline know they have to invest in educating the traveling public on what Spirit offers now in terms of products, service and quality. Plus, they have to build brand sentiment back up, especially among travelers who have previously had a negative experience with the airline.

The airline is trying to accomplish both goals via its current status match challenge. This status match challenge is only for elite members of other domestic airlines, as Spirit is most interested in encouraging these travelers to try its current service and products.

Through this status match challenge, eligible travelers can get 90 days of Free Spirit Silver or Gold status and a chance to extend their status through the end of 2025 if they earn a specific number of Spirit qualification points during the 90 days via flights or spending on the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®.

The information for the Free Spirit Travel More 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.

One negative if you don’t usually travel alone is that Free Spirit elite benefits are only for the status holder. While other airlines usually let benefits extend to at least one travel companion, this isn’t the case with Spirit.

In addition, many benefits of Free Spirit Gold status aren’t very useful if you purchase more than a Go fare. That said, you may have little reason to book a higher fare class if you have Free Spirit Gold status. After all, Free Spirit Gold members can select exit-row seating at booking and enjoy priority check-in, a first free checked bag, a free carry-on bag and a free snack and drink onboard.

Related: Key tools and tips to find the cheapest airfare

Bottom line

TPG’s Summer Hull and Zach Griff have tried Spirit Airlines in recent years and shared their experiences. Summer was happy she canceled her first-class ticket home for a Spirit Airlines flight, while Zach shared his thoughts about flying in a Spirit Big Front Seat.

Especially as some travelers purposefully decide to be free agents, I expect more travelers will find Spirit’s new fare classes appealing. Booking a Go Comfy seat with a guaranteed blocked middle seat or a Go Big seat with more width and pitch for only a modest upcharge will appeal to some travelers — especially if Spirit offers a nonstop flight on the route they want to fly.

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Editor’s note: The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.

If you didn’t know to be on the lookout, you might miss the entrance to the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London. But that’s kind of the point.

Although its brick- and metal-clad exterior is quite contemporary compared to the other buildings surrounding bucolic Hanover Square (this is Mayfair’s first new-build hotel in a decade), it blends into its elegant surroundings like the posh pied-a-terre it is meant to be.

Opened in June 2024 with just 50 rooms and suites plus 77 adjacent residences, the property is among the smallest in the luxury hotel group’s portfolio. It’s certainly more diminutive than its beloved sister property at the intersection of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, and much less of an overt see-and-be-seen scene … which means you’re actually more likely to spot an incognito celebrity or two trying to kick back, perhaps in the moodily lit underground spa or at the top-floor ABar Rooftop overlooking the city.

But whatever brings you here, you are sure to feel at home — that is, if your home also has a floating spiral staircase made from rare green Ming marble and a profusion of gorgeous flower arrangements — the moment you cross the threshold, thanks to staff who will know you by name upon arrival.

Here’s what it’s like staying at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London and everything you should see, do, eat and drink on your next visit. 

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London location

When you’re staying at a Mandarin Oriental, you know the neighborhood will be tony. That’s why there’s another outpost nearby in Hyde Park. This new Mandarin Oriental, however, is in bustling Mayfair, nestled along historic Hanover Square so you can triangulate shopping sprees among some of the city’s best high streets.

And while much of the clientele might take private cars to and from the airport, if the lion’s share of your budget is going toward your stay and you hope to save on transportation costs, you’re in luck. The hotel is just a block away from the Bond Street Station on the Underground’s Elizabeth Line. That means you can zip out to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in a mere 45 minutes without changing lines — and at a cost of under $20.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London booking details

While you can’t use points from one of the major hotel loyalty programs to stay at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, the hotel is part of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, so those with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express who make a booking through AmexTravel.com can enjoy benefits like complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades based on availability, a $100 on-property credit to use during their stay and guaranteed late checkout. 

Rates at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London start at $1,030 per night for a standard category Deluxe Room, while the Deluxe Suite accommodation I stayed in starts at $1,725 per night.

Standout features of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

• With just 50 rooms, the hotel feels intimate and exclusive.
• The location alone is a reason to book, with some of London’s best shopping at your doorstep.
• Celebrity chef Akira Back will make sure you’re well-fed while staying here.
• The spa feels like a refuge from the hectic city streets and is one of London’s most unique wellness spaces.

Drawbacks of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

• Due to construction, prepare to spend time in traffic if arriving or departing by car.
• You won’t have skyline views from the regular guest rooms.
• There’s just one main restaurant, though you can get bites at either of the bars, too.

The vibe at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

You won’t find an imposing historical edifice, tailcoated bellmen or dusty chandeliers here. Rather, the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London leans more contemporary chic than your run-of-the-mill London luxury hotel, from the runway-worthy uniforms of the friendly bell staff to the light-filled central atrium and the snug reception area. 

And although its looks and feels entirely fresh and new, the hotel also seems destined to belong in this sophisticated neighborhood thanks to little locally inspired design touches, including the hotel’s bespoke symbolic hand fan (all Mandarins have their own, and you can spy this one in its framed case on your way in). It was designed by the late fashion doyenne Vivienne Westwood, whose flagship boutique sits just across Hanover Square. 

Your fellow guests are likely to be designer-clad jet-setters as well as members of larger entourages in town for weeks or months at a time, thanks to the sizable residential component of the project. But you might spot a famous face or two having drinks at ABar or dinner at Akira Back as well.

Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

Although many hotels claim to have “residential-inspired” accommodations, my 549-square-foot Deluxe Suite actually felt that way thanks to its unique layout.

It had a sort of railroad apartment-style configuration folded in upon itself with each room leading into the next, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding buildings.

Stepping through the entry foyer, the first space I came to was the living room, its walls adorned in ornate, hand-painted de Gournay silk wallpaper with chinoiserie floral designs in turquoise inspired by Hanover Square’s magnolia trees — a visually alluring nod to the hotel’s distinctive locale.

The room — whose palette was a mix of silver, platinum and gold — was anchored by a small sectional and ottoman piled high with art books, several curvaceous armchairs and a table that doubled as my work desk during my stay, over which hung a flat-screen television. 

There was also a beautiful mirrored minibar stocked with a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle, plus complimentary treats including a bottled cocktail from Akira Black.

Ducking through the far doorway, the bedroom held a king-size bed dressed in immaculate white sheets with silver piping and framed by a top-lit overhang as well as rectangular brushed-brass hanging lights to one side.

Set between the two corner windows, a wood-topped Art Deco-style vanity was the ideal place to primp, thanks to natural lighting and Dyson hair styling apparatuses.

Past a wall of closets, the bathroom was tiled in a panoply of cream- and brown-hued, deep-veined marbles. 

At the far end, past the dual-sink vanity, was a soaking bath provisioned with Natura Bisse products. The window next to it looked into the entry foyer but could be fogged up for privacy with the touch of a button.

Next to that was a water closet with a Toto toilet and a separate walk-in shower with more Natura Bisse amenities along with overhead and handheld shower heads.

Overall, the room felt bright and breezy but also like a private, comfort-filled cocoon after a day out in the city.

Food and drink at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

The hotel’s main restaurant comes courtesy of South Korea-born, Colorado-raised celebrity chef Akira Back and sits at the heart of the hotel, one level below the street and accessible by elevator or a dramatic glass-framed spiral staircase.

The atrium-like space is illuminated by enormous skylights and has dramatic artistic installations including a swirling wooden sculpture affixed to the wall and paintings by the chef’s own mother (you might also pick out her designs on some of the plates). 

Breakfast is a leisurely affair as guests peruse the morning newspapers over dishes like avocado toast with artichoke pesto, confit tomato, pepper and seed tabbouleh with poached eggs ($24); a breakfast bento with salmon teriyaki, glazed mushrooms, spinach salad, onigiri, egg castella cake, miso soup and fruit ($48); and the specialty gianduja croffle with hazelnut ganache and vanilla Chantilly cream ($28).

The lunch crowd seems to attract a mix of socialites, power brokers and young creatives who come to munch on the signature half-and-half pizza of tuna with umami aioli, shiso, truffle oil on one side and trumpet mushrooms and truffles on the other, all over an ultrathin wafer crust ($33).

Other specialties include a melange of Western, Korean and Japanese fusion dishes such as wagyu bulgogi tacos with roasted tomato ponzu ($23), Jeju domi sea bream with tobiko (flying fish roe) and savory-sweet chojang paste ($28), native lobster dynamite ($58), juicy Jidori chicken with potato puree and savory teriyaki sauce ($35) and rolls like the Cow Wow with marinated bulgogi and coleslaw ($28) and the Hot Mess with sashimi poke, crab tempura and spicy ponzu aioli ($28). 

Be sure to query sommelier Andres Ituarte about a creative pairing or two from the globe-spanning wine list he’s curated including vintages from China and a certain bottle made in Sweden from grapes grown in Iran.

Leave room for sumptuous desserts like Chocolate in a Cup with spongecake, banana foam and vanilla bean ice cream ($21.50).

At night, you’ll find a DJ spinning in the corner of the adjacent ABar Lounge, which serves Korean-inspired cocktails like a spirit-forward Makgeolli Colada with Hwayo soju, makgeolli rice wine, pistachio orgeat, strawberry and coconut ($26.50); the playfully named Javapolitan with Fair Organic quinoa vodka, Cointreau, clarified cranberry, lime, Indian spices and purply butterfly pea tea ($24); and the nutty Peanutful with Suntory Toki whiskey, peanut butter oils, XO syrup, soy sauce and umami bitters with a chocolate truffle topper ($28). 

The savory sweetness of the latter pairs well with the couple of bar bites I ordered including piping-hot Korean fried chicken with gochujang red pepper paste ($19) and silky smoked salmon tostadas ($18).

Open Tuesdays through Saturday evenings and tucked away down a short corridor between Akira Back and ABar Lounge, Dosa is an intimate affair, with a single seating per night (at 7 p.m. sharp!) for just 14 diners at a counter around an open kitchen helmed by executive chef Jihun Kim. Guests are treated — well, for 185 British pounds ($234) per person —  to a multi-course menu that changes frequently and is based on seasonal ingredients and the “mineral elements of the earth.” (We were asked not to take pictures since our visit was during the chefs’ prep time.)

Though not quite open at the time of our visit, we did get a sneak peek at ABar Rooftop on the top floor. The Art Deco-style decor and the palette of blues and grays were inspired by the London sky, including a cloud-like textured light fixture over the dramatic marble bar.

There is space for 50 guests with various seating options ranging from bar stools to low-slung tables and even an outdoor terrace with some sweeping city views. The cocktail menu was created by barman Paolo Silvestri and inspired by the seasons.

Amenities and service at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

Two levels below the street, guests will find a serene subterranean sanctuary complete with a gym, indoor pool and spa.

Bring your bathing suit because you won’t want to skip a dip in the 25-meter pool, which has different dark and light sections and is ingeniously lit with reflective surfaces so it feels like you’re floating amongst the stars. The wet area also includes a sauna, steam room, small therapy pools and loungers. 

The gym is equipped with TechnoGym cardio machines and weights, a Pilates reformer and areas for stretching and yoga, and personal training services are available.

The spa has just two treatment rooms, including a double suite with blond wood paneling and flooring. Basically, you pick the amount of time you want to spend in the spa (an hour, 90 minutes, two hours, and so on) and can create a tailor-made experience for yourself that might include massage, facials, body wraps and more.

However, there are also specific experiences on offer that incorporate skincare brands such as Seed to Skin Tuscany and Swiss Perfection. The two-hour Tranquillity of Mayfair, for instance, is a four-handed massage followed by a binaural vibroacoustic therapy (like a sound bath) for 440 pounds ($555). 

Out and about

As its name would suggest, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London is in the midst of one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, Mayfair, and a short stroll to delightful Marylebone, which feels like a little (albeit very expensive) village in the heart of the capital.

If you’re in town for shopping, you’re in luck, since the hotel is located between Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street, where you’ll find everything from global fashion brands to boutiques peddling custom designs, and not far from fashionable Carnaby Street, whose pedestrianized lanes are excellent for window shopping. The hotel is also a short walk from the Royal Academy of Arts if you’re looking for culture, or the hopping cafes and bars of Soho if you want to experience some lively local life.

Accessibility at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

Thanks to the fact that this is a new-build hotel, you will find all the up-to-date accessibility features you would expect, including zero-step entry from the street and wheelchair-accessible elevators with chair-height buttons to access each level. With the use of a hoist, spa attendants can help guests who need assistance entering the pool.

Various adapted room types include amenities such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with toilet and shower grab bars and lowered counters and sinks, accessible light switches, and visible doorbell notifications and fire alarms. As always, call the hotel directly to ensure you can book a room that meets your specific requirements. 

Checking out

Luxury hotels in London range from the historic and grandiose to the tiny and tucked away. The new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London skews more toward the latter, with just 50 rooms in a slender tower overlooking one of Mayfair’s oldest squares.

Though small in size, thanks to its unparalleled location and show-stopping amenities — including its gorgeous spa and Akira Back’s complex of dining and drinking establishments — the hotel has already experienced a launch that would make even the most ambitious London debutante jealous.

Related reading:

• The 25 best hotels in London
• The best hotel credit cards
• Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Delta Air Lines is hardly the first carrier that comes to mind when you think of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — a fortress hub for American Airlines.

Sure, Delta is easily Charlotte’s second-place carrier — but it’s a distant, distant second.

Yet, the Atlanta-based carrier is making inroads at the southeast hub, nonetheless.

This fall, it gained more than a half-dozen new gates when the airport opened a new, $241 million section of its A concourse.

This year, Delta’s planes will depart CLT with about 9% more seats than they did a year ago.

And on Wednesday, just ahead of the holidays, the airline will cut the wrapping paper off a brand-new Sky Club at the airport, raising its game as an upstart competitor on prime “enemy turf.”

How to get to Sky Club Charlotte

To reach Delta’s new Charlotte Sky Club, you’ll first have to make the lengthy trek to the airport’s farthest-out, highest-numbered A gates. It’s worth the hike: This all-new section of the terminal is far more spacious, modern and serene than any other concourse you’ll find at CLT.

Near gate A32, you’ll take an escalator up to the second-floor mezzanine to reach the lounge entrance.

Touring the lounge

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful new outpost complete with all of the dining, drinking, sitting and working amenities you’d expect in a state-of-the-art Sky Club.

For some context, at 14,000 square feet, Delta’s Charlotte club is roughly the size of the Terminal 4 A gates space it opened last year at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). However, it’s a good bit smaller than some of the other recently opened lounges in its network, such as the Sky Club it opened in 2023 at its Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) hub.

Walk into the space and you’ll be greeted with a familiar Sky Club entryway look and scent, along with the standard check-in kiosks and customer service desk.

This lounge has 246 seats, more than a dozen of which you’ll see as you proceed down a hallway lined with artwork on one side and large windows offering a glimpse of the terminal on the other.

Design features

Throughout, this Sky Club invokes the influence of “Queen City” — the nickname of the city of Charlotte, named for Queen Charlotte— displayed through artwork, wallpaper and other design touches.

“We believe it’s designed for the Queen City with a neoclassic look and feel,” said Tim Genovese, Delta Sky Clubs operations director, speaking to TPG ahead of the opening.

There’s also plenty of greenery, Genovese noted, drawing on Charlotte’s renowned green spaces.

Dining and drinking

So often, the centerpiece of a good airport lounge is an eye-catching bar, and that’s certainly the case here, with a white marble bar top accented by floral designs — both on the bar back and high above the brown leather seats.

The bar anchors an expansive space featuring high-top and lounge-style seating, where guests can sit and sip. Guests can choose from a wide variety of drinks, cocktails or a cup of Starbucks-brewed coffee. There are also plenty of food offerings from the nearby buffet.

Along with beer, wine and spirits, two drink stations offer numerous nonalcoholic options for caffeinating or hydrating during your travels.

Touring the food spread, I was just about to ask a Delta team member what local culinary touches I might find — before I spotted the southern-inspired biscuits with ham and pimento cheese and some hearty desserts.

With Charlotte being a major business hub, Delta sees catering to business travelers as a primary focus of this outpost.

“There’s obviously a core business environment here in Charlotte and we certainly hope to appeal to that market,” Genovese said.

Along with a bevy of working space and plenty of outlets — including USB-C slots — there are a half-dozen soundproof phone booths fit for hopping on a Zoom call.

Some of them you’ll find — along with additional seats — on an open-air mezzanine overlooking the airport concourse.

Alternatively, you can trade that view for one of the airport airfield in the lounge’s quiet working space, positioned back behind the Sky Club’s entrance. Pro tip: Look upward on your way there to catch some of the most impressive artistic touches in the entire facility adorning the ceiling.

The lounge’s restrooms sport an impressive Great Gatsby-like aesthetic, with navy, white, and gold-patterned tile and white marble vanities. Touchless “wave to open” doors complement those features, not to mention the Grown Alchemist products offered throughout Delta’s lounge network and in its Delta One cabins.

Getting into the Delta Sky Club Charlotte

To enter this Sky Club, you have a few options. Here are some of the top ones:

• Delta Medallion members can purchase full-year access, which starts at $695 annually, or 69,500 SkyMiles for an individual membership.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card get complimentary access, though you’ll be limited to 15 visits annually starting Feb. 1, 2025.
• Cardmembers who carry The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can enter Sky Clubs when flying on a same-day Delta ticket. Beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, visits will be capped at 10 annually.
• Some Delta elites can also choose Delta Sky Club access as a few of their  Delta Choice Benefits
• Both domestic and international Delta One (which is different from first class on Delta) passengers, as well as anyone flying on a same-day international first-class or business-class ticket on another SkyTeam-operated flight, also get Sky Club lounge access.

Our complete guide to accessing Delta Sky Clubs is here.

You can enter a Delta Sky Club up to three hours before a flight’s departure.

Delta’s CLT strategy

Opening a Sky Club in Charlotte— at an American fortress hub — is certainly a head-turning move for Delta, considering its footprint at the airport is roughly 3% of that of American Airlines this year, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

However, major U.S. carriers operating a lounge on their competitors’ strongest turf is actually a bit more common than you might think.

In fact, until Wednesday, Charlotte was the only American hub airport at which Delta didn’t operate a Sky Club.

American, for its part, has an Admirals Club at Delta’s Atlanta home base — and at several United-dominated airports.

Delta boasts clubs at some of United’s top hubs, as does United with Delta and American alike.

“We have clubs in certainly all of the top markets,” Genovese pointed out, noting that the carrier saw an opportunity to seize on mezzanine-level space when Charlotte debuted its new concourse this fall.

“Real estate is difficult in the airport to come by,” he said.

A welcome (much-needed?) lounge

By any stretch, this Sky Club is a welcome addition to Charlotte’s lounge portfolio.

Beyond American’s two Admirals Clubs, there’s a decent Priority Pass-accessible outpost nearby on Concourse A, but it’s relatively small and fills up quickly.

Most notably, Charlotte has an American Express Centurion Lounge, but it’s easily a 20-minute walk, one-way, from Delta’s gates.

Clearly, this will fill a void for Delta flyers — and cardmembers with the Amex Platinum in their wallet.

First and only new Sky Club of 2024

It’s also worth noting that the unveiling of this Charlotte outpost puts a bow (a holiday bow, you might say) on an eventful 2024 for new Delta lounge openings.

The past six months saw the carrier open three new Delta One Lounges in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, shaking up the competition at the highest end of the U.S. airport lounge landscape.

This year also brought revamped, expanded Sky Clubs in Miami and at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Ironically, though, Charlotte is the first and only entirely new Sky Club to debut in 2024 — just 13 days before the year’s end, no less.

Expect more in 2025, Genovese says — including an all-new Sky Club that will open just beneath the fourth Delta One Lounge at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) sometime between now and summer.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access
• The do’s and don’ts in an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
• Best Delta credit cards

If you have China on your travel Bingo card for 2025, I have good news for you. Effective immediately, Americans will be able to visit the country for up to 10 days without a visa. 

This is a significant positive development for everything from last-minute trips to long-planned vacations, eliminating the paperwork, cost and stress of the visa application process.

Plus, 52 other countries will be able to take advantage of these new relaxed visa procedures, too, and the majority of those can stay up to 30 days without needing a visa (the U.S. doesn’t qualify yet, though, for the longer stay).

Here are some key points about China’s new visa-free policy for foreign visitors. 

What was the previous China visa policy for Americans

Prior to this week, Americans were required to have a visa to enter China.

While you could apply for a multi-entry visa that was valid for 120 months, there was no guarantee that your application would be approved or that you would receive the full 10-year version, even if your visa request was granted.

TPG senior cruise writer Ashley Kosciolek applied for a Chinese visa in the fall before a recent cruise with Viking. She submitted documentation at the consulate in New York, along with the official cost of $140. While she was approved for a visa (which she had to pick up in person a few days later), it was only good for a single entry and allowed her into the country for 30 days. However, some fellow passengers on her sailing said they applied via the service the cruise recommended and were approved for 10-year visas, but at a cost of about $1,200 per person — a significant price difference that included service fees and shipping costs.

Why Americans no longer need a visa to visit China

Although China had slowly been relaxing visa requirements for many nations since the fall, up until yesterday (Dec. 16), the country required U.S. citizens to obtain a visa before they could enter the country. These visas cost $140 per person and took at least four days to process.

Starting in the fall of 2023, China had been relaxing travel requirements for foreign visitors, first allowing citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway and Malaysia to visit the country visa-free, according to China Briefing. Now, the U.S., along with 52 other countries, will be able to visit China for at least 10 days without a visa, and up to 30 days for some nations (although the U.S. maximum visa-free stay is 10 days).

As of today, Dec. 17, that requirement for short trips has been lifted, and Americans can now stay up to 10 days (or, more specifically, 240 hours) when entering the country through one of 60 entry points across 24 provinces. That means for the kind of cruise that we mention above, there would be no visa, or cost, involved to visit the country as long as you visited for less than 10 days (for a longer stay, you would still need to obtain a visa). 

 

Restrictions to keep in mind

While visa-free entry is available for trips up to 240 hours, a passport is still required for travel to China, and passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. 

Bottom line

If the thought of applying, and paying, for a visa to visit China has been causing you to hesitate to visit the country, that obstacle has now been removed.

Effective immediately, you can visit the country for up to 240 hours with a valid passport, with no other paperwork required.

Related reading:

• US-China flights are a quarter of what they were pre-pandemic — here’s why
• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Can you have multiple passports?
• How the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad
• Brazil delays visa requirement for Americans once again

Check your email for a holiday gift: You can easily earn 4,000 Virgin points for just a few minutes of work by linking your Virgin Red account to your Flying Club account.

Targeted Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members (who may not have yet linked their account to Virgin Red) have received emails with a unique promo code offering bonus points for linking by Dec. 24. You can only use promo codes once, and they are nontransferable.

Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club is the airline’s loyalty program, while Virgin Red is the Virgin group-wide rewards club, with more than 150 ways to earn and more than 200 ways to redeem Virgin points.

Related: The new Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard is now available — is it worth it?

Though they are technically separate programs, once you link your Flying Club and Red accounts together, your single Virgin points balance will appear in both programs. You can redeem the same points through either account.

If you don’t have a Virgin Red account, you can create one for free here. Then, link your existing Flying Club account and enter the unique email code in the “Promo Codes” section of your “My Account” tab in Virgin Red for easy bonus points.

According to our December 2024 valuations, TPG values Virgin points at 1.4 cents each, making those 4,000 bonus points worth $56. While that might not seem huge, Saver fares to London now start from just 6,000 points plus fees, taxes and surcharges of just $73.

That means this simple account linking provides more than half the points you’ll need for a flight to the U.K.

Related: Flexibility is key: Why I (mostly) like the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club changes

Virgin points are easy to earn, and Flying Club is a transfer partner of every major transferable currency:

• American Express Membership Rewards (at a 1:1 ratio)
• Bilt Rewards (1:1)
• Capital One (1:1)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1)
• Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1)
• Wells Fargo Rewards (1:1)
• Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-point bonus for transferring 60,000 points; 48-hour transfer time)

It’s worth noting that Capital One miles transfer to Virgin Red, not directly to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

Related: Is Virgin Atlantic Economy Delight worth it on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

Bottom line

If you have not yet linked your Flying Club and Virgin Red accounts, it is worth checking your email and following the linking steps to pick up a very easy 4,000 Virgin points. Then you can earn Virgin points by flying Virgin Atlantic or its SkyTeam partners, including Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM.

Through the two linked programs, there are many ways to redeem Virgin points, whether for a new Saver seat, to upgrade a Virgin cash fare with points, or for various travel and other experiences through Virgin Red.